First things first. Take a deep breath and relax. I know! No one likes to have their picture taken. But it’s my job to make sure you love your photos once you get them back, and that you feel proud to display them in your home.

So follow this advice and your photos session is sure to be a success:

1. Choose a day and time where you won’t feel rushed. You want to be relaxed. You want to feel like to you were able to take the time to make yourself look and feel your best. Make sure the day of your photo session isn’t jammed full of other activities. Or if it is make sure there is plenty of time for you to devote to getting yourself and your family ready. Dates and times for your sessions with me are flexible, and I try as hard as possible to work within your schedule to find the most convenient day and time.

2. Be yourself! The best photos I have ever taken are where the clients felt comfortable enough to completely be themselves. It wasn’t about the perfect outfit or perfect hair. It was about letting their true personalities shine through. When that happens the outfits and hair end up looking perfect anyway!

3. If you want advice on what to wear my biggest advice is wear something that reflects your true style (even if it doesn’t resemble anything on the cover of the latest fashion magazines). You want to be comfortable. Usually if you are wearing something you love, you will feel comfortable. I do recommend you wear colors. Black and white is beautiful, but so are colors. Go wild with patterns and bright colors. Feel free to layer. It gives you the opportunity to take a layer off for a different look! However when selecting your colors consider the seasons. For outside portraits (which are my favorite) you will blend right into the environment in the spring and summer if you are wearing green. And as fall sets in wearing brown could make you blend in as well. Try to stand out in the environment you are in by choosing colors that complement the season.

4. Consider your location. If we are taking photos outside, consider the environment you are going to be in. If we are at a park or a really natural setting you may not want to wear a really glamorous outfit. Sessions outside always require walking. So choose shoes you love and that look great, but make sure they feel comfortable on your feet.

5. Arrive on time. As I said before I am flexible. But sometimes I have sessions booked back to back. I try to give wiggle room between each room, but arriving late causes your session to sometimes be cut short. Especially if we have scheduled a sunset session. Once the sun goes down, we are done.

Above all else be yourself. Let your kids be themselves. When you are able to do that I feel certain I will give you pictures you will love throughout your lifetime!