Tips on How to Prepare for your Family Portrait Session/ Boston Family Photographer

Top Tips on How to best prepare for your upcoming family portrait session, keeping things simple so you can enjoy yourselves come day of your session:

Things to do Before your Session:

1. Plan your outfits at least a week prior- trust me, you will be glad you did! Choose all items ahead of time, including accessories, so you are stress free come session day. Review my What to Wear Guide if helpful.

2. If you're getting haircuts, do so a week or so prior, to allow yourself time to learn how to style your new cut come portrait session. Ladies, make sure your roots are touched and nails aren't chipped. 

3. Depending on the age(s) of your children, prepare kids with low-key conversation about what's to come. Tell them the experience is going to be light-hearted and fun. I highly suggest avoiding bribing or threats for poor behavior. More on this below.

4. You know your kids the best but most little ones do better if they have a full belly and a good night's sleep the night before. Also, if you are coming with a newborn I highly suggest avoiding scheduling a doctor's appointment the day prior.

How To Dress for your Session:

1. Dress for the weather! If your images will be created outdoors, be realistic with    New England's inconsistency and bring/wear layers. Best to have additional coordinating options to keep each person warm and cozy during the session. Consider high boots, tights for girls, a cute vest, warm sweaters, etc. 

2. Don't wear matching clothing. Instead opt for coordinating colors in the various outfits. Review my How to Dress Guide for more specific insights.

3. Avoid basic T-Shirts and any clothing with writing on it!

4. Be aware of undergarments showing. Test bending and stretching before the session to make sure bra straps and undergarments don't show.

5. Long or Mid-Length Dresses are highly recommended for women. They lengthen the body and allow for beautiful natural movement.

6. Include favorite accessories.  Bowties, suspenders, hats, headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these allow everyone to show their personalities and styles while creating visual interest and movement in your photos. Additionally, texture and depth are GREAT in images.

7. Download everything prior to your session. Remember to please take bulky items like phones and car keys out of pockets before we start snapping photos.

What to Bring/NOT Bring to your Session:

1.  A bag to protect and hold your phones, wallets, etc. We will move around to   different outdoor spots so best to keep your belongings to a minimum.

2. Water or favorite drinks fore your kids to keep everyone hydrated and happy!

3. Snacks. Careful with this one: PLEASE avoid food that will color or soil clothing. Choose snacks that are easy and quick to consume, as I won't take pictures while kids are chewing.

 4. Technology: Please try to unplug during the session!    Pulling out phones or iPads during the session are usually not helpful. Visualize the deer-in-the-headlights look when children are watching television. That is NOT what we are seeking for your photos! 

During your Session:

1. Keep your energy high and your tone positive. Kids will feed off your attitude so come ready to have fun. It will really help set the tone for the session.

2. Be ready to help with expressions. I love creating images where children are looking off camera and laughing. These images happen by placing parents to the side and allowing your silly side  to come out. I'll let you know what I need at the appropriate time but please know that children are going to react and respond best to those they love so I am not shy about asking for your assistance through the session.

3. Please do not prompt children on their smiles! While well intentioned, this action brings the focus on the smile, creates stress, and does NOT have the end result of a real smile. Depending on the age of your child, being silly usually brings the best result. I also like to simply talk with children about what they like to do, what music they prefer, etc. Once I find a connection smiles eventually come. I have extreme patience so please trust the process. 

4. Most sessions take between 1-2 hours. I do not rush through sessions. I want to deliver a variety of great images and this takes time. Depending on the ages of your children, we may take a short break for a snack: sometimes this recharges children and provides me with an additional 10-15 minutes. Believe me- they will let us know when they are done. If you'd like to change clothing for your children't individual shots this will make the session a bit longer but I'm happy to incorporate a few outfit changes. Please do not plan on having the entire family change- this is too stressful.

5. Be ready to laugh, tickle, snuggle tightly with your family. While I will create images of everyone looking at the camera, I also adore shots where everyone is playfully interacting with one another and not looking at the camera. While often instructed by me, the end result is real moments so try to roll with it and have fun!

6. Stand really close together. Please be ready to be crazy close together. Essentially, you can't be too close for pictures. I understand that some teenagers and pre teens may respond awkwardly to my request to put a hand on their sibling's shoulder: please know that I will adjust depending on ages and reactions to my instructing. 

7. Try to have fun! I understand that for many getting their pictures taken is as fun as going to the dentist. Remember to relax, slow down, and don't force anything. Then trust that I will do the rest.

After your Session:

1.I will do my best to share one image on Facebook and instagram within a week of your session so if the wait to see everything is killing you please join Alternate Angles Photography online so you don't miss the post of one of my favorite images!

2. I will be working hard with my retouching team to prepare your images to present to you. This process takes usually takes between 2.5 to 3 weeks.  Please understand that I am working with many families and promise to work the magic as quickly as possible. 

3. Placing your Order: I will send you an email a day or two after your session to schedule a time for you to excitedly see all your images! The decision makers of the family must be part of this meeting, as your images will be revealed and orders finalized during this appointment.

I very much look forward to your session day and the opportunity to create images for you! Most importantly, I want the experience to be fun for everyone. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any specific requests or questions prior to or during the session.