Family Session Guide
Your Portrait Session
My goal is for your session to feel relaxed, personal, and genuinely enjoyable. You don't need to know how to pose, have perfectly behaved children, or arrive knowing exactly what to do. I'll guide you the entire way.
This guide covers the few things worth thinking about ahead of time. But, you don't need to remember everything. I'll send reminders about the important things along the way.
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please reach out anytime.
What to Expect
Leading up to the Session
Between now and your session, I'll stay in touch and help you prepare. I'll send a few short email reminders with helpful information about what to wear, preparing your family, and what to expect. As we get closer, I'll also send the exact meeting location, parking information, and anything else you'll need to know for the day of your session.
During Your Session
Your job will be to enjoy your family while I make sure we capture the moments. I'll give enough direction that no one is wondering, What am I supposed to do with my hands? But I’ll also leave room for your family's personality and unique ways of relating to one another to show up.
We'll typically create a mixture of:
- Photographs of everyone together
- Smaller combinations of family members
- Individual portraits
- Candid and interactive moments
Don't worry about getting everyone to look at the camera or smile. Forced smiles and empty stares are not what we’re going for. I’ll give you direction and create opportunities for genuine interaction, then let those moments unfold.
After Your Session
I'll carefully select and finish the photographs that best tell the story of your session.
You'll receive an email with instructions when your gallery is ready, including where you and others can view your photographs, how to download the images, and how you can order prints or other products if you'd like them.
What to Wear
Choose clothing that feels like you, something you feel comfortable being yourself in. For families, who has the hardest time choosing an outfit they like? Start with them and then think about coordinating colors, textures, and styles, not necessarily matching outfits. Neutral and earthy colors generally photograph well, but there's no requirement to dress in a particular palette.
A few things to consider:
- Coordinate rather than match.
- Avoid large logos, graphics, and busy patterns that compete for attention.
- Layers and texture can add visual interest.
- Make sure everyone can comfortably move and play.
- Think about shoes and the terrain of your chosen location.
- Choose clothes you know you’ll feel good wearing.
Most importantly, don't turn wardrobe selection into a source of stress.
Preparing Children
It can be helpful for kids if they know what to expect but you don't need to prepare them to “behave,” “smile,” or “look nice” for the camera. I suggest the day of your session or maybe a couple of days ahead, preparing your kids by saying something like, “We’re going to meet a friend of mom/dad who is going to take some pictures of us at [location].” This can be especially helpful for younger children, helping them to feel relaxed because they know they’re meeting someone you already know and trust.
It can also help to have something fun planned afterward—a trip to the playground or ice cream, for example—so the whole experience feels like a family outing rather than an obligation. Don’t make it a reward, as we don’t want bribed behavior. Instead position it as a fun way to finish a great experience.
During the shoot you don’t need to worry about directing your kids. My wife and I have raised four, including two with autism, and I’ve worked with kids of all ages and abilities for more than 10 years. There is no expectation that they smile on command or follow instructions perfectly. I’ll give direction, but also let them be themselves. Those authentic moments are exactly what we want to capture.
Helpful tips:
- Make sure everyone’s had a snack and, if appropriate, a nap.
- It’s Colorado, so it’s always a good idea to have water on hand.
- If a child is particularly shy or anxious about new places or new people, consider bringing a comfort item like a blanket or small toy.
- Feel free to tell me beforehand about anything that would help me work well with your child.
During the session, just enjoy the time together and let me worry about getting their attention and capturing the moments.
If your child (or you) needs a break, we'll take one.
What If the Weather Doesn't Cooperate?
Colorado weather can be unpredictable. However, snow, clouds, wind, or even a storm in the distance can create beautiful conditions. If the forecast looks questionable, I'll keep an eye on it as we get closer to your session. We’ll stick to the plan if at all possible, but if conditions will make the session uncomfortable or unsafe, we'll reschedule. I’ll keep you updated if I see anything that may affect our plans.
On the Day of Your Session
The only things you need to worry about are arriving on time and enjoying the experience with your family. Here are a few tips to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
- Give yourself more time than you think you'll need.
- Have everyone use the restroom before heading out to the session.
- Arrive early. Feeling rushed can cause everyone to feel a little stressed going into the session, and because we’re working with natural light starting late can shorten your session.
- You won’t need to direct smiles or poses. I’ll take care of that.
- Be yourselves!
- There may be some chaotic moments. Just embrace it.
One Last Thing
You don't need to create a perfect evening for me to photograph.
Come ready to spend some intentional time together. I'll take care of capturing your story.