I'm so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. You're a busy family with quite a few things on your plate.
That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids and more.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
- Katie
One thing I've learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old.
The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay.
Managing
little ones
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few treats and bribes for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
baby
You’ve likely realized this by now, but babies can be a bit messy. It’s always a good idea for all members of the family to plan an extra outfit just in case.
Back up outfits
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before you arrive. This helps ensure that they are ready to go as soon as we arrive.
Try to feed prior to your session if necessary. With sessions being 20 min it is better to feed them early if need be.
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Preparing your Baby
If we’ll be photographing the newest members of your family, the following tips below will help ensure everyone is happy throughout the session.
baby's 6-12 months
a note about
Sunset & Bedtimes
As much as we love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", we're likely going to need to throw off your schedule a bit.
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, I recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so you're not all wearing the same color on the top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Prepping Your Family
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Colors
dominant + accent colors
I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with "dominant colors" and "accent colors" in mind. A dominant color is one you see most in the photo. If you session is at the tree farm green will be your doninate color. While an accent color has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you're planning your family's outfits, keep in mind the setting. If you are at the tree farm stay away from solid green.
Khaki, whites, muted blue tones, red accents, etc all work great.
Mixing It Up
bow ties & suspenders, skirts & dresses
If you have multiple children, don't feel like you have to put them all in the same outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring great visual interest to the photos.
Tip: be sure that little girls wear matching bloomers under dresses.
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Prepping the Little Ones
snacks, treats, and lots of smiles
Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera.
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Have Fun!
get ready for laughs and snuggles
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned. Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
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find it fast
Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning because they really flatter every female body--especially on camera.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Pairing an accessory or two can really help to bring extra dimension to your images, and can be a nice tie-in when coordinating with a family. Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan or use self-tanning products before your session, even a few days prior. They tend to photograph orange, even when applied subtly by a professional. Your natural skin tone will photograph the most beautiful.
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
Shop Döen
Anthropologie
Free People
Baltic Born
Coven & Co.
Revolve
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
Red Dress Boutique
H & M
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Fillyboo
Gal Meets Glam
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Professional hair & makeup is typically at the top of my clients' checklists because it looks amazing on camera and takes away much of the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup will last longer and give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera. It also tends to hold up better for humidity, heat, and wind.
Bonus tip: Always say YES to false lashes!
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
Long, fitted pants with closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it--on his handsome face. So, for your session, it's best to leave the shorts and sandals at home, as well as any pants that are loose and baggy. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Solid shades of gray and navy are a strong complement to most women's outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also suggest staying away from graphics and logos.
Wardrobe
for the gents
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
for the gents
Zara
Ivy City Co.
Jamie Kay
Quincy Mae
Nordstrom
H&M
Old Navy
Rylee & Cru
Wardrobe
for the LITTLES
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo i'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I ’ll back up your images and begin the editing process. You can expect to receive your edited, digital images 2 weeks after your session.
Your Images
When to Expect
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
Bring Your Images to Life with
prints
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me.