Lifestyle Family Session Guide

Expect lots of fun. Lots of laughs. Lots of hugs, kisses, and snuggles. Whether booking a mini session or a full lifestyle session, I'm so excited for you to consider me to document this special time in your lives. I can guarantee you that having your family photographed in an authentic, lifestyle-like approach will help you hold on to these moments - your pregnancy, the baby years, the toddler years, whatever years you want me to document and freeze time for! I know how stressful having your family photographed can be, and I'm here to help make it a fun experience, but I'm committed to telling your family story as honest as I can, and how crazy it may seem ;)

Once your non-refundable deposit is paid and your date is on my calendar, you'll hear from me about a week before your session to finalize the location and time.

WHEN WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?

I love to shoot families when the sun is working to my advantage. In summer this means evenings work best, but in the spring and fall, both early mornings and evenings may be possible! I've even booked sessions in the winter (with snow!!) so if that is something you are interested in, don't hesitate to reach out!

I also love to shoot milestone and family sessions in your home if you are comfortable with it. Your home must have great light for this to be an option. 

WHERE WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Most sessions will take place within the Chicagoland area. I love to shoot in a variety of settings and have favorite spots always picked out, and am finding new locations constantly. If you have a certain preference as to location setting, I will do my best to accommodate that.

WHAT TO WEAR

Finding the perfect outfit for your family session may take a little bit of work, but you probably have great pieces already in your closet that could work together! Use these tips below to help formulate a plan. If you need help deciding what to wear, I'd love to help with that! Also, check out these specific outfit ideas I created for 2019.

5 TIPS FOR FAMILIES

1. Coordinate your outfits by finding a color palette you love and finding pieces that compliment one another. Avoid matchy-matchy and black as your main color. Soft, muted colors and neutral colors look great for my style of photography, please avoid bright/neon hues.

2. Layer and add accessories with a hat, headbands, necklace, jacket, or vests. 

3. Wear clothes that are fashionable, yet still functional for the location. Keep in mind we will be moving around! 

4. When it comes to patterns, a good rule of thumb is have one or two patterned outfit for every three people included in the session. Floral prints, polka dots, plaids work great! Also, avoid large logos.

5. Shoes! Remember that you'll want them to be comfortable as we move around, but please stay away from character themed shoes, athletic shoes, and bulky soles. 

6. If you are looking to purchase new clothes, my favorite is Old Navy, as they are very affordable, coordinate well from baby sizes to adults sizes and have timeless pieces that photograph well.

WILL YOU USE PROPS?

Lifestyle sessions are all about telling an honest story of your family, I like to keep props to a minimum - all we need is your family to tell that story. Depending on the location, I will always have a blanket/quilt with me for us to use, as well an old box crate, red child’s chair or wood stool. I occasionally have access to a red wagon or old wood snow sled, upon request, if we can incorporate them into the session in a natural way. 

If you have questions about including certain items/props in your photo session, don't hesitate to contact me!