A timeline to prep for your session

The when is just as important as what you're wearing, so let's start with that. Here is a no stress schedule for your family photo session. Take what works for your family, leave out what doesn't!

1 month + before

  • Book with your photographer!
  • Determine what type of location you'll want to shoot at. (city/nature setting)
  • Purchase clothing and have everyone try things on.


1-2 weeks before

  • Schedule any hair appointments.
  • Practice your hair style.
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid peeling/burnt skin.
  • Work with your photographer to decide on a specific location.


1 day before

  • Hang all clothes + jewelry in a designated location. Wipe down everyones shoes.
  • Set aside any props you want to include in your photos.
  • Paint nails or take off any chipped polish.
  • Shower, shave, drink water, sleep well.


Day of Session

  • Eat something before your session & bring dry snacks for little ones.
  • Bring a water bottle
  • Play fun music in the car that puts the family in a good mood.



Step 1: Before you wear it make sure...

  1. You and your family members look like YOU.
  2. It is comfortable. Don't wear clothes that don't fit or are itchy.
  3. Dress for the weather. You don't want bright red cheeks in the cold or drips of sweat in the heat.
  4. Shop your closets first. Don't buy all new (unless you really want to)

Step 2: Choose a color schemes.

Warm

yellow - orange - red


These colors are best with winter or fall backgrounds. Deeper versions like Maroon, burnt orange, and mustard photograph beautiful. I recommend steering away from neons or bright versions of these colors.

Cool

green - blue - purple


These colors are best with spring and summer backgrounds. I recommend steering away from neons or bright versions of these colors.


Neutral

browns - cream - white - black


These colors look stunning in all settings. They also pair well with other schemes.

I recommend adding some neutrals into your outfits.

Complimentary

light and dark - patterned and solid


Creating complimentary looks will help your images pop and make posing simpler too! If Mom is in white with a pink pattern, put Dad in a dark solid shirt. If little sisters are in solid dark blue, put big brother in light blue with stripes or a jean jacket.

Step 3: Lay it ALL out.

Pick 1 outfit that is a must. Is it your daughters pink dress, a fun printed shirt for dad, etc.?

Built everyone's tops off of that outfit. Choose colors inside of that item or that fit into the scheme along with it.

Once you have tops layed out, time to look at bottoms. Neutrals are always a good way to break up a row of jeans.

Finally shoes, and jewelry.


When in doubt, send a photo of your outfits laid out to your photographer! We love to help with this part.

three sisters leaning against a old white fence with fall leaves falling in the background

Warm Colors

three sisters smiling and posing for the camera. standing in a greenery arch in the summer. Wearing blue and white.

Cool Colors

Newborn baby girl yawning in her moms arms. wearing a pink bow. Mom is smiling into her cheek, wearing glasses.

Neutrals

6 month old baby girl in her mom's arms. Mom is smiling into her cheek. Pink flowers surround them.

Complimentary

A note on sessions with kids

Your kids may behave differently than you expect. Some kids love every second of it. Others cry, giggle, act super silly, pout, and everything in between. THIS IS NORMAL. 

I have been working with kids forever, and have two of my own. Here is what we both need to do to keep those kids smiling and giving us beautiful pictures for the entire session.


  • I let the kids lead the session as much as possible. This helps them feel invested in what we are doing and keeps them focused. 
  • I may ask parents or siblings to play a game, dance or sing to make littles laugh. Even if you feel silly DO IT ANYWAY. Kids love to see the big people in their lives having fun, it will help them have fun. 
  • Instead of telling them to smile, say cheese, or 'show their real smile'. Try doing or saying something silly. Kids tend to lock up when they are on the spot and told to smile.