Styling your Session
Why does it matter??
Because you are not just hiring me to take your photos, you are hiring me to create art.
Just as a painter carefully considers color, composition, and balance we will do the same when preparing for your session.
The outfits you choose should reflect your style both individually and as a family.
Choosing The Right Date, Time, and Location
I am a natural light photographer because I believe natural light from the sun creates the most true to life photos that are timeless and authentic. When you look back at your images, I want you to feel that moment from the warmth of the sun, the clouds in the sky, to the breeze in the air.
Date...
When choosing a date for your session, be thinking about the theme you want your photos to have. My weekends tend to book up quickly so if you are a client needing to have weekend availability, please plan to book way in advance. If your schedule is flexible and weekdays are an option for you, I can usually fit you in right away.
Since we live in a climate with a true 4 seasons (well 5 if you count fire season), consider the overall theme you would like for your photos. Want that warm golden-hour glow? Summer is a great time for this. Want the changing of the seasons? Shoot for early to middle fall. Spring flowers and wildflowers? Book a late spring or summer session.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early for your session. This allows for a little extra time for me to get to know you all and get settled in, especially if you have littles.
Time..
The best lighting for photos and my preferred time to shoot is during golden hour-1 hour before sunset or 1 hour after sunrise when the sun is close to the horizon. This casts a soft and rich light that is so beautiful in photos.
The time of your session is often determined by the location we are shooting in. For example: if you are choosing a high mountain/elevation location, the sunset and sunrise times will be much earlier. If we are doing an in-home or studio session, usually mid-day is best for the most natural light.
Reminder: The sun sets much earlier during the colder months and later during the warmer months so make sure to factor that in when planning a time for your session.
Pro Tip for Family and Newborn sessions: One of the most important factors to consider when planning your session is nap times and feeding times. If you have a newborn, this may be a little harder to determine but don't worry, we can take breaks for feeding, changing, etc. Families with older kiddos, you can set your session up for success by planning your session time around when your kids are the happiest.
Location...
Choose a location that best fits your family. Consider if you like a more urban or more natural feel. Outdoor environments are always a great choice as it has the most natural light and a great place for kids to explore. It is also the best backdrop for those candid and authentic moments. Do you love your city and enjoy taking in the sites? Or do you love hikes in the mountains and exploring the rivers and lakes? Even consider a trip to the coast for a fun beach session. Really, the skies the limit as we live in such a beautiful place. Give me your vision and lets make it happen.
Here are a few of my favorite shoot locations for any type of session:
Lake of the woods
Oregon Coast
Union Creek, Prospect
Bend & Smith Rock
High Cascade Lakes
Crater Lake
Jacksonville, OR
Ashland, OR
Rogue River
Pacific Crest Trails...
Lets tell the story...
Think outside the box. Family sessions with me are more than just standing in front of the camera and smiling. As a documentary photographer, our session together will be interactive, fun and feel natural. We will play, run around, and you wont even know I am there. With that, choose a location where everyone will enjoy, interact together and celebrate the love you share. Maybe you know of a location that may otherwise be off-limits to others but you have a hook-up like a private-estate or beautiful ranch. I have some great location ideas as well so definitely reach out.
Storytelling through activity...
Try picking an activity to incorporate into your session. From baking at home to a full picnic set up, playing tag on the beach or jumping into the water at the end of a fun session. Adding movement creates the perfect setting for candid moments.
Have you considered doing a session at your home? This is also a wonderful option as it is a safe place for everyone and truly brings out the most authentic moments. After all, home is where the memories are made and a great place to capture the family routines and activities.
Wardrobe & Styling...
Colors
You want the colors you wear to both stand out and blend with the environment so it is important to consider where you will be taking your photos. If you are shooting in a forest setting, you will want to avoid greens or browns since you will likely blend into the background.
A good go-to is lighter colors such as beiges, white, and pastel colors. Black outfits can work as well, as long as the location isn't dark.
And avoid matchy-matchy. You want looks that flow but aren't exact copies.
Keep in mind that the colors you choose will effect the way my editing style reads on your images.
Textures & Patterns
Textures and patterns help create movement, dimension, and visual interest.
Examples of textures and patterns include chunky sweaters, cardigans, long flowy dresses, linens/gauze, velvet, fringe, corduroy, statement jewelry, and a variety of textures across the whole family.
For patterns, as a general rule, one for every three people can wear patterns. Go for medium patterns like florals or stripes. Avoid small patterns like plaids.
Layers
Other than adding textures, consider adding layers as well. This adds more interest to your images adding a sense of coziness and warmth.
Cardigans and blankets are perfect to wear off the shoulder. Open button up shirts, vests, and jackets work great too.
Contrast
Adding contrast to your wardrobe helps separate you from looking like one blog. There is no easy way saying it. This is where the avoiding matchy-matchy comes in. Putting your family in different colors makes each person stand out from one another.
