Preparing for a photography session could be somewhat nerve-racking! I know when I have planned to take pictures myself of my family, engagement, or wedding a million thoughts were going through my mind. I just always wanted it to look perfect and for it to match my vision. When preparing for your photoshoot there are several things to consider. Some which are: choosing a location, choosing your clothing, share your vision with the photographers, decide with the photographer what you will be bringing, preparing your kids for the session, remembering to participate and be natural, and many more! So to alleviate some of the stress that a photoshoot could create to some of you, I have put together a "How to prepare for your session" below. Enjoy and don't forget to ultimately HAVE FUN!
Planning for Cake Smash Session
- Discuss with photographer your theme.
- Discuss with photographer what you would like your cake to look like. (included in your package)
- All props are included
- Make sure you schedule your session after nap time.
- Wardrobe- simple, classy, and shirtless! Prior to the actual cake smash the child will be photographed fully clothe. However, during the cake smash it is best without a shirt! For girls bring outfits that make the theme: tutus, headbands, hats, crowns, pearls. For boys: jeans, suspenders, button downs, polos, shirts with 1 in them, bowties, ties. I do provide some outfits so please don't hesitate to ask prior to purchasing.
Remember the child will get messy! Don't forget to bring extra wipes, bag for the dirty clothe, extra clothe, diapers, water, snacks, milk.
- During cake smash sessions we will spend sometime getting to know each other, this will help the child get aclimated and is more than likely be more comfortable posing for us! So lets take our time and have fun!
Planning for Family & Children Session
- Choose your location. Do something different! Explore at my location section for ideas.
- Wardrobe can include but it is not limited to: dress, dainty hats, headbands, skirts, jeans, polos, button down shirts. Dress to impress!Ultimately you all don't have match, but more color coordinate in similar color family. You can never go wrong with dark, rich monotones, that will help you stand out in any landscape.
- In sessions with children, make sure they are previously prepared. Make sure you enforce that they don't always have to look at the camera.
- Natural images are sometimes even better than posed images. If the children nap, make sure to schedule your session after nap time.
- Ultimately encourage them to have fun and be themselves!
- Bring snacks for the kids if needed.
- Avoid color drinks or candy that will stain their skins. Make sure you bring extra wipes and clean their faces if needed. There is nothing worse than snotty noses in a photo. The cleaner the kid the better your images will turn out!
- Dads- come freshly shaved and groomed.
Planning for Maternity Session
- Choose your location! Refer to the location guide for ideas.
- Communicate with the Hair & Make up artist where they will be doing your hair and make up prior to the session.
- Think of what you will wear. I do provide maternity gowns for additional cost, however, you are welcome to bring a dress, flow skirt, jeans, leggings. Ultimately, my goal is for you to look your best in what you feel the most comfortable in. But remember always dress to impress.
- Moisturize your belly if you will be showing in some of the photographs.
- Plan ahead of what props you will be bringing. Some examples are: ultrasound printouts, alphabet blocks, baby shoes, stuffed animals, flowers, little baby outfits.
- If you're doing a semi-nude/implied nude photos, please bring wear loose fitted clothe to avoid lines on your skin.
- Make sure to bring underwear and strapless bras for the maternity gowns. Most of them are somewhat see through and we do not want your underwear showing.
- Bring your significant other! They will be in some of your shoots. Please make sure that they coordinate their outfits to yours. Some ideas are: Botton down shits, polos, nice dark jeans or pants. Suit and ties are always welcome!
- You can also bring other children of the family. Also make sure their outfits coordinate with the rest of the family. Please make sure that this shoot is all about the mother to be. Therefore, once the other children are photographed their dad needs to take them so avoid distractions.
Planning for Engagement/Couple Session
- Choose your location! Refer to the location guide for ideas.
- Communicate with the Hair & Make up artist where they will be doing your hair and make up prior to the session.
- Wardrobe- Most engagement/couple session have two outfits one casual and one that is formal. The BEST advice is to coordinate try to avoid matching. Avoid small patterns and logo shirts. Always dress to impress!
- Prepare your finance- some man do not like to be photographed and such even can create anxiety for them. As the bride to be, prepare them by showing him some images that you would like to achieve during your session. Remind him to be natural and he doesn't have to look at me the entire time. Hand placement can sometimes be awkward, but always remind him that I am not even there. The more natural the more the chemistry amongst you two will show in your images. Remember have fun!
Planning for Wedding Sessions
- Consult with your photographer your vision of your day.
- Choose your location! Refer to the location guide for ideas.
- Communicate with the Hair & Make up artist where they will be doing your hair and make up prior to the session.
- Discuss your timeline with the photographer. This is important to make sure we are on time, we shoot all the images we need, and stress is avoided.
- Discuss with the photographer the family dynamics to make sure we get everyone photographed properly.
- No phone photographs during our photography session. This can be very distracting, time consuming because people are waiting to take pictures, and also you don't want a bunch of phones in your wedding images.
- Have fun and enjoy your special day!
Planning for Senior Session
- Choose your location! Refer to the location guide for ideas.
- Communicate with the Hair & Make up artist where they will be doing your hair and make up prior to the session.
- Give yourself enough time!
- Bring a variety of outfits! Don't forget your cap & gown. You should have at least 2-3 outfits planned. One that is causal, something that shows your personality, and something formal. Dress to impress!
- Bring all the props that represents your! For example if you did any sports in high school, bring something that represent what you did. Volleyball, baseball bat, high school car, letter jacket, sunglasses, band instrument.
- Ultimately have fun!