Preparing for a Family Portrait Session | Memphis, TN Family Photographer

1. Choose an amazing Photographer! Look at their images on their Website, Blog and Facebook. Do you connect with the photographers style? Can you envision their portraits hanging in your home?  Before you even look at their price list make sure you LOVE their work.

Yeah! You found a Photographer you love!

2. Contact the Photographer for a Consultation. Consultations can take place either by phone or in person. I personally am a fan of an in-person consult. I like to go to my clients house. I want to see their style. Are you formal or casual?  Boho or preppy?  It also gives you an opportunity to know whether or not you are going to click! It gives your family an opportunity to meet  the photographer prior to the session.  It also helps the photographer to prepare for the session. What are your goals? Do you want a formal portrait to go above the fireplace, a fun canvas collage to go above the sofa, or a collection of images that travel down your stairs?  This is where you ask: What can I expect the family session to be like? Where will the shoot take place?  How long does it take to edit my images? How long does a session last? etc...

3. What to Wear?  There are several sites to draw inspiration from. Either your favorite store or just google what to wear. If this is a family portrait I suggest starting with Mom's outfit and build from there! If Mom is comfortable and feeling beautiful about what she is wearing the rest will build and coordinate from there. You do not have to all match but you should coordinate.  Dark and solid colors photograph the best. (And are timeless!)  Long sleeves and long pants are the most flattering. Stay away from busy patterns. Pick out everything from head to toe. What accessories will you wear and do those dress shoes you are planing on your child wearing still fit? 

3. Grooming- get your hair cut 2 weeks prior to the session. This is not the time to try a new color, perm or radical change.  Ladies if you don't normally wear makeup a little mascara and lip gloss will help your eyes pop and give your lips definition.  Remove temporary tattoos with rubbing alcohol or baby oil. Remove old polish and treat your self to a manicure.

4. Day of the Portrait Session make sure everyone is well rested. Feed everyone before you get dressed avoiding foods that stain. If your clothes will wrinkle easily plan on changing upon arrival. (I have a large backdrop that I can clamp around my tailgate that makes the perfect dressing room!)  Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early. Pack some dry snacks like Goldfish or Cheerios and some bottled water.  Bring a comb or brush for last minute touch-ups. Pack up everything you need to create a memorable session. Does your family have something special you want to incorporate into the portrait. Does your child have a lovey or a toy that will make them feel comfortable? I also photograph Mom and Dad with out the kids and the kids individually. Bring a toy to play with while the kids are not being photographed.

5. RELAX! Let the photographer worry about the smiles and that they are looking in the camera. Kids definitely feed off their parents emotions and the more a parent tells a kid to smile the less cooperative the child will be. Think about making the memory that will be attached to the portrait that will hang on your wall. Think about your spouse and the good times that you have shared. Think about your child and the things that bring you JOY at this point in their life. Laugh, love and have fun!