I'm not kidding when I say I'm over the moon you pulled the trigger (just imagine the MAGIC we are going to create together!). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your trust in me. It is an honor to create one of the most integral parts of your family's legacy.

Please carefully read the topics I will cover, the information in this guide will help you get the most out of our session together. Consistency is important to me and I want to make sure you get the most amazing photos EVER!

I am so thrilled to be working with you and am counting down the days to your session! It’s perfectly normal to have some jitters about getting photos taken. Honestly, I still get the butterflies before our family photos too - and I do this for a living! I totally get it. I put this guide together to help you get the best results from our time together. I'm going to take great care of you and am here to help every step of the way.


Hello THERE!

Are you ready for some good news? You really don't need to do much! Besides outfit selection (which I cover in this guide), all I truly ask of you is to enjoy your experience. After all, the best part of appreciating the photos on your walls is knowing you had an awesome time getting them taken.

I'm SO excited. Have I mentioned that yet?

Before the big day

I will keep an eye on the forecast the week before our session. It can change quickly... in either direction! If the forecast is sketchy there is always a bit of a gamble with whatever choice I make, as the weather can change on a dime. However, I will try to make the best decision based on my professional experience and let you know if we will need to reschedule (my goal is to make the call before you would begin getting ready!). The most important thing to me is the lighting outside. Even if it's not raining but the clouds are too heavy, we will need to reschedule. Dark clouds make for unflattering shadows, and of course the possibility of rain is no fun when you just spent so much time on everyone's hair! If this happens, will proceed with the backup date we chose upon first booking.

BAD WEATHER? I'VE GOT YOU!

HELPFUL HINTS

All of these are cool. Just...not as much when it comes to photos! Gum will peek through at least a few shots no matter how much you think it won't, transition lenses look like sunglasses (we want to see those beautiful peepers!) and even if a spray tan looks amazing in person, it really throws off the skin tones that I absolutely pride myself in capturing. Your natural skin color is the BEST with my style of photography!
If you wear glasses and have transition lenses, you can either remove the glasses altogether for the photos, or if they are an integral part of your look, you can change them out for a pair with traditional lenses. I will try my best to minimize the glare so we can see those gorgeous eyes!

Gum, transition lenses and spray tans...

I think most of us feel this way at heart. Luckily not only are my sessions extremely relaxed, but I fully guide you and your family into poses and give you prompts so you can have moments of genuine laughter and fun together. Often you won't even realize how amazing a moment is and I sneak a photo in!
One of the best parts about my job is to see the beauty in what seems like ordinary moments, and provide you those memories forever.

What if I don't know what to do?

Is there anything more gorgeous than an expectant mother?!
I love maternity sessions, and want you to know that your comfort is my #1 priority. You are welcome to bring along your significant other and children to the session if you wish, or we can focus on just you in all your gorgeousness! 
For maternity sessions (as well as newborn), I remain flexible in scheduling due to the unpredictable nature of delivery. I don't want you to worry a bit about that - I've got you covered. All you need to do is focus on taking it easy and making sure you get regular foot rubs, ok? 

Maternity

For what it's worth I rarely see this but I just wanted to plant a little seed that you don't have to worry about being "the bad guy" for the time we are together (hooray! Enjoy the vacation!).

I have a "bag of tricks" that usually works if a child is having challenges. Also, we have plenty of time to give them the pauses they need. I can stop and walk with them, talk with them, ask them about their favorite stories, shows, or toys. Worst case scenario? They stay grumpy and you will get some pretty entertaining photos that just may be your favorite ones EVER because what's funnier than a photo of your kid with a scowl face?? 
So yeah, don't worry mama. We will get some great stuff. 

Ok, hear me out on this. I promise I'm not telling you how to parent, BUT... for just the time we have together, pretty please don't worry a single bit about your child's behavior. Sometimes kids can sense that they are about to do something out of the norm (I mean, how often does your whole family get dressed up and head out to a field, amiright?), and they may get extra silly or start acting out. I totally understand you want them to be on their best behavior because I would feel the same! ...however, in the spirit of just having a relaxing, fun experience (and getting great photos!), it works the very best if disciplining is paused during the session. More often than not it backfires anyway and the grumpy faces stick around longer. 

Don't worry about behavior

Please plan on arriving ten minutes before our start time, or even earlier if you plan on getting the kids dressed after you get there. It also gives you a little cushion in case you hit a snag. Unexpected things happen on photo day - hair doesn't cooperate, traffic gets crazy, you have to run back because you forgot something (or is all of this just me?).
If you give yourself extra time you will be extra relaxed!

Please be on time or even better, early!

just a few things to keep in mind... 

The Day of the Session

Here we go! Depending on who you ask, this tends to be either the most stressful or the most fun part of the whole process (although I'm SO here to help you).

It's outfit time! 

One of the analogies I use to describe photography is with...baking. (Yes, you read that right!) There are many photographers out there who have all kinds of different styles. It's like a bakery where you are choosing which cupcake you want. Again, I am honored you are choosing mine! Here is your part of the recipe we need so we can make the exact flavor you have chosen. I have a very specific style and strive to be consistent with my images so you know exactly what kinds of photos you will be getting from your session (dreamy, light, airy, classic, timeless, and glowy, if I do say so myself!). 

So, let's get baking.

THE BIGGEST PIECE OF THE PIE

WHAT TO WEAR

Light and delicate patterns are softer and easier on the eyes (and the overall color palette). If you squint at these you won't see too much that sticks out. Once again, this clothing doesn't attract the eye, leaving it free to focus on the most important things - the faces you love!

yeah!

While adorable in person, these kinds of patterns don't photograph well with my style of photography. The areas of high contrast (aka: light and dark colors close together) attract the eye and compete for attention...taking the focus from faces. This is one of those seemingly little choices that actually make a big impact!

Nah...

When in doubt about a pattern, do a "squint test" - just look at it, squint your eyes, and if the clothing item looks like a solid color or close to it, it's good to go! If it still looks pretty busy and patterns can be easily distinguished, it's better to go with something more delicate. 

THE "SQUINT" TEST

My aim when it comes to clothing, is to have it NOT distract from your faces and expressions! I want the focus to be solely on those dimples in your baby's cheeks, your son's freckles, your daughter's beautiful brown eyes. When you are wearing simple and timeless clothing, the attention isn't drawn to your clothing... but to those amazing features I just mentioned. This is a great thing! When you wear busy patterns, it competes for that attention and your eyes are naturally drawn there.

Perhaps you've noticed that mostly everyone on my website or instagram feed is wearing light colors. There is a reason for this! A photographer's best friend is light. Light is my "paint," if you will. I use it to get a very specific look. When you wear light clothing, the sunlight bounces around, reflects back onto your face and anyone who is around you, creating a beautiful glow. It flatters your skin - making it creamier, and hiding flaws. It also helps create the overall aesthetic of the photo. 
Another reason I highly recommend light colors is that sunlight combined with vivid colors (such as really bright blues, neon yellows, etc) will make for an unnatural color cast on your skin. With the lighting I use, if you are wearing bright green and it reflects back onto your face (...and it will....) it can make you look slightly sick and we don't want that! I want to make sure your skin looks vibrant, healthy, and true to color. 

the overall aesthetic

Light colors and patterns

While it isn't 100% necessary, feel free to go all out! Professionally done hair & makeup stand up to the "test of time" nicely, and if there is humidity or wind, it is a great decision. 

With the settings I use to shoot, pretty please go with a shade darker when it comes to your blush and lipstick than you usually do (these things will photograph lighter than they look in person). Not heavy! Just a *tad* darker. Feel free to put a little bit of blush on your kiddos as well if you think they need it!

hair and makeup

I'm not big on tons of elaborate props (I like to keep the focus on your beautiful expressions!), but I'm ALL for a meaningful prop or two in a select handful of images; especially florals! If you bring flowers I will get a big smile on my face that might be hard to erase. 

props

Anything neutral, light and/or NOT distracting works! In the summer, I love kiddos in bare feet if the terrain allows. As for babies who can't walk - if it's warm enough, let's see those cute toes! If it's cold out, neutral boots are adorable, or just about anything as long as it's not a distracting color. If mom is wearing a maxi dress, often times we won't be able to see those shoes so no pressure there. When all is said and done, I just want to make sure the shoes don't attract too much visual attention, we want that going to your faces!

shoes

First off, this is just a suggestion and not the end of the world, but...clothing that is cream or ivory, photographs white. Clothing that is "WHITE-white," photographs blue(ish)! Cream clothes are softer on skin tones and luckily easier than ever to find (this hasn't always been the case!). So if you can, go with cream over bright white pretty please.
*The exception to this is if you are using a lot of gray in your clothing! Grays and whites go better than grays and cream! Think cool tones vs. warm tones.

white vs. cream

just a few more tidbits...

When ladies wear dresses, it really helps create that timeless look. I highly recommend maxi's for mama's! The floor length flatters, and when a little breeze flutters by it helps create motion in the photo. (psst...wearing dresses is NOT an absolute must, but it really does help create the aesthetic you often see in my work!). If it's cold outside, I recommend bundling up and layering. Don't worry about wearing a dress if it's too cold! Clothing colors matter more than clothing styles at the end of the day.

For little girls, you can go very simple! Just a solid colored, plain dress can be perfect. You can also add texture with sweaters, boots, bows, etc.

for the ladies

Wardrobe Tips

Do you want to know the best news ever? When it comes to dressing the guys, I say go with SIMPLE! Khaki or tan pants, a light-colored button-up shirt, and tan shoes are perfect. You can definitely dress up or down, but the colors are key. Please stay away from a light shirt with dark bottoms (just trust me on this! Light bottoms are KEY). Also feel free to jazz up this look with vests, ties, a blazer, suspenders, etc. as long as they are all light in color. This is a HUGE part of my work aesthetic, and luckily it's easy peasy to find light, simple clothing for the fellas.

Do you want to know the best news ever? When it comes to dressing the guys, I say go with SIMPLE! Khaki or tan pants, a light-colored button-up shirt, and tan shoes are perfect. You can definitely dress them up or down, but the colors are key. Please stay away from a light shirt with dark bottoms (just trust me on this! Light bottoms are KEY). Also feel free to jazz up this look with vests, ties, a blazer, suspenders, etc. as long as they are all light in color. This is a HUGE part of my work aesthetic, and luckily it's easy peasy to find light, simple clothing for the fellas.

... and here are some tips for the fellas

I know winter can sound intense... but it's one of the best time to capture your gorgeous, natural skin tones. Winter palettes can be soft and calm. Just a head's up though... not all snow is created equal. If you are wanting a magical, wintery-white scene, believe it or not, I need a very specific kind of snow in the forecast! It may be a situation where we need to be flexible. The good news is, snow or not, winter provides gorgeous, clean light!

sweet treats, warm mittens, and white wonderlands

WINTER

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the midwest (those COLORS!), and I will say that I book up pretty quickly at that time of year! I have a unique approach to ensure your fall session is still beautifully light (and yet still fall-looking!) without a lot of overpowering orange. It's the best of both worlds.

yellow leaves, apple cider and cozy snuggles

FALL

I love summer sessions! I'm never one to complain about the longer days and later sunset times. During summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup if needed, a water bottle (the colder, the better!), and a washcloth or two. 

sun hats, bright light, golden dreams

Summer

If there is any season that directly reflects my aesthetic, it's spring! The blooms? Sublime. Those soft greens? Heavenly. There are pros and cons to every season however, and I will say the weather in spring can be a bit temperamental. Luckily we have built-in back up days!

beautiful blooms, tea parties, pastels galore

Spring

- embracing each season -

Pets are welcome to be involved in your session! Please let me know ahead of time so we can ensure a pet-friendly location.

I recommend planning for your furry friend(s) to be at the beginning of your session - I won’t use them in every single photo (unless that is what you prefer!) so it is also really helpful to have a friend available to help "behind the scenes."

If you do bring your fur babies, I recommend letting them get plenty of exercise before the session and bringing their favorite treats and toys! 

FURRY FRIENDS

Well, ideally you get back in the car and say, "Wow, did we really just take photos or just hang out?" Or... "She was the best. She should run for President!" Actually, I will probably make you promise to go out for ice cream afterwards and continue the fun. (P.S. Your kids will sleep REALLY well that night!)
On my end I will come home, give my own family some hugs, and then start downloading your photos. From there I will need two weeks to properly go through the images, weed out multiples and blinks, and then edit them in my specific and unique style. Two weeks after the date of your session I will send you an email with a link to your gallery. From there you will be able to view your photo proofs and make selections for your order! 
And remember, I'm here to assist you in every step along the way.

what happens after our session?

thank you!

thank
you!

.... At the end of the day, my greatest wish is that you, your children, and grandchildren ADORE these photos forever. After all, your family is what life is ALL about, and one of my greatest joys is that I get to be a small, behind-the-scenes part of preserving your legacy.

I know that this guide is extensive! Hopefully it covers any questions you had in preparing for your session. However if there is something I missed or you need a recommendation, feel free to
text or email me at:
jeanna@jeannahayes.com
702.400.3337

Some parting words