What to Expect from a Family Photography Session
Im Booked. Now What?
You’ve booked your session with me! Now what?? You must be wondering what to expect before, during, and after your session! This blog post will go over everything you need to know!
Before Your Session
Before your session, you are going to want to prepare for the session to come. Below is a checklist on what to do before your session, so that your session goes smoothly!
Plan your outfits at least two weeks in advance! This is important, especially if you are ordering clothes online. You want to have enough time for them to be delivered, along with time to find a replacement if something doesn’t look good or fit! When you book your session with me, I include styling assistance. I love styling and I highly suggest you work with me to coordinate your family’s clothing! It’s even included in your session fee! Take advantage, as this really makes a difference in the art we create together!
Book any hair/makeup/nail appointments ahead of time. If you are going to get any of these services done, book them ahead and plan for the afternoon before your evening shoot. You definitely don’t need any of these, but some like to do it! If you are going to do any of them, nails are the most important believe it or not!
Pick your location. Im here to help! Lets decide on the vibe you want for your session. Some idea’s are the beach, a nature preserve, downtown delray for an urban feel, Miami Design District or Wynwood for an artistic urban look, the rooftop of a parking garage, a Barn, random buildings we find, or your home.
Think about certain props, mementos, or photograph ideas you know you want captured. Some family’s bring a special stuffed animal, or a heirloom quilt. Some people know that they want a very specific photograph taken. If you have any ideas, be sure to run them by me in advance!
Don’t put pressure on your family to perform. Tell them “you will be hanging out with your friend “Brooke” and she is going to take your photos, and we are going to have fun!” Keep it light hearted and simple. Too much pressure may cause things to back fire!
Make sure everyone gets a good night of sleep the night before!
What To Bring To Your Session
Pack a bag. Have a small bag that you pack with snacks, snacks and more snacks! (And candy If you think you may need to get a bribe in). However, don’t tell your kids about the candy before the session. Save it for when they start getting fatigued before you pull out the candy card! Also make sure the snacks/treats won’t stain the lips or fingers!
A change of clothes for the kids, in case anyone gets wet, dirty or muddy. I love when kids interact fully with their environment, and am excited to photograph them playing in the water or running through the grass. To make the entrance back into your car a little less stressful, you might want to bring a change of clothes, maybe even a towel!
A beer. Just kidding! (kind of!) But seriously, if a beer will loosen up hubby a bit beforehand, I totally support it :) Whatever makes this experience more enjoyable for all!
How To Pose During Your Session
No need to ‘Cheese’! I’m chasing natural interactions and unposed moments. I strive to capture and encourage authentic expressions. No need to coax your children into fake smiles!
On a related note, children around the ages of 5-10 will sometimes try to “cheese” in the photos, because that’s what they’ve been conditioned to do when they see a camera. Help me create more natural smiles by playing, and being goofy with your kiddos!
Laugh, run, play, tickle, hold hands and snuggle. This is how we will capture REAL moments! Stay close together, and connect physically as often as possible.
You don’t all have to be looking at the camera. Actually, I usually encourage the dads to NOT look at the camera. I like my dads to focus on their partners and their kids. Except for those couple of classic shots where everyone is looking at the camera.
If you are unsure, or nervous, just smile and look at your family in awe.
Stay and stand close together. Connection is key. Connect to your family as much as possible, don’t worry about me ;)
Take breaths, don’t feel pressured. Don’t stress about everything going perfectly. Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. Also, if any of the kids get fussy, that’s OK. Just comfort them, snuggle them, these will still be beautiful images.
Expect me to move you around to different spots. The more variety we get, the bigger your gallery and the more great shots we have the opportunity to create together!
After Your Session
After your session, Ill be working hard. This is when all the behind the scenes work occurs. Ill be working hard to cull your best photos, eliminating blurry photos, blinks or duplicates.
Your gallery is typically ready within 2-3 weeks.
Pick Your Favorites Once you receive your watermarked gallery, you can “heart” your favorite photos. Any hearted images above the amount included in your package, will be available for purchase. I will let you know the amount you owe on your additional images, and once received, I will then send you a new gallery without the watermark, where you can readily download your images to your computer. Also available in your online gallery, you can conveniently order high quality prints, metal prints, and canvases.
Lastly, ENJOY YOUR PHOTOS! I am passionate about printed photography, because then you can see it and appreciate it in your home every single day. My home is filled with creative wall galleries taken over the years of me and my kiddos, by professional family photographers that I hired! They are my most treasured items, gifts to me and my family that will live on for generations to come! Honestly the BEST investment I have ever made.
I can’t wait to help you create something unique, timeless, and meaningful, just for your family.
Thank you for choosing me to be your trusted photographer. I can’t wait to connect with your family and leave you with beautiful artwork you will treasure for years to come.
