Photography
Portrait Planning Guide
Your step-by-step guide to your portrait session
they are subtle -
muted yet really go with the season !
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO A PERFECT PORTRAIT SESSION
Thank you for choosing to work with me. I am so excited to get started on your portrait session.
I want to make this experience helpful and stress-free so I have created a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect portrait session. Simply follow each step below to get started.
- Select a location
- Pick your style
- Getting ready tips
- Personalize your session
Step One
Select a Location
When selecting a location for your session consider the season and style of images you want. Beach images during the winter months will look very different than beach images during the summer. There is no right or wrong; just be mindful of what type of images you want to have.
Outside
Litchfield County
Washington
Litchfield
Kent
Lake Waramaug
Fairfield County
Westport
*Greenwich
Hartford
*Rhode Isalnd
*Nantucket
*Travel fees may apply
In-home
Your home
My home & garden
Airbnb Rental
Step Two
Pick and outfit & Style
What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles.One's that match the season were in.
Stick Primaily with neutrals and go easy on the patterns-too many differnces will make the photographs appear messy. Youve invested alot into your session, invest the same amount of time in preparing for it and wear clothes that make you feel beautiful.
At Home
Blue and white.
Mix and match patterns and tones .
works in all seasons!
Outside
Blue and white.
Mix and match patterns and tones .
works in all seasons!
Neutral Colors Are Your Friend, Wear Lots of Them to Your Family Photos
Neutral colors are typically not found on the color wheel and can also be referred to as earth tones. They go with almost anything, and I suggest using a lot of neutrals, and only a small amount of more bold colors. The brighter the color, the less there should be. Neutrals are things like off-white, gray, cream, taupe, etc. Here’s a bunch of neutrals/earth tones to inspire you! You can even create outfits using only neutrals and it looks really good. But adding in some color is great, too!
Not to Say You cant wear color
But keep in mind that color will refelct off the sun outdoors and indoors. so too much green and your will have green skintones. Etc... a pop of color is lovely-florals mixed with solid blue or a shade of white or tan. But when chosing many outfits that go together less is more, and neutrals and items like sundresses and jeans work, especially if chosing a monochrmatic color scheme. Think of the season and how you want your images to look over the years, in frames in your home, or albums.
Step Three
Getting ready tips
Getting ready for your portrait session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.
The day before your session plan on laying out all your chose outfits, and do pick a few, For longer sessions I offer outfit changes.
Make sure that outfits go together-but n0, they don't have to match exactly.
Make sure that everyone is clean hair is ready and any items you may want to bring as props or bribes are packed by the door.
The day of your session Plan on arriving (if it's an on location session ) at least ten minutes early so you (and I) don't feel rushed or loose time that we could have had photographing.
Make sure any items you may need are with you. Sunscreen, bug spray? Treats?
Preparing for an outdoor session
Personalizing your session is how you make your images feel unique to you. I welcome and encourage you to bring items and props that feel like you. If you're not sure what to bring just ask, I can provide some ideas.
If I am photogrpahing yout family outside, please be sure to bring along anything they may need, a extra sweat, a hairbrush, juuice or water, the more comfortable they are the better the session will go!
Pets & furry friends
Do you have a furry pet that feels like family? Feel free to bring your pets along to your portrait session.
Please note: some locations work better for pets. Please notify me that you will bring your animal so we can pick an appropriate session location.
Blankets & comfort items
Are you the snuggle up and get cozy type? Bring your favorite blankets and comfort items with you. Cuddling up next to each other with your favorite items will put everyone at ease and make for some amazing photos.
Props
Consider bringing fun props to your portrait session. Sparklers, bubbles, ice cream, instruments...whatever your ideas are we welcome them!
Let us know what your prop ideas are so that I can prepare a plan to photograph them.