If you’ve booked a session me, you are expecting the same style, aesthetic, and beauty as the rest of my galleries. I’m a master at mixing stunning shots of nature with portraits and candids. This is all I need from you! Here is an easy recipe to help you feel prepared, and get the most out of your investment!

1. QUESTIONNAIRE. Please fill out your pre-session questionnaire that I emailed to you. This gives me vital information to make sure I’m prepared for your session!

2. HAIR, NAILS, MAKEUP. Trust me on this one, you will want to feel like your hair color is fresh and pretty, and that your polish isn’t chipped. I highly recommend professional makeup applications for photo sessions – not because you do a bad job, but because professionals know what colors and products the camera loves. It’s not too early to get your hair, nail, and makeup appointment on the calendar. Plan your pampering around the time of your session.

3. PREPARING OTHERS. Tell the kiddos “we’re going to be hanging out with our friend Ashley on Saturday!” or “We’re going to go play in the creek on Saturday!” This is especially helpful for kiddos who are shy. Casually talk about the session so they aren’t blindsided. (Also keep your significant other in the loop as to what we’ve planned! Be straightforward about what your expectations are for the day of the session, how you want them to help, or what they need to do. This avoids miscommunication and stress on the day of!)

4. CHOOSING OUTFITS. Pro tip, the earlier you choose your color palette the easier it is to feel prepared. You can save money too because of the ability to shop sales, thrift, and pickup new clothing pieces here and there.

• Dress for the weather.

• Coordinate your colors. The days of all white t-shirts and khaki pants are gone. Stick within a range of colors that compliment each other. Below I have examples for you!

• Avoid tennis shoes, t-shirts, or shirts with writing on them.

• Be careful about undergarments. Make sure you are wearing under garments designed for your particular outfit, and that they stay covered in all types of movements. Planning these while you’re planning your outfit will avoid you grabbing a hot pink bra for your session because everything else is dirty. Yes, that has happened.

• Be prepared to move around and have fun! You (and your kids/partner) should be able to sit and bend comfortably in what you choose! If you can’t sit in the outfit you choose, that will limit our posing options. If you want to wear heels or wedges, bring a pair of flats or sandals so you aren’t stuck in them the entire time.

• Opt for accessories. Bowties, suspenders, hats, flower headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these create visual interest and movement in your photos! Layers always look great!

• If you have kiddos, be sure to remove bright or chipped nail polish.

SAMPLES OF COORDINATING COLOR PALETTES:
https://www.pinterest.com/havenhillmissouri/families-what-to-wear/