A LETTER TO THOSE PHOTOGRAPHED | EVERYTHING YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER WANTS YOU TO KNOW

A storytelling gallery beats the perfect photo. 

We all love the a beautiful and classic family portrait where everyone is smiling and looking at the camera, and it would be my joy to create one for you. However, my goal ultimately, is to create a gallery that you can look back upon and feel with a sense of nostalgia the season of life that was captured. 

Not only does this approach preserve, through timeless art, lasting memories, but it also takes away the pressure that commonly comes along with shooting family photos.

Rather than setting your family into stiff and rigid poses, I choose to offer prompts that evoke both memories and beautiful photos, such as, "What is something you love about your dad?" or, "Can you find a flower for your mama?"

Hint: If I do say, "Everyone look at me and smile!" It will come more effortlessly if we are being playful.

Do not tell your kids, "We are going to take family photos!"

Chances are, they will not be thrilled. Rather, say, "We are going to the beach to take a walk and collect shells!" or, "We are going to explore the forest!" Or, "We are going to a field, who can find the most wildflowers?"

The less pressure, the more creativity will flow and the more fun will be had!

Wear clothes you feel comfortable to move in.

Imagine running around, playing games, and making memories. Wear something you will not feel confined in.

​Do not be afraid to ditch the shoes!

For mamas, the flow of a long dress is always a good idea and makes for beautiful movement. Or, maybe you feel playful and you feel like yourself while wearing denim overalls. That is wonderful too!

Lastly, choose neutrals and a soft palette over flashy patterns, so that the people are the stars of the photograph, not the outfits. Additionally, softer colors make for more flattering skin tones.

A few fun things to incorporate.

Maybe you love, flying kites, surfing, collecting shells, looking for birds, blowing bubbles, or grabbing a coffee and pastry. Let's make it a part of the vision!

If we are shooting at the beach, consider bringing swimsuits to end the shoot with an ocean dip.

Weather depending, jumping in the ocean is always a good idea.

If the baby is fussy, nursing breaks are always welcome.

I am not afraid of boobies! And, those moments are sacred and fleeting. Capturing them is always a good idea, even if those photographs are for you and nobody else to see.