Prepare for the shoot

Having your picture taken is a big deal. That's why you've researched multiple photographers, found whose style you like, and decided to go forward with them. Now comes the researching on what to wear, how to match outfits, how to control your kids, and all the stressful topics that go into getting ready for the session. The below topics are here to help you prepare for the shoot so when the day comes, you'll be too busy having fun and enjoying the moment that you'll forget to stress about anything.

Appearance

Emotions

pets

One of the biggest stresses for a photo shoot is "how am I supposed to look?". Be yourself. So often people will receive their photos and when they show it to someone, that person says, "whoa, that doesn't even look like you!" Don't buy an outfit you'll only wear for this shoot and then never touch again. Wear something you'll be comfortable in, that way you'll be more relaxed. Groups should wear complimenting colors. It doesn't have to be the same for everyone - Dad could wear khaki pants with a blue and white striped shirt, Mom in a white dress with a yellow belt, Daughter in a blue dress, and Son in a yellow shirt with khaki shorts.  For women, go a tad bit heavier on makeup than normal. That helps translate the features of your face better. Everyone can get a haircut, but do it AT LEAST two days before the shoot. That way it's fresh, but has had time to settle back in. Outfit changes can be fun! Bring a few outfits for each person depending on how long the shoot is. It'll look like entirely different pictures!

Don't plan out how you want the session to go. The more things planned means the more things that could go wrong according to that plan. You could see a cloudy sky instead of a sunny sky. I see a more dramatic scenery with not as hot of an experience! You could see a rainy day. I see fun splashing and colorful umbrellas. You could see your favorite location too packed for pictures. I see an opportunity for a new location to become your new favorite. More than nature, you can't control other people. Maybe your kids decided to be extra crazy today. So instead of all standing straight up, we'll do fun shots of hugging and leaning in for a kiss! We will work together to get those once in a lifetime pictures, no matter what's thrown at us. Enjoy the moment you're in because you'll never be there again! 

Your fur babies are family. So let's have them in the pictures. A few days before the session, pamper them. Whether you take them to the groomer, or bathe and brush them yourself, let them have a nice spa day! The day of the shoot, don't change their daily schedule up to the session time. Keep everything as normal as possible so their stress levels will be minimal. If they have a favorite toy or treat, bring it with you. Sometimes everyone needs a little bribing to look at the camera. 

If you have any questions, whether about the above or something else, don't hesitate to email me! I'm here to give you a fun, stress free experience!