Final Prep for Family Photos

Your family photo session is just a few days away!

LOGISTICS:

If your photos are at the studio, you have a reserved parking spot that you can find using these directions: studio location and for photos in your home, an address has been confirmed with parking info.

For outdoor locations, you should have received a google map with coordinates, parking recommendations and a specific spot to meet up. Definitely review that info now. We have already discussed weather. many times, most likely.

SERIOUS STUFF:

Is anyone in the family feeling sick? Did a family event pop up that makes it impossible to arrive on time? Reach out to the studio to cancel or reschedule. Full refunds are issued for sessions cancelled more than 24 hours in advance.

Did your little lady bump her head? Scratch her cheek? Don’t worry. Send me a photo by text to confirm but it will most likely be ‘photoshop-able’

Session times are limited to the reserved time slot on your booking confirmation. Late arrivals will result in less photos and no refund.

Have a family member tagging along to help out or to pop in a few photos? No problem! Just give me a head’s up. Lots of prep goes into accommodating a certain number of people and any last minute info you can provide will give us more opportunities for great photos!

MOST IMPORTANT STUFF:

Pack snacks and personal items. Here is a list of the essentials

Talk with everyone in the family about goals and expectations. Speak gently with little kiddos about what to expect “we are going to see our friend Jenn in a few days! Remember how I told you she was going to bring her camera?” For adult family members, ask about any specific photo requests, if there is any posing that is uncomfortable, etc. Getting your photo taken can be a very personal experience and you can feel free to share any concerns with me.

don’t bribe. We will use that as a surprise during the session. Its great to have a few different surprises prepared for the day to coax out those last few smiles!

don’t practice smiling. Instead, sing fun songs together, work on animal sounds, make silly noises or play little games like ‘Simon Says’ or ‘Eye Spy’. We want the photo session to be similar to play for natural smiles, not work.

Adults like fun, too! Plan an activity that the entire family can enjoy after session. There is a coffee shop and a brewery in the studio building…

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE SESSION:

No matter how you got there or what happened on the way, we are going to capture really great family photos. I promise!

When you arrive, you can start changing any family members who aren’t in photo clothes, feed babies, use the restroom, etc.

At the beginning of the session, we will go over our goals, if there are any outfit or background changes and go over any last minute questions or concerns. We will put away anything not needed for the photos (diaper bags, car seats, phones, electronics, empty pockets, etc.) and get down to business!

You will receive some light posing guidance but for the most part, the photo posing is natural. Every family is different and we want to capture that uniqueness, not force you into awkward poses. You will be instructed that, when in doubt, look at your partner and smile. Hug your kiddo while closing your eyes. Hold hands. Stand super, super, close. Those smiles will happen naturally!