You know that hurricane that happens before leaving the house for anything important? You know the one: shoes are flying, your normally very well-behaved kids are screaming, and someone just spilled cranberry juice on their white linen shirt???

And then you show up with big smiles on your face like you didn’t just go through some kind of war.

While I can’t guarantee everything will go without a hitch lol, here are some of my best tips for getting the most out of your mini sessions (without wanting to pull your hair out!) 

PREPPING FOR YOUR SESSION

1.BRING SNACKS FOR ANYONE WHO MIGHT NEED SOME EXTRA SMILE INCENTIVE.

Are you at your best when you’re hangry? I thought so. You don’t have to promise an XL DQ Blizzard, but sometimes a little extra snack at the end of the session (or even mid-session), can bring out the smiles that have gone missing. Goldfish and fruit snacks work wonders. 

2. LET KIDS BE KIDS. SOME OF THE BEST PHOTOS COME FROM SPONTANEOUS GIGGLES AND RUNNING AROUND.

It doesn’t feel natural for kids (and adults) to sit like a statue for a stranger to take their photo. Believe it or not, some of the best smiles come from those unplanned moments where someone tells a silly joke, or starts wiggling a little too much. This is why my posing style is loose and allows for movement. I’ll always give you guidance when you need it, but will also allow room for the spontaneous moments, too.

3. GET EXCITED! TALK ABOUT HOW FUN WE’RE GOING TO HAVE, INSTEAD OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT EVERYONE SMILES.

Words have power. Taking the emphasis off “you better behave” to “we’re going to have so much fun!” can make a huge difference. Start the conversation in advance, and tell them that for only 15-20 minutes they get to run around at a new place and show off their big smiles. Being in front of the camera can be intimidating enough – especially for little ones – without having the added pressure of needing to be on their best behavior.

4. REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE TAKING THESE PICTURES IN THE FIRST PLACE.

There’s a reason you’re going through all this effort to get everyone all dressed up. This season of life won’t last forever. Your kid’s front teeth will grow back, your pup will grow up, and your spouse will look a little greyer. These are memories of a moment in your life that you want to cherish. Print them for your wall, send them to grandma, and put them in a scrapbook for your kids’ kids to look at one day.

DRESSING FOR YOUR SESSION

Choose A Color Palette

When selecting outfits for your session, color is the first thing you’ll want to consider. I’m here to tell you that you just can’t go wrong with neutral and earth-y tones. Most of my shoots take place in a natural setting and it’s important to the overall look that your colors don’t clash with the scenery. White, beige, muted greens and subtle pastels all work well no matter what. 

Texture & Pattern

Natural textures found in linen, knitwear, high-quality denim pieces can really elevate an outfit and bring a unique style to each family member. Subtle floral patterns are a great way to break up solid colors, however, It’s best to have just one person wearing a patterned piece to avoid too much visual noise. 

Shape

The flow or drape of an outfit can be a great way to highlight our best attributes. A flow-y dress can add a lot of movement and beauty to an outdoor session, while a more form fitting option is great for showing off a baby bump in a studio setting. Loose fitting clothing suggests a relaxed, romantic mood while form fitting outfits evoke a chicness and sophistication.

Coordinating Outfits

Okay, you’ve read the basic guidelines and now you’re wondering where to start. Let’s break down the steps I take when I do a wardrobe consultation. 

Parents Outfits First

I always start with the parents first so we can build an outfit for everyone else based on their look. Moms and Dads are usually the biggest people in the frame and we want to make sure their outfits coordinate before adding outfits for the kiddos. Once we choose one outfit it’s so easy to make choices for everyone else. 

Don’t Forget The Shoes

It’s true that shoes can make an outfit. This can often be overlooked, but shoes are SO important to the overall look of your family photos. In the summer everyone can wear shoes made from natural materials (i.e. leather-like sandals or clogs) OR we can even go barefoot. In the winter I suggest that everyone wear a comfortable boot that is one color (black or brown) and has minimal details. 

Make It Comfortable

If we are shooting outdoors in the winter, nothing is worse than taking coats on and off in between photos to quickly warm up after freezing and forcing smiles! Apply the style principles to your outer layers so you can stay warm throughout the entire session. You can have all of the style in the world but if you or your family isn’t feeling 100% comfortable in their clothes then it will show in the photos. 

A Few, Final Tips

Dress It Up

Don’t be afraid to wear something you normally wouldn’t. I encourage you to embrace a flowy dress or wear those fashionable linen pants. Think of pieces and accessories that are a bit more elevated than your everyday wardrobe.

The Little Details

Adding a subtle gold necklace or sweet, simple set of earrings can add a lot of character to your portraits. Same thing goes for nails! Hands are naturally a major point of focus in family photos and having a clean, manicured set of nails goes a long way! 

How Will This Look On Your Walls?

Most families I work with come to me because they want to frame photos from our session on the walls of their home. It may sound silly to “coordinate with the couch” but it really does make a big difference if you’re planning on creating a statement piece for your living room!

AND, remember, we have 15-20 minutes and that time will FLY by! Try your best to enjoy it!! I cannot wait to see you!!

xoxo,

Kaitlin

Christmas Mini Studio