• Location – Family portraits are often more meaningful when you select a favorite location; the beach, your favorite part of town or your backyard.
• Wardrobe – I recommend starting with the end in mind if at all possible.  How will you use your images?  Will they be displayed as a canvas on a wall or a wall gallery?  Think about the colors in the room.  Is your home dressy or casual?   Yes, we allow for wardrobe changes (if you can make them quickly) so you do not lose valuable light during your session.  Make sure all your wardrobe pieces are clean and pressed.
• What should we wear?  I recommend a combination of 3 coordinating colors for a group.  Everyone dressing in cool, warm, neutral tones, or sticking to a certain color palette can make a very flattering photo, and makes it easier to plan outfits! For example, dark earth tones for a fall shoot, reds and whites for Christmas, or cool blues, white, khaki and pastel tones for a beach shoot.

• Posing – We are happy to help coach you through the posing & positioning and make sure you have a fun and memorable experience.
• Shooting Order – A list of images you would like us to capture is really helpful.  Help us know the images that are most important by listing them in the order of priority.  This is especially important for bigger families or generational shoots. Children and toddlers can get tired, and older family members may only be able to attend the first or second half of a shoot. It’s good to have a plan beforehand so everyone knows when they need to be ready and what to prepare for.  
• Weather – Light cloud cover is a really good thing for photography so do not worry if the weather forecast says partly cloudy.   High winds on the other hand are not favorable for beach and outdoor photography.
• Pets may be added at the beginning or the end of your session.  We recommend bringing a handler aka (a friend willing to walk your dog or take the dog home after their photos).   Ask us for details.

GIRLS

ATTIRE – Take a fresh look at your favorite outfits.  Showing signs of wear?  Is the fabric pilling?  Is the color fading?  How about the fit?  Too loose or too tight?  

Most boutiques offer wardrobe styling.  Consider making a styling appointment at a local boutique.  Here in Neptune Beach, Drift, Jaffi’s, Fig & Willow, First Society, AshleGryre and T Dubs offer wardrobe styling suggestions and beautiful clothes.  It can be a really fun way to explore new styles and get suggestions on what colors look best on you & which necklines and lengths are the most flattering.   

HAIR – If prefer a fresh haircut or hair color, you’ll want to work that into your schedule.  If you prefer a more lived in look, say after a week or 2, you’ll need to plan farther ahead.  Feel free to bring supplies you might need: a brush, flat iron, curling iron and hair spray are always helpful.  Perhaps you’d like to plan for a blowout the day of your appointment – don’t forget to call and set up that appointment in advance with a little extra margin on the day of your photo session. Hairdressers can run late and sunset is our favorite time to photograph.

MAKE UP – Soft, light natural makeup is always best.  If you need help or instruction, you might want to treat yourself to a professional makeup application on the day of your session to add a little spark of confidence or celebration to the event.  Need a makeup application/lesson here at our studio 30-45 minutes before your session?   Call me for pricing & to schedule.

GUYS 

ATTIRE - Take a fresh look at your favorite outfits.  Showing signs of wear? Is the fabric pilling?  Is the color fading?  How about the fit?  Too loose or too tight?

GROOMING – If you like a clean shave - no amount of Photoshop can give you the natural look of a clean shave.    Be prepared for 5 o’clock shadow.  If you think you’ll need a refresh by late afternoon, don’t forget your shaving gear.  Bring a razor or an electric razor with you. 

*Ears, noses, eyebrows and beards all benefit from a freshly groomed appearance.

HAIR – If you like a fresh haircut, you’ll want to work that into the schedule.  If you prefer a more lived in look, say after a week or 2, you’ll want to plan farther ahead.  Long or short - clean hair is a good idea.  Bring a brush, comb and toothbrush to your appointment.

POCKETS - Make sure you empty your pockets.  Phones and key make pockets look bumpy.

RELAX & HAVE FUN – This is an opportunity to celebrate you and create fun, visual memories of this exciting time in life.