How To Prepare for your Photo Session

Hi there! I am so excited to share my tips to prepare for your upcoming photo session. I am just going to get right into it!

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Let's Plan Your Session!

Find Your Photographer

You can check off the first box in planning your upcoming session - finding your photographer! All jokes aside, this is a big deal and I am so happy to work with you in creating a gallery that you will love.

Date & Time

The next step in planning your session is deciding a date and time. I book sessions as first come, first serve. If you have a set date & time you need photos, it's best that we book in advance so that the session doesn't get booked by someone else!

I will always suggest that we start your session about 1.5 hours before sunset, or if you're an early bird like me, 15 minutes before sunrise! I know these times don't work for everyone. Luckily I have experience photographing in ALL sorts of lighting situations, and I am confident I will deliver you great photos no matter the time of day our session is.

Location

Choosing your location is such a fun step in the planning process! Do you want your photos at a place that is meaningful to you? Is your priority having a scenic backdrop for your photos? Whatever you choose, make it a fun experience picking out your location! Go on a date with your significant other or drive around with your family and pick out your favorite spot for your session!

Booking

The final step in planning your session is to book it! Once we have nailed down all the details of your session, it is time to book.

You will get an e-mail confirming session details and a link to pay the retainer. A non-refundable retainer is required to book the session. This means that nobody else can book for the date & time that your session will be. The retainer is 50% of your total session cost. Once the retainer is received and the contract is signed, we are booked!

I seriously can't wait to work with you and make the vision for your photo session come to life!

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Activities

A great way to give that candid, natural look that you see in a lot of my work is to do an activity during your session! For a family session, this could look like playing an outdoor game, doing a puzzle, or dancing together. It can really be anything that you like to do together!

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What to Wear

First, decide on a color scheme. After that, outfits should start to fall into place.

I like the idea of color schemes over matching your outfits exactly. The reason color schemes are so awesome is because it's very aesthetically pleasing, while also giving the appearance that I caught a sweet moment between you and your partner on a date, or your family cooking together. Instead of a posed, formal photo session.

Accessories are not only super fun, but they also are a tool to help with posing! Do you get uncomfortable in front of cameras? Don't worry, unless your a model, it's SUPER common to feel this way! Accessories give you something to do with your hands, like grabbing your jacket or playing with your necklace. A lot of times, this helps give a candid look to photos and also helps calm some camera-nerves!

If the weather permits, I LOVE how long, flowy skirts and dresses look in photos! This helps add movement to photos when it blows in the wind or when you swish it around.

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What to Bring

Your Favorite Playlist

I will bring a speaker to your session! Bring your favorite playlist and be prepared to jam out and have an awesome time during your session. I can also throw on some tunes from your favorite artist if you would prefer that, too!

Props

Do you want a picnic set up? Maybe some flowers? Bring anything you want to set the scene for your dream photo session!

Significant Items

Any item that holds significance to you is great to bring to your photo session! I will photograph detail shots of rings, necklaces, and any other details that mean so much to you - let me know so it doesn't get missed!

I would love to go over details with you before our session to make sure you love your final images! If you have a Pinterest board, feel free to send me your vision board for your session & of course let me know if you have any questions. I can't wait to get to know you!