family session planning guide
MI
LY
Notes for Choosing the Perfect Location, Time, Outfits, & More
PLANNING YOUR family SESSION
No matter the season, in our experience we have found that timing your session for when the sun is the least harsh throughout the day—either around two hours before sunset or the first two hours after sunrise—creates the best lighting for photos, which is why it is extremely important to be on time to our session.
the best time to take photos
timing and lighting
Our favorite time to begin sessions is a few hours before sunset. Golden hour makes for the dreamiest photos.
seasons
For example, moody leaves and foliage in the fall or bright and colorful florals in the spring. Styling outfits and choosing props will become easier after you have decided on a theme. Shoot times will vary from season to season.
Let the Seasons Guide the Theme
Spring engagement sessions offer a magical canvas with the soft, golden glow of late afternoon sunlight, creating a dreamy atmosphere that beautifully accentuates your love story
Fresh blooms and airy strolls through the park.
spring
The warm weather sets the perfect backdrop for capturing your connection with a touch of that extra sunlit glow.
Warm sunset walks on the beach. Tans and sun dresses.
summer
Imagine capturing your love amid falling leaves, wrapped in stylish layers, and enjoying that crisp, refreshing air.
Fall foliage, dreamy lighting, and romance in the air.
fall
Think cozy fireplace embraces in stylish winter attire, the soft glow of twinkling lights, and the chance to capture the warmth of your connection against the cool backdrop of the season
Magical snow, snuggling close, winter wonderlands.
winter
If you have a destination in mind for your session, don't hesitate to let me know, I love traveling! Travel fees may apply depending on the location.
destination FAMILY sessions
Rest assured, I will never charge for postponements relating to the weather. I want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your time at the shoot and not spend it soaking wet or freezing! Keep in mind, these percentages are based on typical weather in DFW and may adjust for other cities! We will reach out 2-3 days before our shoot about rain if necessary.
what if the weather is bad and it rains?
scheduling and weather
0-40% - IT PROBABLY WON'T RAIN, BUT MAY BE CLOUDY. WE KEEP THE DATE.
40-60% - MAY BE CLOUDY, MAY BE SUNNY. WHO KNOWS! IT'S UP TO YOU!
60-100% - WE RESCHEDULE FOR ANOTHER DAY UNLESS YOU WANT TO SHOOT IN THE RAIN!
We will email you if we are cancelling the mini date due to weather and will send over the available reschedule date options.
We get so excited when our couples want to include their pets in their engagement session! After many pet-friendly sessions, we have a few tips and tricks to share.
Including your pet in your family session means we'll need to choose a pet-friendly location, so keep that in mind when you're choosing the theme and location.
We also encourage our couples to bring your pets favorite treats, groom them beforehand if necessary, and give them plenty of exercise prior to our session.
Since your pet likely won't be in every photo, we always begin the session with your pet and then recommend either dropping them off, having a friend either watch over them or take them home for the remaining time of our session.
We love your furry family members.
pets
our tips for looking and feeling your best
outfits and style tips
Instead of putting together matching outfits, think about complimenting each other instead. For example, if one of you is wearing khaki pants, the other could wear a flowy cream-colored dress. If one of you is wearing a blue floral dress, the other could wear a soft blue button-up shirt and dark navy pants.
When choosing outfits, try to coordinate—rather than being matching.
Most of our families bring one outfit. Don't forget about complimentary accessories as well!
1. EARTHY COLOR TONES
I love to use nature as an inspiration: soft whites to contrast the greens we may be shooting in, blue to bring out the color of your or your kiddos' eyes, etc. Avoid neons, and keep in mind any bright clothing you wear could reflect onto your faces. If you want to wear a pattern, choose a smaller pattern. The larger the pattern, the more distracting it can be – we also generally recommend avoiding stripes for photos. If you do wear a pattern, we recommend having your partner in a solid.
2. ALWAYS TRY ON CLOTHES BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
A good test run never hurt anyone. This is to be sure you like the fit, it's not see-through, you have the right undergarments, and to confirm if it's the perfect look for your family shoot. YES, we have had people show up only to realize their shirt is see through or they don't have the right bra to go with the dress. A little planning ahead is always great!
3. USE THE LOCATION AS INSPIRATION.
Consider your location & season/ weather when choosing outfits. If we're going to be in the middle of a field or you ll be chasing your very active toddler around, heels may not be the best choice. If we're going to be shooting somewhere really windy consider choosing an outfit that will enhance that and flow in the wind to create some beautiful movement If we'll be in water do you want to wear a long flowing dress that will trail in the water behind you or swimsuits to encapsulate a run, summer day! Also, think of the colors of the season, and how your outfits can compliment the tones present in nature.
style tips for THE FAMILY
hers and his style tips
Long, flowy dresses look incredible in photos because of the added movement and texture. We encourage you to opt for a dress or two as opposed to pants, shorts, or jumpsuits. Don't forget about the accessories! Feel free to check out our favorite stylist in the area:
Choose a dress over something casual, you won't regret it!
Outfit tips
TENSIXTEEN STYLE
- Styles By Vero
- Etoilly Artistry
- Anna Sullivan & Acie Artistry
Professional hair and makeup can help you look and feel your best.
hair & makeup
Balance, Don't Match: Colors and Tones
leave it: Graphics and logos
Avoid: Tennis Shoes, Shorts, Sunglasses, Hats
leave it: Spray Tans
Avoid: Bright Colors (Red, Orange, Neons)
LEAVE IT: SMALL PATTERNS
final style notes: things to avoid and outfit suggestions
Full Gallery Delivered
six weeks
Gallery is Being Prepped
two weeks
Photos are Backed Up
48 Hours
when to expect your photos
"Stephanie did such an amazing job helping us pose & giving direction. She was fun, organized & super calm the entire time which really helped us relax. Not to mention the light looks incredible and we will cherish these moments forever".
kind words from our couples
this was an incredible experience
— Stephanie
At the end of the day your family session is a testament to you & the loves of your life. It's a time to celebrate, have fun & just memorialize your season at this time in your life. They should serve as a reminder of how much you all cherish each other! I cant wait to celebrate with you & capture your love story.