Family Photos \\ What to Expect

PREPARING FOR YOUR FAMILY SESSION

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Congratulations!!! You are about to create lasting memories for your beautiful family and children for years to come. Thank you so much for the privilege of photographing your family and allowing me to connect with you in real, raw moments. Here are a few tips on what to expect.

Family sessions take place on location during the sunset hours. This is the softest, prettiest light of the day, and it falls beautifully on the ones you love. Most sessions are offered in and around Fresno/Clovis. Limited sessions take place in Shaver Lake and along the Central Coast.

What to Wear

Color Choice: Don’t be too “matchy”. Gone are the days when the whole family wears jeans and white t-shirts. Begin adding balance to your images by choosing neutrals as your base. Neutral, earthy tones are classic, and never outdated: Black, White, Gray, Tan, Cream, even Denim.

Comfort: Rule #1 If you’re not comfortable in it don’t wear it! The way you feel in your clothing will show through in your images. This is true for the little ones too. If they are uncomfortable it will show. I recommend wearing clothes that are fitted to flatter, but not too snug that it hugs your skin.

Style: Make sure when choosing your outfits that everyone is in the same “type” of attire. You don’t want to be in jeans and a t-shirt and then put your child in their Sunday Best. There are no rules that apply to the style of family pictures. Your style is your choice. Dressy. Casual. Fancy. It all comes down to the “feel” you want from your images.

Details: Please pay attention to the details. Remember that often times less is more. However, don’t be afraid to accessorize! ***Cover baby’s diaper***

Who said you have to go shopping?: Have you looked in your closet lately? Start by gathering clothing that you already own! If you choose blue, grab all shades and tints of blue that you already own, throw in some pale pinks and white and you’ve got another great palette! Save your money by utilizing what you have in your closet and adding only a new piece or two.
Client Closet – I have curated a small wardrobe for my mamas and babes that you are welcome to borrow from for your session.

Before the Session

First of all, just breathe…Family photos can often result in stress from outfit planning to worrying about your children not cooperating. They will…don’t worry.
Offer your child + husband a meal/snack prior to the session. A full belly makes for happy toddlers, children, and daddies. Trust me!
Please withhold from bribing your children (and that includes your phone!) I often carry Puffs, Marshmallows, and lollipops and will use them if necessary. Please let me know if your child has any food restrictions.
Makeup should be a little heavier than normal but not as heavy as nighttime makeup. False lashes are an easy, inexpensive way to up your makeup game for photos.
Skin should be moisturized and free of food and boogies.
Nails: please remove any chipped polish from fingers/toes
DON’T FORGET YOUR WEDDING RING!

During the Session

We will have posed and candid moments. I will ask you to sit, stand, walk, sing, talk about your favorite things, tickle, kiss, and laugh. I’ll make funny faces, and silly noises, I may sing and dance too! All of these actions are meant to provoke genuine interaction, natural smiles, and the purest form of love to be captured.
You will be inclined to call their names, tell them to smile or say cheese, point and try to get them to look at the camera. You’ve hired me to do that! Please trust my process…
Remove all items from pockets, i.e. phones, keys, etc…
Please do not give your child your phone during the session!
Breathe, relax and have fun! You are making memories with the ones you love the most!

After the Session

Congratulations you did it!!! Now go enjoy a nice glass of wine…
The week following your session you’ll visit the studio for your photo reveal. During this time we will view the images and I will assist you in choosing your favorites for your home.
All prints, wall art, and heirloom albums are purchased separately

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