Making the best session possible.
All character in Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Yay! You’ve booked a session, and it’s time to work together. There is a lot that goes into making the session truly the best possible. I’m sharing some of my favorite pointers and tips from years of producing shoots & portrait sessions around the world.
Location, location, location: City-scape, in-home or the great, big outdoors, location is important. Making the best session means considering the space we’re shooting around.
If in-home, please set a couple of tidied rooms aside for us to work in with limited requirements of clearing out things in the background. Natural lighting is important so rooms with the best lighting are preferred and we can absolutely do some furniture rearranging on the day to make it work in our favour.
When considering outdoors, let’s think of interesting architecture or expansive views to create a full setting. It’s natural to want iconic backdrops, but I might also suggest some off-the-beaten track to create a notable setting. Don’t worry too much, we will work on this together based on your vision and goals for the shoot.
Don’t look down! : You will hear this in our session too :) It’s instinctive for parents to keep a watchful eye on our little magical beings - and maybe worry too much that the session will come out ‘right’. But hear me out - if you’re always looking down at your little one(s) or in their general direction during a shoot, it’s hard to capture your personality and theirs at the same time. I keep a safe eye on the whole gang so you can feel at ease to look where I’m directing and I can capture everyone’s best angle. I promise you, I got this.
Make it magical: Props like bubble wands, vintage-style masks, great-big hats, skateboards, a favorite blanket, dad’s super oversized sweater, giant cupcakes and playtime dress-up are all a part of the fun. The more you and your gang are having a wonderful time, the better the session will be. I firmly believe a mix of favorite things as well as a surprise new thing (or two) to make the day a success.
If there’s ever a time to reward good behavior - this is it!: Little treat culture has taken over our social media feeds and I love it. Whatever age you or your family members, remember that photo shoots will take a different type of energy than normal. Ending the shoot with a treat or even taking a treat break is more than welcome and I encourage it. I build a bit of wiggle room into each session to help incorporate downtime.
Sometimes, just a quiet moment alone: As a Mama, I’m going to say something we can likely all relate to: my daughter has a whole different personality with other people than she does with me. She listens better, she’s likely to be more conversational and she will absolutely be more tidy (UGH!). It’s a similar experience while in a portrait session. Sometimes taking a short stroll away from parents or just hanging out down the way can create the space for those magical moments.
Style it like it’s haute: The making of great images incorporates the look and feel of great style. We will work on this together too but I love sharing my go-to pointers you’ll hear again.
The most important first point is color selection. The most photographable colors are earth tones - so creams over stark whites, subtle blues over stark black, and as much terracotta, sage green, and even browns & light blues/pinks are all excellent choices. I recommend steering clear of all black and all white as they will either absorb or reflect light too much, respectively.
Looser and softer fabrics are great for both comfort and adding some dynamics for movement or catching the wind. Film is all about texture so think of what makes you feel at ease, and what looks scrumptious. Remember bloomers or biker shorts for any age if you’re thinking of dresses/skirts. And if you have a Spicy One that just wants to wear Welly boots and polka-dot pajamas with fairy wings or a Superman cape - that’s totally fine too.
Layers are excellent considering the seasons and help for a quick change when we’re out and about. And finally, those with luscious locks don’t forget a means for clipping back hair that might get in the face too much.
Send ideas! Sessions are meant to be a team effort. Knowing your vision helps both of us create a productive shoot. I highly recommend working from a Pinterest board so that on the day of the shoot we both know the shot list and what we’re working towards (we can send board collabs via Grain & Focus on Pinterest). Art directing is a multi-lane highway and you’re a key navigator!
Remember to breathe & trust me ;): As adults, we’ve picked up on feeling self-aware in front of cameras - myself included. First of all, you’re totally perfect. Second of all, breathe. We all naturally hold our breath when feeling uncomfortable and the strain can be visible (shoulders go up, jaw tightens, eyes squint). Taking a few breaths will do wonders to release tension. I’ll do everything to make the shoot comfortable and to ensure everyone looks phenomenal. Just be you and enjoy the process.
