During our session you can expect to not be rushed, I like to take my time and get to know my clients, even the little ones and the ones that cannot talk. I often hug and cuddle to bring the family aspect into my studio and on-location experiences. I want everyone at ease, even those dads who hate picture day, I want them to leave loving their experience too. With families and children, you can expect both posed shots and candids.
Please expect to take breaks! I do not shoot the entire session time, some of the time is used for planning, set up, communicating with clients and to tend to the needs of small children. Infants need to eat and get love periodically, toddlers have meltdowns or fits, and young children get fidgety, ALL OF THIS IS OKAY! I will help you pick the best session type for your needs and family size and will have the patience to help you through picture day. To help with moments like these make sure you have plenty of food for infants, snacks for young children, and items of interest for those not participating. We can never have enough options and you never know what is going to work and what won’t, so you can plan.
For your newborn session bring lots of wipes, diapers, food (pumped if possible too), and possibly a pacifier. The studio is also kept rather warm during these sessions to ensure a sleepy baby, so plan accordingly. There is a restroom in the studio if you need to tidy up a bit to refresh yourself before your picture time. If parents and siblings plan to be in photos please come prepared for those shots first, and then siblings will be asked to leave with another adult for the duration of the newborn session. Please plan for this schedule.
Here are a few suggestions for what to wear/bring for your session…
Newborns
– due to sanitation, I provide a wide variety of outfits for babies, and I prefer not to shoot nude unless requested – (I have a rather large prop selection, so you do not have to bring anything to your session, however, you are more than welcome to bring precious items you want in your photos with baby)
– for mom, bring simple white/black/grey/cream is best, avoid patterns and stripes. (I do parent/family photos on grey or ivory backdrop)
– for dad, bring simple white/black/grey/cream, simple is best, avoid patterns and stripes. If Dad plans to bare his chest, bring jeans that fit properly. (I do parent/family photos on grey or ivory backdrop)
– siblings, bring a simple matching color palette, the baby will probably be wrapped or in a sack for these shots, so I’ll match the baby depending on what the siblings are wearing.
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One Year & Cake Smash
-1 to 2 outfit changes
-personalized banners and props (I have backdrops and sitting/standing/posing props) if you want me to provide cake, outfit, banner, and balloons, please let me know and I can do an addon to your session)
-balloon bouquet, small only 3-6 solid colors preferred
-tutus or pettiskirts for girls
-personalized onesies or diaper covers for cake smash
-accessories, such as headbands, jewelry, and hats
I set up before the session and clean up after the session!
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Families and Children
-accessories, hats, jewelry, scarfs, etc
-avoid everyone wearing solid colors, unless it is white shirts and jeans
-avoid matching outfits, see albums for examples of what other families have put together
-avoid clothing with prints and patterns including logos and harsh graphics
-color always makes your photos pop, so focus on a contrasting color within your wardrobe choice
-props – if you have something special to your family like a banner, sign, heirloom, etc, bring it so we can personalize your images
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Maternity
-denim jeans, the ones you can leave unbuttoned
-basic tank tops, tight tops, tube tops, or anything that shows off your belly bump
-dresses, both flowy and tight
-any button-down blouse or top
-bras and underwear of dark and light colors
-yoga pants
-sonogram photo(s)
-baby shoes
-special items or handmade goodies
I have blocks, scrabble letters, ribbons, scarves, drapes, fabrics, and signs available for use!
If you wish to have a maternity gown, please plan at least 3-4 weeks in advance and get it ordered before it’s too late. I keep only a select few gowns for basic studio shots and will not be able to provide a gown in every color and size for all my sessions.