Family Photo Session Guide

Family Photo Session Guide

Meet Your Photographer

Meet Your Photographer

Hi, I'm Ashley!

Hi, I'm Ashley!

I’m thrilled you’ve considered me to be your photographer!


Allow me to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from this experience. I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your experience with me, and by the time you’ve read through it, I hope you’ll have all your questions answered and feel excited and prepared.


I’ll cover everything from wardrobe suggestions, how to prepare kiddos, FAQs. and everything in between! Then, I’ll take care of the rest. Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create beautiful photos of you and your family you’ll love forever. I am excited to get to know you!

I’m thrilled you’ve considered me to be your photographer!


Allow me to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from this experience. I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your experience with me, and by the time you’ve read through it, I hope you’ll have all your questions answered and feel excited and prepared.


I’ll cover everything from wardrobe suggestions, how to prepare kiddos, FAQs. and everything in between! Then, I’ll take care of the rest. Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create beautiful photos of you and your family you’ll love forever. I am excited to get to know you!

Time & Location

Time & Location

Time

Time

Typically, the best light for your photos will occur during “golden

hour,” which is the hour immediately before sunset or right after

sunrise, when the sun is close to the horizon and casts soft, rich

light on the earth.


To establish a start time for your photo shoot, look up the sunset

time for our shoot date (and city) and subtract an hour. That’s

usually the best time for us to start, but we’ll be sure to confirm

the exact time together!


Remember, the sun sets much earlier during winter and much

later during summer, so make sure to factor that in when

choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off

work or have evening plans afterward.

Typically, the best light for your photos will occur during “golden hour,” which is the hour immediately before sunset or right after sunrise, when the sun is close to the horizon and casts soft, rich light on the earth.

To establish a start time for your photo shoot, look up the sunset time for our shoot date (and city) and subtract an hour. That’s usually the best time for us to start, but we’ll be sure to confirm the exact time together! 

Remember, the sun sets much earlier during winter and much later during summer, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off work or have evening plans afterward.


Location

Location

Unless you booked a predetermined location, the location of

your session is completely up to you! Consider the atmosphere

and vibe you want to convey in your images, and if you prefer

something indoors (like your home), outside in nature, or

something more urban.


And don’t be afraid to think outside the box or limit yourself to

my locations. I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations

that you might have special access to that most people don’t.

Maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network,

can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-

limits, like a beautiful private estate or industrial space. Maybe

it’s a flower farm, upscale hotel, airplane hangar or rooftop view.

The sky is literally the limit!


If you are unsure of the perfect location, don’t worry- I’ve got you

covered. I have included a list of my top (4) favorite locations to

photograph family sessions with a link to more location ideas.

Please let me know if you are interested in any of these or if

you’d like to talk about different locations.

Unless you booked a predetermined location, the location of your session is completely up to you! Consider the atmosphere and vibe you want to convey in your images, and if you prefer something indoors (like your home), outside in nature, or something more urban.


And don’t be afraid to think outside the box or limit yourself to my locations. I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. Maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off- limits, like a beautiful private estate or industrial space. Maybe it’s a flower farm, upscale hotel, airplane hangar or rooftop view. The sky is literally the limit!


If you are unsure of the perfect location, don’t worry- I’ve got you covered. I have included a list of my top (4) favorite locations to photograph family sessions with a link to more location ideas. Please let me know if you are interested in any of these or if you’d like to talk about different locations.

Color Palettes & Styling

Color Palettes & Styling

Family photos are a moment to shine and show off your

beautiful family in your best versions of yourselves! Take this

time to be inspired and really pull together outfits that makes

you all look great as a group, and as individuals.


Here are a few pages of styles, suggestions and moodboards

along with color palettes I’ve pulled together. You’re welcome

to choose from one of these options, or use them as

inspiration to make your own.

Family photos are a moment to shine and show off your beautiful family in your best versions of yourselves! Take this time to be inspired and really pull together outfits that makes you all look great as a group, and as individuals.


Here are a few pages of styles, suggestions and moodboards along with color palettes I’ve pulled together. You’re welcome to choose from one of these options, or use them as inspiration to make your own.

Style Tips for Her

Style Tips for Her

Don't Be Afraid to Dress it Up!

Don't Be Afraid to Dress it Up!

Have you ever dreamed about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt,

or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your

chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as “too

dressed up” when it comes to your session, so don’t be afraid to

have some fun!


Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flattering

on most female bodies, especially on camera. What’s better than a

full and flowy skirt?! It’s like a built-in "prop,

" giving you something


to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to

your photos. A dress always looks nice, so definitely my

recommendation. Don’t be afraid to choose something like jeans or

jumpsuits though, especially if that’s the type of look you’re going

for. I also strongly recommend choosing your outfit first, and

choosing everyone else’s around yours.

Have you ever dreamed about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt,

or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your

chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as “too

dressed up” when it comes to your session, so don’t be afraid to

have some fun!


Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flattering

on most female bodies, especially on camera. What’s better than a

full and flowy skirt?! It’s like a built-in "prop,

" giving you something


to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to

your photos. A dress always looks nice, so definitely my

recommendation. Don’t be afraid to choose something like jeans or

jumpsuits though, especially if that’s the type of look you’re going

for. I also strongly recommend choosing your outfit first, and

choosing everyone else’s around yours.

Accessories, Hair & Makeup

Accessories, Hair & Makeup

Jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. can add such a

huge difference in really elevating your photos. Accessorize to add

character but don’t go too over the top (think about a statement

necklace or earrings, but probably not both) It adds an extra bit of

luxury and appeal to your images and really pulls together your

look.


Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done for the

session. This will enhance your natural features and make you feel

camera-ready. If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, aim

for a natural, polished look. Keeping your eyes nice and bright. Try

to avoid any false lashes, in camera they typically take away from

your eyes and cause shadows. Avoid trying out new hairstyles or

makeup techniques on the day of your session, better to try

something new a few days before to make sure you’re

accomplishing the look you’re going for.

Jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. can add such a

huge difference in really elevating your photos. Accessorize to add

character but don’t go too over the top (think about a statement

necklace or earrings, but probably not both) It adds an extra bit of

luxury and appeal to your images and really pulls together your

look.


Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done for the

session. This will enhance your natural features and make you feel

camera-ready. If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, aim

for a natural, polished look. Keeping your eyes nice and bright. Try

to avoid any false lashes, in camera they typically take away from

your eyes and cause shadows. Avoid trying out new hairstyles or

makeup techniques on the day of your session, better to try

something new a few days before to make sure you’re

accomplishing the look you’re going for.

Style Tips for Him

Style Tips for Him

The Best Fit

The Best Fit

Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes is always my

recommendation for Men. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored

pants work best on camera. Patterns like pinstripes, plaid, or small

busy patterns tend to take away from the subject, and can also look

odd on camera, and create a Moire effect so I’d recommend

avoiding them. I also recommend staying away from graphic t-

shirts and large logos.

Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes is always my

recommendation for Men. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored

pants work best on camera. Patterns like pinstripes, plaid, or small

busy patterns tend to take away from the subject, and can also look

odd on camera, and create a Moire effect so I’d recommend

avoiding them. I also recommend staying away from graphic t-

shirts and large logos.

Layered Looks & Details

Layered Looks & Details

Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed,

adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest

to your photos. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers, to

break up the color tones. Throw over a nice jacket, or add a long-

sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath a sweater, weather

permitting, of course.


Details for men are SO important too! Make sure to wear your best

watch to really elevate your look.

Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed,

adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest

to your photos. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers, to

break up the color tones. Throw over a nice jacket, or add a long-

sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath a sweater, weather

permitting, of course.


Details for men are SO important too! Make sure to wear your best

watch to really elevate your look.

If Casual is His Thing

If Casual is His Thing

Some men don’t like the dressed up look, or maybe you’re planning

a more casual shoot. A nice, clean pair of jeans and a neutral

colored shirt will work great! Keep it simple, in the end he wants to

feel comfortable in what he’s wearing, so that’s most important.

Some men don’t like the dressed up look, or maybe you’re planning

a more casual shoot. A nice, clean pair of jeans and a neutral

colored shirt will work great! Keep it simple, in the end he wants to

feel comfortable in what he’s wearing, so that’s most important.

Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips

Get a fresh haircut a day or two before your session to keep your cut

looking fresh and cleaned up. Trim your facial hair neatly or shave if

you prefer a cleaner look. Ensure your nails are clean and well-

groomed, as they’ll be visible in some shots. If you wear glasses,

decide whether you want to wear them or go without, considering

any glares or reflections.

Get a fresh haircut a day or two before your session to keep your cut

looking fresh and cleaned up. Trim your facial hair neatly or shave if

you prefer a cleaner look. Ensure your nails are clean and well-

groomed, as they’ll be visible in some shots. If you wear glasses,

decide whether you want to wear them or go without, considering

any glares or reflections.

Style Tips for the Littles

Style Tips for the Littles

What Should My Baby & Toddler Wear?

What Should My Baby & Toddler Wear?

A neutral colored or muted toned jumpsuit or overall is always cute

on a small baby! You’ll do a lot of picking them up and moving

them around, so it’s helpful to have an outfit that you don’t have to

constantly pull the shirt down or pull up the pants to hide the

diaper. Makes it easier on you! If you want to get more creative with

the outfit, use some floral pattern, other subtle patterns or textures

to add more dimension. I also adore throwing over a knitted

sweater over the jumpsuit or overalls for a colder day. If you decide

to put a dress on your babygirl, make sure to have some cute shorts

or a diaper cover under her dress.


Whatever you dress your baby in, make sure they are comfortable

because we want them happy during the photoshoot!

A neutral colored or muted toned jumpsuit or overall is always cute

on a small baby! You’ll do a lot of picking them up and moving

them around, so it’s helpful to have an outfit that you don’t have to

constantly pull the shirt down or pull up the pants to hide the

diaper. Makes it easier on you! If you want to get more creative with

the outfit, use some floral pattern, other subtle patterns or textures

to add more dimension. I also adore throwing over a knitted

sweater over the jumpsuit or overalls for a colder day. If you decide

to put a dress on your babygirl, make sure to have some cute shorts

or a diaper cover under her dress.


Whatever you dress your baby in, make sure they are comfortable

because we want them happy during the photoshoot!

What Should My Kid Wear?

What Should My Kid Wear?

Dressing kiddos in dressy over casual clothes will elevate your

photos. Dress them like little adults! Avoid clothing with logos. For

girls, flowy dresses, give them something to swirl around and add

movement. For the boys, fitted dress pants, slacks, jeans, or shorts

all work great depending on the style you’re going for.

Dressing kiddos in dressy over casual clothes will elevate your

photos. Dress them like little adults! Avoid clothing with logos. For

girls, flowy dresses, give them something to swirl around and add

movement. For the boys, fitted dress pants, slacks, jeans, or shorts

all work great depending on the style you’re going for.

Accessories & Hair

Accessories & Hair

Accessories are such a fun touch for kids! Adding in a hairbow or

headband for your little girl is such a cute touch and highly

recommended! Cute, knitted knee high socks with the dress is also

a cute touch. For boys, adding in a pair of suspenders with their

dressy clothes are great, or even adding in a hat for your kiddo if

you’re going for a more casual look can really add a nice touch too!

Don’t be afraid to accessorize with the kids too.


For hair, braids on little girls are such a cute touch and make sure to

do up your boy’s hair as well. Using hair gel or hairspray will help

keep it styled.

Accessories are such a fun touch for kids! Adding in a hairbow or

headband for your little girl is such a cute touch and highly

recommended! Cute, knitted knee high socks with the dress is also

a cute touch. For boys, adding in a pair of suspenders with their

dressy clothes are great, or even adding in a hat for your kiddo if

you’re going for a more casual look can really add a nice touch too!

Don’t be afraid to accessorize with the kids too.


For hair, braids on little girls are such a cute touch and make sure to

do up your boy’s hair as well. Using hair gel or hairspray will help

keep it styled.

Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips

Get a fresh haircut a day or two before your session to keep your cut

looking fresh and cleaned up. Trim your facial hair neatly or shave if

you prefer a cleaner look. Ensure your nails are clean and well-

groomed, as they’ll be visible in some shots. If you wear glasses,

decide whether you want to wear them or go without, considering

any glares or reflections.

Get a fresh haircut a day or two before your session to keep your cut

looking fresh and cleaned up. Trim your facial hair neatly or shave if

you prefer a cleaner look. Ensure your nails are clean and well-

groomed, as they’ll be visible in some shots. If you wear glasses,

decide whether you want to wear them or go without, considering

any glares or reflections.

My #1 Principle for Dressing A Family for Their Photo Session is "Coordinating, not Matching."

My #1 Principle for Dressing A Family for Their Photo Session is "Coordinating, not Matching."

Keep Location in Mind

Keep Location in Mind

Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear

in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going

to be in the desert where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a

tree at a park surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette

for your outfits that will compliment the setting. Pick out items of

clothing in colors that will compliment the background, and not

compete with it, or blend in too much.

Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear

in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going

to be in the desert where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a

tree at a park surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette

for your outfits that will compliment the setting. Pick out items of

clothing in colors that will compliment the background, and not

compete with it, or blend in too much.

Start With 3 Core Colors

Start With 3 Core Colors

Knowing what colors to wear for family photos can be tricky. Before

you go unloading your whole family's closet, you can simplify this

process with a plan. You can accomplish a cohesive look without

everyone wearing the same outfit. The base colors will be the basics

that will make up the core pieces of your wardrobe.

Knowing what colors to wear for family photos can be tricky. Before

you go unloading your whole family's closet, you can simplify this

process with a plan. You can accomplish a cohesive look without

everyone wearing the same outfit. The base colors will be the basics

that will make up the core pieces of your wardrobe.

White

White

Ivory

Ivory

Beige

Beige

Camel

Camel

Rich Brown

Rich

Brown

Brown

Brown

Tan

Tan

Taupe

Taupe

Light Gray

Light

Gray

Gray

Gray

Black

Black

Denim

Denim

Add in 1-3 Accent Colors

Add in 1-3 Accent Colors

If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from

your 2-3 core colors, add in a couple of accent colors, to be used less

frequently than the core colors.
These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that

you're already using.

Fell free to use other colors that aren't on this list. These are just colors that

are often incorporated and will compliment just about any of the

neutrals above.

If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from

your 2-3 core colors, add in a couple of accent colors, to be used less

frequently than the core colors.
These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that

you're already using.

Fell free to use other colors that aren't on this list. These are just colors that

are often incorporated and will compliment just about any of the

neutrals above.

Dusty

Blue

Dusty

Blue

Mustard

Mustard

Dusty

Green

Dusty

Green

Olive

Olive

Dusty Pink

Dusty

Pink

Rust

Rust

Emerald

Emerald

Use These Sample Palettes to Visualize Wardrobe Options for Your Family.

Use These Sample Palettes to Visualize Wardrobe Options for Your Family.

Core

Core

Core

Core

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Core

Core

Core

Core

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Don't be Afraid to Incorporate Some Patterns Into Your Wardrobe Too.

Don't be Afraid to Incorporate Some Patterns Into Your Wardrobe Too.

The base of your overall wardrobe should be solid colors with some

nice texture, but adding in someone to have a pattern like Mom’s

dress, your daughter’s skirt, or a throw over jacket for your son is a

perfect way to add even more interest and thought into your

wardrobe. If you overdo it with prints and patterns the outfits can

overwhelm the photos, so always mix with solid neutrals for a

cohesive look. Some of my favorite combos are a floral dress for

Mom and daughter, neutrals for Dad and Son, and textures like

knit a knit sweater and matching leggings for baby girl for a more

boho, earthy look.

The base of your overall wardrobe should be solid colors with some nice texture, but adding in someone to have a pattern like Mom’s dress, your daughter’s skirt, or a throw over jacket for your son is a perfect way to add even more interest and thought into your wardrobe. If you overdo it with prints and patterns the outfits can overwhelm the photos, so always mix with solid neutrals for a cohesive look. Some of my favorite combos are a floral dress for Mom and daughter, neutrals for Dad and Son, and textures like knit a knit sweater and matching leggings for baby girl for a more boho, earthy look.

Want to Simplify Your Family Outfit Even More? Go All Neutral.

Want to Simplify Your Family Outfit Even More? Go All Neutral.

Does picking a palette sound like too much? You can hit the easy

button and still let everyone shine by going all-neutral all the way.

Especially if you’re going for a boho look! Start with white, cream,

tan or beige for most of the pieces, then mix in a couple nice colors

like olive green or khaki pants and finish it off with a couple hits of

visual interest with textures. Some I love are lace, corduroy, knits,

satin, linen, and waffle cloth.

Does picking a palette sound like too much? You can hit the easy button and still let everyone shine by going all-neutral all the way. Especially if you’re going for a boho look! Start with white, cream, tan or beige for most of the pieces, then mix in a couple nice colors like olive green or khaki pants and finish it off with a couple hits of visual interest with textures. Some I love are lace, corduroy, knits, satin, linen, and waffle cloth.

Feel Free to Get Creative With It & Make It Fun! These Are Your Family Photos After All!

Feel Free to Get Creative With It & Make It Fun! These Are Your Family Photos After All!

Moodboards

Clean & Simple

Clean & Simple

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Accent

Accent

Accent

This one is a perfect example of

incorporating textures and simple

patterns! And the whites really add a clean

and polished feel. Everyone here is

wearing mainly the same colors, but with

variety in textures in Mom’s and Son’s

choices, it all works together.

This one is a perfect example of

incorporating textures and simple

patterns! And the whites really add a clean

and polished feel. Everyone here is

wearing mainly the same colors, but with

variety in textures in Mom’s and Son’s

choices, it all works together.

This one is a perfect example of

incorporating textures and simple

patterns! And the whites really add a clean

and polished feel. Everyone here is

wearing mainly the same colors, but with

variety in textures in Mom’s and Son’s

choices, it all works together.

Classic Boho

Classic Boho

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

The boho neutral look has become a

classic, go-to look in family photos and is

always a good choice. Neutrals like these

whites, creams, taupe and brown bring

out your beautiful skin tones. There is a

level of casualness to it, but the girl’s

dresses bring a touch of fancy!

The boho neutral look has become a

classic, go-to look in family photos and is

always a good choice. Neutrals like these

whites, creams, taupe and brown bring

out your beautiful skin tones. There is a

level of casualness to it, but the girl’s

dresses bring a touch of fancy!

The boho neutral look has become a classic, go-to look in family photos and is always a good choice. Neutrals like these whites, creams, taupe and brown bring out your beautiful skin tones. There is a level of casualness to it, but the girl’s dresses bring a touch of fancy!

Poppy & Fun

Poppy & Fun

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Core

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

Accent

This one is a perfect example of choosing

simple core colors and pulling in accent

colors to really make a fun color palette

with several pops of color that doesn’t

always have to be all neutral and simple.

We can make your family photos fun and

colorful too!

This one is a perfect example of choosing

simple core colors and pulling in accent

colors to really make a fun color palette

with several pops of color that doesn’t

always have to be all neutral and simple.

We can make your family photos fun and

colorful too!

This one is a perfect example of choosing

simple core colors and pulling in accent

colors to really make a fun color palette

with several pops of color that doesn’t

always have to be all neutral and simple.

We can make your family photos fun and

colorful too!

How to Prep Your Little Ones

How to Prep Your Little Ones

TIP#1: Practice smiling. I know this sounds silly, but try

practicing with cues like:

"Show me your teeth!" “Show me

your happy face!”


TIP #2: Find a song, game, dance, or video that captures their

attention and brings out joy. I've learned that small kids can't

fake it. They feel what they feel. And you can hack that! Prior to

your photo session, practice singing some songs, playing

games (red light green light, ring around the roses) or learn

some silly dances that make your child(ren) genuinely happy.


TIP #3: Pack a toys and snacks bag. Before your session, pack a

bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or

treats) that might help us get their attention when it’s time for

them to look at the camera.


TIP #4: Give a pep talk. If they are old enough to understand

you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before

the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you

so they know to be on their best behavior.


TIP #5: Good ol’ fashioned bribery. A lot of families discuss and

pick a treat that the kids will receive after the session if they’re

good listeners and smilers..

TIP#1: Practice smiling. I know this sounds silly, but try practicing with cues like, "Show me your teeth!" “Show me your happy face!”


TIP #2: Find a song, game, dance, or video that captures their attention and brings out joy. I've learned that small kids can't fake it. They feel what they feel. And you can hack that! Prior to your photo session, practice singing some songs, playing games (red light green light, ring around the roses) or learn some silly dances that make your child(ren) genuinely happy.


TIP #3: Pack a toys and snacks bag. Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or treats) that might help us get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera.


TIP #4: Give a pep talk. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior

.

TIP #5: Good ol’ fashioned bribery. A lot of families discuss and pick a treat that the kids will receive after the session if they’re good listeners and smilers..

That being said, don’t be worried about how your kids will

behave or embarrassed if things don’t go as planned. They’re

little, and their unfiltered, unpredictable emotions and

outbursts are part of the reason you want to remember this

season in life. It's my aim to help you embrace these moments

with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for

an hour or more. We will make sure to get a few shots of

everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most

part I want you to just have a great time and be yourselves. I’ll

go with the flow.


My favorite thing to capture is all of those in-between

moments that can’t be perfectly posed anyway. If one of your

children starts running away from the group giggling, scoop

them up and smother them in tickles and kisses. If they are shy

or upset, hold them close and tell them how wonderful you

think they are while tucking their hair behind their ear. If you

as a parent keep smiling and having a good time, or are

frustrated at them, your child will usually pick up on that. Let’s

make this a positive experience all the way around, and I will

be able to capture sweet moments the whole way through.


That being said, don’t be worried about how your kids will behave or be embarrassed if things don’t go as planned. They’re little, and their unfiltered, unpredictable emotions and outbursts are part of the reason you want to remember this season in life. It's my aim to help you embrace these moments with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for an hour or more. We will make sure to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most part I want you to just have a great time and be yourselves. I’ll go with the flow.


My favorite thing to capture is all of those in-between moments that can’t be perfectly posed anyway. If one of your children starts running away from the group giggling, scoop them up and smother them in tickles and kisses. If they are shy or upset, hold them close and tell them how wonderful you think they are while tucking their hair behind their ear. If you as a parent keep smiling and having a good time, or are frustrated at them, your child will usually pick up on that. Let’s make this a positive experience all the way around, and I will be able to capture sweet moments the whole way through.

Sometime "Imperfect" Situations Can Lead to the Perfect Photo, and Trust Me, I know That Some of Your Favorites Photos Will Be of the Intimate or Silly Moments That Nobody Planned On!

Sometime "Imperfect" Situations Can Lead to the Perfect Photo, and Trust Me, I know That Some of Your Favorites Photos Will Be of the Intimate or Silly Moments That Nobody Planned On!

Sometimes "Imperfect" Situations Can Lead to the Perfect Photo, and Trust Me, I know That Some of Your Favorites Photos Will Be of the Intimate or Silly Moments That Nobody Planned On!

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Session Checklist

Pre-Session Checklist


  • Set date, time and location with Copper and Coal Photos

  • Choose package and pay retainer

  • Review guide for style and preparation tips

  • Look at options in client closet if applicable

  • Select everyone’s outfit

  • Schedule hair and makeup appointments (if desired)

  • Pay Remaining Balance with Copper and Coal Photos


  • Set date, time and location with Copper and Coal Photos

  • Choose package and pay retainer

  • Review guide for style and preparation tips

  • Look at options in client closet if applicable

  • Select everyone’s outfit

  • Schedule hair and makeup appointments (if desired)

  • Pay Remaining Balance with Copper and Coal Photos

Session Day

Session Day

We will meet at the pre-determined time/location. You should arrive ready in your first outfit. Pack a bag with:

  • Flats or flip flops for walking to photo spots if your choosing to wear heeled shoes

  • Touch-up makeup and towels or tissue to dab sweat if desired

  • Snacks, treats and water for the little ones (like gummies,

  • crackers, lollipops, blueberries)

  • If you have a toddler or younger, bring some small eye catching toys I can hold on to, to catch their attention

We will meet at the pre-determined time/location. You should arrive ready in your first outfit. Pack a bag with:

  • Flats or flip flops for walking to photo spots if your choosing to wear heeled shoes

  • Touch-up makeup and towels or tissue to dab sweat if desired

  • Snacks, treats and water for the little ones (like gummies,

  • crackers, lollipops, blueberries)

  • If you have a toddler or younger, bring some small eye catching toys I can hold on to, to catch their attention

We will meet at the pre-determined time/location. You should arrive ready in your first outfit. Pack a bag with:

  • Flats or flip flops for walking to photo spots if your choosing to wear heeled shoes

  • Touch-up makeup and towels or tissue to dab sweat if desired

  • Snacks, treats and water for the little ones (like gummies,

  • crackers, lollipops, blueberries)

  • If you have a toddler or younger, bring some small eye catching toys I can hold on to, to catch their attention

Album Delivery

Album Delivery

I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery

within 3-4 calendar weeks after your session.

I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery within 3-4 calendar weeks after your session.

Thank You!

Thank You!

Thank you for your attention and consideration to this guide. I know

that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help

make your experience something you look back on for years to come.

At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you

select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make

together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me,

and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and

enjoy.

Thank you for your attention and consideration to this guide. I know that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your experience something you look back on for years to come. At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy.