preparing for your family session

Preparing your family for their session can be daunting - getting everyone dressed, hair combed, faces cleaned and shoes on - I'm exhausted even typing this! Let me walk you through how to prepare in a way that will save you time and maybe even your sanity. The secret to ensuring that you are ready for your session is all about leaving your self the time to plan!

Styling your outfits, hair and make up

COORDINATING outfits for the whole family
Be sure to plan your outfits (including shoes and accessories) at least a week before your session. Here are some general rules of the road for making picture-perfect fashion decisions...

When coordinating your family's wardrobe, a good place to start is to choose a palette of 3-4 colors and mix it up. You want a cohesive feel, but without being overly ‘matchy-matchy’. Picture a page in a clothing catalog where everyone coordinates, but nobody stands out more than the rest. Another suggestion is to have mom pick out her outfit first and then coordinate everyone else's outfits based on hers. Visit my pinterest page for more ideas!

I love a more casual look for men - a sweater or a dressed down shirt (solid - no logos!) works well - but the casualness should coordinate with the look of your partner's outfit. If one partner is dressed up and one dressed down, you lose cohesiveness to your overall look.

I'm a big fan of a soft, neutral palette - light pinks, off-whites, light greys and blues all work really well together. A general rule to follow is that light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds, and dark clothes look better on darker backgrounds. I typically shoot against a lighter background during my sessions. Also, always take into account the location that you've selected for your shoot - as well the weather. If we are outdoors and the weather is cooler, you will want to dress in layers (nothing too bulky) - I prefer sweaters to bulkier jackets. Arrange your outfits ahead of time on a big bed, including accessories. Make sure all clothes are clean and pressed and on hangers a few days before your session.

BABIES and KIDS can be bolder with color and style.
CHOOSE:
• to show off their fun style with layered clothing
• non-fussy, casual clothes that keep kids comfortable and that allow for a natural expression of their real personalities
• make sure their clothes fit them at their current size - don't choose anything that we need to wait for them to grow into

AVOID:
• big bows and too much hair product
• any sort of makeup
• baggy clothes
• logos and busy patterns

ADULTS
CHOOSE:
• clothes that flatter your body type and coordinate well with the rest of the group
• solid colors that photograph well (take into account the location you've selected)
• for women - make sure to book any color/cut appointments far enough in advance to ensure you will get on your salon's schedule
• for boys/men - if you are thinking about getting a hair cut, do this at least a week before your session - let it settle a bit (trust me, it photographs better than new cuts!)
• layered clothing is fabulous and gives us lots of room to create different looks - it also works well with our ever-changing Colorado weather
• shoes should be clean and stylish and coordinate well with the look of your outfit
• to have natural makeup that is just slightly heavier than usual

AVOID:
• dressy clothes, unless everyone is going to be dressed in a more formal way (dresses are ok as long as your partner isn't dressed in a t-shirt)
• sleeveless shirts and shorts, which tend to not flatter adults; the caveat to this is if you have really toned arms, then by all means, go sleeveless!
• logos and bold, busy patterns
• bright white athletic shoes (please!)

What to bring to your session

On the day of your session it's a good idea to bring the following with you:
• water to keep everyone hydrated
• favorite toys and mementos that are special to your children and/or pets
• children & pets are not fans of delayed gratification - make sure to bring snacks to your session that are not messy, but that will keep your child/pet engaged and happy
• For outdoor sessions - bring one or two blankets that you won't mind laying on the ground or having in your pictures. Neutral colored blankets and Pendleton blankets both work well.