Great question! Ideally, the best time of year to take photos is between April-November. If you prefer to take photos in the winter, be prepared to layer up!

The best time of day to take portrait photos is in the couple hours after sunrise and the couple hours before sunset. During these times the sun in low in the sky and has a golden hue which photographs beautifully. That being said, making sure you arrive on time and ready is very important since we are working against mother natures clock and there is no way for us to control how quick the sun rises or how slow the sun sets.

Pick a Color Palette
There is nothing wrong with matchy-matchy, but I usually suggest to clients if they want their photos to look more candid and natural to pick a color palette and coordinate the outfits for each member with those specific colors in mind. In the winter months, I suggest staying away from pure white unless you have an incredible tan goin’ on. With the bare trees and soft autumn light, it tends to wash people out. Rich & neutral colors always photograph well. Also, if someone has incredible blue or green eyes play to that with your color palette. If you want to keep it neutral and you can’t decide a color, I suggest wearing any combination of cream, gray, and tan.

Coordinate Your Outfits
An easy way to build group outfits is to plan based on a particular clothing item. If Mom has a dress she is dying to wear, take the tones in that dress and build around that.

Textures add visual interest
Don’t be afraid to mix prints, patterns, or fabrics it creates dimension in photographs. No need to stick to one fabric, a good cotton shirt is a good start, but add knits, silks, leather, and lace to add depth and visual interest.

Accessorize & Layer
This is a huge one! The little details at shoots always make the biggest impact. Adding accessories is an easy way to introduce different textures and looks. Scarves, hats, belts, wraps, ties, necklaces … use these items to swap in and out throughout the shoot to capture different looks in a short amount of time.

Relax
Often times families and couples find photoshoots stressful, so I can’t stress enough, just relax. Let me do my thing. Stiff, posed photos with everyone awkwardly sitting, and forcing a smile are a thing of the past. You hired me because you trust that I will capture each personality, family dynamics, and the energy and love between one another. Don’t panic if we don’t start with the standard look at me and smile on 3 pose. The candid photos and little interactions usually are customer favorites!

Full hair and makeup are no included or required for your photo shoot. However, you can absolutely add-on hair and makeup services by my talented team as a part of your booking. It is highly recommended that you have your make up professionally done, it makes a big difference in photos.

Whiten Teeth. Crest sells white-strips that whiten in a week or less for a quick whiteness boost. I hear dentists can whiten teeth, too. Many even do it for free for new clients. If you’re due for a cleaning, you might consider going all out.

Don’t Pick. A pimple is very easy to cover with makeup, but scabs, wounds and flaky patches are more tricky.

Exfoliate. Plan to exfoliate a couple times before your appointment, but be sure to allow a few days between ‘treatments’, as well as a couple days after the last one before your shoot.

Moisturize. Plan to moisturize day and night leading up to your photoshoot. You want your skin to look hydrated and bright, not dull and dry.

Wax Eyebrows. If you decide to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your photoshoot. Otherwise, an eyebrow trim/touch up at home could be done a day or two before the shoot.

Touch Up Your Roots. If you dye your hair, touching up your regrowth three days before your photoshoot is ideal. Take my advice: this is not the time for drastic changes. Trust me.

Get a Trim. Neat, healthy hair is youthful and vibrant. If it’s been a while since your last haircut, even a subtle trim can make a world of difference.

Get a Manicure. While you’re at it, toss in the pedicure. If you’re hard on your manicures, book the mani/pedi for the day before your shoot.

Minimalists can stick with neatly shaped, clear nails. Soft, neutral colors work well for fingertips. Toes can get away with any color. (Think about the outfits you’re bringing and be sure to choose a color that will compliment your choices.)

Clean Your Wedding Ring. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste is a great day-to-day way to clean your bling, but most professional jewelers have sonic cleaners that make it sparkle like the day it was born. Many will even clean your ring for free. Especially if you return to the jeweler you bought it from.