Hey there!

I am so excited to be able to photograph your family! I can’t wait!

I use a documentary approach my work.

My desire is for you and your family to be comfortable within your surroundings for your time with me. Try to relax, lean in and enjoy this time!

Step back, relax and get excited to share your news!

My Top Tips

First off, I believe getting your photos taken should be fun! I know it can be stressful with trying to figure out what to wear or where to do them and then worries of a grumpy husband and children that won’t behave but I want to take as much of that stress away! I will give you tips on what to wear and aside from that, clothing doesn’t really matter. What matters is that your family relaxes and has a good time!

It’s not about cheesing – in fact please don’t ever ask your kids to do that!

Once we get the important shots out of the way, you know, the ones for the grandparents with everyone looking at the camera, we can relax a little bit. My favorite images are always the ones where I get your family to engage with each other – laughing, sharing things you love about each other or the quiet moments away with mama one on one with the child. I’m not going to be constantly saying look at me or “cheese”. in fact unless I tell you to, I want you to NOT look at the camera! I want you to be looking at and engaging with each other. Because this session is about your love and joy as a family.

Since for an announcement session you are usually still quite early in pregnancy I do give just the general clothing tips I pass on to all clients.

What To Wear – Coordinate

Pretty certain this can be one of the hardest things for you mentally at the session. No longer are white shirts and jeans on everyone the trend. I am more than happy to discuss your clothing choices, help you narrow down your decision or give you a direction to focus on as well as make sure that your clothing coordinates well with the locations chosen for your photo shoot! Also I provide Style & Select – an online styling guide for all my clients. This service gives an excellent way to visualize what you might wear.

#1 Choose your palette first.

Pick a palette of 3-4 colors. Let this be your starting place. Think in terms of tones: blue tones, earth tones, neutrals, pastels, etc. (extra tip: start with mama’s outfit and then plan all the rest around that! Mama must feel good about what she is wearing!)

#2 Coordinate – don’t match

You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images.

Think with these pillars in mind: complimentary, timeless, comfortable

• Muted tones look beautiful together in a family picture.
• Only put a few people in patterns.
• Choose different textures that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, and knits.
• Choose creams over pure whites.
• For color palette, light neutrals, grays, browns, creams, greens and whites look best (again, neutrals and soft colors).
• Add interest by differing texture even if the color is the same.
• Dark jewel tones can also work well.
• If your home is dark wear lighter colors.

Say no to:

• No tiny checks or tiny lines
• No super small patterns
• No media or logos
• No neons/fluorescent colors
• all matching

Play up your strengths.

Let’s be honest…most of us have some insecurities about our bodies. But, my best advice to you is to WORK what you’ve got! Know your body type and what styles will flatter your figure. I want to make sure you feel as amazing as you are!

#3. Make sure you can move

I will have you moving a lot during the session – KEEP YOUR CLOTHING COMFY and ABLE TO MOVE IN. You will be hugging, kissing, dancing with your kids and I want you all to feel relaxed in that.

#4 Layering

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a bunch of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

#5 Fit your style to your season & location.

Always keep your session location and season in mind when choosing your outfit. If your session is happening in a city setting, dress up a bit with a pair of cute heels and a fancier dress than you’d normally wear to match the bustling vibe of the city. If you’ve selected a more natural environment, choose something a bit more casual such as a maxi dress and opt for casual footwear like flat sandals or boots

#6 Keep make up natural.

You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well for touch ups as there may be lots of smooches in story from your partner and little ones!

#7 Be timeless

For some fashionista’s, this may be a difficult concept, however you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come.

#8 Accessorize!

Accessories give your photographs that needed punch! They lend pops of color, personality, and interest. Everybody wears them well and they work for all ages. Think hats, scarves, knee socks, bows, etc

#9. Don’t forget your footwear

Keep it classy & nice – Make sure they are clean/polished and avoid shoes like Crocs, Teva and Keen (unless of course we are doing a hiking session.)

for men look for:

shirts designed to be worn un-tucked (henleys are an awesome choice)

(we’ll be playing and moving alot! So you want to be okay if it comes untucked or style it that way the whole session)

blazers chino pants/shorts button-downs with sleeves rolled up to elbows –

sweaters/vests layered over collared shirts (a great way to add texture),

slim-fit jeans, leather shoes/boots, boat shoes, Converse & Vans, cardigans

avoid:

t-shirts, short-sleeved polos (instead try short-sleeved button-downs) – small prints like plaid and stripes

stiff button-down shirts – keep it more casual with untucked button-downs & relaxed fabrics

baggy shorts/pants, athletic shoes, cargo shorts, white t-shirts and shirts, undershirts that show,

keep those phones/wallets out of your pockets

For women look for

maxi & midi dresses are fabulous

fitted tops tucked into long skirts, classy rompers,

A-line dresses/coats, skinny jeans,

fitted or flowy cardigan/blazer over fitted shirts,

Try to balance your upper and lower half: so like blousy shirt/skinny pants, tight shirt tucked into flowy skirt

avoid:

complete outfit of very dark colors

dresses above knee-length / short shirts & low cut jeans (we will be playing and moving a lot!)

horizontal stripes

super baggy clothes (fitted is generally more flattering)

very chunky knits (they can make you look larger than you are)

small necklaces (hard to keep in place – earrings are a safer bet)

Double check nails for cleanness and chipped paint.

For Kids:

Follow similar ideas to the adults, make sure children’s clothing fits and is comfortable!

don’t forget for children especially adding hats, knee socks, cute boots, hair bows, beanies are fun ways to add texture to your session!

if your child has sensory needs please keep those in mind. Don’t force clothing on them that will make them super uncomfortable.

View my pinterest board of ideas here.

Stores for shopping from: Pink Blush, Lou & Lou, Khanh (local in Blanchard), Riley & Cru, Jamie Kay, Bella Belly OKC, H & M, Old Navy

List for Your Session

Prepping before hand will help your session go so much smoother!

Lay out all your clothes a few days before. Make sure they are ironed or steamed.

Bring your sonogram pictures and anything else you want to help with announcing or in the pictures.

After The Session

once I leave, I have all your precious images to edit!

Within 2-3 weeks you’ll get your viewing gallery. You can choose your 15 images and if you wish to upgrade you can do that. You will have permission to download the images and access to my online gallery store that has beautiful high end products for displaying your beautiful images!

Heritage albums and my gallery frames are some of my favorite products! I can design your album and have it in your hands quite quickly. Gift albums are also available for the other special people in your life.

These are just some things I have learned along the way to help. If you ever have any questions let me know. I’m here to help! Style and Select is a great tool to use too. Do not feel you have to buy the clothes suggested. Use it as a spring board for more ideas. And text/email me anytime = 405-310-7395.