This morning, as I was on my way to a session, I began to think. So many of my clients ask me what to wear, where to go, and when. Sometimes I feel like I fall into a routine, which then leads to routine-like sessions, which then leads to redundant photos, and I DO NOT want that.
It is so very dear to my heart that my clients leave with photographs that speak. Photographs should display a true family, a real senior, a spunky toddler, a lovely couple, etc. Sure, the sit and "say cheese" photos are a must, but I can guarantee that many years from now, they won't mean nearly as much as the candids. It is very important to me that my photos are meaningful.
OUTFIT
When it comes to what to dress your child in, I always suggest casual. Shirts and ties just aren't my thing (I want the child to be comfortable and enjoy the session). If your child is an infant, I always suggest to not bring a ton of outfit changes because it tends to be very overwhelming. Variety is good- I love bright colors and busy fabrics, but on the other hand, I also love very calm earthy colors and simple patterns. For families, I always suggest that the family focuses around one color and bases the outfits off of that (this can be tricky though, because it is important to to avoid looking cheesy or too "matchy-matchy"). However, staying within either warm colors, cool colors, pastel colors, or neutral colors photographs very good as well. I suggest to not wear bright white. Please let me know ahead of time what you plan on wearing/dressing your child in. Tell me the style, the colors, and description so that I can plan props and locations accordingly!
LOCATION
I have many locations that I go to often and they are all beautiful. I love shooting at them, but I really love to include special locations as well. Don't be afraid to suggest a special location like a coffee shop that you met your loved one in, a fair that you attend every year, the lake that your family visits, your favorite ice cream shop, the place where you got engaged, or a place that you spent your summer days as a child. I love to set up a scene too. If your child loves lemonade, we can work with it. If your family loves picnics, let's have one! If you love to snuggle in bed with your little ones, let's do it. If your child loves reading books, I'd love to show it off. You get the point, so start thinking of places that make you YOU and your family YOUR FAMILY and let's talk!
WHEN
Of course, nap time must be worked into the decision of "when". I will not shoot any earlier than 12pm (unless you want a sunrise session!) or past 4pm (unless you want a sunset session!). It is important to think about what exactly you want your photos to look like: the bright colors and clarity of the middle of the afternoon, or the soft warm light and lens flares of the early morning or evening.
......
Thank you so much for reading. Please get back with me on your ideas you may have for your upcoming session (if you already have a date booked with me) in my blog comments, facebook, email, or text/call. I can't wait to hear from you!
Oh, and a post is boring without photos so here are some from my most recent session. They are such a beautiful family that came all the way from Columbus (it was also my second time photographing them- what a compliment). It was nice to spend the day with a couple of boys. I feel like I've been surrounded by girls lately!
It is so very dear to my heart that my clients leave with photographs that speak. Photographs should display a true family, a real senior, a spunky toddler, a lovely couple, etc. Sure, the sit and "say cheese" photos are a must, but I can guarantee that many years from now, they won't mean nearly as much as the candids. It is very important to me that my photos are meaningful.
OUTFIT
When it comes to what to dress your child in, I always suggest casual. Shirts and ties just aren't my thing (I want the child to be comfortable and enjoy the session). If your child is an infant, I always suggest to not bring a ton of outfit changes because it tends to be very overwhelming. Variety is good- I love bright colors and busy fabrics, but on the other hand, I also love very calm earthy colors and simple patterns. For families, I always suggest that the family focuses around one color and bases the outfits off of that (this can be tricky though, because it is important to to avoid looking cheesy or too "matchy-matchy"). However, staying within either warm colors, cool colors, pastel colors, or neutral colors photographs very good as well. I suggest to not wear bright white. Please let me know ahead of time what you plan on wearing/dressing your child in. Tell me the style, the colors, and description so that I can plan props and locations accordingly!
LOCATION
I have many locations that I go to often and they are all beautiful. I love shooting at them, but I really love to include special locations as well. Don't be afraid to suggest a special location like a coffee shop that you met your loved one in, a fair that you attend every year, the lake that your family visits, your favorite ice cream shop, the place where you got engaged, or a place that you spent your summer days as a child. I love to set up a scene too. If your child loves lemonade, we can work with it. If your family loves picnics, let's have one! If you love to snuggle in bed with your little ones, let's do it. If your child loves reading books, I'd love to show it off. You get the point, so start thinking of places that make you YOU and your family YOUR FAMILY and let's talk!
WHEN
Of course, nap time must be worked into the decision of "when". I will not shoot any earlier than 12pm (unless you want a sunrise session!) or past 4pm (unless you want a sunset session!). It is important to think about what exactly you want your photos to look like: the bright colors and clarity of the middle of the afternoon, or the soft warm light and lens flares of the early morning or evening.
......
Thank you so much for reading. Please get back with me on your ideas you may have for your upcoming session (if you already have a date booked with me) in my blog comments, facebook, email, or text/call. I can't wait to hear from you!
Oh, and a post is boring without photos so here are some from my most recent session. They are such a beautiful family that came all the way from Columbus (it was also my second time photographing them- what a compliment). It was nice to spend the day with a couple of boys. I feel like I've been surrounded by girls lately!
The photo below cracks me up. It was one of the last shots that I took. We were getting to the end of the session (and to the start of nap time) and someone did NOT want to snuggle with mommy and daddy. His face says it all!
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor
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