Preparing for your session
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THE BASIC ADVICE
AVOID CLOTHING WITH LARGE LOGOS
Please avoid wearing any shirts/t-shirts with large logos that are distracting (for example a big Nike swoosh t-shirt)
AVOID NEON COLORED SHIRTS
Please avoid neon colors, especially neon shirts as neon colors tend to reflect onto faces
BRING A SECOND PAIR OF WORN-IN SHOES (ESPECIALLY FOR THE KIDS!)
Wearing a new pair of shoes to your session? Consider bringing a comfy back-up pair, especially for your child(ren). Sometimes new shoes can hurt or become incredibly uncomfortable mid-way through the shoot, and for a child this can understandably affect the fun!
EYEGLASSES & TRANSITION LENSES
Please let me know if anyone in your group wears glasses with transition lenses. When activated in sunlight, transition lenses are designed to darken in order to shade the eyes. If this is not something you desire in the end of result of your images, you or your party member can substitute with glasses with regular lenses or contacts.
LET ME KNOW IF FURRY FRIENDS ARE COMING
Pets are welcome, but please let me know beforehand if any four-legged family members are going to attend our session. My suggestion here would be to bring someone you trust to bring your furry friend in and out of our shots; I want to make sure your pet is kept safe and happy.
MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS WELL-FED
Please try to have everyone well-fed and hydrated before our session. Hunger usually leads to impatient and grumpy smiles for both adults and children! Often-times our shoots occur before lunch or dinner, and in that case, please just bring some photo-ready snacks such as crackers, nuts, granola bars, fruit/gummy snacks (please avoid chocolate for obvious reasons!); I am always okay if someone needs to take a break for a quick snack.
THE SAGE ADVICE
Preparing the kids
Before our session
Please tell your kids they are going to meet me. Who my name is ("Miss Pam"), what I will be doing. Encourage them to smile, but don't push it, we want them to be as real as they can be!
If you want your children to wear something special, talk with the kids beforehand, and make sure to show them what they will be wearing; don't spring it on them last second. By doing so, they can get excited about their outfit (maybe hang it up where they can see it as it may generate excitement)
Dress in warm & picture-ready layers
Even summer mornings can be cold, and typically children feel the chill before adults do so they may quickly become miserable! Dress in layers and bring coats, scarves and hats/winter hats as necessary. Please understand that if your child is cold, they will not want to take off their layers and as such they will be photographed in these items, so bring picture-ready outerwear and accessories.
Come "hair-prepared" for your session
There’s a good chance that medium/long/curly hair will end up in your child’s eyes so some time may be spent pausing mid-shoot to adjust hair. This is fine (especially during candid moments!) however if you’d prefer to not fuss over your child’s hair, my recommendation is to come “hair-prepared”: pin hair around the face back with tasteful accessories (bows, head bands, etc.), or pull hair back via braids or ponytails. Some children don’t like adornment in their hair – that’s okay. But don’t hesitate to bring something just in case, you never know, your little one may suddenly decide to wear it when the time comes for photos!
Hats are great, but make sure they fit well
Hats for kids and babies are adorable (and functional) for sessions held on cold winter days and super sunny summers. That being said, please be aware that they can slip and cover your loved ones’ eyes/face, so choose well-fitted hats that do not obscure the eyes. If that isn’t possible, ensure that the hat can be taken easily on or off for the shot.
Dress and skirt lengths should be around knee to ankle length
Not for prudish reasons! Miniskirts may ride up which will result in constant adjusting, especially if we’re sitting on blankets or the ground. They are super cute though, so wearing tights under a mini skirt for you or your child will work. Tights under skirts is also a good idea if the weather calls for it in order to keep those little legs warm.
Travel Light
Try to travel with as little accessories as possible; you won’t be needing to bring your purse with everything but the kitchen sink in it! One bag per family that we can place to one side is advised – in it you can keep small items that are needed for young children, as well as keys, wallets and cellphones. If you or anyone in your party carries their cellphones in their pants or jacket pockets, please be aware that this may leave bulges in your pockets that will likely show up in your photos. If this bothers you, don’t be afraid to toss your cellphone in the bag!
WHAT TO WEAR
Outfit Selection
Complementing and Co-ordinating each other
My advice is to coordinate your families outfits rather than wear “matching” outfits. Don’t be afraid to contrast complementary in-season colors and mix textures and patterns; keep in mind to always keep it tasteful and cohesive, and above all else, in your own style.
The best way to start is to find an outfit or a piece that you or one of your family members loves to wear (an outfit that makes you/them feel good) and start finding complementary colors/textures for tops/bottoms that work with that piece. There are endless possibilities, I've included pictures examples from my own sessions below.
CONTRAST COMPLEMENTARY COLORS
Find a palette and choose pieces that respect the palette! Palettes can be co-ordinated with the season
MIX TEXTURES AND PATTERNS TASTEFULLY
Tip: To effectively showcase patterns and textures, it is advisable to have one member wear an item with a solid color
COORDINATE COLORS
You can choose a themed color, but there is no need to be matchy-matchy. Instead, choose a color, like blue, and have everyone pick up on the color in either varying shades of the color, or in different parts of their wardrobe
ADD TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR
Adding tasteful pops of color creates visual interest. Choose a bright color (or two!) that will accent your party and the landscape around you.
My best advice...
If you are someone who loves coordinated outfits for your session, please don't ever hesitate to contact me for advice; I love getting texts of outfit options that I can help you choose between. If you prefer your everyday clothes for our session, that's awesome too! The last thing I'd want to see is your family in clothing that isn't "you" and that they aren't comfortable in. Whether you are wearing special outfits chosen for our session, or if you are wearing your everyday clothes, trust me when I say that your clothing choices are always secondary to capturing your happy and loving faces!
