I have created this simple guide to help give you ideas for your session. When you are ready to book a session with your favorite Hampton Roads Family Photography | Just A Vibe Photography, I will send you a more in depth session guide to help guide you through the process and have you feeling confident at your session.
Desiray
DM@justavibephotography.com
Most schedule their sessions on the weekends, I do have some availabilities on Mondays and Tuesdays and occasional Fridays, if that is accomodating. When you do select a date, you will have the opportunity to put in 2 other date options as a precautionary.
The best lighting is "golden hour" this is the hour right after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. Google is always helpful for figuring out these times with your area.
We can still do a session during the daytime but keep in mind direct sunlight cast harsh lights so we want to look for an open shaded area.
Home
Beach
Woods
Fields
Streets/City
School
Or maybe you have access to a great view off the beaten path that you think would be incredible. The sky is the limit. Struggling to decide, I can always help give ideas and show you different places!
if you know a time of day your little ones are happiest, try to work with that time. So many parents get frustrated when their little ones aren't cooperating, cranky, do not smile. The final product may not be what you envisioned because the frustration shows.
When choosing a location always remember safety. Little ones are fast and curious. Avoid high traffic areas, and areas close to roads.
Areas where they can explore are ideal because they do help create great candid moments while keeping them safe.
Honestly- we all know they cannot stay focused for long, so lets not fight it.
-Bring snacks/drinks/a toy
these items can help get their attention
-keep in mind their favorite song, dance, or video we can pull up and have handy. Think about what makes them laugh.
Colonial Williamsburg
Captain Sinclair's Pier
Virginia Beach
This is a great place for little ones because we are in their environment, a place they are safe and less distracted. The whole house doesn't need to be cleaned from top to bottom. 1-2 rooms is perfect, ideally with the best natural light (think windows). Make sure to declutter ie, fridge magnets, items on nightstand, coffee table, tuck away the trash can etc. Home is where your memories are made so it is always a good choice.
They can help give flair to your session, think fast cars, smoke bombs, sparklers, goofy mustaches, over the top dresses etc. Your session should be fun and help you feel comfortable. Things that make you happy bring out the genuine expressions that we want to capture.
Ready to bake up some cookies? or head over to the apple orchard? an activity is a great way to come together, smile, laugh, and work together creating those candid moments. It is gold ready to be found!
Some out of the box ideas... family car wash, picnic, make a splash fully clothed.
Seriously, if you want to have an excuse to pamper yourself this is it! We have to look our best and we all know those feel good vibes when you do treat yourself!
Get your hair blown out.
Have a professional makeup artist doll you up.
Get your nails painted!
Tip: the eye is drawn to what is revealed.
Be cautious about arms, necklines, and bare legs. These revealing areas may be a distraction from your face and should just be noted.
Dresses and fully flowy skirts make great props and can add movement to your images. Think about twirling around in a field of flowers or playing catch me if you can on the beach!
I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session. Time to say yes to a dress!
Tip:
Closed-toed heels carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe.
Heels elongate women's legs
Peep toe shoes- make sure toes look cute!
If heels are uncomfortable to walk around in, you may want to bring an extra pair of easy slide ons to walk in between photos.
Beach sessions- plan to be barefoot. They will get sandy and wet and having an easy pair of kick off sandals will help accommodate the occasion.
2-3 accessories with your outfit can help create extra deminsions without overdoing it.
Small necklaces are not very noticeable so a big statement necklace to bring some pop would be ideal. Belts, bracelets, and earrings bring visual interest as long as they don't compete for attention.
Take away some stress and now it looks amazing!
If you are working with a makeup artist see if they can apply your makeup in natural light so that way it looks fresh and not to heavy. It may feel heavy at first and lashes may feel to long but your professional artist knows how to et it all just right for the camera.
-Iron out your wrinkles
-Cut the tags and ribbon straps out of it, we don't want any accidentally peeking out
-Try it on- with the undergarments you plan to wear (this is when you want to check for outlines, any unwanted bulges, and make sure it lays correctly
A great look is long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes giving a sophisticated look bringing the attention upward toward the face. Denim looks nice if it is nice.
Want to try something different?
Wear a suit coat, sport coat, or blazer with a different pants color. Mix the color tones and gives some interest.
When your session includes more than 1 person you should choose a color pallet to help coordinate your outfits. Selecting 2-3 colors to base your clothing off of helps with consistency and allows you to have different looks that reflect your individual likes.
Soft, muted, light tones are recommended to bring all the attention to your faces. The coloring goes well with almost all natural settings.
Think....
Lavendar, creams, sage green, denim, soft white, light blues, blush, peach, tans, soft yellow, light
Textures and patterns help add movement, dimension, and visual interest.
It could be a lace/long flowy dress, detailing on a shirt/pants, chunky sweaters/cardigans, faux fur, velvet, statement jewelry (keep it simple with a few pieces) etc.
General rule for patterns is 1 for every 3 people. Medium-sized patterns are the best, not to small or big.
