PORTRAIT SESSION GUIDE
TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever. It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
WELCOME
First of all, thank you so much for having me capture your beautiful family session! Whether you're super comfortable in front of the camera (or not, I totally understand! :) I've put together a few tips below to make the experience stress-free and beautiful. I love making these sessions unique to you all, whether we'd be shooting outdoors or in your home, my goal is to tell your love story full of unscripted moments. I'll be sure to give you enough direction to make sure you're not wondering what to do, but leave lots of room for you and your family's beautiful relationship to shine through!
PHILOSOPHY
As a photographer, I seek to capture the magical moments of everyday life as a best friend would, with the compassion, energy, and dedication it deserves. Using predominantly analog film photography, I capture authentic emotion using a fine art approach. Exploring unique locations and telling one-of-a-kind stories, I love to photograph family sessions in comfortable environments where little ones can truly relax and let the authentic emotions shine through.
ABOUT
My favorite sessions are relaxed and filled with love, and I truly believe the photos reflect that. Although I'll likely capture a few posed images with everyone looking at the camera, the goal of each family I photograph is to capture the love and relationships! The messy, chaotic and unexpected moments are what make the most amazing photos, so I encourage my clients to relax and let things unfold naturally. My images are described as authentic, timeless and joyful, and I truly focus on connecting with each family to best tell their beautiful story. I can't wait to hear more about you and your loved ones, and what you hope to capture in your family session!
DETAILS
Sessions are generally scheduled mornings or afternoons at outdoor locations, and midday for in-home sessions can work really well depending on your location. It's really important to begin the session right on time, so that we can maximize our photography time with the best lighting! I will will be in touch to schedule the exact time & place depending on your preferred location and time of year.
1. Location
When selecting a location for your session, think about a place that's personal and unique to you as a family; a favorite outdoor setting or in your home.
As I split my time between Europe & DC, I shoot often in beautiful cities all over the world- so dream big!
* Settings with personal connection
* Beautiful natural landscapes
* Destination locations
2. ATTIRE
Attire is one of the most important pieces of your session! I encourage you to select looks that coordinate with your personalties and the location you've chosen. I recommend for Mom's to choose your outfit first, and then build the family looks around that! Keeping little ones comfortable is key. I'm always happy to help with selecting your outfits in advance.
If you're looking for inspiration, I've gathered a few of my favorite looks on a mood session board here. Bringing along a few props can be a great way to make your session feel natural and vibrant. If you love to hike with your dog, have picnics while wine tasting, or spend time on the water, let's be sure to capture the essence of your family.
* Classic, chic, dressy, timeless, formal
* Coordinating accessories
* Classic cars, vintage bikes, sailboats or pets
3. Hair & Makeup
Getting your hair and makeup done is always a perfect finishing touch, and gives you a polished look for your session!
Often times, this is a great opportunity to schedule your trial session with your hair and makeup artist before your wedding day.
A few of our favorite looks...
TIMELINE
Your gallery of family photos will be ready approximately 3-4 weeks from your session date. The gallery of edited images will be available to view, download, and order proofs and prints.
ideas for images:
* Holiday cards
* Gallery wall
* Session album
