Happy Fall Everyone! The season of Family Photography sessions is now upon us. I thought I would provide you with some tips to help you prepare for your session!

Family photography is my passion! It is my goal to illustrate the story of every family through the magic of my photography. I am not the type of photographer who is going to force you into poses which are unnatural and impossible for wiggly toddlers, but instead, I am going to preserve your family's unique story through guided photography. This approach allows you to be real, to be active, and to simply be a family interacting together. All the while I will capture moments that are full of joy and connection, moments that are quiet and intimate, as well as moments that are chaotic, and just plain real. I am so grateful to be a part of my clients' lives and to bless them with true pieces of art which bring them joy and spark their emotions.

WHAT WILL OUR SESSION BE LIKE? The key is flexibility, patience and a lot of love. A typical session begins with a few posed portraits and then I’ll encourage a more relaxed portion of our session, to give you a chance to have fun, relax, and make some new memories while I capture candid photos. If you have trouble being in front of the camera, don’t worry! I am here to carefully guide and direct you throughout the entire session to create opportunities for authentic and emotive moments. All you need to do is focus on each other and explore the environment we are in! e will talk, giggle, play and laugh all the while I am shooting my camera. You may have to comfort a little one - I will capture it. Kiddos may need a break, we take one.

TIPS FOR HAPPY KIDS

Be ready to relax. If the kids are jumpy or fighting - no worries! Allow me to jump in. I may act goofy or start singing - I am here to ignite some giggles. Parents of babies, you can be a great helper by standing behind me and get baby to look up into the lens or put on your goofiest face to capture a smile. We will work together, but most of all, don't worry! Kids are kids and I am here to capture them in their element.

WHY EARLY EVENING IS BEST: Sessions ideally take place approximately an hour before sunset or early in the morning for the best light. Trust me when I say that it is worth keeping up your little ones a little longer to do your photos at least an hour and half before sunset. It is the only way to capture that beautiful golden light which will make your images magic.

IT'S SESSION DAY: I don't want you to worry about getting that perfectly posed picture because that will distract you from just focusing on having fun together. The kiddos may be cranky, or the dog just jumped in the mud. It's all ok. You will text me when you arrive at our location. I will come and meet you and guide you every step of the way. I provide quilts and blankets. I may bring along bubbles for the little ones. Stickers or treats may be abundant.

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING? A favorite quilt, the family dog, a lovey - by all means, bring it. Here are some essentials to make things more comfortable as well: bring a small bag for bottles of water, diapers or back-up shirt or pants for little ones in case of emergency, bug spray (it is Minnesota!), lip balm or some lipstick for touch ups, a small snack/goldfish, etc. in case a power break is necessary, a brush in case things a little too messy, and most of all a lot of joy!

RESCHEDULING: Life (and Minnesota Weather) is unpredictable! In the event something happens, we discuss a time to reschedule that works for both of us.

WHAT ON EARTH SHOULD WE WEAR?

What you wear is so important! You've invested a great deal in these family photos, so I am going to do all I can to make them as artistically beautiful as possible, while you have a relaxed experience. I take away the stress of figuring out what to wear and I provide Styling Assistance for every Full Session. It's one less thing for you to do, and you will be guaranteed amazing results. For all Full Sessions, we will begin to discuss outfits and ideas during your pre-session Consultation phone call after you fill out your scheduling form.

Client Wardrobe for Full Family Sessions: I have a curated dresses for women in multiple sizes just for you! I will send you pictures of options from my Style and Select App and you can choose what you would like and you are good to go! I will even deliver to your home and take care of all the cleaning after.

TIPS FOR OUTFITS FOR MINI SESSION FAMILIES

The key is not to focus on matching, but coordinating! Start with an outfit or color scheme you love and then build upon that. Compliment a neutral color with some beautiful prints or scarves or jewelry! Dress comfortably and make sure your little ones have either worn the outfit before, or your know for certain they will be comfortable and ready to play! Whether we are jumping through a field, blowing dandelion seeds, or dipping our toes in a lake, make sure you are in an outfit that allows you to do so.

OUTFIT DO’S AND DON’TS!

Avoid bright colors and patterns that are too busy!

No athletic wear or athletic shoes!

No high heels. We will be running and having fun!

No outfits with branding labels.

No business suits.

Do not all wear the same color!

Do wear complimentary colors with a mixture of textures (scarves, hats, or jewelry).

Partner a pattern with a neutral color.

Sandals and boots are great! Brown shoes for men are great!

PRINT YOUR MEMORIES!

I am here to make choosing art for your home or heirloom pieces to preserve your memories simple! Trust in my expertise to create, order, and deliver to you the highest quality and custom designed products for your home to display your incredible art. Fine Art prints, canvases, custom engraved photo boxes (great for keeping newborn memories or for senior portraits!) and Photo Book Add-ons will be presented to you when you receive your gallery. All products come from the highest quality professional printers (Millers, Artifact Uprising, WHCC, and Hanging Branch).