Auntie A’s
Top Tips for families before their photo session
Sometimes…family photo sessions can be challenging…for not only the family, but sometimes the photographer as well. We are always planning ahead in the studio as most all of my clients see me annually and have well in advance of their sessions plenty of time to find the right outfits and prepare for am amazing day of creating beautiful art!
1. I always ask you to choose their clothing thoughtfully, and by that I mean picking something that reflects who you are as a family and will go nicely as a piece of art in your home. What do your dream family photos look like? If they are soft and elegant? Chose neutral colors with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeals, light browns, tans, grays, and slate blues. Want to showcase the fun and spunky side of your family? Choose coordinating colors (but not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents. Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images.
2.Please feed the children and furry babies and make sure Grandma has had a nap! I always ask and we must pay attention to not schedule your photo session around your child’s naptime. Also if the children have had a cold or a fussy night it is ALWAYS best to reschedule. I would rather have perfect shots than a total meltdown and have to be rescheduled anyway.
3. Timing is EVERYTHING….The session starts when you book it and doing hair and makeup and having lunch is not supposed to be a part of that time. Sure… we stop and nurse and have snacks but the session goes way better if everyone has hair done and is ready to start so we have plenty of time to stop and play and get great images. Houston is HOT too so when we plan stuff for outside we do that in the morning or late afternoon and of course the studio is perfect at anytime!
4. An Ode to my sweet Doodlebugs! My Dads all might not love taking pictures…but they love Auntie A! I try real hard only to call you in on the most important of shots because I get it…I know what you really think about having to take pictures and it’s not anywhere near as much fun as watching football or playing golf but… it is vastly important. When she’s all grown up and gone and there’s that Wall of life staring back at you everyday with your mother’s hands in a generation shot, and her sweet toothless smile you’ll thank me. When we are all gone and your next generations are here to inherit the beauty of where they came from and can see their resemblances in the sparkle of your eyes that I as your artist captured….You’ll find me in heaven and thank me again… there really isn’t much more important to leave behind than the legacy of heirloom portraiture.
5. Plan to have a lot of fun! I am with my families for years and every session is as unique as the sweet families that I care for. Sometimes we are tickling each other and other times we are in a more posed posture. All of the sessions are a part of the memories of childhood for “our” children and each time they visit their Auntie A it has to be filled with laughter and fun!
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