How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session
How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session With Jenny Elaine Photography
Janesville Family Photographer | Midwest Family Photography | Madison Area Children’s Photographer
Family photos hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. These are images we’ll look back on for years to come, images that our children and grandchildren will look at to remind themselves of where they came from and how much their family has changed and grown.
Janesville Family Photographer | Midwest Family Photography | Madison Area Children’s Photographer
Family photos hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. These are images we’ll look back on for years to come, images that our children and grandchildren will look at to remind themselves of where they came from and how much their family has changed and grown.
Tracking your family’s growth is a great reason to take annual family photos. But once you’ve booked your session, you may be feeling some trepidation. How am I going to get all the kids to behave? What should everyone wear? What if our pictures turn out terrible because no one will cooperate?
A family photo session can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, but the results are well worth the effort. To help you feel a little less stressed about getting everyone dressed and smiling, we’ve put together this handy guide on how to prepare for and make the most of your family session.
Schedule at the right time of day
When it comes to photographing young children, scheduling is everything. You don’t want to schedule a photo shoot right in the middle of naptime and end up with a cranky toddler. In the same way, if your session runs over into dinnertime, your little one may throw a tantrum. Even if you want “golden hour” images, consider your kids and what time of day they’re most alert, awake, and content. It’s better to have your photos taken in the middle of the day than to struggle with frustrated, grumpy children just to get that gorgeous evening light.
Talk to your kids beforehand
A photo session is not something you want to drag your kids to without warning them. Take time to sit your kids down and explain what they can expect at the family session and how they should behave. Emphasize the fun aspects of a photo shoot: They can pretend to be models and even ham it up a little for the camera. Just remind them the importance of listening to you and the photographer and following instructions.
Get inspired
Think about what kind of images you want and talk to your photographer about your options. Would you prefer a studio session or one outside at a favorite park or spot in your town? Maybe you want an in-home session where the photographer can capture your family in their natural environment. Whatever you choose, be sure to speak with your photographer beforehand about what you’re hoping to achieve, as well as any special requirements you or your family may need.
Choose what to wear
While kids definitely look adorable in their dressiest outfits, you’re better off choosing something they’re comfortable in. That goes for your whole family, including you. Everyone will feel more like themselves in their favorite outfits. Just be sure everyone coordinates well and avoid bright colors or patterns that can be distracting.
The Day of Your Session
Pack your bag
If you have kids, you’re definitely familiar with how much stuff you need to bring along with you when you go places, and a family photo session is no different. Here are some items we recommend you pack for your photo shoot:
- An old blanket to sit on—perfect for cozy outside images
- Backup outfits—You never know when someone will get a little messy!
- Lint roller—This is a must if you’re including pets in the session
- Favorite toys—A great way to keep little ones happy
- Snacks and water—Nothing boosts a kid’s mood quite like a favorite snack! Just go for something that isn’t too messy
- Tissues—As a mom, you probably always have these on hand, but you’ll need them to wipe messy noses
Keep an eye out for illness
If you or one of your children comes down with the flu the day of your session, talk to your photographer about rescheduling. These things happen, and we’re more than happy to work with you to find a better time to capture your family photos.
Remove any unnecessary items
Before your photographer starts snapping pictures, be sure to take any keys, phones, or wallets out of pockets and remove any hair ties or Fitbits from your wrists. All these items can be tucked away into your bag so you know exactly where they are and don’t have to stress about searching for your keys later.
Make a day of it
While your actual session may only take a few hours, it’s a good idea to make the day a relaxing one. That means no additional activities for the kids (unless you want to take everyone out for a treat after the session) and no work for you. Just spend a relaxing day at home before and after your session.
Give yourself plenty of time
Instead of rushing out the door 15 minutes later than expected, get everyone ready early and give yourself at least 30 minutes to get to your session location. You may even want to take a look at traffic reports and give yourself even more time if necessary. If you’re in a rush, you’ll feel stressed and anxious, and that’s no way to start a family photo shoot! Be sure to give yourself plenty of breathing room so you can arrive comfortably early to your session.
Stay calm
I know, it’s easier said than done. But if you’re stressed out, your kids will sense it, and suddenly everyone is having a not-fun time. Besides, genuine smiles look so much better than forced ones, and you want your family photos to capture your authentic joy and personalities!
Headshot & Personal Branding 101
I recently had the pleasure of assisting Allison in some real estate headshots and social branding. Allison came to me as she started a new career with a new company.
Our studio specializes in corporate headshots. We have a dedicated space, and a relaxing environment, making your experience a professional and enjoyable experience.
What makes us different?
Prior to your session, we will go through a list of questions so that we can maximize our time together as well as create the perfect headshot that you’re looking for.
Our goal here in our studio is to take the best headshot you have ever seen of yourself. Our typical session runs about an hour, has 4 wardrobe changes, and a viewing session within 24 hours. Once you have selected the images that you would like to purchase, our team will retouch and edit them to a commercial standard.
Images will be returned to you in different crops so they’re ready for your LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and website. This takes the guesswork out when updating your accounts. Your image will also be in a high-resolution and low resolution color as well as converted to black-and-white.
we also offer on location headshots for your team, making it a easy and time wise process.
Is it time to update that old headshot? Here are 5 tips to help get you ready for your in studio session.
Where will you use your Portrait?
Think about how you will use your portrait. Will they be used in a business or personal way? Will you smile? Will you want them converted into black and white? These are all questions to think about prior to your headshot session. Don’t worry, your photographer should take some test shots. Remember to have fun too. Here are some tips to get you ready.
•Make-up
The best advice I have is to not overdo it. Apply your makeup in a natural, clean, and professional way. If you have small blemishes or acne; no worries, these can be retouched by your photographer.
•Hair
You know your hair better than anyone. Go with your everyday look. Headshot day is not the day to try a new style. Some clients choose to see a professional stylist or have one on hand during their shoot.
•Sleep
Sleep is very important the evening before your shoot. It will give you a fresh inviting look. Bags and dark circles do not look good and convert poorly to black and white
•Hydrate
Drink plenty of water the day before. Your body and skin will thank you!
•Clothing
For corporate head shots it’s good to remember that your portrait will only be your face, and 1/4 of your body. Solid colors convert the best to black and white. Try to stay away from busy patterns like stripes, they can draw the eyes away from the face. For a personal headshot to be used with social media, or a company that is trying to get away from the traditional head shots, more of the body will be posed.
•Posing
Leave the posing to your photographer. Sometimes they may ask you to do silly things but trust them, they are the professional! Your photographer will pose you on both sides, they will get you to smile and look serious, as well as various lighting and posing techniques will be used for sliming and softening of the skin. Trust your photographer and have fun!
Jenny Elaine Photography offers stress free Headshot sessions in both studio or in the workplace. Branding packages are also available.
Contemporary Portrait Session - Janesville Wisconsin
Janesville Portrait Studio | Contemporary Photography
Online Session
What a stunning session. That smile! Thank you Amber Nicotra for modeling this beautiful dress! I’m so thankful that I could participate in this shoot! That Dress! Thank you Flutter Dresses for hosting such a beautiful online session!
Want to learn more about our sessions and services? Click here.
Interested in planning your dream shoot? See more information here!
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A Makeup Collaboration - Spring
Janesville Photography Studio | Collaboration Shoot | Model & Makeup Emily Regenold
Southern Wisconsin Photographer | Fashion Photography
I’m working with some new backdrops with Emily today! I can’t begin to describe how fun it was just to get into the studio and create some images of this beautiful lady. Inspiration and makeup by Emily.
1 image can give 3 different points of view. Thanks for stopping by!
-Jenny
Janesville Photographer Awarded Merits at The Portrait Masters, Image Awards
Janesville Photographer | Jenny Elaine | The Portrait Masters
Portrait Photography | Pet Portrait Photography
I am beyond humbled and amazed to have received The Portrait Masters Bronze Merits award on both of these images. I love both these portraits so much, and hope to enter more this coming year. I love being able to offer my clients a professional standard in their portraits, both in our studio in Janesville, Wisconsin as well as on location. I will continue my weekly test shoots as well as education so that I can keep improving this standard in my photography.
5 Tips to get ready for your Headshot Session - Janesville, WI Photographer
Is it time to update that old headshot? Here are 5 tips to help get you ready for your in studio session.
Where will you use your Portrait?
Think about how you will use your portrait. Will they be used in a business or personal way? Will you smile? Will you want them converted into black and white? These are all questions to think about prior to your headshot session. Don’t worry, your photographer should take some test shots. Remember to have fun too. Here are some tips to get you ready.
•Make-up
The best advice I have is to not overdo it. Apply your makeup in a natural, clean, and professional way. If you have small blemishes or acne; no worries, these can be retouched by your photographer.
•Hair
You know your hair better then anyone. Go with your everyday look. Headshot day is not the day to try a new style. Some clients choose to see a professional stylist or have one on hand during their shoot.
•Sleep
Sleep is very important the evening before your shoot. It will give you a fresh inviting look. Bags and dark circles do not look good and convert poorly to black and white.
•Hydrate
Drink plenty of water the day before. Your body and skin will thank you!
•Clothing
For corporate head shots it’s good to remember that your portrait will only be your face, and 1/4 of your body. Solid colors convert the best to black and white. Try to stay away from busy patterns like stripes, they can draw the eyes away from the face. For a personal headshot to be used with social media, or a company that is trying to get away from the traditional head shots, more of the body will be posed.
•Posing
Leave the posing to your photographer. Sometimes they may ask you to do silly things but trust them, they are the professional! Your photographer will pose you on both sides, they will get you to smile and look serious, as well as various lighting and posing techniques will be used for sliming and softening of the skin. Trust your photographer and have fun!
Jenny Elaine Photography offers stress free Headshot sessions in both studio or in the workplace. Branding packages are also available.
Beloit Photographer | Beckman Mill Beloit Photography | Joleen & Kolt
Beloit, Wisconsin Photography | Jenny Elaine Photography | Joleen + Kolt | Beckman Mill
I was so thankful we were able to squeeze this session in before the weather turned too cold. I loved my time documenting this beautiful couple on an early day in November along with their sweet pups, Hudson and Mater. We enjoyed some beautiful fall foliage as well as a slow, stunning sunset.
Joleen + Kolt
Beloit, Wisconsin Photographer | Jenny Elaine Photography | Joleen + Kolt | Beckman Mill
I was so thankful we were able to squeeze this session in before the weather turned too cold. I loved my time documenting this beautiful couple on an early day in November along with their sweet pups, Hudson and Mater. We enjoyed some beautiful fall foliage as well as a slow, stunning sunset.
Providing my clients with an all-inclusive experience while telling their story is my mission at Jenny Elaine Photography.
Digital experiences come in both color and black and white.
