Welcome!I am so excited to be working with you, and I am looking forward to your upcoming session! Photos will always be the most meaningful art you own, so I want you to have the best experience possible. This is a time for you to relax and enjoy yourself while I capture your family in a natural and authentic way. Because my style is relaxed and genuine, you can rest assured that your photos will capture you as you really are. This guide will help you prepare for your session so that you get the most out of our time together. I've included tips on what to wear, how to select and coordinate colors and patterns, ways to add unique meaningful touches to your images, as well as how to prepare your spouse and kids. I can't wait to photograph your family!
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Family Style Guide & Packages
A Typical Family Session
A typical family session will take 20-45 minutes. I like to start off my sessions by going over a few simple poses and the order that will will take your photos in. We will use 1-2 spots at a location that are near each other to capture both posed and natural images of your family.
Locations
All of my family sessions are photographed outdoors. I have a few "go to" spots around Eaton Rapids, but I am always up for new adventures! If you have a favorite spot or a location you would like to use, be sure to let me know. Locations around Eaton Rapids include: the Island, the bridge by the Playground of Dreams, and my favorite walking path. Other amazing locations that I have used are: MSU Gardens, Francis Park, and The Ledges in Grand Ledge.
Weather
If it is raining, we will reschedule for the closest date to the original session that will work for both of us. I will do my best the night before to let you know if we will need to reschedule due to the forecast.
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Wardrobe & Colors
When thinking about your wardrobe for your family session, keep in mind that you want to wear outfits that you feel comfortable in. Find something that makes you feel beautiful! Being comfortable and confident in what we're wearing can make a huge difference in how we feel and how relaxed we are in front of the camera. Still stuck? Here are a few recommended pieces to get you started:
For Mom: Dresses are the most flattering and photography beautifully. Dresses with movement add an extra touch of grace and elegance to your photos!
For Dad: Khakis and button up shirts or henleys look sharp, masculine and tailored in photos. Keep in mind that fitted slacks (as opposed to cargo styles)photograph best.
For Kids: Same as mom and dad... and don't forget to accessorize! Little touches like hair accessories, bow ties and suspenders can add the perfect stylistic touch to your photos!
For All: Finish off your look with accessories and layers. Ladies may consider adding a statement necklace or scarf to your outfit. For your family, consider accessories such as: vest, belt, jacket, hat, suspenders, headband, etc. Accessories are the perfect way to give a finishing touch to your look, and they can really set your photos apart.
For Mom: Dresses are the most flattering and photography beautifully. Dresses with movement add an extra touch of grace and elegance to your photos!
For Dad: Khakis and button up shirts or henleys look sharp, masculine and tailored in photos. Keep in mind that fitted slacks (as opposed to cargo styles)photograph best.
For Kids: Same as mom and dad... and don't forget to accessorize! Little touches like hair accessories, bow ties and suspenders can add the perfect stylistic touch to your photos!
For All: Finish off your look with accessories and layers. Ladies may consider adding a statement necklace or scarf to your outfit. For your family, consider accessories such as: vest, belt, jacket, hat, suspenders, headband, etc. Accessories are the perfect way to give a finishing touch to your look, and they can really set your photos apart.
Coordinating vs. Matching
Coordinating is far better than matching! Choose colors that look nice together; don't fall into the trap that you all need to be wearing the exact same color. In fact, I always recommend having at least three colors in your palette. Your photos will be far more interesting with some variation and you shouldn't be afraid to incorporate color and /or patterns. If you're overwhelmed with where to start, or wonder "how much is too much?", you might start with a print that you love, and pull in some of the coordinating colors with other pieces. If your personality is suited to a more subtle look, neutrals photograph beautifully as well. You can easily keep your color scheme neutral and add in smaller amounts of color for variety. If you're having a hard time deciding on a color palette, let the colors of your home inspire you! Since your home is where your images will be displayed think about the colors that will coordinate well with your home and style of decor.
There are a few tones that are less flattering for photos that I usually recommend my clients avoid, specifically neon colors, and wearing all white. Neon colors will cast bright colors onto your skin in photos, and can make it difficult to capture your natural skin tones. White tends to wash most people's skin tones and is not the most flattering. This isn't to say you can't have any white on, but it might be best not to make it your principle color for every person in your photo shoot.
There are a few tones that are less flattering for photos that I usually recommend my clients avoid, specifically neon colors, and wearing all white. Neon colors will cast bright colors onto your skin in photos, and can make it difficult to capture your natural skin tones. White tends to wash most people's skin tones and is not the most flattering. This isn't to say you can't have any white on, but it might be best not to make it your principle color for every person in your photo shoot.
How to Prep For Your Session
How to Prep the Kids:
- Make sure they are rested
- Make sure they are fed
- Tell them what we will be doing, and make it sound exciting!
- Let them be little! Just give them grace to be little, and know I will capture their personalities no matter what.
- Make sure he is rested and fed- Haha! But really... rested and fed applies to the grown-ups too!
- Show him a few of your favorite pictures from my website so he can see the relaxed nature of my work. This will let him know what to expect.
- Let him know how much this means to you, and that you're glad he is willing to be such a team player for one hour!
- Make enough time to prepare on the day of your session, so you don't feel rushed and anxious.
- Let go of your need for perfection. This is the biggest anxiety for most moms. It's okay if your kids aren't "perfect" during our time together.
- Don't worry about your kids not giving me their "real smiles." I will work hard to get them laughing and will be sure to capture them at their best!
- Lastly, enjoy yourself! These moments with your children fly by, and your captured memories will be cherished for years to come!
I hope these tips give you some ideas and help you feel a little more prepared. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Family Packages
Family Package
30 Minute Session / 15 Edited Digital Images / Online Gallery $150
Extended Family Package
45 Minute Session / 15 Edited Digital Images / Online Gallery $225
After Your Session
Image Selection
After your session is complete, I will review all of your images and select 1-2 photos to share with you as a sneak peek within 24 hours. I will select the top images from each location and outfit and I will edit and deliver your selected number of digital pictures within 2 weeks. If you would like your images on a flash drive, it will be mailed to you for an additional $10.
Digital Images
After your session, you will receive a link to a Pass+ online private gallery which will contain all of your edited images. Once you have signed up for a free account, you can download and share your images. Pass+ safely stores your images for 3 years.
Ordering Prints
Not sure where to order your photos from? You can always order right through Pass+, they are a great high quality printing company. I can only guarantee the print quality of your images through Pass+. You are free to print your images anywhere, but I would discourage you from using Meijer and Walmart as they compress their images which causes pixilation and color issues. Please feel free to reach out with any printing questions you may have.
