How long will the session last?
Family sessions typically last about an hour. If you have young children, it will depend mostly on them and their attention span. Especially with early toddlers. But don’t worry, we work with kids all the time and are really good with them. We will discuss what your priorities are to ensure we start with those poses and work quickly and efficiently to keep everyone happy. If working with extended families, we will add a little extra time to the session to allow for a variety of family groupings.
What happens after the session?
About a week after your session, we will meet for your Ordering Appointment. We will view your images and select your favorites. You will be able to see your images in different sizes, compare them side to side, and even view them in your own home or a similar space. We will discuss your needs, wants and options. You will be placing your order at this appointment, so please bring wall measurements and gift lists with you. Everyone that is part of the decision-making process should come to this appointment.
Be Timeless
Clothing can easily date your portrait. For that reason, we often suggest simple clothing with a timeless cut and style. Jeans can be timeless and casual. Darker clothing recedes in the image and can appear slimming.
Coordinate
Family portraits are an occasion to look your best. Try getting everyone to wear variations on the same color or a similar style of clothing for a cohesive look. It looks great when everyone’s clothing works well together. The emphasis then becomes the relationships and faces of those in the portrait, not the clothing you’re wearing.
Bold patterns and bright colors can detract from a portrait, but if it’s your style you may want to consider pairing bold patterns with solids.
Accessorize
Scarves, hats, bows, bow ties…they can all add a little ‘fun’ to your timeless style. Accessories are also a great way to coordinate looks, and props can help express your family’s unique personality.
Try this. Lay out everyone’s clothing together in the room where your portrait will live. Replace outfits and add accessories until you achieve a fresh and exciting look for that room.
Layering
Layers will not only provide more visual interest in your photos but they will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Layering also lets you easily and quickly vary your look: simply add a sweater, jacket or hat and you have an entirely different look.
Comfort Counts
Our goal is to capture the members of your family as they are today. Choose clothing they love to wear and that accentuates their individual personalities. Consider that you might be sitting or leaning in different poses. You want to wear something that you feel very comfortable in and that will cover any areas you do not want to show in the images.