Family session tips and tricks!


There's no doubt that when it comes to family photos that you (mom) can get a little bit stressed!!! Below are just a few tips and tricks l've come up with to help you as a family come prepared to vour session! 


Choosing date & time

I'm a natural light photographer, love the sun and its reflections, I love how it creates photographs that feel fresh, timeless and true to you. I try to begin all family sessions about an hour before the scheduled sunset during golden hour when the light is the dreamiest (unless you are wanting inside - then we can discuss times! Once vou decide on a day, let me know and I will look up the sunset time!

Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your session date, especially if you're taking time off work or have evening plans afterward.

To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early.

We're only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so we'll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down. If you're wearing two outfits, save your favourite one for the second half, and if you're wearing only one, arrive in that.



Selecting the right location

THE LOCATION OF YOUR SESSION IS UP TO YOU! (But if you need help I'm your girl!!) The possibilities are endless and honestly quite overwhelming. Brainstorm locations that mean something to you as a family. Places that excite you, take your breath away, have a special meaning, etc. But don't be afraid to keep it simple either. Don't rule out your favourite store, favourite park... if it makes you happy, do it!

Now, start discussing what kind of session you want.

Outdoor and woodsy?! Modern and urban?! Cozy and laid back?! Once you had that figured out you can narrow down locations!

Also keep in mind that some locations require photo permits or a contract, if that is that case that will have to be dealt with before your session. If you have multiple locations in mind, plan a route in advance so you're making most out of vour session! Once the location and date are decided we will check out sunset time and decide on a time for the session!


What to bring

Don't bring a lot of heavy items or bulky bags that you'll need to carry or keep an eye on. If those things can stay in your car that would be best!

Here is a list of what you should bring to your session: water treats make up hair spray/brush

comfortable shoes for walking umbrella (for rain or shine!)

BRING YOUR FUR BABY!!!

Want to include your fur baby? Yesssss!! Absolutely! I'm a HUGE dog person and love when people bring their pups to their sessions. I've got all the pup tricks up my sleeve. In my house, dog hair is an accessory and dog slobber is just extra loving kisses. Incorporating your pup is a fun way to make your session more special and unique.


Style tips

Go shopping! You are investing in professional pictures, you should look your best. Being comfortable is essential, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't get all done up!

Coordinate - compliment each other, but leave the matchy-match outfits at home. Instead, coordinate subtly with different hues and shades of the same colour. Colour coordination brings a balanced feel to your photos. You can also coordinate by having a couple of you wearing a pattern and the others wearing a solid colour. With that being said, choose colours and patterns that won't visually fight with your surroundings. I recommend sticking to light, neutral shades for the base of your outfits. Like blush, cream, soft blues, and light gray. But that doesn't mean you can't add a pop of colour!

Tips and tricks!

Don't think of this as a photo shoot - think of it as a family date night! Play with each other, run around, have a tickle fight. Soft kisses, dancing, laughing, holding hands with each other bring life to the photos.. go for it! Always make jokes!

Don't overthink it! Be yourself and be silly!!


KIDS

Preparing your kids for our session as much as possible beforehand often takes the nervous shyness out of the evening. Let them know what will be going on the moment you book your session if they are unfamiliar with professional family photo sessions. Let them know you are going to have fun, play games, tell jokes. Talk to them about me as if I am a friend so that they see you are comfortable with me, this usually helps them feel comfortable as well.

Don't worry about telling them to smile during or sit still during the session, some kids who have been told to smile for the photographer get so nervous that they can't even laugh, relax or be their true selves. I promise you that letting me get them to smile genuinely while running, dancing or laughing will make you the happiest when you see your final result.

I'm a huge fan of bribery - (treats after) is always a great idea for the ones who need a little extra encouragement during the session. Treats during the session are totally ok!

Just please make sure they won't leave their face messy.

Skittles and gummy candy are always great but try and stay away from anything that has crumbs or chocolate.


Mom + dads

Moms, this is for you. Is your husband not really feeling the upcoming photoshoot? Don't worry!!! This is totally normal.

He likelv already knows how important this session is to you. Remind him it's going to be painless. I have a pretty relaxed and outgoing vibe so it never feels overwhelming or stiff. Remind him that he doesn't not need to stand in front of me and smile the entire time, the adults have just as much fun as the kids so play and run around with them!

(Even the big kids!)

Mom!!! You also deserve a huge round of applause! Getting in the pictures is just as important for you as it is for your kids and your husband. It is so often that moms are the ones taking the pictures because it is always, always on your mind. When your kids sit down with you as they grow older you never want to have to answer the question

"Where were you, mom?" Because you were there too and it will be so nice to have proof of that.

All that I ask for you is to come as yourself, live in the moment, take in your children. If anything is out of place then I will let you know. Just be present.


Over the years you have probably thought about a familv photo session but it iust hasn't happened vet. You're too busy. You have nothing to wear. You need to have your hair done. You need to lose weight. It's hard to get everyone together. Etc etc.


But let me tell you!!! Investing in family sessions does matter and it is important-now more than ever! Your family portraits bring your family together, whether it be immediate family session when the kids are home from college, or the extended family session on grandma and grandpas anniversary. They document growth, the photos that are captured will always be there no matter what happens, you can use photos to relive memories, increase self esteem for kiddos seeing their photos up in your house and having everyone in one place, one frame on your wall for years to come.


Have I convinced you to book that family session yet?!


Ready to book? I can't wait to meet you! Reach out!