Family Session
WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE
Thank you for choosing Jessica Blair Photography for your photography needs. You may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your session, so I’ve got a few tips and tricks for you!
Small Children: Small children are so fun to photograph! They’re typically energetic and full of giggles if they are in a good mood. But like anyone they can get cranky if they’re hungry or tired. Bring snacks in case your child gets hungry or treats (that won’t stain fingers and tongues) to help them sit still during posed family shots. If your child has a favorite toy or something that makes them giggle, share that with me so I can incorporate behind the scenes to make the session fun for your child. Keep it light! Try not to scold children during the shoot. This typically leads to tears and/or strained smiles and stress for everyone.
Older Children: If your child brings a device like a phone or tablet to the session it’s a good idea to leave it in the car as it can be distracting if it’s in their pocket. Let them be involved in choosing their outfit so they are comfortable. Older kids can sometimes have a hard time “loosening up” for their shoot so it helps if they feel good in what they’re wearing. While we will do posed shots, I also like to capture the family dynamic so feel free to tickle, joke and be silly with your older kids! Try to make them laugh!
The Nitty Gritty: Kids of all ages can get boogies in their noses, have dirty faces or crazy hair! Try to check your children thoroughly to make sure their faces and noses are clear of anything you might not want showing up in your family pics. All photographs are professionally edited but you’ll make my job a lot easier if their faces are clean and ready to go! Bringing some wipes and a hairbrush is a great idea for last minute touch ups.
Adults: When picture day comes, take a deep breath and embrace the moment! Preparing your family for a photo session can be stressful on both parents. Try to use the drive to your session as a time to lighten the mood. Listen to your favorite songs, play a game along the way or crack some jokes. Prior to the session, don’t forget to remove hair bands off of wrists and car keys, phones, etc. from pockets.
WHAT TO WEAR?
DRESSING YOUR FAMILY FOR PHOTOS
Choose several complimenting colors and stick to those. While there is nothing wrong with wearing all matching clothes/colors, choosing coordinating colors will add LIFE and bring dimension to your images.
Pick one pattern and go from there. Avoid dressing the whole family in patterns. A good idea is to choose one (or more patterns if you have a large family) item, a dress for example, with a pattern containing colors you love, then choose colors from within that clothing item for the other family members to wear.
Be comfortable, but don’t be afraid to get fancy. I want you to treat your family photos as if it were an event! It’s not every day that you’re family gets all dressed up, let’s make it special! I want you to be YOU, but also, don’t be afraid to be get FANCY. Ladies, I know we don’t typically wear dresses, jewelry, makeup, etc. everyday, but do not let that stop you from wearing them! If there is at least one day a year where you dress up to the 9’s, let it be on the day of your photo session. If you look and feel good, it shows in your photos!
THE DO’S AND DON’TS
Do: Bring layers!! Layers add texture, dimension and depth to your images. If it’s hot outside layer with accessories - necklaces, bracelets, hats, etc. If it’s cool weather cardigans, vests, scarves, boots and hats are all great examples. Avoid graphics on clothing - accessorize instead!
Do: Purchase clothes that fit your body. It can be tempting to buy kids clothing a size bigger so they’ll have room to grow, but for photo sessions it’s not the best idea. Avoid looking sloppy by wearing well fitting garments.
Do: Start with mom’s outfit! She is often times putting all of her energy into everyone else and put on the back burner, but she truly is the star of the family. And let’s face it, when mom is happy, everyone is happy! Next, style little girls, little boys, and dad last. Dad’s are usually the easiest to style (khaki’s, jeans, button down shirt, etc.). It can be overwhelming trying to choose all the outfits at once so start small and build from there.
Don’t: Wear neon colors. They don’t photograph well and cast colors onto the skin of those who are wearing them. No one wants a bright yellow, green, or orange face!
Don’t: Match! Matching is out, coordinating is in. Remember, it doesn’t have to match, it just has to GO. Outfits should complement each other, not match each other.
Don’t: Choose colors that match the scenery. If you’re doing a lot of outdoor photos for example, avoid wearing a lot of green as you’ll blend in too much with the background. Of course pops of green here and there are fine!
Don’t: Wear solid black or solid white clothing. These colors don’t show dimension when photographed and make for dull, boring images.
WHERE TO SHOP?
SHOP MY FAVORITE STORES
Old Navy: An affordable one stop shop. You’ll find tons of options for the whole family here.
Amazon: One of my favorites! Shop for your whole family without ever leaving your house. Super cute suspender outfits for little boys and tons of sweet dresses for girls. Perfect for kids outfits! Also super affordable and fast delivery.
Target: Affordable prices and great quality with clothing for both kids and adults.
Baltic Born: Another favorite of mine! They have tons of beautiful dress options for the lady’s and momma’s to be.
Rylee + Crew: So many amazing options for the whole family. All of the vintage feels and modern patterns.
Free People: Another one of my personal favorites. It is a little pricier but the quality of there dresses are perfection!
Joy Folie: Here you’ll find long and flowing dress options in 2t to adult sizes. If you are a lover of the timeless and dreamy look, definitely check them out!
Bailey Blossoms: Adorable and affordable options for little girls and momma’s. They are on top of all of the latest trends and have high quality items at unbeatable prices AND lightening fast shipping, can’t beat that!