WHAT TO EXPECT, AND HOW YOU CAN PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR UPCOMING PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

 

‘I haven’t had pictures taken in 3 years. So much has changed. I’m not a model! I don’t know how to pose! What if we look weird?! What if we don’t know what to do? What if the wind blows my hair in my face for 2 straight hours?! What if my child doesn’t cooperate?’

 

It can be extremely nerve-wracking, can’t it? As soon as you book your photo session with a professional photographer, there could be a thousand what ifs, driving through your mind at 90 mph… not stopping for red lights… probably texting at the same time…maybe with a blindfold on. Your mind can be a dangerous thing! (Kind of like my imagination.) 

Hopefully, the photographer has provided you with a lot of really good information on what to expect for your session, with the general idea being that there are no surprises along the way. If not, you might have picked the wrong photographer. (Sorry photog’s of the world. I’m a firm believer in educating & helping my clients. I’m not a fan of ‘springing’ things on customers, not helping them because ‘i don’t have time’, or creating the illusion that they “HAVE” to buy something. I guess I just have a strong distaste for trickery and sneakiness.  And your clients probably do too. End rant.)

If your photographer has provided you with all the good information you need, but you’re still a little unsettled with the idea of maybe chasing your 3 your old boy- right into a mud puddle; your hair not looking right; blinking; non-smiling kids; non-smiling husband; choosing outfits, etc., check out the below list of things to help you get through this traumatic moment in time. It’ll pass. And I promise, it wont be nearly as stressful as it might seem right now.

 

The very first thing you should do when you’re having anxiety about your session? Call/email your photographer. They should be able to answer any questions you have, no matter how silly they might seem to you. Personally, I really strive to make my clients feel comfortable, and well taken care of through out the entire process, including the time leading up to the session. In addition to this post, and other information found on my blog/website, I also send my clients a Welcome Packet that includes some really helpful tips about your session.

[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#010101″]

So first, let’s first break down those fears. Click each fear below for an instant feel better boost.

[su_spoiler title=”FEAR #1: THE OUTFIT I PICKED OUT FOR MY CHILD IS SO CUTE. PLEASE DONT GET DIRTY. PLEASE DONT GET DIRTY. PLEEEEASE.”]Very rarely, will I do a session anywhere near  a muddy pit of despair. Sometimes you can’t control the elements, but most of the time we can control the surroundings that we shoot in. In the rarest chance that it could ever possibly occur, we’ll make the best of it! I am, after all, a lifestyle photographer. I take photos of things that really happen. And it will be dirty & beautiful. But really. This isn’t going to happen.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”FEAR #2: MY HAIR WONT LOOK RIGHT.”] Style your hair as you usually would. Try not to go for a new style for your session. Odds are, that your usual style is what makes you feel most like you, which is what’s going to make you feel comfortable. If you come to your session with tight spiral curls, and your hair is generally straight, I can almost guarantee that you’ll be uncomfortable during your session. If this wasn’t a fear for you, rock those spiral curls!![/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”FEAR #3: WHAT IF WE BLINK?!”] Everyone blinks. And you will blink during your session a couple thousand times. The good news, is that unless your entire family is actively closing their eyes for the entire duration of the session, you’ll have plenty of non-blinking photos to choose from! [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”FEAR #4: MY CHILDREN DON’T SMILE FOR ME WHEN I TAKE PICTURES OF THEM. WHAT IF THEY WONT SMILE FOR YOU?”] Trust me on this one. I have my magical ways. But sometimes, kids are more serious in their nature, and those photos taken where they’re not smiling, are just as beautiful. Tickle sessions almost always work though. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”FEAR #5: MY HUSBAND DREADS TAKING PICTURES.”] Trust me on this one. I have my magical ways- and they involve bribery for adults. “If you smile for this one, you can check the score of the game while I take pictures of the kids.” Works every time. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”FEAR #6: I HAVE TO COORDINATE OUR OUTFITS. THE IDEA OF THAT ALONE FRAZZLES ME.”] See below section on What To Wear. [/su_spoiler]

[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#010101″]

There. Don’t you feel better? Again, always always ALWAYS contact your photographer if you have these types of concerns. Save yourself a week of stress, and let them put you at ease about it. Your session will be a lot more relaxed & fun for you, if you’re able to go into it without reservations. Here are a few more helpful tips for your photo session.

GENERAL TIPS

• WATER: You will want to hydrate during your shoot. A couples of hours is a long time to go without drinking anything.
• HAIR: If you color your hair, a good time to do that would be about 2 weeks before your session. For men, a fresh cut a couple of days before the session is perfect!
• MAKEUP: Subtle, natural makeup will look amazing, and it will stand the test of time as well. Also, you may want to bring touch up lipstick/gloss.
• NAILS: A fresh coat of polish can go a long way. Whatever your go to color is- go to it!
• WHAT TO WEAR: The key to planning this for your family, is to coordinate. Not match. Start with one outfit that you really like, and build the rest off of that one. Stick with a few complimentary colors throughout the family. Ironing or steaming shirts/dresses that might need it is a great idea. See the What To Wear Series here for outfit inspiration through the seasons.

MATERNITY TIPS

• If you plan on doing any belly shots, be sure to moisturize.
• Bring a prop if you’d like! Ultrasound picture, stuffed animal, baby shoes, etc. Whatever you’d like to incorporate into your session.
• Dress comfortably. Long, flowy dresses photograph beautifully. Think “natural, light, and pretty” when picking out your maternity outfit.
• Include your significant other in your session! 

 

CHILDREN TIPS

• Clean their hair, nails, mouth, face, shoes, and pretty much everything else. 
• If your child still naps, a nap before the session can go a long way- as I’m sure you already know.
• Avoid using the “say cheese” line during your session. It usually produces a forced, fake smile. We want natural, happy smiles!
• Try and relax during your session. If you’re relaxed, your child can sense it and they begin to relax. Instead of giving them directions, I usually let the children do what they want to do, and see what they want to see during the session. It’s OKAY if they run away, and don’t want to pose. I want them to be happy in your photos of them! Us adults are just along for their ride!

 

 

 

 So now you have plenty of resources to help you! And if this post, the what to wear guides, and welcome packet still don’t answer your question, contact me ASAP! I would hate for you to arrive to your session feeling anything other than absolutely amazing, excited, and happy! If any of those irrational fears & anxieties pop into your head, just remember that they can easily be squashed by a quality photographer!

PS. If you’re reading this, and you can think of something that just rattles your cage prior to going into a photo session, let me know in the comments below! I would love to help put you at ease, even if you haven’t hired me yet, or you’re using another photographer- this would be without stepping on your photographer’s toes, of course. I love to help people in general, but most of all, love to make current & potential clients feel relaxed before, during and after their session with me.