Props and Pets
Props also add variety and creativity to a collection! They include anything you want such as umbrellas, bicycles, beach balls, lollipops, cars, soccer balls, violins, flowers, cakes, balloons, flags, picture frames, pumpkins, letters, chalkboards, holiday decor, globe lights, and so much more! Props make your sessions unique and what you use is completely up to you!
Pets? Yes please! As a mom to fur-babies myself, I know better than anyone that our pets are family. You are welcome to bring your pets as long as they are tended and cared for while the session continues (perhaps a friend can accompany you on your session so they can watch over Fido when he's not being photographed). For large animals that can't make it to the session, consider having the photo session where they can go. For example, if you want your senior photos taken with your horse we can hold the session in a field near the barn.
Inspiration
Do you use Pinterest? Pinspiration is a great place to browse through for ideas! You can find poses you like, themes you adore, ideas for what to wear, how to coordinate family attire without making it look too busy or forced, and so much more! Go ahead and create a board specifically for your photo session and pin styles you like and poses you would like to try. Also, try to think about what types of photos appeal to you most and why. Is it the lighting? The setting or theme? The more know what it is you're looking for, the easier it will be for you to replicate those styles and absolutely love the results! Once your board is created, go ahead and add me so we both know what kind of ideas you have in mind. We can also refer to this board during our session to make sure we don't miss anything!
What To Wear
Anything goes! Clothing is very important in a photograph and many people spend hours in front of a mirror planning the "perfect outfit" for a session. Also, I know a lot of mothers stress over what the whole family will wear which can take away from enjoying the entire process. Honestly? What you wear depends on the type of session you're looking for. If you're planning a beach session, you may want to consider the time of year and whether or not you plan on walking in the water (shorts and dresses can be helpful in these sessions). If you're planning a spring or fall session, the weather may not always cooperate with you so it's a good idea to dress in layers or have extra clothing items waiting in the car (just in case you need to wear rain boots instead of ballet flats or a warmer coat instead of a thin sweater). Also, if you're planning a themed session, bring clothing and props appropriate for that theme such as blue or pink balloons for a gender reveal.
Keep in mind that wearing layers adds interest and texture to your collection. Chunky sweaters, scarves, hats, boots, buttons, fun jewelry, ribbons, ruffles, ties, coats, gloves, etc. all add extra detail and will make your photos visually pop that much more. Layers can also be removed during a session so your photos don't all look the same. Bold and vivid colors will add a ton variety and impact to your photos while pastels with give more of a soft and gentle tone. Families always tend to look best in colors that blend well together (this means to coordinate colors, not for everyone to wear the same exact thing!). For example, a photo session on the beach may choose fifty shades of blue to wear including navy, cobalt, cornflower, baby blue, teal, mint green, etc. The bottom line is to wear what you are comfortable in! You have to feel good in what you wear and make sure it represents your style. You can bring multiple outfits and are welcome to change as many times as you want (all within the scheduled session time).
Perhaps it's been a while or maybe you've never had your photos taken professionally before? That's ok! If you like to plan ahead, this page is for you! If you'd rather "just wing it" that's fine too! Either way, here are a few helpful tips to think about prior to your session date!