Family & Kids Session Guide

Session Tipes

A few quick tips for keeping kids happy during your session.

• Let your kids know “We are going to meet some new friends today and play. She is a mommy too and loves to have fun. She can’t wait to meet you.”

• Children under the age of 3 should always be photographed before or around lunch, no later.

• For children under 5, do not schedule your session on the same day as doctor visits or big exercise days like swim lessons. Kids need to be rested and on a normal, predictable schedule on the day of your session.

• Make sure kids are well fed before the session. Feel free to bring a small treat to use during the session such as smarties or mini marshmallows. These are recommended because they blend with white teeth!

• Allow your kids to play. When kids play, that means they are comfortable and smiling naturally. Parents have a tendency to want to control the session and not let kids get out of hand. We will let you know if we need help. In the meantime, it’s ok for kids to be kids during our sessions. As moms, we have zero judgments of your child’s behavior. So don’t worry about keeping them in line.

BASIC TIPS:

• Solid colors always photograph well. Add interest by having one person in a patterned outfit.

• The color palette we always recommend are soft neutrals such as white, soft wheat and cream, blush, very light soft greys, muted greens and blue tones. A soft white palette mixed with wheat and one person in a pastel tone photographs beautifully and blends effortlessly with the natural landscape.

• Choose a base of neutral colors and then add in one soft-toned color or pattern.

• We love ladies in soft, natural fabrics that drape and flow to add a beautiful dimension and motion to your images. You can find lots of flattering (and forgiving!) long dresses in the stores listed below.

• Women should avoid unfitted and boxy shirts. We can pose and retouch fitted shirts to look flattering much easier than a boxy type. Trust us. We’ve got your back!

• For dad, consider an untucked button down with the sleeves rolled or a nice t-shirt with no logos or graphics, medium-toned denim, or a casual fit kahki pant.

• Avoid all deeply saturated and dark colors.

• Make sure kids have nice shoes. No running shoes please.

• Avoid all logos or graphics on shirts. We will not clearly see words, so save the funny slogan shirts for another time.

• If your session is at Chatfield, plan on the kids going shoeless and getting a little wet.

• If the weather is cooling off, you can still use lots of warm white and soft creams in your clothing choices which will blend beautifully into the warm tones of tall wheat grass often found on location in Colorado.

WHERE TO SHOP: 

• For mom: Vici Dresses, Morning Lavender, H&M, J. Crew

• For dad: J. Crew, Zara, Gap, H&M, Target, Nordstrom

• For kids and baby: Target, Baby Gap, Old Navy, Zara