Let's Get Started
Hey Yall!
It's time to chat about family photo sessions and why YOU need to book one. Before we get started let's reminisce for a moment. Do you remember when your babies were itty bitty newborns? I do, granted my baby is only 11 months old. Did you do family photos during that time frame? While the newborn and one year photos are important, so are documenting the changes to your family. When was the last time you had family photos taken that weren't taken on a cell phone? If your answer is longer than a year, it is time to update them!
While family photo sessions can sound overwhelming, with the right photographer you can relax and enjoy the experience. I have a detailed welcome guide that I send out for all sessions to make it easy on you. My welcome guide details what to wear, how to prepare and how to sit back and enjoy your session, plus more.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION
It's time! You did it, you booked your photo session. Now starts all of the prep work to make your session go smoothly. Together we will start planning all the details of your upcoming session. I do this through questionnaires & personalized styling guides. Styling is an important element in the overall look & feel of your session, which is why I offer a complete client closet. Getting those sweet genuine moments that are personal to you, is one of my top priorities. Questionnaires help me learn more about you so I am able to create moments during your session that mean the most to you.
I'm all about creating a session that is fun, memorable and enjoyable for everyone! My goal is to capture your unique personalities and how your family works as a unit. I want to document the beautiful, real and fun moments because those images will tell the story of you and your family. I want you to be as comfortable as possible so your photos are as authentic as possible. My goal is to create memorable images that you will want to look at for years to come.
LET'S TALK ABOUT OUTFITS
Almost every time I chat with a new client they tell me about how they've scoured over Pinterest or Instagram to decide on outfits for their family photos, yet once the time comes to actually choose their outfits, they get overwhelmed and can't make a decision. That is where I come in! I have a full client closet with over 125 outfits for you to choose from. From Mom, to baby boy, babygirl, big girl or big boy all the way to dad I have you covered! While I do have my client closet, please don't feel like this is a must use. You are always more than welcome to wear/bring your own outfits, in fact, my welcome guide includes a style guide detailing the do's and dont's of outfits for your session.
I also include a list of stores that are my personal faves for family session outfits!
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR SESSION
1) Location, Location, Location
Choosing your location should be your FIRST step after you book your session. I have a list of locations that I offer for my clients. If you don't see a location that you like no worries! I am always up to try new places, whether that is your property, or somewhere that you've seen! Choosing your location allows you to choose your outfits that will look best with your chosen spot and time of day/season.
2) Outfits
Picking what "theme" you want for your outfits can help to narrow down on your choices. I recommend choosing your own outfit first and building the rest of the family around yours to build a cohesive look. Let's talk more about theme: what do you want your photos to look like? Do you want it to look like you just stepped out of Vogue magazine for this session? Do you prefer a more casual look? Do you want to stay with a more boho look? After choosing a theme you can begin to build your outfits from there. For a boho look you'll want to stick with more neutral colors such as tans, browns, and whites/creams. You will want to stay away from form fitting outfits and chose more of a loose and flowy style. For a light and airy style session, you want to stay away from dark colors as they will alter the bright and airy vibe you are going for by pulling it darker. Avoid the following: neon colors, ill fitting clothing, colors that match the scenery too much, big watches, oversized jewelry, bold stripes/patterns, spray tans, too much matching clothing.
3) Questionnaire
Be sure to complete your questionnaire as soon as possible to ensure that I am best prepared for your session and can make it go as smoothly as possible. This also helps to familiarize myself with your family dynamic and avoid posing you in uncomfortable situations (ie. Kissing/PDA etc.)
4) Timing
Being on time is a huge piece of your session. All of my sessions are planned with specific times/locations etc. Being late can cut into your session time and if shooting at sunrise/sunset can lead to us not being able to capture the photos that you want due to unfortunate lighting etc.
5) Kiddos/Nap Times
Being a mom myself, I completely understand the need for nap time. I recommend ensuring that you kiddos have a nap (if they are of napping age, remember YOU know your child best) before your session. it's also important to make sure that your kiddos has a full tummy prior to your session so that they aren't distracted by wanting to eat during the session. In my questionnaire I ask if you are comfortable with bribes during your session in case your little ones aren't as enthusiastic as we would like. This can be ice cream after the session, or snacks that you brought, a new toy etc. anything to help motivate your children to cooperate with us! It's important to not mention the bribe prior to your session as you are telling your kiddos that this is something they won't enjoy, instead save the bribes and tell them how much fun this will be!
6) Embrace the Chaos
Where children are there is sure to be chaos! Whether it is good chaos or bad chaos doesn't matter. What matters is that you EMBRACE it, let them run around, enjoy themselves and be their true self. Restricting your kiddos can cause them to be uncooperative, and dislike the experience. The best photos are always the ones with chaos.
7) Trust Your Photographer
You have hired a professional to capture these photos for you, trust us to do our job. While some poses will surely be uncomfortable or feel awkward, I assure you there is a method to our madness. My favorite photos are the ones that feel awkward in the moment.
I am going to wrap it up there for now! Remember to always embrace the moment and capture this moment in time.
Until Next Time,
Kylie
