Children are so unpredictable! Do you have suggestions to help the session go well?
I have children of my own and know how stressed parents can feel about having photos taken. It can be a production to get everyone ready for photos, so you want all of your effort to be worth it!
I aim for a mix of posed and organic moments of your family so that you have well-lit, frame-worthy photos you can’t wait to share with your loved ones. In order to get these photos, I rely on my biggest strength, patience. Rest assured, I do not expect children to fully cooperate for the entire duration of the session, and I only need 1/400th of a second to catch that quick smile or warm family moment.
During your session, I will share strategies that have helped hold the attention of my littlest clients. In addition, here are some general recommendations to keep in mind as you prepare for your photo shoot:
· To avoid wrinkles from carseats, change your child(ren) into portrait clothes once you arrive at our location.
· Avoid giving snacks just before and during the session. A quick Cheerio to get cooperation is of course okay, but we’re trying to avoid a lollipop or Oreo-fest!
What time of day is best for our session?
Whenever possible, I aim to shoot in the golden hour, which is the time just after sunrise and just before sunset. Golden hour light is diffused and flattering, and therefore ideal for portraits. I avoid midday outdoor sessions because the light is harsh and will result in undesirable shadows.
What should we wear?
I am happy to help guide outfit selections for your shoot so that we get the best possible photos. Generally, neutral colors photograph well and families should aim to coordinate their outfits, not match. It usually helps to start with the outfit you definitely want in the photos, and then plan everyone else’s outfits around that. For instance, if you start with a dress with a print, use the colors within that print to guide your color choices for the other members of your family.
I steer clients away from wearing pinstripes/tight checkmarks, decal shirts, bright red/fuchsia/neon colors, and clothing that may show undergarments such as bra straps. If you have a young child wearing a dress or skirt, please remember to put shorts or bloomers underneath.
Once booked, you are more than welcome to text me photos of the outfits you’re considering if you’re unsure of what to select. Ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable and wear clothing that represents your personality.
I booked a session. What happens next? How long will it take to get my images?
Great question! I’ve written a timeline from booking through final image delivery in a recent blog post. It’s also worth noting that, whenever possible, I enjoy delighting my clients with fast turnaround times!
What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
NC weather has a mind of its own! I want to photograph you and your family in the most flattering light possible, so if the forecast shows rain or dark cloud coverage I will be in touch to reschedule or adjust our session start time.
I'm not sure how to pose when I have pictures taken. Can you help?
My goal is to photograph you and your family in the most flattering angles so you are happy with the way you look in your images. I will help guide you into poses that photograph well and give direction (when needed) to maintain momentum toward getting your desired shots. Keep in mind that some of your favorite photos may be of unplanned moments in the session, and I’ll be ready when those moments arise, too. Also, do you have a “good” side or an area that you’re a little self-conscious about? Tell me! The more I know about what you do and do not want featured in your photos, the better job I can do delivering results you love.
What if I don't see my desired session date on your booking page?
No worries! Please send me a message on my contact page and let’s see what we can coordinate.