These are your images, and you want them to speak volumes about who you are. Discuss things your family enjoys, and bring props and accessories.

What to wear?  Good question. Make sure you give yourself enough time to consider details of your session. Plan ahead so you can think about your photos, and you don't stress out right before your session.

I usually request you bring 4-6 outfits. You will get more variety in your shots, so why not capitalize on the opportunity? This will also give us a good variety of photos. Anything that adds visual impact makes for a interesting photograph. I usually suggest anything funky, chunky, and with texture gives us a fun palate to work with!  Women, scarfs, hats, jewelry = FUN! Pick the majority of outfits that aren't too trendy. An article that is timeless is jeans. Add your own flair with accessories, layers.

Ladies, if you plan on wearing a pair of sassy heels, please bring along a pair of flats as well. You want to avoid using heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips and cheeks will help bring life to your photos. So many times I have seen eyeliner run or be smudged.  Please bring along some lip gloss, color or moisturizer, and a hairbrush.

Please have at least one pair of pants you are not afraid to sit with (we may have damp ground, damp benches..this is Alaska.)

Layers work well. Perhaps a vest over a shirt, add a scarf, and /or hat. Not only do layers provide more visual interest, but allow more variety. Have lots of images in a favorite dress? Put on a favorite scarf or sweater, and change the look entirely.  

More than one person : Coordinate outfits. This does not mean everyone has to match. You want to complement each other's outfits by choosing colors that work well together. If everyone is wearing the same clothing or colors, everyone starts to blend together, which does not allow much "pop" or life to your images. Color can bring your images to life. Again, colors that coordinate with each other, and not to end up looking like a rainbow. Use patterns sparingly. When choosing patterns, choose smaller ones that will not distract. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that give visual interest ~ corduroy, lace, denim, etc. Avoid logo, emblems and graphics, as these will be distracting. We want faces and emotion to show, not promote a clothing line.  

The main thing is to compliment who you are. Bring along items if you'd like that represent who you are, and who your family is collectively. Any props you would like incorporated into a photo, we will try as well~ a pet, a musical instrument, a favorite stuffed animal, a heirloom chair.  

If you need inspiration, “Pinterest” has many suggestions on everything from family portraits to babies portraits.

I also bring along a variety of props ~ anything from jewelry, to food, to toys for children.

I respectfully request you do not feed your child sugar that day BEFORE our shoot. Usually getting a child under five to give eye contact can be a challenge in itself.  I want every advantage to give you the best photographs I possibly can. I TOTALLY "get" active children, not a problem.  Adding sugar to the equation = bad juju. ;). If you bring along a snack, may I suggest something like apple slices that will not get into their teeth, and only natural sugar. I would also appreciate if you only bring water or pure apple juice. Low sugar, please.  I may use a vibrant cookie or lollypop as a prop towards the end of the shoot. If this is a problem, please let me know.