Preparing for your family session
Hi, friend! I'm so thrilled to have you in front of my lens!
I know these sessions can feel like a lot of pressure, especially with children being unpredictable. I've been in your shoes! I'll be coaching and encouraging y’all the whole time so it’s as easy and comfortable as possible, and we can really set ourselves up for success with a little preparation beforehand.
As you read through this guide, it may seem like I’m giving you lots of things not to do. I promise my intention isn’t to be restricting. I want you to feel like yourselves, for sure. After years of sessions with lots of families, I’ve been able to narrow down what really looks best in photos and what doesn’t, and what helps achieve photos you’ll love long-term. It’s my hope that you were drawn to my work because of a certain style - following these tips just helps ensure that you’ll get the same style & look from your photos that’s evident in the work of mine you’ve already seen!
I am an open book and always here to give my honest opinions on wardrobe options, so don’t hesitate to text me if you’re unsure on outfits! We’ll make sure you and your family look and feel great.
-Kaitlyn
THE PORTRAIT GUIDE
Selecting Outfits
Styles come and go, but certain types of clothes just look more timeless, photograph better and enhance the overall look of your photos. If you're having trouble deciding what to wear, text me! I'm happy to send suggestions and give honest feedback on outfit ideas. Because changing clothes takes time and interrupts the flow of the session once everyone’s in the groove, we'll stick to one set of outfits max for mini sessions and two for full sessions.
CLOTHING Do's and don'ts
The name of the game is coordinating neutrals. Subtle/simple patterns on one or two family members looks great, but for the most part, I recommend sticking to coordinating solids.
DO stick to light neutral colors as the base for your outfits. Cream, oatmeal, sage green, chambray, blush, light blue, taupe, khaki, light gray, light pink, olive green, tan - the ideal color palette is earthy tones in soft shades of khaki, cream, green, blue or blush. Avoid red, maroon and black. Soft and heathery colors are the name of the game here and truly work best for my style of shooting & editing.
Mamas, texture is key. I recommend a loose, flowy dress in a solid color or with a soft, very subtle pattern. Some of my favorite boutiques for gorgeous, well-priced dresses that flatter all sorts of bodies are Baltic Born and Petal & Pup. Not feeling a dress? Consider a chunky cardigan, cozy sweater, a jumpsuit, or a skirt and sweater combo. Jeans in a light wash paired with a linen, gauzy or textured top never fails either.
Dads, opt for an untucked button-down, a soft sweater in a pale color, or a nicer light-colored solid tee or henley, with jeans or khaki chinos. Banana Republic and Untuckit always have great options for button-downs, especially ones meant to be worn untucked. Buck Mason has a good selection of nice henleys and you can’t beat J.Crew for chambray.
DO try to have more solids than patterns to keep things cohesive. For stripes and plaids, the simpler and fewer colors, the better. Same with florals! Dainty in size + subtle in contrast helps keep florals from being visually overwhelming.
DON'T wear golf shirts. Nothing against golfers, but golf shirts just do not photograph well, and polyester has a sheen to it that looks out of place next to other materials.
DON'T wear graphic tees, shorts, flip flops, ball caps, or athletic shoes (shorts for kiddos are fine though!). Go with leather shoes or boots for dad, nice sandals or booties for mom. For the kids, close-toed shoes (leather or neutral) or nice sandals are perfect.
THE DETAILS
Double check the little things: Because you’ll notice them later. Haircuts for the boys, nail touch-ups for mom, etc. Moms, you’ll want to test your makeup in natural light (by a window) and I don’t recommend spray tans as they tend to photograph orangey no matter what. Natural is best!
Clothing tip: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to your session and change little ones into their outfits when you get there to avoid wrinkles, spills, stains, etc. Have Dad wear a comfy shirt on the way and change right before, too!
Parents: Please, please please do not stress about getting your kids to look at the camera and smile. That's what I’m there for! Avoid scolding or getting onto them about smiling - you want to be on their team! If you just concentrate on being silly with them (and being patient - remember, they’re nervous too), that's when the magic happens. I always try to get several of everyone looking at the camera smiling, but lots of candids/movement/snuggles, too. If you have toddlers, it always helps to have a few of their favorite songs, characters and stories in mind. I don’t recommend bringing out toys or snacks, especially during mini sessions, as these things tend to backfire when it’s time to take them away. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve for little ones, so just try to keep a positive, optimistic attitude. I promise no matter how chaotic it feels, we’re getting great shots along the way.
DO look for clothing with texture for everyone, especially in colder months. Chambray, corduroy, suede, wool, chunky knits, velvet - these are all great and really help elevate the whole look. Softness is key.
DO iron or steam everything beforehand, and keep any outfits you bring with you on hangers to avoid wrinkles.
DO accessorize and add jewelry, if that’s your thing, but make sure to take hair ties and Apple watches off for photos.
The Takeaways: Soft colors and textures. Earthy tones. Keep it simple. Be patient and silly with your kiddos, know that toddler antics don’t bother me one bit, and let me worry about smiles. Embrace the chaos and I promise we’ll get beautiful images along the way.