(1) PLAN CLOTHING IN ADVANCE:
I suggest planning our outfits at least one week in advance. Think about comfort for the kiddos, as tight fitting, too hot/cold, or itchy clothing can sometimes cause a case of the grumpies! Neutrals such as blush, tans, link pinks, faint blues and teals, creams, grays and whites will always result in more of a light and airy look to your images. For parents, think about your family as a whole. Coordinating vs. matching – complementary colors, accessories, and layers for different looks. (PRO TIP: Remember to think through socks and shoes for the boys. You may not want white or neon socks showing, styles that don’t match their outfits, or muddy soles.)
(2) HAIR, MAKEUP, AND NAILS:
Splurge a little! If you were considering getting your hair and makeup done, this is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself! You will cherish these images forever and so investing in professional hair and makeup can be an super fun way to allow you to be extra confident during your shoot. And ALWAYS remember your nails! Polish should be all on or all off. Chipped nails on you or the kiddos will show in the images and will bug you more than you might think.
(3) PREPARE THE FAMILY – WHAT TO SAY:
Always prepare kids and partners, while keeping it positive! A fun, lighthearted, casual approach with exciting references like “We’re going to go see my friend Nicole tomorrow!” will set the tone better than a serious or stressful tone to overprepare them for smiling and looking at the camera. If you have a child that tends to be anxious or shy, bring along a comfort item. (PRO TIP: swing by Pineapple on Main and let your child select their own super sweet new toy that we can incorporate into your images!)
(4) PRIORITIZE SLEEP, EATING WELL AND PLAN YOUR TIMELINE:
The night before your session, try to keep it low key so everyone will get a good night’s sleep. Before you leave for your session, make sure everyone is well fed…and never skip a naptime! If you have a child that still naps, build in that extra time so they remain on their sleep schedule, so you won’t be rushing to get to me on time. (PRO TIP: Plan to leave 30 minutes earlier than you THINK you should, to allow for unexpected delays and to help with stress levels.) Next, remember to pack some “stainless” snacks and drinks for the drive, or during the session if we need a mood reset or little boost. What are those? Think of clear juices like apple or white grape, and goldfish or crackers. (Fruit punch drink boxes and strawberries will stain teeth and clothing.)
(5) RELAX, REMAIN PRESENT, AND LET GO:
Once you arrive for your session, no matter what is going on in front of you just keep smiling, stay engaged, and love on your family! Meet your kiddos where they are in this moment, however they may show up that day. Letting them be themselves will work much better than frustratingly telling the kids to say “cheese” or becoming super stressed. That’s all! You don’t even have to look at the camera! (Was that a sigh of relief I heard when you read those words?!) We’re aiming for natural interactions to capture and encourage authentic smiles and expressions, and the best way to ensure this happens is to ACTUALLY have fun and relax into it. When in doubt remember to smile lovingly, cuddle, tickle, and look at your partner and kids instead of the camera. There are always magical moments within childhood chaos, and this is when I’ll capture those fantastic images…so I need your help by staying engaged and smiling to help the image make sense. So let go, and together we will get it!
I am SO excited to work with you and your family. You’re going to be amazing, and I mean it!
Please feel free to call or email me prior to your session if you have any questions or need additional suggestions. I’d love to help! See you soon!
Love, Nicole