How to make sure you get the most out of your session...

For me, preparing for a photo session is 90% of the work. Once I arrive, it’s all about chasing the light, watching the people around me, and seeing what moments reveal themselves.

You've booked. Now what?

Outfit Prep

Start with what's in your home. I don't mean what's in your closet. I'm talking about the color of your walls and your furniture. Find a color that will complement the space you've chosen to spend a fair amount of time in.

Colors that are fool proof: Neutrals, earth tones and when in doubt –

white top and denim bottoms. Not only do these colors make it extremely easy for me to edit, they're easy to find and will help you stand out in a field. Going downtown? I recommend a dark top or a dark bottom to avoid blending into the busy scenery.

Colors that are a big NO to me: Bright reds and neons. When the sun hits these colors, they will cast the color directly onto your skin and the person right next to you. Try to avoid loud logos, shiny fabrics (satin exlcuded) and wrinkles.

Mix and Match your prints: Truthfully, most peoples intentions aren't to be twins with the whole family. Go for a checker/plaid print that isn't tiny, floral details, or play with different materials.

No brainers: If it's warm out and you or a family member sweats quite a bit, avoid colors and materials that could potentially amplify that. Steam your clothes the night before, have a lint roller handy if you think you'll need it.

Bring a friend...

For a family session, sometimes we need all hands on deck to get kids to stop being so serious or worse, they're bawling their eyes out. Bring a friend! That could mean their favorite stuffed animal, grandma, or that really fun Aunt that's willing to act silly just for one quick smile. I don't recommend inviting the whole crew to your session as it can create distractions and a lot of wandering eyes in your photos.

Relax.

A photoshoot that the whole family didn't sign up for can be daunting. It can cause a lot of stress and tensions for everyone if someone's moody. Trust me, I think my success rate for turning around a session is fairly high. If you have a child or a dad that's a little cranky, let me know in advance so we can schedule your session a certain way to make sure we aren't in a rush. Your sole purpose is to stick to the routine as best as you can, make sure everyone is ready and I'll handle the rest when you get to the location.