How to Prepare for a Family Photo Session | Vancouver Washington Family Photographer

You booked your family photo shoot, now what? This is an easy guide that is here to help you get the most out of your family session. Through guided direction we will create a collection of images that represent your family at this time in your lives.

Location 

We will decide together the right location for your session. There are multiple locations I love to shoot at but I am always open to discuss a new location.  The locations I love to shoot at are well lit and if weather permits, offers beautiful golden light. Think about what you like best: urban, forest, water, fields, or beach? This can help me help you decide on what will work best for you.

Time 

If you choose to have an outdoor location, we will start in the early morning or late evening, typically one to two hours before sunset or at sunrise. Times vary
depending on the time of the year. If these times pose a concern, we can discuss other times but the light is typically too harsh during mid-day.

Length of Session 

I am usually fast, it takes about an hour or so. I can typically get many beautiful photographs in that amount of time.  If kids are up for it, sometimes we can go up to an hour and a half.  

What to Wear 

I want you to be comfortable and be an authentic reflection of who you really are. I recommend coordinating but not matching. It’s just as important to
know what NOT to wear, these are clothes that can be extremely distracting: neon colors, large lettering or graphics on shirts, wrinkled shirts and pants, and sock with shorts/tennis shoes. I recommend sandals if you are wanting to wear shorts.  Please feel free to ask me if you have any other questions about what to wear. I have a Pinterest board I can refer you to as well for some ideas but my focus is that you are comfortable! 

Props

I only use blankets if needed during sessions, otherwise I don’t use any props. If you have something important to you that you would like to incorporate please let me know, I’d love to help you with that.

Your Kids 

I sincerely want you all to enjoy your session. Kids love to run, play, and will need breaks. I don’t want you to worry about if they are running around, being silly, or not participating. Sometimes this can feel chaotic but I can promise you I will do my best to capture real and unique photos of your family and kids.  Sometimes the best photos are the ones we don’t plan or guide, which is when the real magic can be photographed of your child. So please feel free to let them be them! If you would like more on how to prepare your little ones for your upcoming session, check out my blog post on how to prepare your kids! 

I am so excited to capture you on your day! Please feel free to ask me any other questions you may have. See you soon!