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.
Toys and Treats
Having a few quick snacks on hand is fine, but please don’t bring anything that will stain clothing or faces, such as chocolate or juice. Small snacks such as Puffs or Goldfish 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 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! All rewards, such as lollipops or candy, 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 Wear
Clothing choice is an integral part of your final images. Choosing the right tones and fabrics helps to guarantee beautiful images! Below I’ve outlined a few things to consider when selecting outfits.
When you’re a client of Kelli Dease Photography, you also have access to my studio wardrobe. Selections are available for the whole family. All of our pieces have neutral tones, and options for moms and little girls have soft, feminine details. Adult sizes range from size XS to XL. Children’s sizes start at 6 months. You can take a peek at some of the options here. Keep in mind that this is not everything, and pieces are being added all the time! (Pieces for children 5 and older are a bit more limited, so be sure to review your options with the studio prior to your session.)
If you would like to come in, browse through the wardrobe and try things on, just contact the studio to set up a wardrobe consultation.
If you are having trouble putting outfits together, I am here to help you shop! Just email the studio and I’ll put together a style/inspiration board, combining pieces available in the studio wardrobe with pieces that I find online from some of my favorite stores. I will also send you links to each piece that I find online so that you can go directly to the website and purchase them if you wish. Just be sure to plan in advance, leaving enough time for shipping and exchanges!
I keep this Pinterest board for all of my clients and you are welcome to browse through for ideas.
Coordinate Colors
Add Some Layers
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 grays, light shades of pink, rose, peach, taupe, etc.
- Bohemian or peasant style maxi or midi dresses with a subtle texture, such as lace.
For Dad:
- Men should wear 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 the 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.
Location, Location, Location
What Not To Wear
- Anything with logos, graphics, or bold patterns
- Black or darkly colored clothing
- Athletic shoes
- A palette of all white or white and khaki
- High-collared shirts
- Large hair bows
- Formal wear (button-up dress shirts, blazers, ties, etc.)
- Matchy-matchy outfits
- Baseball caps (or any brimmed hats, since they cast a shadow on the face)
Where to Shop
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 is my hands-down favorite, and H&M, Gap Kids, and Amazon can always be relied on to have great basics as well as on-trend options.
The Weather Policy
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. So, while 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.
Remember to Bring:
- A change of clothes
- 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
