Capturing Authentic Family Moments: A Guide to Preparing for Family Mini Sessions (Chicago-Elmhurst-Downers Grove-Naperville-Lisle-Oak Lawn)
Welcome to your guide on how to prepare for your upcoming Family Mini Session, a quick and fun way to capture those special family milestones! We want to make sure you know exactly what to expect during your session and help you feel confident, comfortable, and thrilled with your photographs and the overall experience.
1. What to Wear
The key rule here is for you, the heart of the family, to wear something that makes you feel at ease and confident.
Your outfit sets the tone for the rest of the family, so prioritize your comfort and dress your family around that.
Be yourself; choose styles and colors that resonate with your personal taste. Don't shy away from adding your favorite jewelry or accessories to enhance your look.
A neutral color palette will ensure your images remain fresh, clean, and timeless. Don't shy away from adding a pop of color or pattern, your favorite jewelry, or accessories to enhance your look.
Steer clear of bright red, as it can cast unflattering colors Also, avoid overly busy patterns and attention-grabbing graphics. Remember you will have these photos forever!
While selecting a color theme for your family's outfits is great, consider mixing different shades or adding a splash of an analogous (Colors next to each other on the color wheel) color to add variety and harmony. For a playful twist, experiment with mixing patterns while keeping your chosen color as the common thread.
PRO TODDLER TIP: If your toddler insists on wearing something unconventional, don't worry! We can work with it and even capture those adorable quirks that define this phase of their life.
2. Make Up and Hair
When it comes to makeup and hairstyling, it's all about feeling comfortable and being yourself. If you're not accustomed to wearing makeup regularly, there's no need to feel pressured to do so for the shoot. However, if makeup is something that boosts your confidence, feel free to go for it. The key is to keep it natural and avoid going overboard.
For those concerned about puffy eyes, a quick trick is to place cold spoons on your eyes a few minutes before you begin your preparations. One of my personal favorites is a tinted face cream, which can provide a subtle enhancement. If you decide to apply makeup, consider using some foundation or concealer, define your brows, add mascara for your lashes, and finish with a touch of lipstick or gloss.
Rest assured, I'll capture you from the most flattering angles and keep an eye out for any stray hairs. If necessary, we'll take a moment to fix them, ensuring you look your best.
3. Photo Session Flow
In my experience photographing families over the past decade, I've found that when everyone feels comfortable and at ease, authentic moments and genuine connections shine through. This results in magical, love-filled photos that you'll cherish for years, and your children will treasure too!
I'll provide expert positioning suggestions, gentle direction, and activities to keep the atmosphere light and enable you to be fully present, allowing your family's love to naturally radiate in the photos.
While I do have a specific outline or plan, staying flexible and letting the session unfold organically often leads to the best results. I'm here to ensure this photo shoot is a relaxed and enjoyable experience for you. I want the whole family walking away saying they had a good time, especially Dad!
For the twenty five minutes we're together, try not to discipline your kids unless it's a matter of safety or values.
Let them be themselves. Young kids tend not to follow directions anyway, especially when they are told to sit still and smile.
I'll use my expertise and fun games to facilitate the session.
It's worth it; your session will be less stressful, and your photos will be pure magic. Trust me to communicate with your kids, and if I need your help, I'll involve you promptly.
Bribes, like a post-photo shoot treat, are often a hit! And tell your kids you are going to do photos but also PLAY!
While we're in the midst of the mini photo session, I enjoy capturing a few moments dedicated solely to the parents. After all, when was the last time you had a photograph together or simply took a moment to unwind? These images hold a special place in my heart because they represent the very beginning of your family's journey.
So, are you ready to freeze these precious moments in time? Let's make your Family Mini Session an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.
If you have not yet booked a Mini Photo shoot and would like to see the options and locations Go to: MINI SESSION BOOKING SITE