Welcome to the Photo Blog! I am so excited you are here and hope to use this to help you better prepare for your photos!
A blog has been something I have been wanting to release since I started taking photos and I am so excited to share all the amazing things that will help make your photo session experience all the better! I have spent this summer working with so many amazing families. Here are my top tips to help you make the most out of your session!
Research and really get to know your photographer!
I completely understand you have spent so much money to enjoy your vacation, but choosing your photographer does matter! I encourage you to research and get to know what experience your photographer will give you, the type of photos you will get, and how you want your experience to be carried out! Do not hesitate to ask your photographer any question you have regarding your session.
Select a lighter, more neutral color palette for your outfits
From the one being behind the camera and watching how the sunlight interacts with the ocean's surroundings, I have found lighter color choices go best! This does not mean your selection is bad, but softer colors compliment the ocean's surroundings. Look up different color palettes on pinterest or google outfit ideas. If you have worries, don't be afraid to talk to your photographer!
Common colors I have found that look the best include shades of blue and whites; peaches and pinks; various pastels; grays and greens; and pops of turquoise, yellow or orange.
Choose outfits that coordinate among your family, but don't necessarily match.
I suggest not being too "matchy-matchy" when it comes to choosing your photos. Finding a style that compliments each other's outfits helps everything to flow together for the photos. It also allows each of you to have your own personality show through in your photos. One of my favorite things about sessions is capturing you all as a family, but bringing out each person's personality as well!
Ladies, choose hairstyles that works in the wind.
Yes! Photographers can do ALOT of magic in editing. One thing I like to warn you about a head of time is you will sweat; there will be wind; and if you do opt for the water, you will get wet! I like to say it ahead of time, so you can take the elements into consideration when choosing your hairstyle.
I personally like to curl my hair and use a lot of hairspray. By the time I get to the beach my curls have fallen a bit, but there is still a pretty wave to my hair. I suggest doing something that makes you feel confident, but know going into your session you will be moving and your hair will be flowy.
Talk to your photographer about how your session will be carried out.
Do you want more posed? Candid? Ask your photographer before hand how your session will be carried out. For me personally, I have a conversation about client expectations. I like to do a mix of posed and candid, so you have variety when it comes to choosing your photos. Every photographer is a little different in how they carry their sessions out with you, so I encourage have the conversation so you know what to expect!
Prepare ahead of time as much as you can!
When selecting your outfits, I suggest laying them all out next to each other to see how they flow. Once you have selected them, lay everything out the night before with any props or accessories you wish to use for your session. That will give you one less thing to worry about.
Don't be afraid of people!
This is a good place to ask your photographer these questions too! I personally edit people out of the background. Some photographers don't. But don't worry. Have the conversation ahead of time. This is why I also encourage researching and choosing your photographer based on their style so you know exactly what you will get out of your session.
Have fun and be present!
My goal is to capture all the authentic moments of you as a family, as it is for most photographers. Just have fun with your family and be present. This will allow your photographer to capture all of your individual personalities and connection together as a family.
Expect most sessions to take place during golden hour.
This falls right around sunset time. If you have littles, I recommend aiming your day around this as your main task. If you can, make sure you are all fed or have a snack before your session. Let them know ahead of time and don't worry when you get to your session. Your photographer will help with your littles in so many ways that makes your session so much fun!
Prepare your dudes!
Most guys would rather avoid taking photos. Share photos from your photographer, so they know what to expect and don't be afraid to talk to your photographer about this as well! I always joke with my clients that I have the guy's best interest at heart because I know how much it means for them to be present to take the photos for us wives!
Trust Your Photographer!
You've taken the leap and booked the pro! From a photographer's standpoint, it is so meaningful! We understand the investment made in your photos. During your session time, let go of the small stuff and trust us to get the job done. Be present, make the best of whatever your session brings. Beauty and authenticity will radiate from your joy, so focus on your loved ones and get playful!
Last, but not least - We are not out to get you with our pricing.
From your point of view and having my own family, I 100% respect the fact you may have a budget. As a photographer, we are not out to get you on our pricing. From the outside looking in, you see us show up and take photos. Behind the scenes, we spend many hours perfecting the photo, communicating, driving, etc. For me personally, I am trying to run a business while providing for my family and doing something I love. As businesses, we do pay for insurance and taxes. Some other things include our gear, media management, editing, and many more things. Do some research ahead of time to see what pricing is. I personally try to give options when it comes to my session prices, but please know - most of us photographers who are trying to do this thing right are not out to get you. I am a firm believer in you get the quality you pay for and most photographers will offer payment plans to help! We are trying to make a living too. :)
