FAMILY SESSION
CLIENT GUIDE
Hello hello my new friends!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BOOKING!
Welcome to your Family Session Client Guide. In this guide we will cover everything from A-Z about what to expect and how to prepare for your upcoming family photography session. I cannot wait for our shoot and I’m here to help you every step of the way.
ABOUT ME
I’m Susie! Hi again! I’m a photographer with over 6 years in the industry and I have worked in almost every facet of the photography world. It’s made me versatile but also given me the clarity to find what I’m truly passionate about - photographing love between couples and families.
I’m also a wife and a mother. My amazing husband is an ER doctor and eats more chocolate than is reasonable. Our daughter Remy is the light of our lives.
I’m an LA native but attribute a large part of who I am to Chicago, my home of almost 10 years before moving to San Francisco. We adore SF and I love photographing families in the stunning locations around the SF Bay Area.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Now that you have booked with me, I can give you a timeline of what to expect for our shoot.
Our Agreement has been sent in addition to this handy, dandy client guide!
I will work with you between now and our shoot to plan our schedule, location and cover any questions you have regarding wardrobe, styling, locations, etc.
A few days prior to our shoot, we will check in again regarding any last minute questions or weather updates.
On the day of our shoot, we will meet at our chosen location and have the best time! I am a fun and goofy photographer and I will do anything to get a laugh out of your kiddos (and parents). I love to integrate play into our shoot so you will see me making ridiculous faces and running and jumping around all over the place. YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.
WHAT TO WEAR
“But what do I wear?”
Wardrobe is arguably the hardest part about prepping for your family shoot. Below are my top tips and tricks to help you feel your best for a cohesive and fun family shoot.
Click here for my Outdoor Session Wardrobe inspiration board.
COORDINATE, DON’T COPY
It’s not the 90’s anymore, even though parts of 90’s style has come back. (wild!)
Point being, don’t put each family member in the exact same outfit. You know those photos - where every family member has a white shirt and jeans? Try to avoid that and anything else too matchy matchy.
Instead pick coordinating colors, not the exact same ones, and find tones that are similar for each outfit.
KEEP IT NEUTRAL
I recommend neutral and earthy tones for family sessions. Bright primary colors, neons or large stripes are very busy and jarring to the eye. Especially try to avoid bright reds, oranges and hot pinks. They can reflect onto the skin so do try to avoid those.
Neutrals keeps the focus on the best part of the shoot, you and your wonderful family!
Some neutral color palettes I like:
Classic Neutrals: Tans, black, white, greys
Warm Earth Tones: Mustard, rust, whites, sand, browns
Pastel Spring: Light blush pinks, whites, beige, pale yellows
Cool and Breezy: Jeans, baby blues, white, moss green
PRACTICALITY & COMFORT ARE KEY
Family shoots should be a fun play date for all so pick comfy and versatile clothes. Can you pick your little one up and pop them on your shoulders? Do you feel comfortable sitting in the grass? If you bend over, will unmentionables be showing?
This goes for your children too. If your little one is annoyed with the hat they are wearing, it will translate on camera. Can they reach up to hold your hand or run to play tag with their brother?
A good rule of thumb is that if you have to constantly adjust it, don’t wear it.
Feeling comfortable will ensure smiles and fun for all.
HAIR & MAKEUP
The ideal way to style your hair or makeup is to do what is most natural for you!
THE NO MAKEUP LOOK or FULL FACE?
No need to wear super heavy makeup if that isn’t how you do your face day to day, but I do recommend doing your makeup as if you were attending a wedding or similar event.
Natural looking makeup with a little bit of “oomph” translates beautifully on camera. Think dewy and moisturized skin with mascara, earth tone eyeshadow, some highlighter and light lip color.
Heavy blush, primary color eyeshadow or a dark lip that need constant touch ups will be distracting and make you feel self conscious.
If you do decide to do a spray tan, I recommend the lightest option and getting it done at least a few days prior to our shoot.
Hiring a professional hair & makeup artist is also a great choice. Reach out to me for my recommendations!
HAIR STYLING
- Longer Hair
Adults - If your hair is naturally curly, leave that beautiful texture. If your hair is straight, give it some airy volume. Forcing it into a different style will leave you feeling self conscious and worried about primping. For kiddos, I suggest doing their every day style perhaps with clips to keep it out of their face. Get hair cuts at least a week prior to our shoot.
- Short Hair
The same goes for short hair. Get hair cuts a week before our shoot. No need to make a dramatic change. Just get lined up and make sure you have enough product to stye your hair for the shoot. If needed, clean up fuzzies the day before to allow any razor burn to settle.
FACIAL HAIR
How do you do your facial hair on an average work day? That is a great safe option.
If you have a beard, no need to shave or make a drastic change. Just make sure to buzz any unwanted stubble around your beard and neck so you look fresh but are still your authentic self.
For those who are clean shaven and want this look for our shoot, shave right before the shoot if possible.
Try to avoid experimentation the week of our photoshoot and make sure to moisturize!
A FEW OTHER TIPS
Little humans look great in patterns. Adults - if you do dress your children in patterns, make sure to wear solid colors so you don’t clash with your kiddos.
For female identifying adults: I recommend wearing clothes with movement that make you feel confident and pretty. Layers always photograph well. Think long boho dresses or jeans with flowy tops or sweaters. Avoid mini skirts and short dresses.
For male identifying adults: I recommend well fitting pants, nothing too baggy, with a layer or two on top. Simple tees with a button up is perfect or a flannel is a great go to as well.
Layer, layer, layer. Bay Area weather is so unpredictable. Weather in the 50’s can feel absolutely freezing in the shade and then perfect in the sun. Make sure to consider volatile weather and bring layers for you and your little ones.
If you aren’t planning on wearing comfortable shoes for the shoot, bring walking shoes with you to get from place to place.
Avoid chipped nail polish or dirty fingernails. This is totally an excuse to treat yourself to a manicure!
Avoid clothes that might show bra straps or tags.
No big logos or large branding.
Texture looks so interesting and wonderful on camera. Chunky knits, fringe or furs are some fun options!
Snacks, snacks, snacks. I can’t emphasize this enough. These are great motivators for little ones and can be so crucial in avoiding a stressed out baby.
Don’t leave the details of your session to the last minute. This will only create stress and take away from what it is supposed to be - FUN!
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER OUR SESSION
In our Agreement I will have provided you with a delivery date that is no more than 3 weeks after our session. In that time, I will be uploading and fully editing your gallery. I will, of course, be available for any questions or concerns you have in the meantime.
When I deliver my photos, you receive all high resolution digital files via a platform called Pixieset. Within this platform, you can share, favorite and download all of your final images in both low & high resolution.
I hope this guide is a useful resource for you and I can’t wait for our photoshoot!