HOW TO PREPARE FOR MY PHOTO SESSION

Please don’t wait till the last day, plan your outfits a week minimum in advance! Decide a color scheme for your family. For example, rusty oranges, brown and black are perfect for Fall sessions. I think brighter colors pop in photographs. Feel free to text me photos of your wardrobe if you’re having a hard time choosing! I’m happy to help you.

Ladies, please have clean polished nails or no polish is fine. However, chipped nail polish isn't flattering in photos. Iron or steam your clothing the night before to avoid wrinkles so your outfit is ready to wear the day of. Prepare the kiddos for our session, tell them you will be “hanging out with our good friend Heather on Saturday!” or “were going to the park to play and have a family day!” and keep things casual. I've had other families share with me that this tip is especially helpful with shyer children.

Think about specific props, mementos, or a certain image you want captured. I've found that some families know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. Sentimental items are a perfect touch to any family session. It makes it more personal.  Get a good night sleep!

I recommend if you have younger children, be sure they get a nap and a eat a small snack prior to our session. This will help with he or she is extra cranky.

Bring a bottle of water for yourself to our session the family just in case to stay hydrated.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS?

Dress appropriate for the weather. We want everyone comfortable!

Don’t wear matching clothes— Please, NO jeans and matching t-shirts! Please wear colors that have a complimentary color palette, such as earth tones and neutrals. These are great color palette choices.

No shirts with big logos or all white plain t-shirts.

While I am very experienced at Photoshop, editing out bra straps or panty lines is difficult and very time-consuming for me. Please choose clothing that properly covers your undergarments. Ladies, please tuck bra straps inside your blouses.

I highly recommend women wear nice flowy medium or long style dresses instead of pants because they capture movement and are more flatteringly. Short dresses are fine too but can be a bit of a challenge if we do any seated style photos, be mindful of that.

Please wear comfortable shoes and don't wear tight clothing. If your pants are too tight to sit down in you'll will look uncomfortable, and it will not make for a relaxing fun shoot.

I recommend wearing accessories! Scarves, hats, headbands, suspenders and jewelry. —these will create visual interest. Your images will pop and stand out. However, don't over accessorize.

Guys, please remove your cell phone, keys and anything bulky from your front pockets before I start snapping photos.

WHAT TO BRING?

Ladies, bring any personal appearance touchup items you might want: Lipstick, Brush, Comb, hairspray, lipstick, lint brush, and floss is never a bad idea.

Light snacks and water for the kiddos. Leave the Cheetos & Doritos at home. Those can leave little hands orange make a mess on the clothes too. A comfy pair of shoes is key. We will most likely be walking short distances on unpaved trails, possibly with hills. Walkable shoes are a must! Ladies, feel free to wear heels but wear comfortable shoes till we get to the location for your photos, and you can throw them on. bring them to change into before we start shooting. I frequently photograph at local parks and farms. They can have deep holes in the grass and be very lumpy. I don't want anyone rolling their ankles. Feel free to bring a change of clothes or shoes for the kiddos. Maybe even a towel. You just never know!! Better to be safe than sorry, right?

HOW SHOULD I POSE?

I’m looking for natural interactions and unposed moments. I don't expect you to say cheese like we did as a young kid. I do strive to capture and encourage those authentic expressions. I like to engage with adults and the children and crack a joke or to for a true authentic smile.

Please tickle, laugh, play and snuggle with your family. This is how we’ll capture the realist raw emotional moments with your young kids and even the bigger kids.

I encourage you to not look at the camera all the time. Actually, I usually encourage the guys to not look at me or the camera. This makes the realism of the photo so much more authentic and not posed.

When in doubt, just smile & laugh with your loved ones.

I recommend everyone stand close together. I have photographed many families and photos look so much better when a family is close together. It shows the unity and love in your family.

Don't force anything or anyone. Just relax and don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just engage with your family and I’ll do the rest. Please don't stress if any of the kiddos get fussy! Just snuggle your kiddos and I will do my absolute best to still capture beautiful images for your family to cherish for years and years.

I like to move around a lot and capture different angles. The more variety I get from our time together, the bigger your gallery. This means more great shots we have the opportunity to capture together.

I hope this guide is informative and helpful.  It you have questions please reach out.

Thanks, Heather