- Sarah 

I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. This is a big moment in your life. Whether this is your first baby, or maybe your last, you have quite a few things on your plate. 

That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids (or husbands) and more. 

Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that my experience of my children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old. 

The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy. 

Rest assured, it’s all okay.

Managing

little ones

The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board. 

Be sure kids have eaten before your session and pack a few snacks for the session. It's amazing how hungry it makes everyone. Also pack your kids favorite toy. I can rattle it above my camera to grab their attention. If you have a family member who can tag along, they can stand right beside me and go crazy, getting the kids to laugh.  

I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate. 

I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” that clients have in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules. 

Sessions typically last about an hour and when I can—I love to begin sessions about 2-3 hours before sunset. I prefer to photograph when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.

I schedule sessions during, what I believe, will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished the session and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises. 

Is there a "good" time to take photos?

In the warmer months, evenings sessions often fall during the witching hour. They may even fall during or after bedtime. 

As much as I love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", we're likely going to need to throw off your schedule a bit. 

If our session takes place close to dinnertime, I recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin the session.

If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing PJs so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.

Sunset & Bedtimes

If your session takes place in the fall, while it might be tempting to dress your little one in a pumpkin costume to eternally remember the cuteness that babies in costumes in giant piles of leaves holds, I advise keeping attire a little more neutral. 

Yes, that image would crush it on the ‘gram, but if you’re hoping to print these images for your walls, will you always want to see that pumpkin costume? 

The same holds true for images taken for Christmas cards. While those red and green sweaters are festive for the time of year, are you really going to want to look at photos of yourselves in Christmas sweaters in the summer? 

If you’re looking for outfit advice, feel free to send ideas my way! I'm happy to help curate a wardrobe that not only feels coordinated, but that looks beautiful for years to come. 

SEASONALITY

things to keep in mind:

seasons

A few things to keep in mind each season

In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. I also highly recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray, and a blanket to sit on, if you have littles. 

SUMMER

Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin sessions for another 6 weeks because the weather is still pretty chilly. When I schedule spring dates, I typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date.

SPRING

Winter sessions could begin as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. Pocket warmers and thick socks hidden in cute boots can help keep everyone warm without showing up in images.

WINTER

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in Virginia. Because of the perfect weather and fall leaves, my schedule typically books months in advance. If you have your heart set on a fall session, I recommend scheduling as early as July!

FALL

I know that some family members just happen to be furry and I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location. 

I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home, or walking around while we continue. I won’t have your pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have someone available to hold him or her in between shots. 

If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the session. 

Managing

furry ones

MY FAVORITE SESSION LOCATIONS

LOCATIONS

The best session locations are often meaningful to individual families; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From farms to gardens, the options for session locations are endless! 

Virginia Arboretum
Long Branch Farm
Manassas Battlefield*

MOST POPULAR

GARDEN

Oatlands*

OTHER

Great Marsh Estate*
Harpers Ferry
Marker Miller Orchard*

*Locations require a photography permit or small travel fee additional for Client

It’s typical to schedule two session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps make sure that your session happens in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I’ve found that the best way to make sure our families get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.

I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.

Let me know what works best for your family, but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 24 hours in advance. 

Inclement Weather

WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS OR IS TOO WINDY

When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for. 

Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together! 

"What do I do with
 my hands"?

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Choosing Outfits

When picking outfits, I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a white button up shirt, the Mom may want to choose a long, flowy pink dress. The kids can complement the parents outfits. In the image, they choose a “color-family,” of white, blue, khaki, and pink.

A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen). 

Always keep the location in mind. If we're photographing in a green field, wearing boots will make such more sense than high heals.

I love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.

Softer, pastel colors and neutral colors photograph better than bright colors. Bright colors reflect on your skin. 

Choose an outfit where your bra strap doesn't show, a blouse or dress that isn't too revealing or too short. You'll be moving into a lot of different positions so if it things aren't staying where they need to be, you should probably choose a different outfit.  

Outfit Choices

wardrobe tips

 ladies

Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.

Make sure if you do decide to wear heels that it makes sense for our location. For example, if in the image shown here, they were walking through tall grass, her heels wouldn't make sense. In reality, no one wants to have itchy feet or come across spiders.

Shoe Choices

wardrobe tips

 ladies

Rent the Runway
Morning Lavender
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
Pink Blush (Maternity) 
H&M 
Baltic Born Clothing 
Madewell
Zara

Favorite Shops

where to shop

 ladies

It’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years. 

Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.

If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit “classic”. 

If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover. 

Hair & Makeup

hmu

 ladies

Guys can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.

Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.

Softer, pastel colors photograph better than bright or bold colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.

Wardrobe Tips

WARDROBE TIPS

gents

J. Crew
Zara
Nordstrom 
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Banana Republic

Favorite Shops

SHOP

gents

Kate Quinn
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Noralee
Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Roolee
Jaime Kay
Childhoods Clothing
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson

Favorite Shops

SHOP

kids

Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson

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I do light retouching on all images. This means that if there are any glaring objects that should be removed (such as a bump from the tumble your toddler took that morning,) I’ll remove it. Larger edits (such as removing bra straps,) require more time and would require us to add additional editing hours to your collection. 

WILL YOU RETOUCH OUR IMAGES?

By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I’ll give you a release to use, print and share your images. 

DO I OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE IMAGES?

04

You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media. To ensure that our work is properly represented, I ask that you refrain from any edits. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help me to continue to grow as a business. 

CAN I SHARE THE IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

While I don’t guarantee an exact number of images, I will make sure to capture your family thoroughly. Most sessions should expect to receive at least 25 edited images following their session. 

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE?

02

While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim to deliver all images within three weeks of your session.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY IMAGES?

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03

asked

FREQUENTLY               QUESTIONS

01

I typically plan about 90 minutes for sessions. While I likely won't be photographing this entire time, this does give us the flexibility for location changes, rowdy kids and time to warm up and bathroom breaks. 

HOW LONG SHOULD WE PLAN FOR THE SESSION TO TAKE?

08

Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering prints to my clients.

CAN I PRINT THE IMAGES ON MY OWN?

I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for three months. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, I cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE IMAGES?

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As soon as possible after your session is complete, I’ll back up your images and begin the editing process. Unless we have a holiday, you can expect to receive your edited, digital images between 3 and 4 weeks after your session. 

Your Images

WHEN TO EXPECT

This goes for everyone, men, woman, and littles. Your hands will likely be photographed so make sure there's no dirty fingernails. 

Have clean nails

I'm sure you already know this trick but wait to change your kiddos clothes until you're on location. I can't tell you how many times kiddos have had blowouts in the are or applesauce spilled all over them upon arrival. 

CHange clothes upon arrival

04

If you have a new walker, put shoes on him or her. This way I can photograph their new skill. With little girls, of any age, make sure you have bloomers, tights or something under their dresses. 

Shoes and bloomers

With my own kids, I've found that if they are melting down they are either tired or hungry. If we choose a time that's not interrupting sleep, they must be hungry. Bring all the snacks and wipes. 

bring all the snacks

02

This is a tricky one. On one hand choosing a time that works best for light is ideal but what good is great light if the kiddos aren't having it. Choosing a time where both the light will be great and the kids sleep won't be interrupted is ideal. 

choose their best time

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TO HELP YOUR SESSION GO SMOOTHLY

TIPS & TRICKS

01

FOR THE KIDS

I'm a huge believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured. 

Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if we had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away. 

But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by. 

Bring Your Images to Life with

prints

Our framed prints are the perfect way to fill your walls with memories. With a variety of frames to choose from, we’ll help you select the perfect image pairings for your space.

 WALL ART

Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way. Leave them on display as coffee table books or protect them with a legacy box.

ALBUMS

Our matted prints are the perfect way to physically hold your prints while having that heirloom quality to show off on your coffee table. 

PRINTS

I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me. 

Thank you!