PREPARING FOR YOUR FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION {Mini edition}

Hi there! Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your sweet family. I would like to help prep your family as much as I can before your session day, so please read all the details below so that you can ready your family for some fun!

What to expect

Mini Sessions are SUPER FAST- about 15-20 minutes. My main focus for these sessions are only family groupings, so don’t expect anything more than this unless I suggest it. If you want more poses, this is where a full session is best. We have more time to do other groupings and poses for your family with that type of session. If you booked a mini session in the studio, it’s important for you to know that my studio space is very small- which is why I only do minis, milestones, and newborn sessions there. Be prepared for tight quarters! My goal is to capture your family in their true form. Don’t hesitate to love on your children; give them hugs, kisses, rub their cheeks, hold their hands, and don’t forget to look at them lovingly.

Prepping the kiddos

  • Arrive a little early to make sure your kiddos have time to get out and stretch their legs for a minute and get comfortable with their surroundings before your session time- Probably 10-15 minutes.

  • Bring snacks and water if you feel your kids need a little snack before or after their session.

  • DO NOT allow your children to fall asleep in the car. I promise you this never ends well. If your child needs a nap, please make sure they get it before you leave for your session.

  • Let me be your guide if you think your kids are not listening. I want your kids to be silly and feel comfortable. I will definitely let them know if I need them to rein it in.

  • If you have little ones (baby/toddler), plan to dress them on-location vs. at home. I want them to start out with the freshest clothes possible.

  • Bring hair supplies in the event you need to make quick adjustments pre-session.

  • If you booked a studio session: To avoid tracking in outdoor elements onto the set, please bring your “photo shoes” separately from your street shoes.

  • Finally, let them know that we’re here to have fun!

WEATHER

A QUICK BUT IMPORTANT NOTE: IF THE WEATHER TURNS OUT WARMER/COOLER THAN YOU ANTICIPATED WHEN PUTTING TOGETHER OUTFITS, PLEASE ADJUST WHAT EVERYONE IS WEARING. DOING A SESSION WHEN IT'S SWELTERING AND KIDS ARE OVER DRESSED IS NEVER FUN. LIKEWISE, IF A COLD FRONT COMES THROUGH UNEXPECTEDLY, PLEASE PUT SWEATERS ON YOUR CHILDREN, AS I CAN'T PHOTOSHOP OUT GOOSE BUMPS AND BLUE LIPS. I WILL MOST LIKELY CUT SESSIONS SHORT IF I THINK THE KIDS ARE TOO COLD/OVERHEATED.

IN CASE OF RAIN, I WILL BE WATCHING THE RADAR ALL DAY. IF IT DOESN'T RAIN, sessions are a go.

As you all know, weather is forever changing here in N.Y., so don’t expect me to cancel a session until 1-2 hours prior to your session time. The cancellation will depend on how long it will take for you or me to drive to the chosen location.

ILLNESS

JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE WEATHER IS THAT EVERYONE BEING PHOTOGRAPHED BE FEELING 100%. THERE ISN'T ANYTHING WORSE THAN AN UNHAPPY AND SICK FEELING CHILD- THEY ESPECIALLY DO NOT WANT TO BE IN FRONT OF A CAMERA.

AT THE FIRST SIGN THAT YOUR KIDS AREN'T WELL, PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL.


Clothing

WANT A FAIL-PROOF FORMULA?

Put most of the family in different neutral shades (i.e. ivory, gray, beige) and then add a few pops of coordinating color. See the sample palettes further down this post!

START WITH ONE PERSON.

It’s way easier to visualize the whole puzzle once you know what one piece looks like! Try starting with mom or daughter, since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints.

COMPLEMENT, DON’T MATCH.

The day of all-white shirts and khaki pants is long past! We want colors that generally complement each other: so for instance, soft colors (light blue, gray, blush) or warm colors (brown, orange, burgundy), If you want colorful images, then you should choose a more vivid color scheme for your outfits!

Generally, solids work best.

Pops of patterns can definitely look great, but if you’re looking for a fail-proof family combination, go with solids. To keep things from looking boring, include textures (think chunky knits, tulle, lace, etc). Avoid tiny prints, especially small plaid, and small stripes.

STICK TO ONE OUTFIT.

Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be! All you need for an awesome family session is one outfit for everyone. Changing outfits will take time away from your shoot and can put your kids in a grumpy mood.

CONSIDER YOUR HOME DECOR.

If you’re planning to hang your images in your living room that’s decorated in all white, you probably don’t want your clothing to be dark. If you’re hanging them in a colorful nursery, then wear vivid outfits.

PLAN FOR THE WEATHER.

Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. If you’re planning an outdoor session in November, think about coats, gloves, and hats. In the summer, dress in layers that you can easily take off if you get too hot.

DON’T FORGET SHOES!

These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B). Steer away from athletic shoes and bright white sneakers.

TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES WELL IN ADVANCE!

Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc. The kids’ clothes should work well in motion so that we can play during your session (think flying, tickling, and hanging upside down).

LET THE KIDS HAVE INPUT.

If your daughter hates wearing dresses, don’t force her to wear one for picture day. If your son thinks that bowtie is uncomfortable, ditch it. Happy kids make for happy photos!