identify what you love
When you pin an image on Pinterest or save one on Instagram, don't skip the most important next step. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE PHOTO? I pin and save frequently but often an image captures my attention because of one element, not necessarily all of them. Sometimes it's the pose. I'm drawn to lifestyle images with poses that look and feel very natural, but I might not care for the editing style, location, color scheme or wardrobe. Sometimes it's the clothing a family chooses - I like their style and might like to shop for similar outfits. An image can inspire you but not in every single way possible. To make this easy on my brain and eliminate problems with expectation vs. reality, I save all the images I love for their poses to one Pinterest Board or Instagram Collection. A collection with locations, one with color scheme, another with editing style and so on. This will help you find a photographer with an editing style that you love and who poses families similar to the images you pin. It will help you determine a color scheme for your family and shop for outfits. Identifying what you love will put you one step closer to the photos you want!
wardrobe matters
There is a reason I include an entire section about style in my Session Guide. Wardrobe choices make a difference. From the colors to the length of a dress to the kinds of shoes you wear, it matters. None of my recommendations are meant to squash your style - I still want you to dress like you - but every recommendation I provide has a reason behind it. The Guide you receive when you book a full session contains so much more, but here's an example...
I recommend long, flowy dresses vs. short ones. The reasons? First, long dresses tend to be flattering on everyone . Second, short dresses limit movement and poses. Squatting in a short dress may not be possible, flattering or comfortable. It may be challenging to walk with your family for a photo - you may find yourself tugging on your dress or skirt. Regardless of whether children are part of your session, I recommend long vs. short - but consider this situation...you have a two-year-old child. We can get plenty of pictures of you holding him, but I would love to bring you down to his level too. Squatting. This gets tricky with short dresses or skirts.
If you have your heart set on something opposite of what I recommend, that's completely ok! They are your pictures after all - I just want to give you the tools for a beautiful session. Also, know that I make myself available to you for any style questions. You can always ask me anything!
location recommendations
When you book a full session, you will receive a Location Guide as your session date approaches. These locations are tried and true, pre-scouted locations. However, there are many locations not on the list where I would love to shoot! The Guide is not an end-all, be-all but it is important that we agree on location. Not every spot will give you the results you hope for but that's why I'm here to guide you in this decision.
trust your photographer
Maybe you are worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera. Maybe you are worried about your children or even your husband's attitude. Just trust your photographer and forget all your worries. I've always called myself a "girl's girl." If I notice something as I'm shooting, I will make an adjustment so that you look more flattering on camera. If I sense kids or dad are not excited, I'll find a way to make it fun for them. You don't have to worry - in fact, I ask you to share any of your worries about your session in my post-booking questionnaire. This is your opportunity to unload your worries onto me. Then all you have to do is show up with an open mind and have fun!
