welcome
I’m so excited to be working with you, and I can’t wait for your family session! It’s totally normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get freaked out before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
My hope for your session is that you can showcase your personalities in a setting that is significant to you, and you get photos that are a celebration of your family and your love for each other.
I think family sessions are important, and I’ve written this guide that walks you through everything you need to know to ensure you have the perfect session with your loves!
locations
When you think of your family session, what do you visualize? An open field? Downtown? By the water? Your own home? What is it that you feel suits you and your kiddos? Are there any meaningful locations that might be ideal for your shoot? If not, don’t fret! It’s not about where you are but who you are with and how you fit into that location. The way I shoot, the focus is on you and your beautiful faces, not the background. However, if there is a place that’s uniquely special to the two of you, I am here to help you incorporate it into your images! I’m also happy to make recommendations! I also created a Pinterest board of some of my favorite Seattle locations for you to explore.
timing
Timing is everything! As a natural light photographer, I try to plan my sessions around the best lighting of the day. I usually begin them two hours before sunset or right at sunrise, so we get the most flattering light possible. Once we schedule your session, I will set an exact start time based on the location and light.
I do understand though, that sometimes kiddo's schedules don't align well with sunset/sunrise, so we can definitely schedule whenever they are at their happiest!
Once that sun goes down or that good morning light goes away, we can’t get it back, which means that it’s super important to be on time! If you’re late to a session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting.
what to wear
The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident! I want you to be comfortable - I want you to connect with your images - so if you are a jeans and tee kinda gal, then rock it! I made a little Pinterest board for inspiration for you, but I am always open to chat wardrobe. Don’t feel like you have to go for plain classics. Have fun with color, texture, and prints! Don’t limit yourself!
A few more things to remember: Think of 'complimenting' each other and not 'matching.' It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones. Dressing in layers would be a very quick way to change the look of an outfit without doing a full outfit change. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories!
hair & makeup
Professional hair and makeup can make a world of a difference! It allows you to relax, feel beautiful, and confident! Hair and makeup artists will know exactly how to prep your skin and eyes for natural light photography. If you can swing it, please consider getting your hair & makeup done for your session! You will look and feel amazing. Let me know if you need any recommendations!
pets
I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session! Keep in mind that bringing a pet along means that we’ll need to choose a pet-friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take them home. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have someone available to hold them in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats! It might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
weather
If the weather is awful, we’ll reschedule! I’ll check in with you the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for a session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it the weather be miserable. Let me know what works best for you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance. I want you to have an amazing (and warm/dry) family session.
posing
When it comes to posing for your family session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'm not expecting you to show up and model for me...I'll help you out! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural.
This is actually going to be a totally different shooting experience than you've ever had before. I am going to ask you questions, give you fun prompts, and have you play some games - the point is to take your mind off the camera, to have fun, and to love on your family.
The more trust you place in me, the more free I will be to create the types of images that you’ll love the most.
Scroll through for some of my favorite family session suggestions!
a few more tips...
If we are planning on shooting outdoors, bring a blanket that you guys can sit on so we can create more variety of poses!
bring a blanket
Make sure the kiddos (and you!) are well rested and fed before the session.
Sleep and eat!
Don’t worry about all the extra stuff you think you might need. I can carry around your small items like car keys, phones, and lip gloss in my bag. I want you to be light on your feet and your hands to be free during the session so that we can capture all of those little in-between moments.
leave the big bags
Don’t be afraid to pick up your kids and toss them in the air. Give your wife a kiss on the check. Tell your husband how much you love him. Have fun. Laugh. Giggle. Joke. Hug. Kiss. Snuggle. Play. Then I can capture the emotion and true beauty of your family.
just have fun!
Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When people show up to a session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself plenty of extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door.
Getting Ready
Hopefully this guide covers everything you need to know to prep for your family session! If there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me at cameron@cameronzegersphotography.com
