Hooray! You Did It!
Welcome to your family portrait headquarters just for ABP families! This is your help-page with all you need to know to have a fabulous photo experience.
This is the process
1. Book & Plan.
You're here, so that means you're booked, and the next thing to do is choose your wardrobe. If you're outside, dress for the season and the site. If you're indoors, unbranded classics work best. If you are getting a hair cut or color before the shoot, schedule that now so you can have it done 1-2 weeks before the shoot.
2. have fun Taking photos.
Between now and your shoot, we plan. You choose outfits and share them with me (just lay them out and text a pic) and I'll be planning the flow of the shoot. A few days before your session, I'll check in for any last minute questions. I'll be prepared for you, so you can just show up and have fun.
3. Receive Awesomeness.
About one week after the shoot, I'll send you a link to your private, password-protected proofing gallery. You'll see unedited photos and choose your favorites for finishing and printing. At the end, you'll have your favorite photos in your phone through the app, on paper, and as digitals to print and share as you like.
What to Bring- the day of
ABP families have it easy- everything's taken care of! You only need to bring:
- Outfits- unwrinkled. With small children, you might bring a backup as well. Kids in car seats can travel in their base layer, and save the top layer of clothing for after you arrive.
- Layers for each outfit- if it's cold, you can add, and if it's hot, you can take away- we want everybody to be comfortable.
- Accessories- jewelry, watches, hats, sunglasses.
- Personal Props (if you are doing a reveal, milestone, or memento)
- Shoes you can walk in (wear the photo-shoes on location and wear the comfortable ones for transit)
- If you wear contacts: eye drops and a spare lens.
- If you have allergies, bring the medicine, or take it beforehand
- If you are unsure about an item or outfit- just bring it! You never know.
the SEntimental Details
You'll want some of those storytelling details that seem mundane today, but will bring back so many memories in the future. I always capture little interactions and in-between moments that show your love and connection.
THE Personality Portrait
During the session, you'll see me snapping photos between sets, too. Expecially with little children who are so expressive as they explore.
Eye Contact
We'll take photos with and without it so you will get a great photo of everybody looking at the camera and smiling, and then I'll also work to portray the interactions and gestures that capture relationships and ages.
What to Wear
Variety First. Think of your clothes as "types" and "colors."
So- types might be: formal or casual, trendy or classic, country or city...
I encourage families to dress for the weather and the location, and to all have the same "type" of style.
With colors, it's best to select complementing shades and patterns, without matching exactly.
All of the families on this page have done that perfectly.
AVOID: Large lettering, logos or graphics on clothing, but other than that, show your style!
Colors, Patterns & Clothing
I always recommend solids or classic patterns (such as a plaid flannel, or a floral sundress). Stripes and bold geometric designs can be tricky- too small or too big can be distracting, so approach with caution. You can never go wrong with solids- and you can add layers or texture for interest.
Simple, classic clothes win.
For a timeless portrait that's about YOU and not the clothes, go for the basics. Flattering jeans and a classic button down, sweater, or tee always work. Girls- a body-skimming dress in a classic cut, or a flowing one that tucks in at the waist look great on camera. For the guys, a well-fitting button-down shirt or sweater is classic. Trends are fun, but in 30 years, the classic look will still still look stylish.
I've Got My Outfits... Now what??
Lay them out on the floor, take a photo and text it! That way, you don't have to wonder how it all will look together (less stress between now and the session!).
Camera-READY Skin & Nails
The Details that Count
It's time to take care of your skin!
*No more sunburns, no fake tanner- even out those tan lines from sunglasses, ball caps, golf or baseball gloves (sunscreen is your friend!)
*A GENTLE exfoliant or toner can give your skin a fresh glow- a few days before your shoot- but don't do any new treatments the week of the shoot.
*No chipped polish- and if you're painting your nails, neutral colors work with everything and never go out of style. But polish isn't necessary- clean natural nails look perfect, too!
What DO I need to plan for my photoshoot?
Just your outfits!
ABP families can relax knowing that the location, lighting and posing will be managed for you. Your job is this: wear unwrinkled clothes that make you feel good, eat some good food, sleep in that day, and that's about it!
