- Sarah 

I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. You're a busy family with quite a few things on your plate. 

That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids 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!

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Choosing Outfits

When picking outfits, I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a white button up shirt, the Mom may want to choose a long, flowy pattered dress. The kids can complement the parents outfits. In the image, they choose a “color-family,” of white, cream, khaki, and black.

A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen). 

Always keep the location in mind. If we're photographing in a green field, wearing boots will make such more sense than high heals.

I love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.

Softer, pastel colors and neutral colors photograph better than bright colors. Bright colors reflect on your skin. 

Choose an outfit where your bra strap doesn't show, a blouse or dress that isn't too revealing or too short. You'll be moving into a lot of different positions so if it things aren't staying where they need to be, you should probably choose a different outfit.  

Outfit Choices

wardrobe tips

 ladies

Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.

Make sure if you do decide to wear heels that it makes sense for our location. For example, if in the image shown here, they were walking through tall grass, her heels wouldn't make sense. In reality, no one wants to have itchy feet or come across spiders.

Shoe Choices

wardrobe tips

 ladies

Rent the Runway
Morning Lavender
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
Pink Blush (Maternity) 
H&M 
Baltic Born Clothing 
Madewell
Zara

Favorite Shops

where to shop

 ladies

It’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years. 

Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.

If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit “classic”. 

If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover. 

Hair & Makeup

hmu

 ladies

Guys can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.

Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.

Softer, pastel colors photograph better than bright or bold colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.

Wardrobe Tips

WARDROBE TIPS

gents

J. Crew
Zara
Nordstrom 
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Banana Republic

Favorite Shops

SHOP

gents

Kate Quinn
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Noralee
Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Roolee
Jaime Kay
Childhoods Clothing
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson

Favorite Shops

SHOP

kids

Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson

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One thing I’ve learned over the years is that my experience of my children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old. 

The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy. 

Rest assured, it’s all okay.

Managing

little ones

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 little one (or big one), is to get on board. 

Anytime I have my personal family portraits take, I make sure the kiddos have full bellies so they are nice and happy. It can also be helpful to pack favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders. 

I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate. 

seasons

A few things to keep with each location

This location is new for mini sessions! With endless options of gardens, water, and a historic home, outfits with either a dressy casual vibe or dressier vibe would look great. Since walkways are paved with concrete or stone, you could wear heals!

MORVEN PARK

Virginia Arboretum
September is still pretty hot so bring water, snacks for the kids, and possible bug spray. There are restrooms on site. Outfits with a dressy casual vibe look best at this location - as shown above.

END OF SUMMER

Depending on the demand, I might have Christmas tree mini sessions. Stay tuned. This would be a cozy vibe, possibly wrapped in a blanket with your family, wearing cozy sweaters.

CHRISTMAS

Virginia Arboretum
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in Virginia. Because of the perfect weather and fall leaves. Typically the Ginko trees are peak in early November. The walk from where you park to where the trees are located is long, so be mindful of that with shoes and anything you need to cary. 

GINKO TREES

With mini sessions, rain, clouds, or too much wind can cause your portraits look "meh". Ideally, I want sunny days. Not rainy, windy, cloudy days. If I find the weather is not looking picture perfect, I will opt to reschedule sessions for the inclement weather date - which is the next day after your scheduled mini sessions. If that date doesn't work with the weather, I schedule case by case to everyones sessions are photographed.

I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.

Let me know what works best for your family, but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 24 hours in advance. 

Inclement Weather

WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS OR IS TOO WINDY

When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for. 

Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together! 

"What do I do with
 my hands"?

I do light retouching on all images. This means that if there are any glaring objects that should be removed (such as a bump from the tumble your toddler took that morning,) I’ll remove it. Larger edits (such as removing bra straps,) require more time and would require us to add additional editing hours to your collection. 

WILL YOU RETOUCH OUR IMAGES?

By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I’ll give you a release to use, print and share your images. 

DO I OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE IMAGES?

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You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media. 

CAN I SHARE THE IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

You receive 5 digital images of your choice unless you upgraded your mini session. Then, you receive 25 digital images. 

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE?

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While turnaround times can vary, I aim to deliver all images within two weeks of your session.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY IMAGES?

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asked

FREQUENTLY               QUESTIONS

01

Mini sessions are 10-15 minutes long.

HOW LONG SHOULD WE PLAN FOR THE SESSION TO TAKE?

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Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering prints to my clients.

CAN I PRINT THE IMAGES ON MY OWN?

I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for three months. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, I cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE IMAGES?

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This goes for everyone, men, woman, and littles. Your hands will likely be photographed so make sure there's no dirty fingernails. 

Have clean nails

I'm sure you already know this trick but wait to change your kiddos clothes until you're on location. I can't tell you how many times kiddos have had blowouts in the are or applesauce spilled all over them upon arrival. 

CHange clothes upon arrival

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If you have a new walker, put shoes on him or her. This way I can photograph their new skill. With little girls, of any age, make sure you have bloomers, tights or something under their dresses. 

Shoes and bloomers

With my own kids, I've found that if they are melting down they are either tired or hungry. If we choose a time that's not interrupting sleep, they must be hungry. Bring all the snacks and wipes. 

bring all the snacks

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Try scheduling your session prior to when they start getting tired for the night. 

choose their best time

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TO HELP YOUR SESSION GO SMOOTHLY

TIPS & TRICKS

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FOR THE KIDS

I'm a huge believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured. 

Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away. 

But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by. 

Bring Your Images to Life with

prints

Our framed prints are the perfect way to fill your walls with memories. With a variety of frames to choose from, we’ll help you select the perfect image pairings for your space.

 WALL ART

Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way. Leave them on display as coffee table books or protect them with a legacy box.

ALBUMS

Our matted prints are the perfect way to physically hold your prints while having that heirloom quality to show off on your coffee table. 

PRINTS

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me. 

Thank you!