Hello! I am so excited to create with you!
Here is some info to help insure you are prepared and feeling excited and confident about our upcoming photo session! I have been on the other side of the camera many times and I totally understand you may be feeling a little nervous or even overwhelmed. Well, I am here to guide with your vision, the perfect location and your vision for this session! And,in the process, I hope we get to know each other a little better and have some fun!
First, here is a little bit about myself:
My name is Vanessa but most people call me Nessa. I also answer to mom, mama and wifey. I live outside of Fort Collins with my husband of 17 yrs, our son who is 10, our twin 5 year old daughters, our super cute but not always smart dog named Isla and 3 chickens (Hei-hei, Hooter and Pollo). As a family we love to hang on our property. We play in the garden, jump on the trampoline and BBQ. We love the outdoors and can be found hiking, boating, fishing playing in the snow and exploring. My kids hair is almost always messy with dirt under their nails. We encourage them to get outside and go wild. We wear flip flops as much as possible and love driving down unknown dirt roads. But, we do clean up nice…sometimes.
But, back to your session!
I love capturing bits and pieces in each frame. I focus on details, a touch, expressions or mood to best tell a story, to create the big picture if you will. I value authenticity, self expression and connection in my art and I believe it draws my viewers in. This is why I strive to create an experience that is comfortable, relaxed and fun. I want to photograph the real you! So, let’s talk vision, location and wardrobe.
VISION
What is your vision?
Weather we are planning a Senior session, a Family Session, Couples, Newborn, Child Portraits, a Product or Branding session, Head Shots or Lifestyle, you likely have some idea of how you would like your photos to come out.
Once you are booked, You will receive a simple questioner from me via email. This will allow me to get to know you a little more and assist me in creating the ideal setting to include the elements and details that are most important to you. This is one of my favorite parts and where my artistic eye really gets to go to work! I am happy to take the lead while prompting you throughout the process.
LOCATION
Here in Northern Colorado, we have an abundance of beautiful places and spaces. The location of your session is an important piece of the big picture.
You may have a very specific spot in mind that holds significance to you, or you may be looking for suggestions ( I have lots of ideas!) Perhaps you are dreaming of Family Portraits with mountain views, a Senior session with fun downtown murals, an intimate in home Newborn Lifestyle session or even a backyard hangout with your kiddos. Together, we will determine the best fit to highlight your story and vision!
WARDROBE
What should I wear??
While i self describe myself as a jeans and flip-flop kind of gal, I do value the importance of choosing the right clothing and accessories for your shoot. Not only do you want to feel comfortable and confident, your outfit can be a big form of self expression (remember, authentic you!) Not only that, but it is important that your clothing compliments your surroundings and others that may be in the frame with you. Another consideration is to view your photos as artwork you will hang on your wall, what would you like to see?
While choosing a wardrobe for yourself and your family can feel daunting, it is likely you will have something at home that can be used. If you don’t have something at home, a quick stop to a store that has current fashions might be in order. Wardrobe does not need to be “name-brand” or have a high fashion label. A picture will not show the texture or feel of the fabric so it’s not important that it be expensive. Find a store that has current trends for lower cost. Examples of stores are American Eagle, Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, Target, Carters, Ross,etc. And Amazon is also a great place to browse and shop if you are like me and like to avoid the mall!
Consider the location. Try to coordinate, do not match.
If we’re shooting in the heat of the summer, light colored, breathable clothing is highly recommended.
Choose 1-2 simple patterns or 2-3 different colors in a color scheme. Mix in patterns with solids to balance out the photo. Bright reds don’t photograph well, it’s best to steer clear. Earthy, jewel, neutral, woodsy (at least, that’s what I like to call them), blush, and pastel tones photograph well. Check out some example swatches below.
It can be really helpful to choose what you want to wear first and then build the rest of the family wardrobe off of that.
Avoid solid white. A bright white will blow out the photograph and might make the images difficult to edit.
Avoid solid black. The color black will cause the subject matter to recede and not pop from the background.
Do not wear the same color head to toe.
Planning an intimate in-home or Fresh 48 session? Try a cozy look. Comfy sweaters, jeans, and neutral palettes always work well. For Fresh 48 sessions, Mama’s comfort is key. Try a comfy robe or cute PJ’s! For baby: if you have any special swaddling blankets or onesies that you’d like baby to be photographed in, be sure to have them available!
Pay attention for clothing with distracting logos or words and very thin stripes (this can cause an unwanted visual effect in your photos). Avoid any types of characters or graphics on children clothing that will surely be distracting and date your photos in the future.
Blowouts and accidents happen. I highly recommend arriving a few minutes early and dressing the kiddos in their session outfits at arrival.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate statement pieces – jewelry, hats, etc!
Please send me photos or links of outfit pieces and choices you are considering! Sometimes another set of eyes is helpful!
boys
Look at periods of history for inspiration. For example, a solid tank with suspenders, jeans, and a newsboy cap look really cute. Boys also look great in tweed suits.
Layer up. For example, pair a knit cap with an undershirt and a button down top, jeans, and a belt.
young girls
Dresses!
Layers! (vests, leggings under dresses, knees socks)
MEn
Keep the wardrobe clean and simple.
A contrast always looks beautiful.
If one person is in a dress or something that is “busy” or more extravagant, the other should be in a simple button-down shirt and solid pants.
Layers are also great! A vest or button down shirt left open over a solid tee adds interest.
ladies
I always recommend clothing with movement – think flowy dresses, skirts, or scarves. These add another beautiful visual element to your photos
Here is a nice visual example of coordinating a family wardrobe
A few more tips and tricks!
General Advice
Hair – If you’re getting a hair cut for your shoot, do so about a week beforehand. For men, a fresh cut a couple of days before the shoot is fine.
Glasses – If folks wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, you want to wear them in your shoot – however, the glare on glasses can detract from your eyes in photos. I do my best to position you so the glare is minimum but, you can also visit an inexpensive company online like Zenni Optical and buy a suitable pair of duplicate frames without the lenses on the cheap. (Just bring your prescription glasses if it will be difficult to navigate. NO WORRIES!
Lips – You will probably wipe or lick your lips during your shoot, so bring fresh lip gloss or lipstick to do touch-up. Use lip balm for a few days in advance of your shoot to make your smoochers look their best.
Teeth – If you want to brighten your smile, start your treatments about two weeks before your shoot.
Make-up – A subtle application of make-up can really soften your skin and accent your facial features. But be sure to not over do it or apply your makeup in a way you normally would not.
Facial hair – Men, be freshly shaved with a new razor or, shaving cream and a moisturizing after-shave lotion to avoid bumps and redness. Trim up your beard, sideburns, mustache or goatee, especially looking for wiry stray hairs. Men and Ladies, be sure to clean up those brows too!
Moisturizer – Be sure to moisturize your hands and feet as I love to photograph touch! I also focus on details which often include hands and feet in the frame. I typically bring along a little bottle for your use during the shoot if needed!
Nails – A fresh coat of nail polish will make a world of difference in your photo shoot. Pick a neutral color that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a fresh manicure, but if you can’t go to the salon, just be sure your nails look tidy and clean.
Undergarments – Let’s try to keep those bra straps hidden! I will be on the look out if one peeks out, but unless it is an intentional part of the outfit, try to wear a bra that won’t show.
Sun burns and tan lines – If you plan to tan before your shoot, do so at least a week beforehand and don’t get burned. Be mindful of clothing tan lines, sunglass tan lines, hat tan lines, etc.
Ironing – If you iron, iron the night before and then hang the clothes for your shoot. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it in the car on the way to the shoot – just change at the location.
Shoes –If you chose to wear shoes, give a quick clean up before the shoot!
Children
It’s okay if your kiddo has a bit of a runny nose ( and sometimes it is from the cold air) But keep a hanky handy to wipe away any boogs.
If your child is still in diapers or pull-ups, tuck’em in or wear bloomers.
If your child is still of napping age, try to arrange they nap before the shoot.
Be sure kiddos are well fed about an hr before the session. Nursing moms and babes with bottles…we will always be sure you can feed your babes and often times it can be a beautiful part of the session. Also, If your baby uses a paci, bring it! It’s OKAY!!! Also, if you use a ring sling or other carrier, bring that along too. I understand that sometimes baby needs to be next to mama or dad and that is just fine! I also think that baby wearing is a beautiful season and can have a place in family photos!
Avoid colorful drinks or lollipops within 24 hours of your shoot, avoid anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths.
Blowouts and accidents happen. I highly recommend arriving a few minutes early and dressing the kiddos in their session outfits at arrival.
It is perfectly okay to bring bribes to a photo shoot – Some cereal, fruit snacks, smarties or other candy that won’t stain teeth can help a short photo shoot go by smoothly. Also, remember, I am a mom of 3…I have seen it all and I won’t judge one single thing!!! My kids are practically raised by wolves. I am bendy and have a go with the flow attitude. At times, I let the kiddos take the lead!
The most important thing here, is I want this to be a fun experience! My goal is that each time you look back at your photos you not only love the image, but you remember the special experience as well. So, while this may seem like a lot of prep for your session, just know that it will all be just fine! Please feel free to email me with any questions!