Don’t stress, this is supposed to be fun!
My whyRemember we want to make this as authentic and true to who you are.
The days are long but the years are short, isn't that how that saying goes? That's exactly WHY I do what I do. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing we have is our family and the memories we hold with them.
Photographs allow you to rekindle memories that have slowly faded away. One of my favorite photographs is when my 6 month old baby girl literally had her tongue stuck straight out the whole mother’s day session I did. It was a phase she was going through, but I cherish those pictures dearly. Im sure all of your kiddos have had a funny habit that you like to reminisce on. Did you document it? Well that is what I'm here for. I want to be able to document those sweet times of not just your kiddos but you (the parents) with your kiddos.
My Process
SESSION DAY
Session day is the day you can take a deep breath. All your hard work to get ready for your session is finally done. Please be sure to arrive on time to your session. I typically shoot around golden hour so if you are late there will be a limited amount of time to get your pictures.
As we get started I take a more laid back approach to my sessions so I can capture more candid moments. But don't worry I will still do some posed shots during the session.
Sometimes during your session there will be a little bit of chaos, TOTALLY NORMAL!!! The chaos makes for better pictures. Trust me we will work through it! You may find me saying "we will just give them a minute to calm down" and I will focus on something else to keep the session going. By then kiddos are usually ready to come back and try again. Or you will see me just hang out with them in a spot that they want to be in. All in all we will make it work!!
PRIOR TO SESSION
Prior to your session we will go over what you would like out of your session. This is a good time to send pictures that inspire you. If you are not one that cares much, I got you! I have my list of poses that I like to get! This is a great time to start figuring out outfits. For more details on putting the perfect outfits together, scroll down.
POST SESSION
You should expect your gallery to be delivered 2 weeks after your session. In your gallery you will be able to then favorite and download the picture you would like. If you decide you would like more digitals, there are packages available for purchase through your gallery.
If you would like to share your pictures on social media I just ask that you tag @megganmareephoto and PLEASE do not alter/edit my photos as they already have been edited.
OUTFITS
Choosing outfits for your session can be very fun (yay new clothes) but also be a little stressful. So I'm hoping that this section will be very helpful to you.
When I begin putting outfits together I like to gain some inspiration from Pinterest. Then I figure out a color scheme. Down below are my recommended colors I guide my clients towards as this looks best with the style that I edit.
Now that you have an idea of what colors you would like, I would start with one person and build around them. I recommend mom's outfit first. I highly recommend dresses for mom as it dresses up the session and dresses add movement to pictures. If you are wanting to save some money I have a client closet full of dresses for you to choose from here. Now, I would move on to the kiddos. Kids can be in multiple patterns, have fun mixing and matching. Then, it's dad's turn. I tend to keep dad fairly plain, darker color or cream shirt with a nice pair of khaki pants. Don't be afraid to add some texture, a nice knitted cardigan or a sherpa jacket. Adding texture helps break up people in the pictures. Last but not least, accessories! Hats are forever my favorite accessory. Some other accessory ideas would be, jewelry, belts, headbands.
As the weather gets colder PLEASE don't hesitate to bundle up, especially the kiddos. Your pictures can be just as cute in a nice warm sweater as it would in a spring dress.
I hope this has helped you gain some perspective on your outfits! Feel free to email me or message me any questions or ideas you may have. I'm here to help!!
Favorite places to shop for outfits
Client Closet
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Tips & Prep
Location
Indoor sessions take place in clients home or my studio.
Outdoor sessions- I have a number of places I like to shoot depending on city. I also welcome suggestions!
Hair & makeup
I recommend curling hair, if it blows in the wind it will look more natural than messed up.
Makeup- I recommend wearing a lipstick (can be a natural or pop of color) and lashes. Lashes will help make your eyes look more open.
These are not have too's more a suggestion.
Props
Feel free to bring props that you may want to use. I will always have a blanket with me. If you are in need of a certain prop feel free to let me know and I will see if I have one available.
Things to do one month before your session
This is a great time to start figuring out what outfits you would like for your session. Ordering early allows you to be prepared if there is delayed shipping or you need to return for a different size.
Things to do the week of your session
Beauty week as I like to call it. This is a great time to get hair appts in if you are wanting your hair cut or colored before your session. Don't forget your nails! If you are not one that is into fake nails you can simply just paint them a nice neutral color. Don't forget to bring glue to your session in case one pops off.
Things to do the night before your session
Yay, tomorrow is the day!! Take this day to make sure you are prepared so you can be relaxed showing up to your session. So here is a quick list of things you can do....
> Lay all your outfits out to ensure you have everything you need.
> Confirm location & Time-make sure you know where you are going and how long it will take you to get there.
> Get a good night sleep.
How long is my session
Sessions time will vary depending on the amount of people in the family.
Family of 1-3 30-40 minutes
Family of 4-7 45-60 minutes
Family of 7+ 60-90 minutes
Theses are approximate times to help you prepare, not accurate. Every family is different, some may take more time, some may take less. I shoot until I feel like we got everything!
PREPARING FOR YOUR INDOOR SESSION
How exciting, we are photographing your everyday moments in your very home! But we have a little bit of prep work to do to make your pictures the best!
One month out
Now that you have an idea of what colors you would like, I would start with one person and build around them. I recommend mom's outfit first. I highly recommend I will need you to have an idea of what areas in your home you would like to be photographed in. Once you have done that I will need you to spend a day figuring out when you get the best light in each those rooms (this may be something you already know). Then I will have you send me pictures of these rooms so I can be sure the lighting will work in thase spaces.
One week out
This is a great time to start decluttering the rooms you want to be photographed in. Examples: boxes, find places for cords, straighten up "catch all" spots, make sure nothing is visible under beds... Don't feel like you need a lot of things in your spaces. We want you to be the focus of the picture not the items in your home.
Dust main spots that we will be around.
Finalize your outfits
If you are wanting to do something special like bake cookies, be sure to get the items needed.
Day before session
Lay all outfits out to be sure everything is ready to go
Find special items that you would like to incorporate in your session. Example- books, blankets, toys...
Last minute pickup
Session Day
Make beds
Try to relax and let kids stay in their normal routines.
Last minute pickup
Make sure dishes are done
Open all blinds and curtains in the home. This may seem excessive but natural light is the only source of light I use for pictures as it keeps your photos looking the most natural.