Family portrait session
A prep guide for your
Timing & lighting tips, choosing a location, what to wear, managing kids and lots more!
I'm Christy
Welcome
I am so excited about your session and to photograph your family! It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. You're a busy family with quite a few things on your plate.
Deciding what to wear for your photoshoot can seem like a hard task! But I'm here for you to make it easier! This guide covers everything from choosing a location, outfits to prepping the little ones.
Hopefully this helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, I would love to help!
Please don't worry about your child's behavior! I know you want them to be on their best behavior, smile at the camera and do exactly what the photographer asks.
However, I’m going to ask you not to do that. Because children never do as we say, right? If they seem to be in a bad mood, irritable or fussy, being firm and frustrated with them because you are stressed is only going to make it worse. Toddlers, kids and even babies can sense stress. If you don't feel relaxed and calm, they won't either. If they are acting crazy or grumpy, we'll work with the crazy!
Your child may be in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy. The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and always stay positive.
Preparing for your session
A few things to know when
My family sessions are all about building connection! The smile on your face while you look at your kids, daddy's hands holding your little ones, candid giggles and all the moments naturally unfolding in between.
While you can expect some traditional family portraits, you will also get a mixture of lifestyle photos along with photos of your kids exploring the environment their in. I will guide your family every step of the way to achieve not only beautiful photos but beautiful memories for you to cherish forever.
Littles ones
Preparing your
There is beauty in the chaos.
Some of my all time favorite portraits of family’s are the ones when parents just let go and didn't worry so much!
I will play with your children. I will make funny sounds, do ugly dances, play peek-a-boo, and fun games.
Nothing can shock me and you don't need to prove to me that you have great kids that listen and follow directions. I know family portraits can be challenging and the challenge isn't a reflection of your child's normal behavior or how well you're parenting them!
Avoid setting high expectations.
Even if you're trying to get one child to giggle and engage, do it with a smile! So often, parents are worried about getting their child to smile that when the child does smile, the parent has forgotten to smile themselves. This is why genuinely having fun together is vital to the success of the shoot! It's best to just constantly try to find ways to be silly and make this process fun for them!
A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they’re good listeners, like an ice cream for example.
When it comes to snacks and treats lets avoid them as much as possible (save for a LAST resort!) because we'll have to wait for them to finish chewing before we can try again! This is why its so important that little ones arrive to sessions with full bellies even if that means having to feed them dinner earlier. Just like adults, no one wants to feel hangry during a session.
Lastly, Let those thoughts about perfection go. Instead, be present with your family and enjoy the moment with them.
Please keep on smiling!
I love to begin sessions around one hour before sunset or the first hour or two after sunrise to make the dreamiest photos.
Sessions typically last about an hour and I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. When the lighting is soft during golden hour and early morning, its the most flattering on skin tones.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
THE BEST TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS
Timing and lighting
Sunset or Sunrise
Keep reading below for helpful tips for sunset and sunrise sessions.
In the warmer Summer months, sunset times often fall during the "witching hours". They may even fall during or after bedtime which I know is not ideal at all for little ones.
As much as you value a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during the “golden hour”, we’re likely going to throw off your schedule a little bit in order to have a successful session.
If your session takes place close to dinnertime, I recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before your session. There's nothing worse than feeling hangry.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day or letting them sleep longer. You might want to even consider packing their PJ’s so that you can quickly change them afterwards so that you can tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
Bedtimes during Sunset!
One of the big perks of shooting at sunrise is that little ones tend to be happier and more cooperative in the morning. They're well-rested, freshly fed, and haven’t yet hit that late-day wall of tiredness or overstimulation.
Evening sessions can be harder for young kids who are already winding down from a long day (this is especially true the times of year when the sun sets so late!), but morning light brings not only a beautiful glow, it often brings out their best moods, which makes for a much smoother, more joyful session for everyone!
While this might be easy for most who have babies, toddlers, or preschoolers who aren’t in elementary school just yet. For those who do have school-aged kids, they would simply arrive a bit late to school that day. I realize this might not be an option for parents who are working during the week that aren't able to arrive to work later in the morning also.
the benefits of
Sunrise Sessions
Soft, dreamy light with happy babies & crowd-free location!
Fresh Flowers
Spring
Even though Spring begins in early March, I typically don’t begin shooting until mid or the end of the month until the cherry blossoms, Magnolias or daffodil's are blooming because the weather in the area is still pretty chilly and bare. Early April you can also expect blooming tulips.
Sunset times drastically change throughout the course of March-May so our shooting times change as well. You can plan on approximately 6:15pm-7:15pm in March, 6:40-7:40pm in early April and 7:00-8:00 in May.
A few things to keep in mind during each season
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cotton candy sunsets
Summer
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of Summer sessions! The Beaches in Virginia Beach have the most amazing cotton candy sunsets. Because of the later sunset, the weather is cooler and sessions sometimes begin as late as 7:30pm in June & July.
If you’re taking your photos during the summer, I recommend bringing water, extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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Colorful leaves & crisp air
Autumn
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast because of the perfect weather and colorful leaves.
Sunset times change drastically during these three months. In Sep, you can plan on 6:20-7:20pm until the second week and then you can plan on 5:30-6:30 pm until Mid-Oct. Then during the first week of Nov, 4:00-5:00pm or sometimes even earlier.
It’s typical to schedule two session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps me make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I have found that the best way to make sure families get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I will check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting. Because the weather changes so drastically, we probably won't know what the weather will be like until a few days prior.
I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for a session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain or having high winds which is not good for hair. Let me know what works best for your family, but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance or the morning of at the latest.
what to do if it rains or its super overcast
Inclement Weather
I know that some family members just happen to be furry and I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
First, we will need a friend/family member that is willing to tag along and help out; preferably someone your dog is comfortable with already. I recommend planning for your fur baby to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take them home. We won’t have them in every single photo, so it’s also nice to have someone available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising or tiring them out beforehand. This way they will be calmer and more cooperative. If your dog loves to jump, have them arrive at the end portion of your session. It’s a good idea to feed your dog beforehand so they don’t have an empty belly. Always bring treats and a toy for bribery! This will help get them to look towards the camera and they can be rewarded. Bring plenty of water and poop bags just in case. Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to have them groomed before the shoot.
www.wildone.com
www.TheRoverboutique.com
www.Crewlala.com
www.Cavology.com
SHOPS FOR STYLISH BOW TIES, LEASHES, COLLARS & HARNESSES
furry ones
What to pack
- Extra clothes! When children are involved you never know what can happen. I highly recommend getting the little ones dressed in their outfits at the portrait location so theres no accidents.
- Comfortable shoes for walking in between locations for places that have a lot of walking involved, especially if mom will be wearing heels.
- Wet wipes, tissues, etc. Because anything can happen...
- A stroller for walking in between locations if little ones are under the age of two, your arms will thank you later!
- Favorite toy/stuffed animal. If extra comfort is needed. If possible, avoid anything with bright colors in case they will be shown in some photos.
- Small snacks. If the energy drops and preferably something dryer that doesn't leave spots and stains easily. But avoid raisins, fruit and similar as it sticks to the teeth.
- Touch-up makeup. For mama if needed.
- Arrive 10 minutes early so that you have time to park, touch-up hair or makeup, change diapers or kiddos outfits if needed, etc. This way you're ready to begin exactly at your start time.
- Remember to check the traffic days before at the same time you will leave for your session in case you need to leave earlier.
- If you're bringing a dog, I suggest arriving even earlier to let them out to adjust to the surroundings, go potty, and get that initial excitement out before we start your session.
More tips:
Don't be afraid to think outside outside of the box. Maybe theres a location that you have special access to that most people do not. For example, maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a private estate, lake house, family farm, etc...
north end beach at 87th
A little hidden gem beach filled with dune paths, beach grass, foliage, cotton candy sunsets and less crowded. In October the yellow flowers are in bloom. Great for April-October.
East beach norfolk
A waterfront pastel community with lots of charming homes, walkable streets, and beach access to end the evening. Their August gardens are always a treat. Perfect for Summer.
Colonial williamsburg
A living history museum with endless locations filled with historic charm, flowers and veggie gardens. Best for Springtime blooms and Fall leaves.
First landing state park
Shore Drive side with paths, beachgrass & beach or the 64th st side is filled with woodsy paths, a field area & inlet beach. Perfect for Summer or Fall.
Norfolk botanical Gardens
Breathtaking landscapes for all nature lovers. Filled with sculptures, fountains, plants and flowers. Their rose garden and wildflower meadow always delight. Great in Spring, Summer & Fall.
Pleasure house point
The end of Dinwiddle Rd in is a small calm beach inlet, pine trees, paths and big beautiful field of beachgrass that blooms yellow flowers in the Fall months. Great for Summer & Fall.
The below locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with families! I’m happy to make recommendations if theres a certain type of look you're envisioning for your session!
Sessions are scheduled on weekday evenings around one hour before sunset time or early mornings just after sunrise Monday-Friday. Occasional Sundays can work for locations that aren't busy or if your location is at a private property. Location restrictions may apply around holiday (Memorial Day, weekend, Mothers Day, July 4th, Labor day weekend, etc...)
LocationS
My top 6 quick favorites
- Pleasure House Point (Dinwiddle Rd area) (VB)
- North End Beach at 87th Street (best April-November) (VB)
- East Beach (Norfolk, VA)
- Fort Story Beach & (military access only) (VB)
- First Landing State Park 64th street in VB (best in morning & Fall) * $7 entrance parking fee or $5 for VA residents week days. Photo permit takes 35 days to process.)
- Grandview Nature Preserve (Hampton, VA)
- Sand bridge Beach (VB)
- Back Bay Wildlife (VB) *free for military annual pass members*
- Chippokes State Park (Surry, VA) (parking fee & permit required)
- Yorktown Beach (Yorktown, VA)
- Jamestown Beach in Jamestown (Jamestown, VA)
- Colonial National Historical Parkway (Jamestown, VA)
- Fort Boykin Beach in Smithfield
- Cape Charles Beach (Cape Charles, VA)
BEACH, Preserve & water Inlet
- Hermitage Museum & Gardens *$150/1 hr permit required* (Norfolk, VA)
- Bells Mills Park (Chesapeake, VA)
- Oak Grove Lake Park (Chesapeake, VA)
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Norfolk Botanical Gardens *$150/two hr permit fee or pay $150 for a one year garden family membership and get one FREE photoshoot a year.*
- Bayville Farms Park (best in late April or Fall leaves) (VB)
- Great Bridge Lock Park (Chesapeake, VA)
- Sandy Botton Nature Park (Hampton, VA)
- Tidewater Arboretum (VB)
- The Noland Trail, The Mariners' Museum and Park (Newport News, VA)
- Newport News Park (Newport News, VA)
- Beaverdam Park (Gloucester, VA)
- Red Wing Park (VB) (Spring Cherry Blossoms)
Parks & gardens
- Colonial Williamsburg *daily access pass required for the Governor’s Palace gardens *
- The Obici House (Suffolk, VA)
- Yorktown Battlefield (Redoubt #10 or Indian Field Creek)
- Historic Jamestown
- Windsor Castle Park (best in late Fall) in Smithfield
- Church Point Manor (VB)
- Historic Greenbrier Farms in Chesapeake *$25.00/1 hr permit required*
- Fort Monroe in Hampton *Permit required*
- Rosewell Ruins (Gloucester, VA)
Estate, Historic parks, farms
- Backyard Wildflower Patch (Chesapeake, VA) * Monday-Thursday only, permit required*
- Toano Flower Field (Toano, VA)
- Sweet Haven Lavender (Williamsburg, VA) *Only during bloom season mid-May through late June or early July* Permit fee required
flowers & fields
- Freemason District (best for weekday mornings) (Norfolk, VA)
- College of William & Mary Campus (March flowers) (Williamsburg, VA)
Downtown CITY & museums
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Sculpture Garden
- Libby Hill Park & Church Hill Park
- Virginia State Capitol
- Branch Museum of Architecture & Design (Spring and Fall) *Permit fee required*
Downtown CITY & museums
- The Virginia House *$250/1 hr permit required*
- Agecroft Hall & Gardens *Permit Required*
- Historic Tuckahoe *Permit Required*
- Dover Hall *Permit Required*
- The Estate at River Run (Maidens, VA) *Permit Required*
European, Estate, Historic
- Maymont Park (Spring & Fall)
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens *Permit Required*
- Windsor Way (March Cherry Blossoms)
- Swan Lake (March Cherry Blossoms)
- Mid-Lothian Mines Park (March Cherry Blossoms)
gardens & flowers
- Belle Isle
- Fountain Lake at Byrd Park
Lake, Preserve & water Inlet
- Windy Knoll Farms *$100 Permit Required*
- Persimmon Creek Barn *Permit Required*
- The Carillon at Byrd Park
- Forrest Hill Park
- Avonlea Farms (Mineral, VA)
- Chimborazo Park
- Crump Park (best in Fall) (Glen Allen, VA)
- Rural Plains Park (Mechanicsville, VA)
- Topotomoy Creek Battlefield Park (Mechanicsville, VA)
- Cold Harbor Battlefield Park (Mechanicsville, VA)
parks, farms
Travel fee may apply
- DAR Constitution Hall, Daughters of the American Revolution (DC) *Monday-Thursdays before 10:00am or after 4:00pm & Sundays*
- Historic Old Town Alexandra (Best in Fall)
- Carlyle House (Old Town Alexandra) *$25 two hour permit fee required*
Downtown
- The National Chathedral Bishop's Garden *Permit fee required*
- The National Arboretum *Permit fee required*
- Green Spring Gardens Park (Alexandra, VA) *$25 permit fee required*
- Meridian Hill Park
- Tidal Basin (March Cherry Blossoms) *$140 permit.*
- Bon Air Rose Garden (end of May to early July)
- Netherlands Carillon (Arlington, VA)
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (Vienna, VA) *$50 two hour permit fee required*
- State Arboretum of Virginia (Boyce, VA)
Parks, gardens & flowers
- Manassas National Battlefield
- Jefferson Memorial (Best at Sunrise) *$140 permit.*
- Lincoln Memorial (Best at Sunrise) *$140 permit.*
- Constitution Gardens, DC War Memorial, *$140 permit.*
- Red Rock Wilderness overlook Regional Park (Leesburg, VA)
- Sky Meadows State Park *Permit fee required* (Delaplane, VA)
- Phillips Farm Trail (Waterford, VA)
Historic parks, farms
- Georgetown Waterfront Park
- Great Fall Park (McLean, VA) or (Potomac, MD)
- Burke lake Park (Fairfax Station, VA)
- Bear’s Den Overlook (Bluemont, VA)
- Aldie Mill & Dam (Aldie, VA)
Lake, overlook & water Inlet
- Tudor Place Historic House and Garden *$200/hr Permit fee required* (DC)
- Old Stone House Gardens on M Street (DC)
- Hillwood Estate (DC)
- Morven Park (Leesburg)
- Oatlands Historic House and Gardens (Leesburg, VA) *$100 Permit fee required*
European, Estate
Travel fee may apply
First and foremost, please do not bring any sick family members to your session. Just as important as the weather, are you and your family's health.
I want everyone to feel 100% and forcing the session to happen just isn't it. You should get the most out of your session and investment when documenting your memories. There is nothing worse than trying to power through a session with an unhappy and sick feeling child a bad cold or ear infection, it's hard on you and it's even HARDER on them. They especially won’t want to be in front of a camera.
At the first sign that your kids aren’t well, (bad ear infections, pink eye, hand foot mouth, covid, vomiting/bug virus or an extremely bad cold) please give me a call ASAP at 908-812-7916 and we will reschedule for a later date at NO additional cost.
Family Illness
What to do if your child is sick
The colors and tones of your outfits you select will dramatically impact what your overall gallery looks like. My style is light and airy and so my recommendations lean more towards creating that style of photos.
As you read through, please know that these are just suggestions and you have freedom to wear what you love! However, if you desire to have images that reflect what you see most often from me online, these tips will help create the look you're hoping for!
What to wear
No one wants to freeze or look too warm if they are not dressed appropriately for the weather. If the location is the beach in the Summer, barefoot works best.
Start early and have a plan! Don’t wait ‘til the last day, trust me!
Plan Outfits in advance
Dress for the Season & Location
You may think black & dark navy hides all your body's imperfections, but it actually makes it hard to see your figure. You may end up looking shapeless and that’s not what we are going for. Black & dark navy will instantly make portraits look heavy and dark. Now, if you're going for a bold dark moody look, black isn't a big problem, it just makes a big impact on the overall look of the portraits!
wearing Black
If you're like me, you want to have updated family portraits on display in your home! Our home has a lot of neutrals, creams, soft blues and greens so I normally lean towards those color choices when selecting family outfits for portraits so they work will in the space.
Consider your home decor
While those family outfits on Amazon might seem like a fun idea however they will actually overpower photos completely. Taking away the natural beauty of your location and the people in the photos. Photos will lack in dimension and texture, causing everyone to blend into each other which doesn't look natural. They will make your family look more like a sports team or a 1999 family Christmas card. If you would like to wear the same color as someone else in your family, I suggest picking a different shade/pattern so there is a difference.
Identical outfits
If you’re tugging on things or feeling uncomfortable; a dress that constantly needs adjusting or a little one whose pants are a little too big will not photograph well. Anything oversized, saggy or ill-fitting tends to look sloppy in photos.
Outfits should fit well
Quick tips for outfits
When everyone is coordinated but do not necessarily “match", the pictures come out well balanced and visually appealing.
You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but still stay within a similar color palette family.
It can be challenging to know what colors work well together but my hope is that this will give you some fun inspiration and a starting place for your outfit selections! Remember, these are just ideas for inspiration and aren't strict patterns to follow!
a cohesive
Color Palette
Mix up the colors
Pastels and light neutral colors create light and soft images.
Dark colors will create bold and heavier images.
A good rule of thumb:
Neutrals, pastels and muted colors for a light and clean look. Avoid prints, logos, and too many patterns that can steal away attention and will make photos look less timeless.
Start with a neutral base; white, cream or gray. Pick 1 or 2 accent colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
Avoid bright & neon colors as they will reflect onto your complexion which is almost impossible to edit out.
choosing outfits
for the family
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots.
One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other one wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better.
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom.
Mom should choose her outfit FIRST!!! While it might seem easier choosing the kids outfits out first, its not. Moms often worry about themselves last however it's so much easier to build the rest of the outfits from moms verses finding a dress that coordinates with everyones outfit.
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they flatter every female body, especially on camera. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress. I recommend long or mid, flowy, and textured dresses. Choosing flattering silhouettes for your body type and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look and feel in your photos.
Avoid silky, body con, super tight fitting or thin fabric dresses that show everything. Also consider wearing no-show shape wear that can help you avoid this.
For mom
Dresses & Skirts
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I love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) photograph. Just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small (smaller than a dime) - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy and can create some weird effects with digital cameras! Short dresses might be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so keep that in mind.
Be careful about undergarments. While I am very experienced at Photoshop, editing out bra straps or panty lines is difficult and extremely time-consuming. Choose clothes that properly cover your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
Always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
for mom
Outfit Tips
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for mom
Maternity
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This session is all about showing off your beautiful bump! Simple flowy maxi or midi-length empire-waisted styles are always great choices. I recommend finding a comfortable maternity dress in a soft, light and muted tone. Super dark colors like black or navy will hide or make it hard to see your bump which you don't want. Focus on fabrics that flow and drape well, creating a flattering silhouette.
Here's some of my fav shops below for maternity dresses:
Worth Collective
Pink Blush
Morning Lavender
Nothing Fits But
Rylee & Cru
Baltic Born
H&M Maternity
Poshmark
Worth Collective
Morning Lavender
Indie Blue
Landry Kate
Petal & Pup
H&M
Baltic Born Clothing
Rent the Runway
Anthropologie
Zara
Neuflora
for Mom
ASOS
J. Crew
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rylee & Cru
Ivy City
Everlane
Lait Collection
Madewell
Best places to shop
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Dresses look great in walking and any photos with movement and dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass or sand, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
for Mom
Accessories
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I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you’re planning to do any waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
for mom
Hair & Makeup
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Keep it simple and neutral. You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or something softer like a linen, henley or cotton shirts.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Avoid wearing anything really loose or baggy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
FOR DAD
Simple & Solid
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Wear something that you can move around in easily if you have young children, you probably will be chasing after them, playing games and running around.
Since dads tend to be the sweaty ones in the family, it's good to be strategic when it comes to fabrics he wears. Linen is always a great choice. It’s breathable and can be more or less casual, depending on how you style it. You're able to roll sleeves for a more casual look.
Closed-toed shoes, always! Except or beach sessions, since we will kick off our shoes anyway. Be sure to take any bulky items like phones and car keys out of you pockets before we start snapping photos also.
for dad
Outfit Tips
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tips
Colored pants in any neutral color or light earth tone color photograph the BEST. Solid shades of gray, white, beige, soft blues, and greens. Chinos pants are always a hit!
Even in the summer I still recommend pants! I know it's a weird concept with our Virginia heat and dad might want to wear shorts but I promise you won’t regret it. I’m just gonna say it; shorts just aren’t super flattering when it comes to photos.
Pants give a more classic look for your session, trust me! You can always cuff them a bit for beach sessions to play in the water, too! Long fitted pants are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men.
for dad
Outfit Tips
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tips
for dad
Where to shop
H&M
Banana Republic
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts Clothing
Target
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Everlane
Old Navy
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Frank & Oak
Rag & Bone
Nordstrom
Brooks Brothers
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Shop for the kids LAST as they are the easiest to find outfits for. Pick complimenting colors or textures to mom and dad's outfit, especially for small children that will be held.
Say YES to classic and timeless pieces! Simple is best! If you have multiple children, I recommend coordinating their outfits vs. matching them. Look for light and delicate patterns.
Avoid scratchy fabrics or stiff clothing that your child won't feel comfortable in. Whatever you pick out for them, please do a test run well in advance to make sure everything fits well.
Avoid sneakers or brightly colored shoes.
Timeless pieces
for kids
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H&M Kids
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Rylee & Cru
Noralee
Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Roolee
Alice & Ames
Kate Quinn
Walmart
for kids
Smallable
Fin and Vance
Little & Co.
Briar Baby
Jaime Kay
Childhoods Clothing
Spearmint Love
Amazon
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson
Janie and Jack
Where to shop
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When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I will keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy our time together!
POSING
"What do I do with my hands"?
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), I have a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
Please send me all family groupings ahead of time so that while I'm shooting, I understand who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw me a family tree (although bonus points if you do!) something like this would work well:
1
Grandma - Jean
Grandfather - Max
Sam (son of Jean + Max) and Tina.
Their Kids: Jason (10), Julianne (5) and Jack (2)
Elizabeth (son of Jean + Max) and Paul
Their Kids: Austin (9) and Claire (6)
Tips for planning with larger groups
Extended Family Sessions
When it comes to choosing outfits for larger families,
I recommend choosing a color palette and coordinating with one another ahead of time. Photographs typically come out best when families choose a color palette or a few colors over wearing the exact same thing (think: the white polo and khaki photo uniform of the 90’s.)
Outfits that feel a bit special (your “Sunday best”) but that you still feel comfortable in generally result in the best images.
If you need any advice in this area, just let me know!
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When it comes to choosing a location for larger groupings, there are a few extra elements to keep in mind. Locations should be easy to access, limit walking and be safe for young children.
While we can get away with shooting small families in a downtown setting, for larger families, we’ll need a bit of space to spread out. Family homes with larger yards (and open shade), parks, beaches and outdoor settings typically work best for extended families.
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Following the session, I will deliver a gallery with some sneak peeks images. Please let me know ahead of time who should have access to this gallery. If you send me a list of the email addresses, I can set those up at the time of delivery to give all necessary parties access.
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Entire family
Grandparents + Their children
Grandparents + Their children + spouses
Child A + Child B
Grandparents + Child A + Child A’s Family
Grandparents + Child B + Child B’s Family
Child A + Child A’s Family
Child A + Spouse
Child A’s Kids
Child A + kids
Child A spouse + kids
Individual photos of all members of Child A’s Family
Child B + Child A’s Family
Child B + Spouse
Child B’s Kids
Child B + kids
Child B spouse + kids
Individual photos of all members of Child B’s Family
Example Extended Family Shot List
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Your online gallery is also linked with Millers Professional Imaging if you choose to order prints directly through the gallery. This is actually the lab that I print my own personal photos with from.
You are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. If you decide to print photos on your own, I suggest choosing a professional lab such as one of the companies below.
www.Mpix.com
www.Artifactuprising.com
www.Proprints.com
www.Smallwoodhome.com
A:
Can I print the images on my own?
q:
While I don’t guarantee an exact number of images, I will make sure we capture your family thoroughly. Most families should expect to receive at least 60-100 edited images per hour of shooting following their session.
A:
How many images will I receive?
q:
I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for at least a year. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, we cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, we highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
A:
How long will I have access to the images?
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While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim to deliver all images within four weeks of your session.
A:
When will I receive my images?
q:
Frequently
asked Questions
You are absolutely welcome to share any images on social media. To ensure that my work is properly represented, I kindly ask that you refrain from any edits. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help me to continue to grow as a business. Instagram @christynicoles
A:
Can I share the images on social media?
q:
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I will give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. I wouldn't do this either without your written permission.
A:
Do I own the rights to the images?
q:
I typically plan about 60 minutes for sessions and 2 hours for extended family sessions. While we likely won't need to be shooting this entire time, this does give us the flexibility for location changes, rowdy kids and time to warm up.
A:
How long should we plan for the session to take?
q:
I do light retouching on all of our images. This means that if there are any glaring objects that should be removed (such as a bump from the tumble your toddler took that morning or a person in the background) I will remove it. Also happy to remove any fly away hairs or blemishes.
Larger edits (such as removing all tan lines,) require more time and would require me to add additional editing hours to your collection.
A:
Will you retouch our images?
q:
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I will back up your images and begin the editing process. You will receive a few sneak peek photos within 24 hours of your session.
Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your edited, digital images around 4 weeks after your session.
Your Images
When to Expect
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
Bring Your Images to Life with prints
I know this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me via Honeybook, call or text at 908-812-7916.
No question is too small. If you can't decide picking the pink or beige headband for your baby girl, I'm here for you!