BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Please be sure to read through my session prep guide early on in your planning process. This guide has lots of useful information like what colors are best, how to plan your outfits and how to prep your family. Click the button below to view the guide…

AFTER YOUR SESSION

The photos tips and tricks guide will help you keep your photos safe and will help your prints turn out beauitfully!

PLANNING 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. 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 to your photos.

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

    • If it’s chilly, pair a chunky knit wrap with your outfit.

  3. Pick colors

    • For families, start with a color palette of 3 to 5 colors. Neutrals and muted earth tones are always beautiful and will harmonize with any location. Jewel tones can also work nicely for a more saturated look. Click here to view some of my favorite palettes.

    • Consider the colors at your location. You want to harmonize but not blend into the location’s 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

    • 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.

    • Skin Care

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

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

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

    • 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 some of my favorites here

    • Shoes

      • If you have a morning session, the grass may have dew on it which can lead to wet shoes and feet, so you may want to bring a spare pair of shoes to wear home.

      • If you have a beach session, flats are best and you can even go barefoot in the sand.

      • 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 (any primary color, red, orange, yellow, neons, aqua or peach). We want the attention to stay on your family, not be drawn to a bright piece of clothing.

  • Golf shirts and/or Dri-fit materials (they tend to show nipples and belly buttons)

  • Oxford shirts (the shirt can look discolored due to the reflective qualities in the fabric)

  • Large patterns or bold prints

  • Logos or graphic t-shirts

  • Transition lenses or blue light blocking lenses

  • Shoes not compatible with walking in grassy fields

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

  • Everyone wearing the same color

OUTFIT IDEAS & LINKS TO OUTFITS

GREAT PLACES TO SHOP

PREPPING YOUR FAMILY

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

  • PREP YOUR FAMILY - 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.

  • NAPS & NUTRITION - Make sure everyone has a full belly before your session. Packing snacks and water is also recommended. If possible, try to adjust nap schedules so little ones are as rested as possible. This is especially important for summer sessions when the sun may not set until 9 p.m.

  • HAVE FUN - We want to capture the real hugs, giggles and laughs so we’ll spend time playing and exploring. I always have 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.