Extended Family SEssion Guide

Before

Make sure everyone is on the same page with location and time! And it is best to arrive 10-15 minutes before your start time! You might think everyone knows these details, but trust me, one more reminder to everyone never hurts. And make sure you receive confirmation from all that they know these details!!

Prep your outfits for a cohesive, but not a matchy/matchy vibe! I like to pick a color pallet and work with that. You certainly do not have to wear all neutral, unless that is the vibe you are going for! However, mixing in neutrals helps to create a smooth flow! Check the image below for some great options!

In addition to colors, you will want to find outfits that do not have bold patterns! A few soft/subtle patterns like stripes, dainty flowers or a plaid shirt work well if they are sparse as this will quickly make the photos feel very busy!

You can have fun with mixing in different textures, and a flowy dress or skirt or two adds so much movement, which I love!

Please feel free to send me any outfit related questions, I am happy to help you narrow down options!

During

I will ask everyone to take off any smartwatches or hair ties as well as make sure phones/wallets/keys are not in your pockets!

Leave non-essentials in the car or designate one bag for these items (waterbottles, phones, etc.) so that you have less to carry!

A BIG tip to any adult who is in a photo with a child: Sometimes kids need some help to direct their attention my way, but you can leave that to me or any helpers I have beside me, this way you are still looking picture ready! You can remain in the moment and smile while I am taking photos and anyone who is behind the camera will try to get the child to look, laugh and smile! 

Please send me any specific photo requests and also the different groupings that you would like me to photograph! It is also helpful to have names, ages of kiddos and also let me know if there are any mobility restraints beforehand to prepare for the best prompts!

I have a prize box for kiddos after our session which is usually a hit with kids ages 2-10.

Finally, I give you permission to have fun and be a little silly during our session! I will provide some prompts mixed in with poses and these can be really fun!

After

You will receive an online, password protected gallery with a download PIN. Please make sure you download your photos as soon as possible as your online gallery expires one month after it is delivered! You can share this link and password with anyone that you would like.

I usually share some photos on my website and/or social media platforms after our session. Please let me know if you would prefer to keep photos off of social media.

Lastly, I hope you can treasure these photos forever. Extended family sessions are such a fantastic opportunity to create lasting, heirloom family portraits. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to capture them for you!