What to Expect During Your Session
What to Expect During Your Session
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As a lifestyle photographer, my goal is to capture as many real and candid emotions as possible. We want to move, laugh, play and have as much fun as possible . The more prepared and relaxed you are, the better your photos will turn out.
It's my job to capture you as authentically as possible and help ease any worries you may have about your session . Let's go over some of the common concerns that I've had past clients express before and during a photography session.
1. "I'm worried my children won't cooperate." I've photographed many kids over the past years, including my own toddler and I can tell you that there are very few that will perfectly still for the "perfect" photo. With my families, I love to create the perfectly imperfect images. I will encourage families to run, play, tickle, laugh, hug and cuddle during our time together. We might stop for a few posed images but I want to capture movement and joy in the images that I deliver to you. My goal is to give you images that invoke emotion and the connection between your family.
Quick Tips- This will seem simple, but try your best to make sure you kids are well rested and well fed before your session. Make sure you don't schedule your session during their nap time or meal time. This rule applies to adults too, don't show up to your session on an empty stomach!
2. "I'm not comfortable in front of the camera." / "My spouse is not comfortable in front of the camera." During my sessions, I try to limit the amount of time that you're actually looking at the camera. I know that staring into the camera and being forced to smile can feel very awkward. This is why I want you engaging with your spouse, playing your family and hardly even thinking about the camera. Allow yourself to be silly and playful and your images will truly capture your beautiful family.
Quick Tips- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for your session to ensure you aren't arriving on location feeling stressed and overwhelmed because that stress can translate into your images.
-If you are able to have your hair and makeup professionally done, consider going out before your photos to pamper and prepare yourself for the session. Mom is typically the one running around getting everyone ready, and having your hair and makeup done can help you feel more relaxed and confident during the portrait session.
3. "I have no idea what to wear for our portrait session." - As your photographer, I am here to tell you that your wardrobe is extremely important to the way your final images will turn out. The keys are colors, texture and movement. I will give you some tips to having a well-styled family "look". My number one suggestion is for the ladies is to wear a maxi dress or long flowing skirt, this style is very flattering and all of the movement in the dress will help yield beautiful images.
I am always here to help guide you as you choose the wardrobe for your session so that you can show up feeling confident that your family will look amazing in your images. I will go over a few tips here but if you ever need more guidance, we can go over options together. This doesn't mean that your whole family needs to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe, I'm a huge fan of "shopping" your own closet, thrifting or possibly borrowing clothes from friends and family to create a cohesive family "look" for your portraits.
Choose Coordinating Colors, Not Matching
Choose Coordinating Colors, Not Matching
Start by choosing a family color palette with two or three colors and then use variations of those colors to build a wardrobe.
If the colors are all the same, everyone tends to blend together but if the colors and patterns vary too much, the the images will start to look too busy.
My best advice is to stick with a more neutral color palette because neutrals are very flattering to photograph and make for timeless photos.
It Is best to avoid clothing that has lettering and graphics, which tend to distract from the images.
Dresses, Texture and Layers
Dresses, Texture and Layers
Moms and Ladies, my advice is to choose a beautiful flowing dress that you feel comfortable and confident in. Choosing your outfit first gives you a good starting point and you can use your outfit as a base to build the rest of the family's wardrobe.
Using patterns like plaids, stripes and florals that you can mix, match and layer with will help bring some texture and depth to the image. You can add sweaters, cardigans and accessories to achieve this. This tip works best In the cooler months when you need more layers to stay warm.
Dressing Kids
Dressing Kids
For the littles - make sure their diapers and undergarments are covered with bloomers or spandex shorts If they are wearing a dress. This tip is very important because we typically do some poses that involve running and playing.
Make sure their clothes fit properly so they aren't pulling and tugging on their outfits during the session. Double check to make sure that the pants and shirts are not oversized or too small so that their clothing looks as good as possible.
It is a great idea to try on all outfits a few days before your session to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.
Quick Tips:
When in doubt, keep it simple. If you don't feel comfortable mixing patterns, add some texture and stick with solid neutral tones & shades.
The goal is a cohesive look, we do not want everyone to match perfectly.
Adding accessories will add some extra flair. Mixing in hats, bow-ties, vests and jackets for layers can really help pull the looks together.
For pattern mixing, we have a few suggestions - Pick two types of patterns. For example, the photo above shows a floral pattern dress mixed with some plaids.
Vary the size and the boldness of the patterns to avoid clashing. If a floral dress is incorporated, it would be considered a bold pattern and can be mixed with a more subtle plaid in the other outfits.
I hope these tips help make preparing for your portrait session a little less stressful and I am always available to chat and help fine-tune your wardrobe.
Locations: Inspiration for your session's backdrop
Beach locations : Lewes beach -- Roosevelt Inlet in Lewes - -Cape henlopen state park --James farm ecological park -- Broadkill beach --Gordons Pond beach
Wooded locations : Killens Pond state park -- Abbott's Mill nature Center -- Downtown Historical Lewes --Gordons pond trail -- Downtown Milford - Sand Hill Trails
Garden locations : Lavendar Fields at Warrington Manor (additional fee) -- Lewes Historical Society/ Downtown Lewes
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