Hello & Welcome!
This guide is designed to help you decide if a Family Photoshoot is right for you and to help you prepare for your photoshoot. I want to ensure that the experience is enjoyable, stress-free, and results in beautiful images that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Family photoshoots take place on location of choice (outdoor, in your home, or at a premium venue), last up to 2 hrs, and involve some sort of activity to really capture your family in this season.
During booking, you can specify who will be joining, ages of kids (so I can plan appropriate activities), notes on if you have something specific you want captured, and ideal location.
After booking, I’ll send you a location guide and any thoughts about what may fit your family best. Light will always determine the best backdrop, but you can get a feel for some of my favorite spots!
You will also receive a style guide with my amazon storefront for last minute purchases, a pinterest inspo board and a shoppable style guide for each member of your family so that you can coordinate without being too matchy-matchy and wear styles and colors that go best with my vision and editing.
My family sessions include some posed and some candid photos, while being guided with prompts and placed in ideal light.
Keep scrolling to find more about Pricing, Locations, Session Flow and Outfit Help.
Family Packages
Currently my packages are tiered to fit various budgets. You can find pricing and what each includes here. Some come with a USB to have photos on a device delivered to your door or to have as a backup, some come with access to my client closet.. and some come with extra styling help- all at your leisure to book.
Plus there are add-ons like an IG reel, or family short film, polaroid prints and more! You can find those on the booking page.
Shorter Sessions?
Need something shorter? While I do believe in the authenticity that unfolds over time (past the fake smiles or the stranger danger phase), I realize that a shorter time frame may work for some families or milestones. So, I occasionally offer shorter “mini” sessions called CHAPTERS.. I send these first to my email list.. you can get on that here:
At Your Session
Once you arrive, I’ll walk your family around the property of choice to different lighting and backdrop. I’ll typically prompt you to hold hands, walk together, skip together, lay down and look at the clouds, snuggle together, follow in a line, etc. I incorporate some games like ring around the rosie, london bridge, follow the leader, run under a blanket, etc.
My memories growing up are centered around activities with my family- bike rides with my dad, farmers market with my mom, family ski trips, etc. so I typically incorporate some sort of activity in my sessions.
I also like to place you in great light and just watch normal moments unfold.
I love allowing time to be on our side. My goal is to capture various emotions and a variety of storytelling images that you can place in an album or create art with. I know the times may look long on paper, but I want your family to look at this as a family adventure. Your kids want time with YOU most. I find your undivided attention on them to be the greatest gift. So, I promise this time will be well spent!
Posing for photos can feel a bit awkward at first, but I’m here to guide you through it with simple prompts. Just focus on each other rather than the camera, and try to move naturally. Simple gestures like holding hands, laughing, or whispering to each other can create genuine, candid moments. The more relaxed and connected you are, the more authentic your photos will be. I typically include an activity.
Location Guide
Locations are up to you! They can be in your home, at a park or at a paid venue. I have a guide you can look at here. On your intake form, you can select your ideal places so I know how to guide you best!
Outfit Planning
Your outfits play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your family photos. Coordinate with your family to choose outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Consider the location and theme of your shoot when selecting your attire. (Don’t wear light green in a field or brown in the woods or you’ll get lost in the image). Brighter tones are what your eye goes to first (I always suggest mom and baby/kids to be in the lightest colors). You’re also welcome to bring a change of clothes for variety. Remember, comfort is key – you’ll want to feel confident and relaxed in what you’re wearing.
I have a pinterest board, Amazon Store and use Style & Select (a third party outfit sourcing tool that provides links to outfits for each family member).
I also have a client closet available for some package tiers or add-on.
Dad Henley | Mom Taupe Dress | Son set | dad Sweater | Dad dress pants | dad t-shirt | baby blush romper | Mom gingham dress | baby ivory lace romper | mom lace ivory dress | daughter pink gingham dress | mom/maternity linen dress | son khaki set
Go to Color Guide
I’m always going to recommend warm textured neutrals, but here are some color recommendations if you want to try something else! These still go great with my editing and overall warm style.
Hair & Makeup Tips
Lashes are amazing and having a pro is going to give you the most flawless look. You are welcome to hire out hair and makeup to romanticize your session and really embrace feeling your best.
I also love a natural look and a more effortless feel. This will be more of the YOU your kids remember. Hair down or in front of your face is ideal or even bubble braids or dutch braids are great- but buns and pony tails get lost behind your head in some shots, making you look like you have no hair.
After the Shoot
I’ll typically do a sneak peek within 48 hrs on Instagram.
My collection of photos will represent my IG feed in terms of editing with a grainy, vintage inspired look. The lighting may differ based on a bright sunny day vs an overcast day. My goal is always variety and embracing any light we have available.
Sessions will be edited within 2-3 weeks and posted to an online gallery site. Check your email from Zenfolio, if you don’t see it, otherwise, feel free to reach out! If all digital photos have been purchased, you will be able to download the gallery from that link. You may also add to your cart and print from my professional print company that will match more to the color of your screen because they have billions of colors vs a printer with limited color choices like CVS.
Galleries need to be downloaded and backed up immediately. I will not hold photos post 1 month. If you have a USB included, it will be mailed in a cute little package to your door to put in safe keeping.
FAQ
What about Weather Plans?
My sessions are typically rain or shine and will have clear umbrellas as props. I’m here to capture memories and even playing in the rain is something your family will remember fondly. If it is storming or down pouring I will reach out to reschedule.
How Long Do You Keep the Photos?
Photos cost money to store.. I promise to keep them 1 month post session date. Please make sure to back up your photos in MULTIPLE places in case your computer crashes or hard drives malfunction.
Want to get to know me Better and Why I do this?
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