baby session guide
Maternity sessions generally last between forty-five minutes to an hour, depending on the session type you’ve chosen and the number of people being photographed. During your maternity photo session you may choose to be photographed alone or with your children, husband and/or partner.
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
If you are being photographed with your children, spouse, or partner, consider selecting a palette of 2-3 coordinating colors and select outfits within the palette for each family member. Keep colors simple and neutral using a range of light tones.
prior to your session
Prior to your session I recommend that you don’t wear anything too tight – you don’t want marks on your skin. During your session you may wear anything that you feel comfortable in, and as much or as little clothing as you like.
The following suggestions are simply provided as guidelines:
for mom (to be)
- 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 dresses with a subtle texture, such as lace.
- Cotton or lycra dresses that hug the belly.
- Any top or sweater that opens down the front.
- Fitted or stretchy tanks, or tube tops in solid colors, paired with a long, flowy skirt.
- White or off-white underwear of any form; boy shorts, thongs or bikinis.
- Scarves, shawls or wraps.
If you do choose to have some nude or semi-nude photographs done and would not like those images to be available for public viewing (such as on my website) I completely understand. Just let me know and I will most certainly respect your privacy.
for the men
- 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 older siblings
- 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
- Dark jeans
- Athletic shoes
- Wrinkled or stretched out clothing
- Tops that do not fully reach over the belly
- Maternity pants or skirts with large elastic waistbands
- (For men) Button-up dress shirts, blazers, ties or other formal styles
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 photos, all chosen with fit, fabric, and quality in mind. 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.
what to bring
- Any special items you would like included in the photo session
- A hairbrush, hairspray and make-up for touch-ups. Blotting paper, to absorb excess facial oil, are great to have on hand, too.
- Wrinkle release spray (if needed)
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
getting to the studio
The studio address is 29 Mill Street in Unionville (Farmington), CT. The name of the building is Upson Market Place. It is the large brick building across from the Post office.
Below you can view the exterior of the building as well as the door that you should use to enter.
My studio is on the second floor. Once you enter the door, just follow the staircase to the top and it’s the first door you’ll come to. The name on the door will say Kelli Dease Photography (although the sign is very faint and sometimes easy to miss). Street parking is easiest if you can find it, but there is also a large lot adjacent to the building.
**IMPORTANT**
There is no elevator in the building. If you are unable to use the stairs, please contact the studio prior to your session so that we can make arrangements for an alternate location.
FIND US
based in farmington, ct
easy to get to from avon, simsbury, west hartford, and surrounding towns
