These tips can help make your experience even better when it comes to your portraits session whether it be family, newborn or maternity.
If you're seasoned in taking professional photographs or just having your first portraits session ever, either way there can be a little bit of nerves and concerns when having your photographs taken Here are some of my best tips and recommendations when it comes to having your portraits done.
Things recommended for your Portraits Session
Come relaxed and ready to have fun!
Feel free to relax, laugh, and have a good time. Portraits are best when you are yourself. It’s important to remember - just because there is a camera pointing at you, you don’t have to look at the camera. Sometimes the most meaningful images are when you’re enjoying a moment instead of posing. I am able to get the best photos when you’re able to interact naturally. I try to keep posed formal photos to a minimum, or at least capture them quickly, especially since little ones do not have much patience! My goal is to capture you with your loved ones in the most authentic way possible. We will be having fun playing, walking and snuggling.
Wardrobe...
This goes in hand with my last tip. We will be moving around, possibly sitting on the ground, and might even find we will be walking over some distance to find our perfect photo spot for outdoor locations. Very tight-fitting clothes can make it difficult to sit or act naturally. When outdoors you will also want to have appropriate shoes on for walking. You can always bring your dress shoes along to change into once we are ready to shoot. While we are touching on clothing, I would like to recommend having undergarments that do not show through your clothing, such as spanks, braw straps, etc... Make sure your outfit works well with what's holding it all together underneath.
Get a good night's rest...
Being well-rested on the day of your session makes a big difference. We want you to look your best, and getting enough sleep the night before is an excellent first step. Young children especially work best after having a good nap during the day.
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready...
Allow yourself extra time to perfect your wardrobe, style yourself, and travel. I recommend arriving for your session a little early. You can take the opportunity to enjoy a few moments of relaxation before we begin.
Get your primping done ahead of time...
Get hair cuts/color treatments a few weeks prior to your session to make sure you are happy with the results. Nothing is worse than getting something done to your hair that you just don't love, let alone having it documented in your precious photographs, am I right?
Fake tan is AMAZING stuff, but it has its downfalls, and getting a suntan can turn into a sunburn real quick. A fresh tan may look good in person but the camera is more sensitive to skin tones, and your natural color is always more flattering in photographs. If you're going to get any kind of tan, try and do it at least a week prior to your session.
Pamper Yourself!
Ladies - getting your hair and makeup professionally done on the day of the session is a great option. If you have skills and rather do it yourself, fantastic; I do recommend making sure you add just a little extra to your normal everyday makeup. Doesn't have to be anything dramatic, we want you to look like you! I know it’s intimidating to have a camera in your face, and knowing you look amazing does wonders for helping you feel good!
Children...
If your child is young, it can take some time for them to warm up to the camera. If they are able to understand their photo is being taken, try to talk to them about it in advance to get them used to the idea. It is completely normal for them to be reserved meeting someone new and I make an effort in getting them comfortable with me before we start. Make sure your child has had a nap and is well-fed! This makes a huge difference in their mood. Favorite snacks or toys from home are welcome. Make sure to have an extra set of clothes just in case, babies tummies can be rather unpredictable. Bribery is always an option! Bring along little treats to give them as they follow instructions or even offer a fun reward they receive after the session for doing a good job listening. Ice Cream after is a fan favorite!
Pets...
Animal Lover Here!! Pets are welcome in your session when outdoors or in your home. I ask that you let me know ahead of time so that I am prepared. I recommend bringing someone along that will not be in the photos to help since we may not want to have them in every photo. Remember to bring along water for them if it will be hot outside!
Props...
Props are fun but not necessary. When we are doing your session outdoors I may bring along a blanket for sitting poses or a small wooden crate for kiddos to sit on. When in the studio we will have the area set up in a lifestyle setting with everything ready for your portraits. If there is anything you would like to incorporate, I am always open to your ideas. Please let me know ahead of time for planning.
Portraits sessions
We want your portraits session to go as smoothly as possible and following these few suggestions can definitely help with that. Remember to get a good nights rest and plenty of primping time the day of your session. Most importantly, try to come relaxed and ready to have fun. If there is anything i can do to help you leading to your session, please reach out anytime!