Planning for your
Tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, managing kids and more!
session
Hey There!
We are SO freaking excited for your session!!!!
Our ultimate goal is that no matter what type of session you're having with us, that you feel comfortable and at ease!!! This won't be your JC Penny's photo shoot -- we hope that you're coming prepared to breathe a little and let loose!!!
We're confident that you're going to have such an amazing time and we can't wait to give you hugs!!!! Or air hugs, whichever you prefer.
We've put together some information that'll help you prepare for your session but absolutely let us know if you still have any other questions!!!
xoxox
sharon
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute three year old.
The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay.
Managing
little ones
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few treats and 'bribes' for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
We’re incredibly patient with kids and that we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to 'cooperate'.
You’ve likely realized this by now, but babies can be a bit messy. It’s always a good idea for all members of the family to plan an extra outfit just in case.
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This is a season when you might not quite feel like yourself. A fresh outfit you feel good in goes a long way. We’ve found longer dresses that are nursing friendly are often the most flattering. Brands like Petal and Pup and Morning Lavender tend to have quite a few of these at affordable prices. Session days are also a good day to take others up on that offer to help. You are one hard working mama and if you have time to nap, shower and get ready in peace, you’re going to love these images a lot more.
Dear Mama,
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While your entire house doesn’t need to look like it’s ready for Pinterest, we do recommend cleaning up the nursery and any places you think we might shoot. This might include your bed, the couch or a spot in your home with beautiful natural light. But truly, that's all you need to prep. We know you're in the throes of newborn life and we won't judge the pile or dishes in the sink or baby paraphernalia that has suddenly taken over the house.
Preparing your home
backup Outfits
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before we arrive. This helps ensure that they are ready to go as soon as we arrive. However due to the tiny size of their tummies, it’s also likely that they’ll need another feed (and maybe a diaper change) during the shoot.
Please don’t worry about pausing the session to feed your little one. This is normal! We plan extra time for newborn sessions.
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Preparing your Baby
If we’ll be photographing the newest members of your family, the following tips below will help ensure everyone is happy throughout the session.
newborns
We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” our clients have in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Depending on the collection you've chosen we love to end our sessions just before sunset... earlier if there is a chance of heavy clouds. We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first hour after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot and is available during certain times of the year.
We schedule sessions during what we believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Sunset & Bedtimes
In the warmer months, sunset sessions often fall during the witching hour. They may even fall during or after bedtime.
As much as we love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", we're like going to need to throw off your schedule a bit.
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, we recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
If your session takes place in the fall, while it might be tempting to dress your little one in a pumpkin costume to eternally remember the cuteness that babies in costumes in giant piles of leaves holds, we advise keeping attire a little more neutral.
Yes, that image would crush it on the ‘gram, but if you’re hoping to print these images for your walls, will you always want to see that pumpkin costume?
The same holds true for images taken for Christmas cards. While those red and green sweaters might be worthy of the Minted hall of fame, are you really going to want to look at photos of yourselves in holiday sweaters in the summer?
If you’re looking for outfit advice, feel free to send ideas our way! We’re happy to help you curate a wardrobe that not only feels coordinated, but that looks beautiful for years to come.
And when it comes to editing, pay attention to tan lines, tags, strings (and the like) because we do not edit these things out! Our goal is to keep things looking as natural as possible!
Seasonality
things to keep in mind:
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If your session takes place during the winter, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. Pocket warmers and thick socks hidden in cute boots can help keep everyone warm without showing up in images.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
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Even though Spring begins in March, we typically don’t begin shooting for another 6 weeks because the weather in our area is still pretty chilly. When we schedule spring dates, we love shooting in a place where the sun isn't hitting the neon green grass as harshly - not quite our style!
Fresh Flowers & Sunny Days
Spring
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In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 8pm. If you’re taking your photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
"If it could only be like this always"
Summer
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Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up quickly! Fall also matches our editing style beautifully!
"and autumn a mosaic of them all."
Autumn
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
We know that some family members just happen to be furry and we love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
We recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have someone available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, we recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
MANAGING
fur babies
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When picking outfits we recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or neutral tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
And always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
Colors to avoid: Neon colors, Royal Blue, Sunshine Yellow, Teal
Colors to wear: Mauve, Peach, Plum, Burgundy, Olive, Denim Blue, Mustard, Gray, Black, Creams, and other soft and neutral colors
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass or sand, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.... or opt to go barefoot!
We love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, neutral colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Be sure to steer away from logos too!
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress.
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in!
Speaking of dresses, for beach sessions, we've found that dresses with a ruffled 'flap' that lays across the shoulders and chest is NOT ideal, as the wind often picks it up and flips the material!
Accessories
for the ladies
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
Pink Blush (Maternity)
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace Boutique
Client Favorites
Able
Zara
Mango
Nothing Fits But
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane
for the ladies
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We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, we recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok. We can recommend our trusted stylists or you can even add it on to your collection!
Please don't get any spray tans or waxing done a few days before your session, ESPECIALLY if you've never done either! OH, and this is not the time to try a new hairstyle or hair cut either!
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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You can’t go wrong with a fitted solid color tee. Or consider layering a blazer with jeans with this look.
Bowties are always a fun idea too if he's up for it!
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, neutral colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors reflect on your skin.
Blazers or solid color jackets are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
for the gents
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Client Favorites
for the gents
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Lululemon
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
Kate Quinn
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Rylee & Cru
Noralee
Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Roolee
Alice & Ames
Favorite Shops
Smallable
Fin and Vance
Little & Co.
Briar Baby
Jaime Kay
Childhoods Clothing
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson
for the kids
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LOOSE CLOTHING
be sure to wear loose clothing so there are no indentions on your skin in the event you're showing some skin. (i.e. don't wear a tight bra throughout the day if you plan to wear a strapless dress for your session)
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drink water
please don't forget to drink plenty of water - and there's no need to skip a meal... bring snacks and water for kids.
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jam out
play some of your favorite tunes that either mellow out your nerves OR get you fired up and feeling confident!
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be on time
remember that we may have sessions or appointments after you - so if you are late, you are cutting in to your shoot time. give yourself enough time to get ready and arrive a couple minutes early.
DAY OF
preparing for the
It’s typical for us to schedule two session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and we’ve found that the best way to make sure our families get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
We’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. We know it takes a lot of time to get ready for session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let us know what works best for your family, but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance... for OBX summer beach sessions, we coordinate a 'call' time as the weather can change last minute.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If we tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because we know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
Don't be surprised if we start asking your questions during your session too! We're simply creating moments of connection for you and whomever your session is with! Try to remain present and intentional during your time together!
"What do I do
with my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), we have a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
Extended Family Sessions
Tips for larger groups
You'll receive a session questionnaire, please include all family groupings so that while we’re shooting, we know who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw us a family tree (although bonus points if you do!) something like this would work well:
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Grandma - Jean
Grandfather - Max
Sam (son of Jean + Max) and Tina.
Their Kids: Jason (10), Julianne (5) and Jack (2)
Elizabeth (son of Jean + Max) and Paul
Their Kids: Austin (9) and Claire (6)
When it comes to choosing outfits for larger families, we recommend coordinating with one another ahead of time. Photographs typically come out best when families choose a color palette or a few colors over wearing the exact same thing (think: the white polo and khaki photo uniform of the 90’s.)
Outfits that feel a bit special (your “Sunday best”) but that you still feel comfortable in generally result in the best images.
If you need any advice in this area, just let us know!
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When it comes to choosing a location for larger groupings, there are a few extra elements to keep in mind. Locations should be easy to access, limit walking and be safe for young children and also include adequate parking for all family members. (We have suggestions, don't worry)
While we can get away with shooting small families in a downtown setting, for larger families, we’ll need a bit of space to spread out. Family homes with larger yards (and open shade), parks and beach settings typically work best for extended families.
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Following the session, we’ll deliver a gallery with the edited images. Please let us know ahead of time who should have access to this gallery. If you send us a list of the email addresses, we can set those up at the time of delivery to give all necessary parties access, or the 'booking' party can simply forward the gallery as well!
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Family A
Family A Kids
Family A Kid 1
Family A Kid 2
Family A Parent 1 + Kids
Family A Parent 2 + Kids
Family A Parents
Family A Parents + Grandparents
Grandparents + Family A
Grandparents + Family A Kids
Grandparents
Family B
Family B Kids
Family B Kid 1
Family B Kid 2
Family B Parent 1 + Kids
Family B Parent 2 + Kids
Family B Parents
Family B Parents + Grandparents
Grandparents + Family B
Grandparents + Family B Kids
Everyone
Example Extended Family Shot List
Please note that this list is just a starting point and we always come prepared with a shot list to help keep things running smoothly! All extended family sessions include two photographers to cut down on the amount of time needed while also being able to deliver as many groupings and candids as possible!
We rely heavily on our ability to pose clients and help them feel ‘confident’ so that we get everyone looking beautiful IN camera. Tattoos, peeling skin from tanning, clothing tags, hair ties... etc will NOT be removed. In the event you have a special circumstance that may require editing, please contact us directly.
our images
Do you edit
We’re big believers that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: fifteen or so years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
BRING YOUR IMAGES TO LIFE WITH
prints
Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way.
Albums
Our frames are the perfect way to fill your walls with memories... some families even opt for double prints in their custom frame! We also offer a variety of print sizes!
Prints & Wall Art
Details for ordering will be delivered via email
Easy to hang and they also work great on little easels placed around the home. Be sure to ask me about gallery blocks!
Canvases
Have you reviewed everything but still have some lingering questions! Feel free to check out the FAQs page again or shoot us an email!
