PLANNING FOR YOUR SESSION

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My goals is to make your photos session planning as easy as possible so I’ve put together a few resources to help you plan for your session.

STYLING TOOL & CLIENT CLOSET

I subscribe to a professional styling service, Style & Select, so I can share it with my families. The service is free to you and will help you plan all your outfits from head to toe. My client closet clothing is included in the tool. Check it out…

  1. Click here to sign in

  2. Enter style code: STYLE25

STYLING TIPS

  1. Collaborate

    • I love to help with styling and I am always here to help. Please send me photos as you plan your outfits.

  2. Pick your outfit first

    • Start with your outfit first. You’ll want to pick an outfit that is comfortable when moving about, sitting and laying down.

    • Maxi and midi dresses/skirts are always a great option because they’re comfortable, allow you to move freely and add motion and drama to your photos.

    • Off the shoulder dresses/tops, slits in skirts and exposed skin help create the feeling of connection.

  3. Pick colors

  4. Coordinate. Don’t match.

    • Plan your outfit from head-to-toe and then pull colors from your palette to build your remaining outfits.

    • Try to look for varying textures (corduroy, chunky knits, ruffles, linen, etc.). When styling the guys, think beyond a button up shirt. Think about Henleys, nice t-shirts and sweaters that will give a more relaxed, natural look.

    • Keep patterns subtle and to only one or two people.

  5. The little things

    • Baby’s Outfit

      • I have a large collection of baby wraps, knit outfits, and headbands you’re welcome to use.

      • If your baby uses a pacifier, I recommend purchasing a neutral paci for photos. I typically try to capture photos without pacifiers but a neutral pacifier can create cute pictures and give us more usable time. This pacifier is great for photos and comes in a variety of colors

    • Skin Care

      • Your hands will be in some of the close up photos. If you have nail polish, neutral colors are best. A neutral polish or cuticle oil can also give natural nails a beautiful glow.

      • If using self-tanner, look for ones with purple undertones or get a spray tan. Self tanning lotions with orange undertones can appear more orange in photos. Tan Wolf is great for professional spray tans and B. Tan Self Tanner is a good home option.

      • If you’d like professional make up or hair, I recommend Beauty by Seda

    • Accessories

      • Ladies - Look for layered bracelets, earrings, necklaces and chunky rings.

      • Men - Make sure the guys think thought their accessories too. Have them wear their nice watch, if they have one, and try to leave the smart watch at home.

    • Undergarments

      • Be sure all kids in dresses have diaper covers or coordinating bloomers/shorts to cover their underwear. We will play, jump and twirl and want to hide those undies and diapers.

      • Adhesive bras and petals are amazing wardrobe fix for outfits with challenging silhouettes - view options

    • Shoes

      • If you have an in-home or studio session, shoes are optional.

      • If you have an outdoor session, I recommend flats or shoes you’re able to move in easily. Many locations require walking through fields and areas where the ground may be soft or uneven. If you wear heels, a chunky heel or wedge will work best.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • bright colors (red, orange, yellow, neons, etc.)

  • golf shirts and/or Dri-fit materials

  • Oxford shirts (they become reflective)

  • logos or graphic t-shirts

  • transition lenses or blue light blocking lenses

  • shoes not compatible with walking in grass

  • clothes that don’t allow you to comfortably sit or lay down

  • everyone wearing the same color

WHERE TO SHOP

OUTFIT IDEAS

PINTEREST - Check out my Pinterest boards for inspiration…

PREPPING YOUR FAMILY

I will help with prompts and poses during your session but the info below can help prep your family in advance…

  • RELAX - We will get a few “everyone look at the camera shots” but most of our time will be spent on candid or action shots. Sharing this information with your family before your session will help ease nerves and help them know what to expect. Also, don’t worry or stress about the kids looking at the camera, just focus on keeping the energy happy and fun.

  • HAVE FUN - We want to capture the real hugs, giggles and laughs so we’ll spend time playing and exploring. I have a lot of families say “my kids or my spouse won’t last more than 20 minutes” but their kids/spouse end up lasting an hour or longer because they’re actually having fun.

DAY OF YOUR SESSION

  • Try to make sure everyone - baby, parents and siblings - are well rested and have full bellies.

  • Check your wrists and pants pockets - remove anything from the front of your pant pockets and anything you don’t want on your wrists.

  • About 30 minutes before you session, remove your baby’s outfit, put on a fresh diaper, and wrap him/her in a blanket or sleep sack so it’s easier to swaddle him/her if they’re asleep.

  • I recommend increasing the temperature on your thermostat to a few degrees warmer than usual. This will help your baby sleep.

  • If you’re feeling pressed for time, shoot me a text at 614-329-0517 and I can shift my arrival time.

  • Relax and enjoy your session. : )