I am so excited about our upcoming session! Here are a few tips and tricks to make our session go smoothly and to get the most beautiful version of you..

Prep

Wardrobe is my most asked about question. Choose what you feel comfortable in! Don’t try something way out of you comfort zone just because it is trendy or the must have color. I recommend picking a color scheme rather than stress about going matchy matchy. Put everyone in cool tones, or everyone in warm tones and stick with that. Layers are great! Often you can get two looks out of one outfit. Think about where your session is taking place. If we are shooting in an area with lots of grass and trees, steer away from a bright green outfit. Keep it simple. Try to avoid crazy patterns and stripes. Subtle is the name of the game. We want you to shine, not your outfit!

Details I should know

What details should I know? Does your child absolutely beam when they hear “baby shark”? Do they hate sand? Is there and angle you would rather not have photographed? Are grandma and grandpa at each other’s throats? Any detail you can think of, please let me know. I want to know your vibe and any must have photos! There is nothing worse that getting to the end of session and hearing, “oh I really wanted a shot of….”.

2020 precautions

I didn’t realize it before March 2020, but I am a very touchy photographer. I physically do so many adjustment and family rearranging. Now that that isn’t an option, my inner monologue is constantly repeating that well worn toddler phrase, “Use your words!” Here are some tips that I will probably be shouting at your from a safe distance…

  1. Pull that family in tight! The closer the better!

  2. Posture plus! Stand up nice and straight!

  3. Hands. I move hands more than anything else. Touch is a huge part of your family. I’ll often ask you to reach down and grab your child’s hand, or rest one on your spouses shoulder. Again, anything that brings you close, I will do!

  4. Slight angles make a huge difference. I may ask you to lift your head slightly up or down. If will feel like you are in the exact same position, but I promise there is a difference.

  5. Poop. I will probably yell poop at your child at some point in our session. I’m not too proud to make myself look silly in order to get that shot of you and your kid cracking up! Any tips on what will make this happen are much appreciated! I will also make you do silly things. They feel silly, they photograph beautifully!

  6. HAVE FUN! Let the kids be kids and run around! I will try to knock out the posed pictures at the beginning of your session so that the end can be pure crazy, somewhat structured goodness. If you have shot with me before, you know I am usually moving all over and in your face. I have to rely more on zoom lens given the safety precautions, but we still get those fun intimate shots!

I think that pretty much covers everything! Please, reach out, with any additional questions or concerns! Feel free to call or text 562.547.4234 or email hello@wishingyouhappiness.com