How to prepare for your family session | New Lenox Photographer

How to prepare for your family session

Your family is the most constant and ever changing thing in your life.  The story we tell through photographs is the most important one you can ever tell and you will never regret investing in a portrait session to document this moment in time.   Family sessions are incredible and sometimes, can be stressful when planning.  Here are my favorite tips and commonly asked questions on how to prepare for your family session!

1.  Where should our session take place?

Choosing a location is one of my most favorite parts of the planning process.  Options are limitless and outdoor locations can include forest preserves, conservatories, or even your backyard create an intimate and peaceful feel to photos.  If the temperatures do not allow us to be outside and you are looking for an indoor session, I love working in clients homes to really give you a personalized session.  Documentary lifestyle sessions have become some of my favorite styles of family photography over the years.  Using a large window and clearing a room we can create a beautiful portrait experience.  I also have a very simple studio space in Homer Glen that allows us a minimalist and simple look for a session.  Without any distraction with decor the space allows your family to be the main focus of any session.

This featured session took place at a local preserve in Mokena, Illinois near New Lenox.  The fields are beautiful and simply landscaped.  There are paths and long grasses and I absolutely love shooting at this location.

2.  What should we wear?

The most commonly asked question is what to wear.  I recommend simple styles and colors for our session together.  Choose pieces that you feel comfortable in and will compliment your skin tones.  I provide my clients with a ‘what to wear guide’ that offers a list of my favorite clothing stores and vendors for accessories.  Check out my Pinterest board on some of my favorite colors and looks this season!

This client chose mommy and me dresses from the Ele Story collection.  These dresses are absolutely beautiful and the chiffon had the most beautiful sunlight shining through it all evening.  The colors were a simple peach that complimented the location and field.  Check out a recent commercial shoot I photographed for Ele Story!

3.  When should our session take place?

August and September are my most favorite months to shoot outdoor family photography sessions.  The fields are lush and filled with different shades of wild flowers.  Evening sunsets int the summer are so beautiful and the temperatures are great for little ones.  The first two weeks of October are beautiful as well and the colors of the changing leaves are lovely.  Indoor sessions can take place anytime at your home, my studio, or indoor locations like a cute cafe or bakery!

4.  What if my child doesn’t cooperate?

I have parents asking me this often.  For outdoor sessions I can assure you that your child will love exploring nature and discovering new things. If your child starts off shy we will take a short nature walk looking for pretty flowers and acorns.  I capture documentary style photos and focus on detail photos of their hair in the sunlight, eyelashes, and their beautiful smiles. We then move into family portraits where I offer prompts and fun activities to evoke emotion and happy smiles.    

Don’t overthink it

So many times, we get in our heads and overthink the session.  What are we going to wear?  What if my child doesn’t cooperate?  If it is cold, do we reschedule?  Take a breath and relax.  Everything will be great and I encourage you to truly enjoy the session from start to finish.

Interested in a family portrait session?

I would LOVE to meet you and it would be an honor to be chosen as your family’s photographer.  My schedule is currently open for October through March 2019 sessions.  If you’d like to book, simply fill out the CONTACT form and I will be in touch soon!

Read more about Laurie HERE!