Preparation Guide

family session

family portrait session

— With love, jessica

Deciding what to wear for your photoshoot can seem like a hard task! But I'm here for you to make it fun and easier!

In this guide you'll find examples for outfits and tips on how to prepare for your session. With these tips, I'm sure you'll get the best out of your photoshoot.

I'd also love to help you personally, so please let me know if I can help!

I'm Jessica

Welcome

Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your family session, what to wear, bringing pets, location ideas, and more.

My family sessions are all about connection! The smile on your face while you look at your kids, daddy's hands holding your little ones, the smiles, the giggle and all the moments in between! I will guide your family every step of the way to achieve not only beautiful portraits but beautiful moments for you to cherish forever. In this guide you will find helpful tips on outfits and information on how to prepare your family. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask I'm here to help! After your session I will cull and edit your photos. Your gallery is typical ready within 2-3 weeks of your session. You will receive a link to your private gallery, then it's time to enjoy them!

preparation

preparing for your family session

I know you want to tell your children that when we have the session, they should look into the camera, smile, and do exactly as the photographer asks them to. Well, I’m going to ask you not to do that. Because children never do as we say, right? And this is not how I want it to be during our session, a moment full of exhortations. It should be a moment of laughter and joy. And this is also how I’m working.

To take your photos, I will play with your children. I will make funny sounds, do ugly dances, play peek-a-boo, and everything in between. I want you to tell your children that you are going away to have fun.

I know all children are different. Some are shy, some are very enthusiastic, and some don’t want their photos taken at all. Some children need more time to warm up, while others don’t. You know your children the best, and please let me know before our session if there is anything you feel I need to know about your children.

Feel free to use bribes (a great gift to all mothers). Often, smaller rewards throughout the session work better than a big reward at the end. Like an m&m after a few clicks of the camera, this helps the little ones maintain focus.

As I said, you know your children the best and if you feel that a reward after the session can work on them, go for it. But most important is that you try to excite the children as much as possible before the session and not give any exhortations.

How to Prep the Kids

"Light turns the ordinary into the magical."

No matter the season, in our experience we have found that timing your engagement session for when the sun is the least harsh throughout the day—either around two hours before sunset or the first two hours after sunrise—creates the best lighting for photos, which is why it is extremely important to be on time to our session.

My favorite time to begin sessions is a few hours before sunset. Golden hour makes for the dreamiest photos.

Timing and Lighting

THE BEST TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS

Don't tell your children how to behave. The most important thing is that the children have a good and fun time. The smiles will then come naturally.

Forcing the Children

Easier said and done. But stressing over details or time will not put you in a good mood before your session.

Don't Stress

Your family is lovely, and your session is going to be great. Let those thoughts about perfection go. Instead, be present with your family and enjoy the moment you have with them. Leave all the worries about children running away to me.

Set High Expectations on Yourself

preparing dont's

I know this isn't easy because babies never sleep when we want them to. But try to come to the session with children that have eaten and are rested.

Feed and Sleep the Babies

Plan your clothes in advance. And make sure that both you and the daddy are comfortable with what you will wear. If you have any questions about how to match the family, feel free to email me.

Plan the Outfits

Forget all your worries and focus on the memorable moment you will have with your family.

Be Excited!

preparing do's

syling tips

01 of 06

Even if your daughter wants to have her favorite t-shirt with Frozen's Elsa because that is the most beautiful t-shirt she has. It's a big no-no. Prints and cartoon characters steal unnecessary attention and will also make the photos less timeless.

Ditch the Prints and Cartoon Characters

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Using soft colors removes distractions, and the feelings between you and your family members will be the central part of the pictures.

Soft Colors

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Just like the reason about choosing soft colors, for the same reason, it's a good idea to avoid very eye-catching patterns since they will steal attention and there is a chance that the pictures will feel a bit messy.

Patterns

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Something worth mentioning is that long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera as they add movement to your clothing and tends to be very flattering and natural-looking.

Fabrics and Layers

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This is the less complicated part. No one wants to freeze or look too warm. Or if the location is the beach, barefoot works better than stilettos.

Dress for the Season and Location

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This is mainly for the dads. Cellphones, keys, and other items are nothing we want to see through the pockets.

Empty Your Pockets

When it comes to colors, the goal is to complement each other instead of match. As it can be challenging to know what colors work well together and create harmony in the pictures, you can see a couple of color palettes here. You can pick the one that feels most like you and use it when planning your outfit.

Color palettes

01 of 06

Down to Earth

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Ocean Mist

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Shore Line

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Notes of Spring

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Al Fresco

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Seaglass

01 of 04

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Fresh blooms and airy strolls through the park.

spring

02 of 04

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Warm sunset walks on the beach. Tans and sun dresses.

summer

03 of 04

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Fall foliage, dreamy lighting, and romance in the air.

Autumn

04 of 04

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Magical snow, snuggling close, winter wonderlands.

winter

For example, moody leaves and foliage in the fall or bright and colorful florals in the spring. Styling outfits and choosing props will become easier after you have decided on a theme. Shoot times will vary from season to season.

let the seasons guide the theme

Folktale Winery, Allied Arts Guild, Montalvo Arts Center UC

sophisticated & timeless

Lover's Lane Trail, Lands End, Wilder Ranch, Big Basin, Muir Woods

the great outdoors

Legion of Honor, SF City Hall, Palace of Fine Arts, Lyon Street Steps

architectural

Sutro Baths, Carmel, Big Sur, Natural Bridges, Point Reyes

by the sea

Below are some favorite locations in the Bay Area, however, the best session locations are often meaningful to our individual families.

Locations

san francisco bay area locations

A perfect way to spoil yourself is to get your hair and make-up done professionally. It also removes the stress of getting ready when you are probably already nervous before your session.

It's also great as it will give you an incredible feeling of being absolutely gorgeous, boosting your confidence and making you relax. But the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. If that is letting your hair down, you should come to the session with your hair down.

This is important for the rest of your family as well. Please ensure that they have been at the hairdresser a couple of days before and that daddy's beard is groomed.

Feeling Comfortable is Key

hair & makeup

Avoid both of you having the same color at the top and bottom. It's better to have colors that are working together than to use the same ones.

Matching

Mainly because it steals all attention but also because it creates color casts. If you wear bright green, there is a big chance that your skin will look green.

Bright Colors

Tiny flowers on a cute dress are lovely. I'm talking about patterns that are all over the place here. It will only be a distraction. And also, please try to avoid small stripes. Cameras find that very confusing, and the result won't always look good.

Crazy Patterns and Cartoon Characters

STYLING dont's

It might sound a bit harsh, but many small details bring a good photo together. I have the experience, and all I want is for you to be happy with your photos.

Listen to my Advice

This is because it's less distracting. The only thing that you want to see in your pictures is your love. It's also most flattering as it won't bring any color casts on you. And it will make your photos last a lifetime.

Choose Soft Colors

If you feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable; that is nothing that can be fixed afterward.

Wear Clothes that Make you Feel Comfortable

Styling do's

Abercrombie
Tuckernuck
Mango
Target
Janie and Jack
& Other Stories

Zara
Altar'd State
Showpo
Mabo Kids
Marlow + Mae
H&M

Banana Republic
J. Crew
Nordstrom
Gap
Rylee & Cru
Old Navy

My favorite shopping resources to look your best during your session.

shopping Guide

places to shop for the family

go to the pinterest board here

To get extra inspiration for your outfits, I have put together a Pinterest Board full of inspiration so that you can quickly see how colors and different types of clothes work together. You can access the Pinterest Board via the link below.

Inspiration

visuals are always helpful

"When we have each other, we have everything."

I will make sure you're looking your best at all times—keeping an eye on your hair and makeup and the layers of your clothing—I've got you covered!

If you're worried about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose—don't be! I will guide you through everything.

posing

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This was an incredible experience!

kind words from our clients

I get so excited when couples want to include their pets in their family session! After many pet-friendly sessions, we have a few tips and tricks to share.

Including your pet in your family session means we'll need to choose a pet-friendly location, so keep that in mind when you're choosing the theme and location.

I also encourage couples to bring your pets favorite treats, groom them beforehand if necessary, and give them plenty of exercise prior to our session.

Since your pet likely won't be in every photo, we always begin the session with your pet and then recommend either dropping them off, having a friend either watch over them or take them home for the remaining time of our session.

We love your furry family members.

pets

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Scheduling and Weather

what if the weather is bad and it rains?

Extra clothes. When children are involved you never know what can happen. I highly recommend getting the littles dressed on location!

Wet wipes. Because anything can happen...

Favorite toy/stuffed animal. If extra comfort is needed. If possible, avoid anything with bright colors in case they will be shown in some photos.

A small snack. If the energy drops and preferably something dryer that doesn't leave spots and stains easily. But avoid raisins and similar as it sticks to the teeth.

Touch-up makeup. For mama if needed.

Packing List

a checklist of things to remember

Online Gallery Delivered

six weeks

Blog Post With Highlights

four weeks

Social Media Sneak Peek

two weeks

when to expect your family session photos

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The Keepsake Box

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Matted Prints

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Heirloom Albums

From prints that become keepsakes and albums that become heirlooms, bring your images to life with the magic of prints. Ordering details will be provided with your gallery.

Heirloom Prints and Albums

Transform your images into timeless treasures

List FAQs Here and Duplicate as Necessary

frequently asked questions

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— Jessica Kay

Whenever you are unsure or have a question, let me know. No question is too small. If you can't decide if you are picking the pink or beige headband for your baby girl, I'm here for you!