I get asked by my wonderful clients for suggestions on getting ready for their sessions. I put together a few tips that will surely ease your tension around family portraits.
This must be the #1 question I get...What do we wear?
Ladies, you know all those pins you have saved on your "What you are planning to wear on your Caribbean beach vacation" board? Or on your "My Style" board? Now would be a great time to bring those outfits to life. Think COLORS! Yes my dear friends, we are leaving behind the days of wearing ALL white to your beach sessions. Now don't get me wrong, white is gorgeous, however ALL white can make you blend into the sand. So if you want to wear white, make sure the other members of your family wear gorgeous pops of color.
You want your session to feel like you. You want to look like a dressed up version of your everyday self. Pick two colors and mix up your family with them. For example, you and your baby girl can have the same patterned dress and the boys wear a matching solid color. Or the boys can have stripe shorts and a solid shirt and the girls a solid sun dress.
How should you wear your hair and makeup?
Time to bring out your curling irons and hair spray. If you are not very good at doing your own hair, like I am, this is a great time to get your hair done professionally. Usually hotels have hair salons for your convenience or they can direct you to one near by. Keep in mind that your hair will blow with the wind, which is beautiful, however you should consider bringing a headband or a beautiful hairpin to keep your hair out of your face. We can put it in your hair throughout the shoot.
Your makeup should be a heavier version of what you usually wear. Unless you are going for a specific look, the most important thing to remember is just to add on more than usual. In photos your makeup will seem less than what you really have on. So although it might seem like a lot for you, it will look great in your portraits, pinky promise.
This is not a hair and makeup tip but it is about your skin and SO important to remember. I know that you will be soaking in the sun on our beautiful beaches but please please please wear sunscreen. Not only is it important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays but you will not look cute in your pictures with a SUNBURN.
I find that most people tell me they just don't have the energy to put into a family shoot...
Have fun with the process! Schedule your session at least a month before your vacation or desired date to make sure you have enough time to plan for it. Don't wait until the last few days before the session to go out and find outfit, that will surely stress you out. These photos are a representation of the love and connection your family shares. Relax, the only thing you have to worry about on the day of your session is loving on your family.
What should you bring to your session?
Bring a snack bag if you have little ones with healthy snacks in case they need a break. No sugar please, you'll regret it 10 min later.
Bring some water, the summer heat is here. It is important to stay hydrated. Water will also keep your energy levels up so you feel great during your session.
For little ones, bring something that represents who they are or what they like at the moment. It might not be used during the session but it is good to have just in case.
Ladies bring your lipstick in case you need to touch it up. You will be giving lots of kisses after all. :-)
Lastly but just as important as the other tips...
Be on time to your session. I am a natural light photographer. The sun is my partner and dictates the duration of the shoot. I plan my sessions about an hour to an hour and a half before the sun sets to give myself plenty of time to produce images that I am proud to deliver and that you will love.
4 Comments
Jul 22, 2016, 9:31:35 AM
Lynette Hernandez - Thank you Karen, I am glad to help. I look forward to meeting you all as well.
Jul 18, 2016, 1:13:51 PM
Karen D. - Thank you for these insightful tips! Looking forward to meeting you!
Jun 7, 2016, 11:58:16 PM
Lynette Hernandez - Thank youuuu Jasmine for reading it :-)
Jun 7, 2016, 2:59:36 PM
Jasmine Star - Love it!!