Family Prep Guide
welcome
Thanks so much for allowing me the honour of creating beautiful photos for your family. It is my hope that together we craft not only awesome memories, but gorgeous, timeless images as well.
My style is natural and authentic, I love capturing families playing, snuggling and just loving on each other. I will always do my best to get that one desired shot of everyone looking and smiling at me, but we will also be laughing and playing with your kids. These emotional connections are what make great images.
Outdoor sessions are scheduled for optimal lighting - the time frame of this will depend upon the season and the sun.
I understand there are many options out there, at many different price points, and many different styles. I trust you selected Hope + Salt Photography because of the images you have viewed in my portfolio, the extensive line of fine products, and because my vast network of referrals tell you that this is the place to be!
Please take some time to read through the following information as you prepare yourself and your family!
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Kathleen
important notes
weather
I will be watching the radar closely the day of our session. I will not call off our session prior to the day-of. I need to be able to see the hour-by-hour forecast. So, although well meaning, please do not email me in advance concerned about a potential threat of rain. The forecast changes frequently and I will make the final call about weather 2-hours before our scheduled start time.
A quick but important note: if the weather turns out warmer/cooler than you anticipated when putting together outfits, please adjust what everyone is wearing. Doing a session when it's sweltering and kids are overdressed is never fun. Likewise, if a cold front comes through unexpectedly, please put sweaters on your children, as I can't photoshop out goose bumps and blue lips. Plus if you feel uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable in the images. Adults may be able to fake it, but kids won't.
Additional note - at sunset, the mosquitos tend to come out, so it's a good idea to put bug spray on everyone or at least bring it along with you.
illness
Just as important as the weather is that everyone being photographed be feeling 100%. There isn’t anything worse than an unhappy and sick feeling child - they especially do not want to be in front of a camera.
On the day of your session if someone is ill, please send me a text or email.
prior to your session
KIDS
Preparing your kids for our session as much as possible often gets the timidness out. Please make sure kids know that this is FUN! No threats, as they usually bring about tears and added stress. Don’t even bother telling them to be sure to smile or “be good”.
My goal isn’t to get a picture of your child “being good” or just “smiling”, I prefer the natural moments when they are having fun and interacting. Some kids who have been coached to smile for the photographer get so nervous that they are fighting laughing and relaxing because they are so worried about having their picture taken or making their parents happy!
A fun reward outing (such as ice cream!) can be a great idea for ones who need a little extra encouragement. However, please don't bring sweets for bribing during the shoot. They tend to end up being a distraction.
DADS
Is Dad feeling less than thrilled about your upcoming photo shoot? Let him know that the shoot will be relatively painless and try to focus on having an hour to play with the kids, hold hands and just savour the moment! Often Dads are apprehensive because they are unsure of what to do. I'll be there offering gentle direction when needed and I promise not to make anyone stand and smile at the camera for the whole time.
DOGS
Dogs are an important part of the family! If you are thinking of bringing your well-behaved dog along on your outdoor session, please bring someone else along who's not getting their photo taken to handle the dog when they are not in photos.
We will include your dog into a few family photos and then your helper can take them for a walk and keep them occupied. Please bring a leash and waste bags.
what to wear
Tips for the family
What to wear is often the biggest worry among families. I hope these suggestions will make your decisions a little easier. If you are unsure, feel free to send me over a photo of your outfit choices. I'll be happy to give you my honest opinion or send you links of some alternative pieces that you can use as inspiration or run out and purchase.
Keep in mind your location choice when choosing your wardrobe and dress in sync with your location.
Be sure to plan your outfits completely at least a week before your session.
Session in September or October could have cool weather (or you could have warm weather!). Please incorporate layers into your outfits that you could add if we end up with a cool day. If it's clear weather but cool, we'll proceed with the session so make sure your outfits have flexibility.
Things to include to make your outfits cohesive, stylish and flattering:
Things to avoid that can make your outfits distracting and unflattering:
ideal colours for FALL
For a timeless fall photo session, combine muted earth tones and creamy neutrals for a dreamy, cohesive look that reflect fall's natural palette. Mix textures like cotton, linen, or light knits to add depth, avoiding shiny or neon materials.
Tips for mom
My number one suggestion is a long flowy maxi dress. Why? One word: MOVEMENT.
Long dresses allow more movement and show more movement. They allow moms to move freely, bend, pick up a kid, sit on the ground - all essential during our session, and will be more restricted in a tight mini dress.
Movement with a long flowing dress brings photos to life and makes your photos more visually interesting.
Long dresses give us more posing options - you can twirl, swish it back and forth, hike it to show a dramatic leg, use the wind to blow your dress - all movements to add interest and drama into your images. Dresses really elevate the mood of all your images.
Ultimately, wear what you are comfortable in and feel yourself. That's the most important thing, but my #1 recommendation will always be a long flowy dress.
Other helpful tips for moms:
1. Moms with young children, you will be bending down so make sure your top or dress does not show too much.
2. If your bra straps show when you are looking in the mirror, even with a little movement, they will show in your images. Consider a strapless bra.
3. Feel free to accessorize.
4. Coordinate your shoes with your outfit and avoid rubber flip flops or running shoes.
Tips for dad
1. Avoid coming in a casual t-shirt. Instead choose a simple polo or button down shirt - white, cream or grey colours work well.
2. Layer your style with a patterned button down under a cable knit sweater for the cooler months.
3. Coordinate with dress shoes or loafers for a seamless look. Avoid rubber flip flops or running shoes.
Tips for BABY
1. A snug outfit is better than an outfit that is too big.
2. Avoid busy patterns and logos
3. Choose layered clothing to add texture and keep baby warm in the spring and fall months.
4. Avoid large collars, ruffles at the shoulders or hooded sweaters because they ride up and cover baby's face.
5. Avoid shoes that won't stay on. Your baby can be barefoot, weather permitting.
6. Giant headbands can be a distraction and fall over baby's eyes. Consider something small. Or ask me to bring some of mine - I have tons of sweet and simple bows.
Check out my What to Wear for FAMILY Photos Pinterest board for lots of visual inspiration.
Outdoor Newborn
For babies newborn to 3 months old, I will bring with me a few outfits (let me know baby's weight/size!), some swaddle blankets, and a basket to use as a prop. I'll also make sure we have a blanket for the ground so that everyone can sit and snuggle together, and so we have a spot to lay baby. I can even bring some simple bows or headbands for baby girls.
Please make sure baby is fed and burped as close to our session start time as possible. If we have to stop and feed during our shooting time we may lose out on the pretty sunset light and it will get dark on us. Bring a soother with you, just in case baby needs it during the session.
where to shop
Here are some of my favourite places to shop for picture perfect outfits for the whole family.
Easy + Online:
Canadian Brands:
American Brands:
in home sessions
Tidy up as much or as little as you'd like. I do my best to create images that focus on your family, and are free of distractions. However, dishes in the sink, or a pile of laundry won't bother me - nothing has to be perfect!
Photos look best with everyone in bare feet (no socks) so try to remove them before I arrive.
When I arrive, I will look at the light coming into your home and that will determine the best spots for your portraits. I’ll want to look around to find the best light and create a loose game plan for our time together. We’ll be using all natural light, so please open all the shades and curtains before I get there.
This is your home and part of your story. That said, even if your house is immaculate, I’ll probably move some things around while I’m shooting. Please know that I always do this and I’m not judging your housekeeping skills!
Once our session begins, I will aim to capture both documentary type images where you are just doing your thing, and also some more posed images of everyone snuggling together and looking at the camera. It helps to have a few pre-planned activities to guide everyone into those natural moments - some ideas are reading books, baking in the kitchen, a family project or game. Think of the things you do often and want to remember.
Ultimately, the kids lead the way and if something great is
happening organically, I don’t mess with it. If I sense that you’re feeling a little uncomfortable and could use some guidance — I’ll give you some direction. “Hey, lets everybody pile on that couch and play a game,” or “Can you show me your favourite thing in your room?” or “Tickle your kids.”
I’m also always looking for the best opportunity to grab those shots I know you want. That one of the kids all together smiling at the camera, for example, and the one of the whole family. I’m also going to try to remember to give you that shot you don’t even know you want - those in between natural moments that I promise you will be the most cherished in years to come.
final notes
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. It is my pleasure to photograph your family and I look forward to the fun we will have!
Thanks for taking the time to prepare for your session.
I look forward to our time together. I will be in touch a couple days before our session with any last minute details.
