family session guide
My goal for every family photo session is to capture a mix of carefully composed poses and spontaneous, candid moments, using all the tricks up my sleeve to elicit eye contact and natural smiles.
When I am working with your children one-on-one, I usually get the best results when parents aren’t hovering and distracting their attention. I know it’s hard not to stand on the sidelines and try and persuade your children to behave, but I prefer to capture children as they are, so if they prefer to do their own thing or run around and play, that’s just fine with me!
Even if you don’t plan to be in the photos, I recommend coming to the session prepared to be photographed. Some children can be shy and hesitant to participate and will retreat to mom’s arms or dad’s lap or insist on being held. In these cases, I encourage parents to cuddle or play with their children, and I will photograph these interactions.
Below are some additional tips to ensure a successful portrait session.
What to Wear for Your Portraits
What you wear plays an important role in how your final images look and feel. The goal is simple: clothing that photographs well, feels comfortable, and enhances the overall look of your images without being distracting or overpowering. To make this process easier, I offer a few helpful resources you can use when planning outfits for your session.
the studio wardrobe
Clients have access to my curated studio wardrobe , with options available for the whole family. The collection focuses on neutral tones, soft textures, and timeless pieces that photograph beautifully and work well together. You’re welcome to browse the wardrobe at the beginning of your session, or schedule a complimentary wardrobe consultation in advance.
my shoppable storefront
If you prefer to wear your own clothing or need additional pieces, my shoppable storefront is a great resource. It features outfit ideas and individual pieces I’ve personally selected to photograph well and coordinate easily. The storefront is updated regularly, and clients can shop directly from the links or simply use the collections for inspiration.
pinterest outfit inspiration
I’ve also created Pinterest boards with outfit ideas, color palettes, and styling inspiration for different session types. These boards are designed to help you visualize how pieces can work together and spark ideas as you plan.
Below, you’ll find helpful tips and specific do’s and don’ts for dressing for your session.
COORDINATE COLORS
Coordinating colors tend to photograph better than outfits that are perfectly matched. Consider selecting a palette of 2-4 coordinating colors and select outfits within the palette for each family member. Simple and neutral colored clothing works best: Whites, creams, light shades of brown, pink, taupe, etc.
add some layers
In colder weather, layering vests, jackets, and scarves is an easy and natural way to give depth and texture to your final images. While it’s fun to play with accessories try not to overdo it or they may end up distracting from the subject(s).
location, location, location
First, think about the season and location of the photo session. Soft browns and pale yellows look great in the fall against a backdrop of foliage or in a wheat field. Dusty pinks and light grays complement the blooming trees in spring time. A pop of color works best against the neutral backdrop of the beach.
Second, think about where you would like to display your final images. Whenever possible, try to coordinate with the colors and feel of your decor.
be true to you
My goal is to capture authentic images of your children and/or your family. Select clothes that reflect your personal style and taste rather than forcing yourselves into something trendy or outside of your comfort zone.
The following suggestions are simply provided as guidelines:
for mom
- Simple and neutral colored clothing in muted tones works best: Whites, creams, soft browns, light shades of pink, taupe, etc.
- Bohemian or peasant style maxi or midi dresses with a subtle texture, such as lace.
for dad
- Chinos or other casual style bottoms, in light, muted tones.
- Solid colored tops, such as a Henley or t-shirt, in soft, neutral tones. Layers are great; wear the t-shirt under a crew- or v-neck sweater or jacket.
for kids
- Little girls should wear simple and neutral colored dresses or rompers with a bit of texture or feminine detail. Be sure to include bloomers so diapers or underwear don’t show! A coordinating, textured button-up sweater is great for colder days.
- Little boys look adorable in linen or cotton shirts, and soft chinos or shorts. Suspenders can be added for a bit of layering.
Shoes (or not shoes at all)
Barefoot is always an option and often works especially well for babies and young children. If parents choose to go barefoot, just be sure toenails are neatly groomed.
If you prefer shoes, keep them simple and neutral. Sandals, canvas slip-ons for little boys, oxfords, loafers, simple boots, or Ugg-style boots for little girls all photograph well.
what not to wear
As important as what to wear is what NOT to wear. Please avoid:
- Anything with logos, graphics, or bold patterns
- Black or darkly colored clothing
- Shoes with bright colors, logos, or heavy athletic styling
- High-collared shirts
- Large hair bows
- Business or formal wear (button-up dress shirts, blazers, ties, etc.)
- A palette of all white or white and khaki
- Matchy-matchy outfits
- Baseball caps (or any brimmed hats, since they cast a shadow on the face)
where to shop
For parents looking for places to shop, I recommend starting with my ShopMy storefront. It’s a curated list of retailers and pieces I consistently trust for children's and family photos, all chosen with fit, fabric, and quality in mind. Some of my favorite retailers and brands for women’s clothing include Free People, Anthropologie, Asos, Lulu’s, and Vici Collection. Gap, Old Navy, and Target are great go-to’s for casual menswear. For the kids, Zara a favorite, and H&M, Gap Kids, and Amazon can always be relied on to have great basics as well as on-trend options. And if you come across something you’re unsure about, you’re always welcome to send me the link and I’ll help you decide.
toys and treats
Having a few quick snacks on hand is fine, but please don’t bring anything that will stain clothing or faces. Small snacks such as Puffs or Cheerios are great, but please pack just a few in a separate container rather than bringing the whole bag. In my experience children can become so focused on treats that they will not want to participate in photos until they are done eating. The same rule applies to bottles and sippy cups: Just a few ounces of milk or water should be fine. Children are much more willing to give up the cup once it’s empty! Whenever possible, snacks should be saved for after the session.
You are also welcome to bring a few toys or activities, such as books, balls or bubbles, to keep your children entertained. These activities tend to make the children feel more relaxed and serve as a good diversion from the camera. Please keep in mind that whatever you bring may end up in your photos, so if you would rather not have your your son or daughter’s favorite teddy bear in every picture, it’s best to leave it at home!
what to bring
- A change of clothes in case of accidents (optional)
- Tissues or facial wipes
- A brush or comb
- Snacks (choose something small, clean & easy to eat)
- Any special items you would like included in the photo session
outdoor sessions and the weather
The downside to being a natural light photographer is that I am dependent on the sun to cooperate with me and, this being New England, we all know how unreliable the weather (and the weather men) can be. If we will be shooting outdoors, I will keep an eye on the weather on the days leading up to your session. Unless it looks like rain is 100% guaranteed, I will not cancel until the DAY OF the session. I realize that this may be a bit inconvenient but the reason that I do it this way is because I have postponed too many times the day before a session due to predicted rain, only to wake up to sunshine and perfect weather! However, YOU can request to postpone at any time before the session if you would rather not take a chance on the weather or wait until the last minute.
resources
In addition to the services offered directly through the studio, Kelli Dease Photography recommends the following professionals:
Hair and Makeup
Yen at Transcendent Makeup and Skincare is my go-to makeup artist, and if you've added in-studio hair and makeup to your session, it will most likely her you'll be working with. You may also contact Transcendent independently to arrange in-home services prior to your session:
Transcendent.faceforward@gmail.com
(860) 348-7829
http://transcendentct.com/
Another option is La Belle Chateau Salon & Spa, which is located across from the KDP studio:
55 Mill Street, Unionville
www.labellechateau.com
(860) 673-6011
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based in farmington, ct
easy to get to from avon, simsbury, west hartford, and surrounding towns
