I KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MATTERS
I am so excited for your session! I feel so honored to capture these special moments in your life together. I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos, and by the time you’ve read through it, I hope you’ll have all your questions answered and feel excited and prepared for your session. Then I’ll take care of the rest! Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create beautiful photos you’ll love forever.
If you have more questions when you’re done reading through this guide, please don’t hesitate to ask!
xoxo, Kim
whats in this guide?
click to skip ahead
Choosing the right date, time and location
Styling tips for her
Styling tips for him
Picking a color Palette
Preparing your kiddos for a great shoot
Styling tips for him
Picking a color palette
Session checklist & FAQS
Preparing your kiddos for a great shoot
Choosing the right date, time and location
Styling tips for her
Session checklist
date
Most clients schedule their sessions on weekends (Friday & Saturday) so my weekends sometimes book out several months in advance, but my week days are sometimes available too. If you have a flexible schedule and are able to shoot on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, I can usually fit you in sooner. (Monday & Sunday are my days off).
The best light for your photos will occur during “golden hour,” which is the hour immediately before sunset or right after sunrise, when the sun is close to the horizon and casts soft, rich light on the earth. To establish a start time for your photo shoot, look up the sunset time for our shoot date (and location) and subtract an hour. That’s the best time for us to start. Remember, the sun sets much earlier during winter and much later during summer, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off work or have evening plans afterward. If you schedule a session a month or so out we may need to adjust your session time.
time
The location of your session is up to you! The first thing to decide is whether you’d like your session to have an urban or natural feel. Are you city people who love culture and architecture? Let’s do some photos downtown! Or do you love nature and trees?
Click the arrow to see a few of my favorite shoot locations where I regularly book sessions. Feel free to choose from among these or make a suggestion of your own. Do you have a favorite spot that’s filled with happy memories? Let’s make it happen.
location
Your photo session is an opportunity to think outside the box! I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. Maybe we can even go for a cozy feel and do our session in your home for a lifestyle feel! or maybe you, or someone in your personal or professional network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate or industrial space. Maybe it’s a family ranch, upscale hotel, airplane hangar or rooftop view. The sky is literally the limit! You’ll be surprised with what you come up with. Plus, if something seems out of reach, just remember: you never know until you ask!
WANT TO THINK WAY OUTSIDE THE BOX??
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION
I am a natural light photographer because I believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, creates beautiful photographs that feel timeless and authentic. And I have to say, that golden light is always stunning.
Have you ever dreamed about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt, or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera. What's more, a full and flowy skirt is like a built-in "prop," giving you something to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to your photos. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress instead.
Have you ever dreamed about rocking a romantic gown, tulle skirt, or flower crown, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: there is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your portrait session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera. What's more, a full and flowy skirt is like a built-in "prop," giving you something to twirl and swirl, and adding effortless movement and interest to your photos. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress instead.
style tips for her
don't be afraid to dress it up
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When choosing color(s) for your outfits, I recommend selecting soft, light tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces.
Black, though slimming, becomes very shapeless in photos. Avoid black if you can, but if you must wear it, go minimal.
A solid-colored fabric with texture is always a winner, but if you don't want to wear (or don't have) a solid-colored dress, select a print that is minimalist and understated, rather than bold and design-forward. Think dainty florals, repetitive geometric motifs, or small stripes. Another way to add visual interest is to opt for texture like lace, linen, denim, chiffon, or tulle.
When choosing color(s) for your outfits, I recommend selecting soft, light tones and muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces.
Black, though slimming, becomes very shapeless in photos. Avoid black if you can, but if you must wear it, go minimal.
A solid-colored fabric with texture is always a winner, but if you don't want to wear (or don't have) a solid-colored dress, select a print that is minimalist and understated, rather than bold and design-forward. Think dainty florals, repetitive geometric motifs, or small stripes. Another way to add visual interest is to opt for texture like lace, linen, denim, chiffon, or tulle.
style tips for her
TIPS FOR CONSIDERING YOUR DRESS' COLOR, FABRIC & CUT
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Flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos, especially when paired with nature.
Consider a cut that allows for beautiful movement in the images.
If you’re an expecting mother, I always recommend floor-length gowns or maxi dresses. Whether form-fitting or loose and flowy, these dresses create the best silhouettes to flatter your figure and really highlight your bump.
Flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos, especially when paired with nature.
Consider a cut that allows for beautiful movement in the images.
If you’re an expecting mother, I always recommend floor-length gowns or maxi dresses. Whether form-fitting or loose and flowy, these dresses create the best silhouettes to flatter your figure and really highlight your bump.
style tips for her
TIPS FOR CONSIDERING YOUR DRESS' COLOR, FABRIC & CUT
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Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are a very sophisticated look for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored pants work best on camera. Denim looks great if it's nice denim. Pinstripes and plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are a very sophisticated look for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. Fitted dress pants or fitted solid-colored pants work best on camera. Denim looks great if it's nice denim. Pinstripes and plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
The best fit
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Feel free to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breaks up the color tones. This is a fresh take on a timeless classic!
Feel free to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breaks up the color tones. This is a fresh take on a timeless classic!
Mix it up
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Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed, adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and sweaters up the level of any look. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera. Even if it feels overdressed, adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and sweaters up the level of any look. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
Layered looks
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Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, watches, and statement rings are sharp complements to any outfit for men and boys alike.
Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, watches, and statement rings are sharp complements to any outfit for men and boys alike.
ItS all in the details
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style tips for HIM
1) START WITH A "THREE CORE COLOR" PALETTE OF NEUTRALS & NEARLY-NEUTRALS
Before you go unloading your whole family's dressers and drawers, you can simplify this process with a plan. And the plan is to pick a palette. Start by selecting a base plus 2-3 colors from the neutral and nearly-neutral swatches you'll see next and build most of the outfits using those 2 to 3 colors.
Note: black becomes very tw0-dimensional and blob-like in photos, so if you want to incorporate black, keep it to a minimum and keep it on the bottom half of the outfit if you can.
2) ADD ONE OR TWO ACCENT COLORS
If you want to add a bit of variety, or if you can't find a complete outfit from your 3 core colors, add in one or two accent colors, to be used less frequently than the core colors.
These colors should complement the neutrals and nearly-neutrals that you're already using.
Finish off by adding nonessential clothing items such as wraps, sweaters, hats or statement accessories such as watches, bow ties, bracelets, hair bows, and jewelry that fits the core and accent colors.
My number one principle for dressing a family for their photo session is "coordinating, not matching."
Use the tips below to make sure everyone's outfit looks amazing individually and as a group.
TIP #2: Find a song, dance, or video that captures their attention and brings out joy. I've learned that small kids can't fake it. They feel what they feel. And you can hack that! Prior to your photo session, practice singing some songs or learn some silly dances that make your child(ren) genuinely happy. Another genius method of doing this is to load up a YouTube video that your kids like watching or listening to. If I hold it next to my camera, they'll look my way!
TIP #2: Find a song, dance, or video that captures their attention and brings out joy. I've learned that small kids can't fake it. They feel what they feel. And you can hack that! Prior to your photo session, practice singing some songs or learn some silly dances that make your child(ren) genuinely happy. Another genius method of doing this is to load up a YouTube video that your kids like watching or listening to. If I hold it next to my camera, they'll look my way!
TIP #3: Pack a toys and snacks bag. Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or treats) that might help us get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera.
TIP #3: Pack a toys and snacks bag. Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like toys or treats) that might help us get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera.
TIP #4: Give a pep talk. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior.
TIP #4: Give a pep talk. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior.
TIP #5: Good old fashioned bribery. A lot of families discuss and pick a treat that the kids will receive after the session if they’re good listeners and smilers, like an ice cream cone, for example.
TIP #5: Good old fashioned bribery. A lot of families discuss and pick a treat that the kids will receive after the session if they’re good listeners and smilers, like an ice cream cone, for example.
That being said, don’t be worried about how your kids will behave or embarrassed if things don’t go as planned. They’re little, and their unfiltered, unpredictable emotions and outbursts are part of the reason you want to remember this season in life. It's my aim to help you embrace these moments with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for an hour or more. We will make sure to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most part I want you to just have a great time and be yourselves
That being said, don’t be worried about how your kids will behave or embarrassed if things don’t go as planned. They’re little, and their unfiltered, unpredictable emotions and outbursts are part of the reason you want to remember this season in life. It's my aim to help you embrace these moments with them instead of trying to make them act a certain way for an hour or more. We will make sure to get a few shots of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, but for the most part I want you to just have a great time and be yourselves
My favorite thing to capture is all of those in-between moments that can’t be perfectly posed anyway. If one of your children starts running away from the group giggling, scoop them up and smother them in tickles and kisses. If they are shy or upset, hold them close and tell them how wonderful you think they are while tucking their hair behind their ear. If you as a parent keep smiling and having a good time, I will be able to capture sweet moments the whole way through.
My favorite thing to capture is all of those in-between moments that can’t be perfectly posed anyway. If one of your children starts running away from the group giggling, scoop them up and smother them in tickles and kisses. If they are shy or upset, hold them close and tell them how wonderful you think they are while tucking their hair behind their ear. If you as a parent keep smiling and having a good time, I will be able to capture sweet moments the whole way through.
Sometimes “imperfect” situations can lead to the perfect photo. And trust me, I know that some of your favorite photos will be of the intimate or silly moments that nobody planned on!
Sometimes “imperfect” situations can lead to the perfect photo. And trust me, I know that some of your favorite photos will be of the intimate or silly moments that nobody planned on!
tips to prepare your kiddos
session checklsit
Set date, time and location
Review guide for style tips
Select everyone's outfit
Schedule hair and makeup appointments (if desired)
Pack a bag with:
Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots (if you choose to wear heels)
Touch-up makeup and towels to dab sweat
Snacks, treats and water for the little ones
If you have a toddler or younger, small eye catching toys (or lollipops) to hold their attention. the $100 off code is new100.
PHOTO EDITING AND DELIVERY TIMELINE
I will email you an invitation to view and download your photo gallery within 3 calendar weeks after your session.
one final note
I know that all of this is a lot to think about. I created this guide to help make your family session experience something you look back fondly on for years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest!
I know that all of this is a lot to think about. This guide was created to help make your family session experience something you look back fondly on for years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make together. Your future memories are the most important thing to me, and I want your session to be a time for you to just be yourselves and enjoy. Have fun together. Laugh a lot. And I’ll take care of the rest!
You can order prints through your online gallery from a great professional lab. You'll also get a print release so you can order from your preferred lab.
Do you offer prints? Do I have to order them through you?
I wholeheartedly embrace the opportunity to photograph couples and families from the LGBTQ+ community. It's important for you to feel at ease, knowing that I am here to capture the beautiful narrative of YOUR love story. Rest assured, all love stories are celebrated and warmly welcomed here.
Do you photograph LGBTQ+ couples and families?
I shoot with a Canon R6, a Canon EOS RP, an RF 50mm f/1.8, a 35mm f/2.0, and an 85mm f/1.8, and two Godex flashes
What kind of gear do you use?
You’ll pay your retainer when you book! A couple of days before your session you’ll get a reminder email to pay any remaining balance.
How do I pay for my session?
Simply click on the "BOOK NOW" button located under each package. There, you'll have convenient access to view my availability, complete your contract, and submit your retainer payment seamlessly in one place.
How do I book a session?
Throughout your entire session, I will be there to guide and direct you, ensuring that you feel confident and at ease. With a combination of posing and gentle prompting, you won't ever feel lost or unsure about what to do next. I'll provide clear instructions and suggestions to help you look and feel your best, resulting in beautiful, natural photographs that truly capture your essence.
Do you pose us during the session?
Totally! I'll travel anywhere in the US, email me and we can discuss travel fees.
Do you travel?
Of course! I totally understand things come up. If you cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours' notice there will be no fee. If rescheduling within 24 hours, you’ll have to pay a new retainer. If the weather is calling for rain, we'll keep an eye on it the day of. If it looks like it'll be raining during our session we'll reschedule for a new date!
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes I do! Photographing with a camera that has two slots for an SD card means that the images are saved to two different cards while shooting, significantly reducing the chances of losing images due to a corrupted SD Card.
Do you should with dual card slots? Why?
FAQS
