Tips for timing, location details, planning your outfits and more!
maternity session
PLANNING YOUR
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I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session.
That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers everything to keep in mind when it comes to your session.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
- jess
One thing I've learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old.
The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay.
Managing
little ones
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few treats and bribes for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
Sunset & Bedtimes
Depending on what time you selected for your mini session it might fall during the witching hour. It may even fall during or after bedtime or naptime.
As much as I love a consistent routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", I might need to throw off your schedule a bit.
If our session takes place close to meal time, I recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
We know that some family members just happen to be furry and some families love to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means extra details to plan for.
We only have a few minutes together, so depending on how well behaved your pet is, it could impact how many photos we are able to get. If we spend 75% of the session trying to get your pet to cooperate, we have less time for the rest of the family. If you are bringing your pet; let's plan for them to be in the first part of your session. Bring a friend to wrangle them afterwards, or put them in your car for the rest of the session.
I also recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Managing
furry ones
There is one question that everyone asks: "what do we wear?" I created this guide to try and help you select the perfect outfit for your session! If you are still unsure after reading through this guide, feel free to reach out to me with any other questions. I'm always happy to offer guidance!
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” It's also a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 2-3 colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures.
For mamas: I always recommend a flowy dress or skirt. I get that some mamas don't like to dress up as much, but dresses and skirts are universally flattering no matter your body type. And dressy always comes off better on camera than casual!
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Wear shoes that you feel comfortable in! Sure, heels look nice, but they might be hard to chase your kiddos in. Wear what is cute, but also comfy.
I love the way larger patterns and textures photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
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view my pinterest board
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
Since it's Fall, dresses with sleeves are a great as are sweaters or cardigans. I highly recommend a flowy dress.
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
for the ladies
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
Pink Blush (Maternity)
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace Boutique
Favorite Shops
Able
Zara
Mango
Nothing Fits But
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane
for the ladies
on to the next
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you’re planning to do your own makeup - I strongly recommend fake eyelashes to give your eyes that "pop!"
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
on to the next
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
for the gents
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Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Lululemon
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
Kate Quinn
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Rylee & Cru
Noralee
Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Roolee
Alice & Ames
Favorite Shops
Smallable
Fin and Vance
Little & Co.
Briar Baby
Jamie Kay
Childhoods Clothing
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson
for the kids
on to the next
shop my PRIME favorites
A few days before your session I'll take a look at the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for your family, but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I'll make a final call and let you know the plan. I'll work with you to find a new date.
If you or someone in your family gets sick, we can reschedule your session. I want you to be able to look and feel your best!
Bad Weather or Sickness
what to do if something happens
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering prints to our clients.
A:
Can I print the images on my own?
q:
Your package includes 10 digital images for download. I will include more than 10 for you to choose from, and if you want to upgrade to the full gallery of images, there is the chance to do so!
A:
How many images will I receive?
q:
I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for at least a year. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, I cannot guarantee it. Once your gallery has been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
A:
How long will I have access to the images?
q:
The goal is to deliver all images within three weeks of your session. I'll be sure to keep you updated and send your gallery as soon as possible!
A:
When will I receive my images?
q:
Frequently
asked
Questions
Absolutely! These are your pictures to share and use. If you mention me on social as well, I'd be super grateful.
A:
Can I share the images on social media?
q:
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I’ll give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. I won’t do this either without your written permission (I don't foresee this scenerio happening either :) )
A:
Do I own the rights to the images?
q:
Slots are for 20 minutes. I'll guide and direct for you about 15 minutes, then give you a few minutes at the end to make sure we got all the poses you were thinking of!
A:
How long should we plan for the session to take?
q:
I edit all of your images. This means that all photos receive color correction. Larger edits (such as removing tan lines, etc.) require more time and would require me to add additional editing hours to your collection.
A:
Will you retouch our images?
q:
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I'll back up your images and begin the editing process. You can expect to receive your edited, digital images between 2 and 3 weeks after your session.
Your Images
When to Expect
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
Bring Your Images to Life with
prints
Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way. Leave them on display as coffee table books or protect them with a legacy box.
Albums
My framed and matted prints are the perfect way to fill your walls with memories. With a variety of frames to choose from, I’ll help you select the perfect image pairings for your space.
Prints & Wall Art
Inquire for a detailed pricing guide
Easy to hang and easy to change out. Canvases are one of my favorite ways to decorate a space. They also work great on little easels placed around the home.
Canvases
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to reach out!
434-477-6440