Session Tips
In General:
■Hair accessories – If we are shooting outdoors, be ready to put your hair up and make it look nice in case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories. If you bring an extra hair tie, have someone with pockets hold it until its needed! We don't want those hair ties in your photos on your wrists! I will do my best to remind you of this while we are shooting!
■Nails – Please have nail polish removed, or completely painted. Try to avoid chipping nail polish for those shots with your nails!
■Undergarments –Try to wear undergarments that go with/get covered by any outfit you want to shoot in to keep those straps well-hidden.
■Clothing- Please try to wear solid colors, or articles of clothing without distracting prints/logos. We want to be focused on you! Any accessories will add depth to your photos. Don't feel like you need all of the following, just one or two will help to create beautiful images. Examples; bangles, earrings, a sweater or scarf.
■Sunscreen- if shooting outside and planning on needing sunscreen for yourself or your little ones, please apply it before arriving to the location. This way it will avoid white residue in photos, and avoid getting it on photo outfits.
■Props- Any props that you would like to use… by all means, please bring them! They will add personality to your photos!
Specific Advice:
Maternity
■Bring any props you’d like – ultrasound printout, alphabet blocks that spell your baby’s name, baby shoes, stuffed animals, flowers, whatever you’ve seen in other maternity photos that you like.
■Wear whatever you feel comfortable and beautiful in – long, flowy skirts, solid colors and something form fitting around your belly will show off that beautiful baby bump!
Newborns and Babies
■Try to book your session around your baby’s feeding and nap times. That way we can work with the natural rhythm of your baby. The perfect time to shoot is right when the baby would be laying down for a nap.
■We can do completely naked babies or with clothing. We plan for messes… because they will most likely always happen.
■ Accessories are great! – little hats, headbands, boys in crocheted hats, etc. All sentimental items like the quilt that Grandma made for the baby, a baby blanket from your own childhood for them to lay on. I have a few props, but if there is something in particular you want a photo with, please have it available to use during the session!!
■If your baby is bottle fed, please have extra bottle(s) to help put the baby to sleep. If you are nursing, we will allow time for that too! Baby needs to be happy for good photos
■ Make sure to have your home at a nice, warm temperature. If it is during the summer, please make sure to have AC turned off prior to my arrival. Naked babies are always happier when its warm!
Children
■A little candy won’t hurt… (if you don’t want your child to be offered, please let me know so I won’t offer any ) – Given a stage and being the center of attention, it’s like our kids know exactly when to act up. Some cereal, smarties or other candy that won’t stain teeth can help a short photo session go by smoothly.
■Avoid colorful drinks or candy a few hours before your shoot, that way we can avoid the colorful stain on their face, teeth or mouths.
■Wardrobe – the children do not have to match perfectly. Just something similar to one another, keeping in mind to avoid busy prints.
High school seniors
■Bring props that recall your high school years – band instrument, sports gear like a volleyball or baseball bat, sunglasses. Most of all, represent your style, whatever that may be! Your senior photo should be unique to your life and personality!
Indoor session in your home
■I will want to set up next to any natural light you may have. That may mean a slider door, bow window, or any large amount of natural light. If furniture needs to be rearranged, please do so prior to my arrival so we have more time for your photos.
Everyone
■Bring your smiles and get ready to have fun with it! I want to photograph the real you!
Examples of What to Wear:
