Portrait Planning Guide
Your step-by-step guide to your family session
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
- Submit your session plan
Step One
Select a Location
for family + Engagment Sessions.
When selecting a location for your portrait 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.
At Home
If you are looking for an annual photo shoot in your home, I come to you, and you can have a variety of shots take, I spend an hour with you, which allows some outdoor time, as well as some indoor pictures too.
Beach Session
In the summer months I travel throughout New England. I usually post a list of the dates ahead of time. The most common locations are: Nantucket , Cape Anne,+ Cape Cod. In CT I suggest: Penfield beach, Jennings Beach, Compo Beach.
+travel fees may apply .
Lifestyle
Lifestyle sessions are more in-depth .
I'll spend at least two hours with you in your home, documenting everyday life. The aim is to capture the mundane moments that make up these amazing memories of childhood.
Outdoors
I have several suggestions in Litchfield, County + Fairfield County, Hartford and New Haven areas.
I love the outdoors. and know the trails, and preserves well. I have several place I love to shoot if you need some ideas.
Step Two
Pick an outfit & Style
What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles. Too much pattern is distracting , choose one 'star ' outfit and build around it. Keep the rest of the family in neutral tones, or blues, white, creams, tan, black navy , browns. Complimenting your family outfits makes a huge difference in the outcome of your final images.
Modern
Organic
Boho Chic
Clean & Simple
AND
tips For an Engagement session
Getting ready for your engagement session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun Engagement session. Be yourself, and don't do anything that you wouldn't naturally do. The idea is to find a happy medium between relaxed and laid back, but some serious style. I'll handle the rest.
A note for her:
Select an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When it comes to your portraits, your attitude will reflect greater than your actual outfit. When you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin, the other style details will all fall into place.
So don't get overly stressed about your outfit selection. Go with your gut and what makes you feel like you! Here are some general tips for getting ready:
Best places to shop for gals:
- H&M
- ASOS
- Gap
- J. Crew
- Anthropologie
Hair & Makeup (for brides):
If you're hiring a hair & makeup artist for your wedding then consider doing a trial run for your engagement session. This is a great opportunity to test if you like a specific style of makeup or preference of hairstyle.
Don't Forget:
- Clean your ring or jewelry
- Get a manicure or take nail polish completely off
A note for him:
If you're like most guys, then you dread taking photos. We challenge you to throw out all your doubts, insecurities, and frustrations toward taking photos because this is NOT your average portrait session. If you promise to have an open mind I promise that I will do everything in my power to make you feel comfortable and excited during your portrait session.
Best places to shop for guys:
- H&M
- ASOS
- Gap
- J.Crew
- Vineyard Vines
Don't Forget:
- Trim your beard or facial hair
- clean nails
- Relax, just be yourself!
Step four
Personalize your session
IDEAS FOR EVERYONE
Dogs are Family Too
Do you have a dog that feels like family? Feel free to bring them along! If you're planing an outdoor session on location. Please note: some locations work better for pets. Please notify me that you will bring your dog so we can pick an appropriate session location.
Throw A Dance Party
Are you looking for some fun pictures with movement? Whether it's you and your kid, or the whole family it makes for some amazing photos.
AT HOME
At home sessions are relaxed, and cozy, especially in the late fall and winter, when it can be cold to be on location or outside for a whole hour.
GET IN TOUCH TO BOOK YOUR SESSION!
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