What to expect from your sv portrait experience
I have structured your portrait session intentionally. I want you to have fun and feel confident that we are capturing images you will cherish for years to come!
When the day of your photoshoot arrives, I will have a posing workflow prepared for you. We will still have plenty of room for flexibility or any "special request" poses.
I work hard to gauge what is needed throughout your entire session. Sometimes a spouse needs a minute to warm up, sometimes a newborn needs a snuggle, sometimes a child needs a moment to connect & redirect, sometimes a teen needs to chat for a while before feeling comfortable in front of the camera. I'm here for it all!
At the beginning of our time, you can expect we will spend a few moments getting everyone on the same page and as relaxed as possible before pulling out the camera.
The most important advice I can give anyone before a session -- and particularly so when children are involved! -- is to let go of control. Be yourself. Relax. And let's have some fun together painting with light.
the details
01. Arriving on location
The shorter your session, the earlier you should plan to arrive. For example, if you have a mini session scheduled (which is only 15 minutes) you may want to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for that last-minute hair brush or diaper change. All studios and some parks have a restroom on location (please contact me if you need to confirm changing room availability). For full sessions, I will meet you in the parking lot. For mini sessions, you will receive specific instructions.
02. Proof selection & turnaround time
A few days after your session, you will receive an email with a link to your proof gallery. These will be lightly edited images that still need the finishing touches. You get to choose your favorites for the editing stage (the number depends on your package and you will have the option to purchase additional images ). If you would like basic skin retouching, you may request it at this stage. Final galleries will be delivered within 3 weeks of proof selection (sooner during the off season).
03. weather (outdoor sessions)
As we Texans know, the weather is unpredictable. I watch the weather in advance of all of my outdoor sessions beginning a week out from our date. If it looks like rain is consistently in the forecast, we will begin discussing alternate dates and make the final call 24-48 hours in advance. If you are scheduling hair & makeup, be sure to let me know what the reschedule policy is so we can communicate a plan within the artist's desired time frame.
styling your session
01. Identify your inspiration
Is there an outfit in your closet that you’re stoked to wear? Or some adorable overalls you just picked up for your toddler? Run with this foundational piece as your inspiration and plan everyone else’s attire around it. Who’s the most difficult person in the house to shop for? Select their outfit first. Next, lay out your outfit(s) and props in advance. Everything. Down to the shoes. If you have kids, make sure everything is still the right size. Feel free to text me if you want a second opinion (512-350-8130).
02. Select clothing items
Neutrals, textures, and (in moderation) large patterns photograph well. Small patterns, especially stripes or checkered prints, can look busy. If choosing a dress, keep in mind that a longer dress will allow more flexibility for seated poses. If choosing heels, bring a pair of comfortable shoes for walking to different locations. Unless going for a particular "look" (like matching PJs for kids), you'll never regret dressing up a step or two from your norm.
03. Props
If you plan to bring props (ex. child's favorite toy, cap & gown, letter board, etc.) be sure to bring them in a water-resistant bag so that it can sit on the ground without damaging your items. Note: Mini sessions do not allow time for incorporating props (with the exception of Personality Minis, in which case I encourage bringing one small toy that is very special to your child).
outfit selection tips
A guide to what photographs well
My photography style is bright and true-to-life and so my recommendations lean more towards creating that style of photo! As you read through these recommendations, please know that these are just suggestions and you have freedom to wear what you love! However, a little education ahead of time can help us create images that will also look lovely displayed in your home.
what's your style?
The wardrobe you choose will play a key role in what your final images look like. Neutral colors create light and bright images. Dark and heavily-saturated colors will create a different look altogether. For example, take a look at the images below. In the far left, the family choose a darker color palette, which gives the final image a bold, autumnal vibe. In the middle photo, the family opted for a vibrant yet complimentary color palette that coordinated well with their home decor. In the image on the right, the family selected a completely neutral palette, allowing faces & scenery to take center stage.
When you're considering what you desire for your portraits, it may help to see an example of how completely different looks can be achieved with wardrobe color. Below, you'll see an expecting mama in the same location & same pose but with two different outfits. The first look is light and bright while the second look is a bit more moody and bold. All accomplished with color!
As you prepare for your session, consider the look you'd like to achieve in your final gallery-- if you prefer a light and bright final image, be sure to select light colored clothing. If you want something bold, select heavily-saturated or dark colors. Communicate your desire to me as well so that we can ensure the timing & location of your portrait session further helps us achieve this look.
drawing inspiration from your environment
consider your home decor
If you're like me, I want to have updated family portraits on display in our home! Our home has a lot of earth tones (ivory, grey, and greens) so I normally lean towards those color choices when selecting family outfits for portraits.
consider your location
If we'll be shooting in a park with a lot of trees, I would suggest keeping your outfits very light and neutral. If we'll be meeting at a studio or in an urban setting with a lot of bright white background options, neutrals are (still!) great but having a touch of color may serve you well.
what about *this*?
what about black?
Photography is simply “painting with light.” Black clothing absorbs light, which may or may not be the best choice for your session. For example, a black dress against a backdround of evergreen trees will get lost in the scene. That same black dress against a white studio wall or urban rooftop will absolutely pop! We’re going for good contrast. So if you’re not sure, please reach out to me before your session!
bright & neon colors
Super bright reds, oranges, yellows and hot pinks can be so vibrant that they will reflect their color onto necks and faces. This can be incredibly hard to edit out and in some cases, impossible. I would work hard to avoid any type of neon colors as well for this same reason! If you DO have a heavily-saturated piece you'd like to wear, please let me know ahead of time so we can adjust with the lighting & location.
tiny patterns
There is nothing wrong with wearing a pattern! However, if you're going to wear a pattern, make sure the design isn't smaller than a dime! Why? Small patterns can create some weird effects with digital cameras! Below are some examples of patterns that work really well and aren't too small. (Bonus tip: Does someone in the family have a great patterned piece? Dress family members in coordinating solids to match!)
coordination over matching
In the intimate wedding photo (above), family members were told to wear anything in the white, ivory, cream, or pink family! No one is matching but the overall effect is extremely well-coordinated. You've probably picked this up already, but you simply can't go wrong with light-colored neutrals!
