The Family Session Style Guide
I'm genuinely excited for your upcoming family session! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture these precious memories that you will cherish for years to come. My main piece of advice for you is simple: have fun and relax during our time together! This guide I’ve put together will help you prepare and provide answers to any questions you may have. I've included some helpful tips to ensure you and your family are all set for the session. Just focus on enjoying your time together while I take care of the rest. I truly look forward to photographing your lovely family!!
Hello there!
You are the best!
Sarah
Style Tips For Her
Style Tips For Her
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Get Fancy
Have you seen a dress or outfit online or in stores that you want to try but haven't had the chance? Now's your chance! During a family session, there's no strict dress code. You can't be too fancy or too casual, so dress up if you want! It's a great reason to shop and refresh your wardrobe. Joyfolie and Baltic Born have beautiful, flowy dresses, especially in their clearance sections. These dresses photograph well, highlight the female shape, and are perfect for all body types. I suggest going for a long, flowy dress or skirt instead of pants or shorts. However, wear what feels right for you—there's no pressure!
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Shoes
Once you choose your perfect dress or outfit, you might worry about the shoes. Heels can help make your legs look longer and slimmer. I’ll have you walking for some poses, but nothing too difficult. Don’t worry if you wobble—I’m not a pro in heels either! I prefer wedges, especially in a field, since heels can sink into the ground. You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe, but a neutral-colored heel or wedge is a safe choice that you can wear again, just in case you need to convince yourself or your partner!
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Details
I have taken photos of many clients, and I've seen how accessories can enhance an outfit or image. These can include stylish earrings, bracelets, a bold necklace, a fashionable hat, and more. I especially enjoy adding flowers, like a bouquet or floral crown, as they look great for summer or fall sessions!
How to Choose Tones and Colors
With so many options available to choose from, it can sometimes feel quite overwhelming when trying to decide on the perfect color scheme. Here are a few color combinations that work particularly well together and tend to photograph beautifully in various settings. Additionally, you can always search online for even more inspiring examples that might spark your creativity. Consider incorporating a pattern into one person's outfit while selecting complementary colors from that pattern for the other outfits. To maintain a harmonious look, it's best to limit patterns to just one individual, allowing the others to wear solid, neutral tones that coordinate beautifully with the chosen pattern.
Style Tips For Him
A blazer or jacket elevates a man's look, similar to how a well-chosen dress enhances a woman's style. For timeless appeal, combine a dress shirt with slacks and a blazer. Long-sleeve button-downs photograph beautifully and can be effortlessly transitioned into a more casual vibe by rolling up the sleeves. If you're aiming for a laid-back aesthetic, pairing shorts with sneakers is a great alternative. I would recommend avoiding intricate patterns or large logos.
The Important part
Some of you may need to encourage your partner to join the photo session. Based on my experience, here are some tips to help get him ready. I ensure the guys have a good time with their families during the session. Here are some ideas to prepare him:
Show him examples of my previous work or photos of other families. This helps him see what the session could be like and reassures him that other guys enjoy it too.
Let him know that I guide everyone through the process and aim to make it relaxed and easy.
Most importantly, explain that these photos are important to you!
Prepping the Littles
Prepare your children for the session to help it run smoothly. I have lots of experience with kids and understand their different personalities. I never judge and I totally understand that not everyone is thrilled about getting their pictures taken! If your kids are old enough, explain the session's importance to them and consider rewarding them with pizza or ice cream afterward, which many families find helpful. For younger kids, bring small snacks or a favorite stuffed animal to keep them engaged. Let me know if they have favorite songs or show to make them smile in a pinch. Also, ensure they aren't hungry or tired. After preparing them, remember to be patient! My goal is to make this experience fun and low-stress for your family.
Bonus Tip: Have your kids try on their outfits before the session to make sure they fit and help them feel comfortable in them. You want to avoid last-minute outfit struggles!!