Families with Children

In my years of taking family pictures I have seen all kinds of families. The tone of the shoot is always different and the family photo session is a lot like real every day life of a family. Full of love and craziness. Their are many personalities in a family and when we capture them all it is a challenge to make everyone in the group appear to be their best. This challenge is what makes a great end product so valuable and rewarding. I have figured out many tricks that I will use to make sure we are all having fun and looking great. Now they all might not work but that is why we will try different ideas. There are several things that will make the shoot go smoother that your family members can help me out with.
Wear clothes that keep the focal points on the faces and not the clothes. Choose neutrals, earth tones or blacks/white clothes.  Avoid logos on tops and bottoms. Choosing a tone that accents the eye color can also be interesting. Don’t worry about everyone wearing the same color as much as making sure the colors blend and are not so different that they distract from the faces. If you would like a seperate outfit change for when the kids have their alone shots feel free to have fun with patterns and colors for these one person shots.

Feed kids before shoot. When you are worrying about taking care to make everyone look great (including yourself!) sometimes this gets overlooked. Even if they have been fed, packing a snack or drink can stop whining and finish the shoot with smiles.

Something I have noticed that can make a session go from good to great is a fun Dad. A relaxed Dad who is “up” for a family photo session can really set the tone.

Bring a jacket or a sweatshirt to put on between shots in case it is chilly. It does look better to not be bundled up in a photo but if a little one gets a chill it can bring the shoot to an early end.

Put Vaseline or Chapstick on lips. Dry, cracked lips can ruin a smile and a shot. Bring some along for the lickers!

Tend to fingernails and toes as they may be in a shot. I have three boys, I know they don’t stay clean for long but at least we can try!

Show your kids the portfolio of photos so they realize what we are doing. If they see how great they will look. They will be more excited to pose!

If you see any images you really like we can try to do a similar shot. I also enjoy the different ideas people have, so feel free to share your visions. If

you want to put it all in my hands, that works too.

The images will be so worth the time and effort, and you will be able to relax and have fun while we capture the beauty and love that is your family.

I strongly suggest parents are in the shots with the kids. You are your child’s favorite play thing! I can get more and better shots if parents are playing and holding the kids.

Infant Photo Shots

Infant shots- Oh, how I love taking these! Infant shoots take patience but the final image is very much worth it.

Scheduling the shoot during a nap-time can actually be a good thing! Some of the

sweetest shots are of a sleeping baby.

A fed baby is the best subject, but we cannot always accommodate a infant’s schedule. Break times are preferable to fussy babies. A full belly is best, so if a break is needed to feed, feel free.

Lotion up any dry spots. Check the hands and feet. If I am coming to your home for the shoot make sure the room we will be shooting in is very warm so that baby will be comfortable when we expose the little toes and legs.

It is such a natural time. Keep clothing simple. Less is more here too! Even a simple white or neutral blanket is fine. No patterns as they will draw the eye away from the cuteness.

They grow up so fast it is a wonderful gift to document this special time.

Pregnancy

This is an amazing time in your life and your growing little one will love to see what you looked like with him or her growing inside. You will be so proud of yourself for documenting the beauty in natural artistic photos. Remember, you are a gorgeous woman!

This shoot is all about the belly. So wear simple clothes that emphasize the bump. I suggest black or white. Tight dresses or blouses will flaunt the growing baby. Cardigans or button down shirts can be used to show off the belly.

We can shoot outside in a natural session if you feel comfortable or in the studio.

This is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself by making sure your hair and nails are lovely. Take some time for yourself. You deserve it!

Incorporating father’s hands on the belly is a nice way to celebrate the growing family.

If the family has siblings it is nice to include them in the shoot for a few shots as well. Their excitement and curiosity are precious.

If I am shooting in your home make sure the temperature of your home is warm so that you are comfortable exposing the belly.

If you have seen images you would like to try please feel free to bring them to the shoot and we will work from that inspiration.