7 Tips for a Successful Photography Session
Planning to book a photography session soon?
Here are 7 tips to make sure your session is a complete success! Lets get started!
Number One
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Number One -
STYLE MATTERS!
Let’s face it, clothes matter when you are having your portraits done. Here are a few tips to help you get the style you desire.
Avoid clothing with logos, pictures and symbols. They are distracting and are not ideal for creating classic and timeless images.
The days of white tee shirts and jeans are a thing of the past! Lets not bring it back. If you really want an image that pops, makes a statement and coordinates well, choose a color pallette and use that to help find articles of clothing that match. Pinterest is full of beautiful palette inspiration!
Consider your location! You’re not going to want to wear colors that clash with your backdrop. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear neon colors to a photoshoot in the desert. You would choose more natural tones. Think about where your location is at and the colors you will see. Pull inspiration from what you see. Grays from the rocks, rust from the tall grass, coral from a vibrant sunset…and incorporate those things into your wardrobe. A little contrast is always fun, as well, as long as it is done tastefully.
Avoid multiple busy prints. I usually advise for 1 print per family. Solid colors help create classic outfits that age well and allow your images to be timeless. If the kids are going to match, at least try to give them each their own color so they don’t blend together during sibling shots!
Choosing a photographer that offers a Styling Guide or a Client Closet can help you make the perfect selections!
Number Two
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Number Two -
TIMING MATTERS!
Timing your session just right can be critical to the success of your session. The time of your session will generally depend on the type of session you are interested in.
Newborns usually do better in the mornings (after keeping you up all night!).
Toddlers do best in the mornings or after nap time.
In studio sessions have the luxury of being flexible with time!
On location family sessions are usually held at that beautiful Golden Hour before sunset! Just remember to make sure the kiddos eat before those sunset sessions. Nobody is happy about taking pictures when they’re hangry!
Number Three
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Number Three -
BRIBES ARE OK!
Everyone enjoys being rewarded for a job well done! Plan a special treat for after your session as an extra incentive to cooperate. It’s never a bad idea to bring puffs or a bag of M&Ms along to bribe the kiddos with if they just aren’t feeling it! Bubbles are another great idea!
Number Four
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Number Four -
DON’T COME WITH
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS!
So many people second guess themselves or decide not to book because their kids “won’t last that long.” And guess what? They’re right! But an experienced and knowledgable photographer has tons of tricks up their sleeves to keep them having fun and engaged. Will we have an entire gallery of them smiling, perfectly posed and looking at the camera? No! But we WILL have a gallery of beautiful, authentic moments to cherish for a lifetime.
Number Five
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Number Five -
BE ADAPTABLE!
Things happen! Be ready to go with the flow and trust you’ve hired the right photographer for the job! Life is unpredictable, but if you know you have someone you can trust with the outcome it makes for a much less stressful experience.
Number Six
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Number Six -
CONFIDENCE MATTERS!
The best images are the ones where the subject is completely comfortable and confident. So many things can factor into this. Hair, fashion, body image, etc. So spoil yourself prior to your session! Go the extra mile to pamper yourself, prior to the session and it will read in your images! So whether it’s planning hair and make-up before the session or splurging on a new outfit and pair of shoes, do it! It’s worth it!
Number Seven
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Number Seven -
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
MATTERS!
Your photographer is the most important piece of the puzzle. It’s important to find a photographer that fits your vibe and style. A great photographer will put you totally at ease in front of the camera and be your hype guy as well as be knowledgable and passionate about their art! Following your photographer on their social media platforms, exploring their website and speaking/engaging with them before your session are great ways to make sure your photographer is a great fit for you and your family!
I hope these tips have helped you prepare and feel excited about your photography session or helped you feel ready to make the jump and schedule a session!
I hope this helps you and your family have a beautiful, successful and ENJOYABLE photography experience!
If you’re in the Northern VA or Shenandoah Valley areas and think I’d be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out and we can plan an amazing session together!
