Session Guide

I'm so excited to be working with you and can't wait to create some magic together! It's normal to feel a bit nervous about having photos taken, which is why I've created this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, getting kiddos primed and ready, and more. Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!

-Tania

Time, Light, and Location

I always aim to have the best possible light for my sessions, in order to ensure images that are consistent with my portfolio. This is why I offer a location guide of beautiful spots that are tried and true. Because the sun's position in the sky changes throughout the year and a location can look so differently depending on the season, I often like to check on my locations before a session to plan out the best spots for your photographs. This also helps me to run a session efficiently! I will always have a recommendation on the best time to begin your portrait session for whatever location you choose, but deciding on a time that is ideal for little ones must also be taken into consideration.

Generally speaking, sessions will take place when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. This usually means about 1-2 hours before sunset or after sunrise. It is important to be on time to a session in order to catch the best light. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun will become more harsh and cast shadows on your faces as it rises.

Managing Little Ones

Prep your child(ren) beforehand so they have an idea of what to expect. For some kiddos, it may be helpful to tell them you will be going on a fun little adventure and meeting a new friend named Tania instead of telling them that they will be taking photos, which can cause stress and anxiety for some kids (as well as parents)! The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your kids are to get on board.

Please make sure to feed your kids (and partner!) beforehand to ensure they are not hungry during the session. Babies in particular should be fed right before the session begins. Bringing along a non-messy snack or treat can be a good motivator for little ones as well. Particularly after nap time, some toddlers can be really grumpy until they've had something to eat (can't blame them, I'm the same)!

Plan a fun activity for afterwards like a movie night or an ice cream shop outing to celebrate a successful adventure! Putting the emphasis on spending quality time and having fun together as a family will ensure that they have positive associations with photo sessions for years to come and make the entire experience a good one.

Planning Your Outfits

Probably the biggest pain point for most clients is figuring out what to wear! With my light and airy style of editing, dark and moody colors can sometimes ruin the vibe and change the whole mood of the photos. It is my recommendation that clients avoid wearing black, navy, or any super bold colors and instead stick to a palette of soft, pale colors. However, you are always welcome to wear whatever you feel most comfortable and beautiful in! It's important that you feel like the best, most beautiful version of yourself in these photos so that looking at them will spark joy for years to come.

Style Guide - What to wear

Start with mom's outfit

I always recommend a dress, midi to maxi length, as they are most flattering for moms, especially if there are any seated shots as legs can often look awkward folded and a long flowy dress just covers all of that. I recommend selecting a dress that mom loves first, and then building the rest of the family’s outfits in complementary colors.

Choose everyone else's outfits in colors that complement mom's

I don’t recommend having everyone wear the same color. The name of the game is to complement rather than match. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or earth tones. A good rule of thumb would be to pick 3 or so colors that look good together and spread them throughout the family.

See some sample color palettes below!

If you’re looking for outfit advice, feel free to send ideas my way! I'm happy to help you select looks that will not only feel coordinated, but also look beautiful and timeless for years to come.

Add interest

Having one or two persons in the group wear a subtle print or texture generally adds interest to the photo UPLEVELS everything!

I always recommend hair accessories for little girls or a hairstyle that will keep hair out of their face to ensure we can see their beautiful faces.

Keep everything else simple

Shoes - nude sandals/heels usually go with everything and won’t pose a visual distraction. Please also consider your location when selecting footwear. Sometimes a cute ankle boot may be best. If you have any questions regarding appropriate footwear, please reach out!

Other Tips for a Successful Session

Empty your pockets and make sure nothing is on your wrist that shouldn't be there

Don't forget to remove your sunglasses as well and even consider not wearing glasses if you wear them as there may be a glare on them.

Four-legged family members

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