family film session prep guide
All the information that you will need for your big day
Thank you so much for choosing me to turn your family memories into art. My hope for your session is that we find all the joyous chaos and tender vulnerability that goes with loving people completely. We're gonna have fun. We're gonna dig deep. We're gonna make something beautiful.
This guide is something I've been fine tuning since I started working with clients in 2015. It's got all the tips and tricks I've learned to help my families get the most of their sessions. Take your time over the coming weeks to read through it because it's full of little gems. And I promise if you implement all of it, we're gonna rock this session so hard, people will think we're geologists. (Get it? Because they study rocks?)
As always, I'm here if you ever have a question or concern that's not covered here. Give me a call or text at 415-577-3399.
I've got you covered
My top priority is to give you space to connect as a family. Permission to unplug, slow down, and love on each other. Because when this happens, a special kind of magic is created. I would like to stress that having a super tidy home does not factor into this equation. I have a family, too. I understand how difficult it is to keep a tidy home. Please do not hire professional cleaners for me. In fact, a lived-in home is a place that I will feel most comfortable—just ask my husband. :) I do ask that you pick up any clutter or things that you do not want filmed and throw them in areas that do not have windows (closets, garage, even the bathroom shower!).
Artificial light and video/photos generally don't mix well, so avoid the urge to turn lights on in a room if it's dark while I'm filming/photographing. My camera is pretty good at seeing in the dark, so just leave that with me. If your house tends to be dark, then do open up the curtains/blinds before I arrive to let in as much natural light as possible.
Be mindful of audio: turn off any music, fans, dryers, white noise machines. If you all eat while I'm there, avoid the urge to clean the dishes while your partner is reading stories to the kids in bed. The extra, unnecessary noise can really distract from the audio I'm capturing of your little one's voices.
home Preparation
Don't feel like you have to keep everyone's clothes on the whole time. Resident nudist? Let's capture it. Roughhousing in undies? I'm there for it. Catching waves at the beach? Splash away...but let's do so at the end of our session.
If you're feeling inspired, I've also created a Pinterest board of clothing for families and expectant mothers that photograph beautifully. Please approach this as a very loose guideline and not as something that is required.
What To Wear
Babies
They usually look best naked or in just a diaper since they'll be held most of the time and clothes will just bunch up. If you prefer some clothed shots, choose a simple outfit that doesn't require it to be slipped over their heads. Keep colors and prints neutral too because bright colors can be casted onto their skin.
Pregnant?
Look for tops or dresses with an empire waist line that accentuates your bump at the top and/or bottom. Scooped necklines and slouchy shoulders are also flattering. If we're shooting in a more intimate setting, kimono-style robes pair beautifully with any undergarment.
Nursing mamas
Think about wearing something you can nurse in easily without having to change. Nursing pads will also aid with any surprise leaks.
Toddlers
They love lifting their dresses up, so it's a good idea to have something underneath that you don't mind in photos. If your child loves getting in the dirt, you may consider bringing an extra change of clothes.
First and foremost, I recommend wearing something casual in which you feel fantastic and something that is comfortable to move in (seriously, we will be climbing, jumping, running around, etc.). A good rule of thumb is to consider wearing something that is slightly nicer than what you would normally wear to the location that we'll be shooting.
Any color palette is fine, though do consider the dominate color of the location that we'll be shooting in and use that color sparingly in your wardrobe choice. For example, a beach setting will have lots of sand and so I would avoid wearing beige so that your body does not camouflage with the background. You may also consider wearing colors that compliment your skin tones. For me, I have a lot of yellow under tones, and so blue violets (the complimentary color to yellow on the color wheel) are usually a flattering color. Also, try to keep it coordinated (but not too matching) among you and your family. The prettiest ensembles are often the organic, neutral palettes with pops of color.
Don't be afraid to play with different weights and textures of fabrics such as silks, knits, or anything flowy. Scarves are also great layering pieces and can serve as a playful prop.
Anything neon
Anything with logos or writing
Anything too formal (suits, gowns, blazers, etc.), or too informal (sweats, cargo pants)
Shoes for home sessions because nothing says "I'm home" like bare feet, so shoes will be off unless absolutely necessary for safety/medical reasons
Thin stripes—they create a strange moiré effect with the camera
Transition lenses and sunglasses—either get some clear glasses, pop in your contacts,
or be a wee bit blind for the session
Phones—do not store them in pockets
Diapers with wetness indicators—that's not information we need in your photos
Anything that doesn't feel like YOU. And this one goes for everyone, including kids. If your children don't like what they're wearing, they're going to took at the whole shoot as a chore rather than a playdate. I'm not saying to not give input, but make sure that everyone is really on board with what they're wearing.
And please, NO MATCHING OUTFITS
What not to wear
Clothes should be wrinkle and stain-free; you might consider steaming and laying out your wardrobe, and having your supplies (diaper bag, wipes, snacks, and toys all ready the day before.)
Some bra straps do sneak out along the shoulder line, so choose one that you wouldn't mind being in photos. Consider wearing a strapless bra if you're wearing spaghetti straps.
Give your hands (and feet) some attention. Apply a moisturizer and check your fingers for loose skin, and hangnails. Nail polish may need touching up or removed.
Everyone's hair should be dry. Feel free to have hair combed or messy. If you need haircuts, please try to do so 2+ weeks before our session.
Makeup is optional. Although, I do recommend wearing mascara to draw attention to eyes. Clear lip balm also does wonders for dry lips. If you're wearing lipstick, be sure to bring it to our session for reapplication. For foundation, please ask a professional to help choose a color that best matches your own skin tone.
Final Touches
01.
02.
YOU'VE GOT THIS!
Session day
When It Comes to the Session and Your Kids, You're Off the Hook
It's my job to wrangle them into the moments that capture your story.
Your job is to be crazy in love with your chaotic, wild, wonderful family.
I get that this is easier said than done. Of course you want the most out of your session. When it comes to kids, I expect them to be unpredictable, and count on them always being their authentic selves. If they're crazy high energy and bouncing off the wall or need to be attached to you, both are totally fine. They are helping me tell the story of your family in this moment.
No worries if your kids have moments of limit testing, lack cooperation, or throw full tantrums. I'm a parent too and would never judge. Your patience and empathy will get them back in front of my camera faster than anything else will, so just take your time
and give them what they need with no pressure.
I'VE GOT GOOD NEWS FOR YOU
The Kids
02. FEED THEM BEFORE AND DURING OUR SESSION
Kids are grouchy when they're hungry. I suggest feeding them before our session and having some non-messy snacks on hand, just in case. The same goes for water too.
01. TELL THEM I'M COMING
Try not to view our time together as a "photo session," but more as us hanging out. With that in mind, let your kids know that I'll be coming to play and take occasional photos. No one is ever at their best when taken by surprise.
03. NO BRIBES, PLEASE
That means no promise of a reward of any kind at the end of the session in exchange for their cooperation; it pretty much always backfires and gets you the opposite result.
The grown-ups
And let's not forget...
It's totally normal if you or your partner are feeling nervous. I promise my sessions are fun for everyone, including the grown-ups. The beauty of this type of candid photography is that you shine at doing what you do best—being yourself.
As always, I'm here if you ever have any questions, concerns, or in need of a corny joke.
After The session
Turnaround time for films is 6-8 months, sometimes longer. On average, I spend anywhere between 40-60 hours working on your film + photos, and often I need long blocks of uninterrupted time which is difficult to find (particularly during my busy fall season!). I also want to be in the most creatively energized headspace as possible when I make your film, which means editing times can take longer.
I will do my best to keep you posted on when to expect your film and photos. Both the images and film will be delivered online for you to download straight away.
A print credit to the snazzy online store will also be available for albums, photo boxes, and media players. All items in the store have been put to the test by yours truly,
and I fully stand by the craftmanship.
I will also be more than happy to assist with any recommendations.
Congrats!
You've made it to the finish line
Thank you for taking the time to read this over. I hope that it helps you feel more comfortable about our time together. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Looking forward to seeing you in person!