Session Tips for Families - What to wear, how to prepare, and get yourself there.

Wardrobe - Colors, Style and Inspiration

Coordinate Colors

Choose one color that blends with all the family members and use that throughout everyone's outfits. Solids look timeliness on adults, while patterns and prints look great on children. These purples look fantastic on this family, with the daughter standing out with a patterned dress. Keep the styling simple with jewelry and make-up, too.

Let their personalities show

It's always fun to let the kids show their personalities with their style. Give them options that help make getting dressed for the photo session fun. They will be in the photos together, so be sure that they are ready to play while still looking polished.

Plaid and solids blend well

Choosing a plaid and solids create a timeless coordination when paired with jeans. Jackets for kids create a layered fall look that is cozy, fun and shows they are ready for play.

Black, White and an accent color

Classy and timeless, black and white creates a timeless vibe. Whether you dress up, or dress down, it looks so good on camera. A touch of an accent color accessorizes the entire family.

Shades of Blue

From light blue to dark blue and all of the blues in between, this is a classic color that looks good on everyone. Dress it up, add a plaid or stripe, accent it with brown, and it all blends well together.

Want more styling inspiration?

Preparation for the Session

In the weeks leading up to the session...

PLAN THE OUTFITS. You'll want to be sure that everyone coordinates. Think of a color theme that can tie everyone's outfits together. If you're going to wear jackets, the thinner the better. Sweaters add bulk. Scarves can cause you to lose your neck. Keeping the outfits to one layer is advised.
TRY ON THE OUTFITS TO BE SURE THEY FIT - you don't want them to grab, pull or yank on you in any way. When your kids lift their hands in the air, be sure that their outfits still look good to you.

IRON or steam the outfits to get out all the wrinkles. I am unable to remove them when I edit. -
ACCESSORIES - if you're wearing jewelry, it should represent who you are today. Keeping the jewelry simple is recommended, but it's really a matter of your style.
BLANKETS - be sure to wash any blankets prior to the session that will be used in the images. When you have smaller kids, it can be fun to have a photo or two on the ground
TOYS or other props that will compliment the babies or the family interaction are always fun. Be sure that it is as clean as possible, as I will not be able to edit dirt from the photos.

On the day of your session

Feed everyone prior to the session.
Pack snacks or a treat to give the children after the session.
Dress everyone about 30 minutes before the session starts.
Make sure to have burp cloths nearby for any accidental situations, or a change of clothes for the youngest members of your family.
Put on make-up, brush teeth, and style your hair
Bring a small bag of extra items - hairbrush, vaseline for lips, face wipe (because kids), and any props or toys you may need.
Take a deep breath...

I'm here to capture the memories together.

Family of six mini session Telegraph Hill

Mini Sessions in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill

Nov 08, 2024

Looking to capture unforgettable family moments? There’s no better place than a mini session on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco! Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a lively family of six (plus their adorable dog) against some of the city’s most iconic backdrops. As your go-to San Francisco mini session photographer, I know how to capture the magic of the city, and Telegraph Hill offers the perfect blend of San Francisco charm and beauty.Why Choose Telegraph ...

Ocean Beach Mini Session

Aug 30, 2023

This family booked a session hoping it would be sunny. But, as any San Franciscan will tell you, it just may be foggy. And it was. That just added to the depth of these photos.I asked the mom to bring a colorful scarf to play with at the beach. A scarf is a fun way to add movement to photos, create a fun element to play with, and generate genuine smiles. We started off playing in the sand dunes, walking down the various paths to the beach. Then we moved the session over to the beach, where the ...