
Plan Wisely: Don’t try to fit in a session on a day you have to be at a soccer game 30 minutes afterwards. Or the morning after you were up late at a recital or basketball game. Make sure you have enough time set aside to get ready without rushing (what’s that like ;). You don’t want to be on the verge of a breakdown all day because you took 2 hours making sure the littles were ready and you didn’t have time to paint your nails or do your makeup. This should be fun, not stressful!

Coordinate, Don’t Match: Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same shirt just in a different size. Growing up in the late 80s/early 90s has helped us see that matching is not always the best idea. Coordinating is more fun, less work and looks much nicer. Have an overall color scheme and as long as you fit in that you’re fine. For examples of good color schemes to use visit Pinterest for inspiration. You can also use accessories to create splashes of color, like a scarf, hat earrings or necklaces. And most importantly don’t wear old sneakers with your nice dress clothes (pet peeve 😉

Make sure you know your goal: Is your goal to have very posed, not candid, structured photos? Or is your goal to have fun, laughter filled, this is us photos? Make sure you pick a photographer who captures the type of images you are wanting. If you are looking for very urban, moody photos or perhaps dramatic black and whites, make sure you choose your photographer to match the style you want. Also be sure to communicate to your photographer if you are looking for something specific or certain images.

Don’t Take too Big of a risk: Be sure to plan ahead, make sure you are well rested and have your clothes picked out. But perhaps this is not the week to try a new hairstyle or a new hair color. It could turn out good or bad, and if you’re unhappy that will be captured in your photos. Pictures capture feelings and emotions and the last thing you want is to capture regret or embarrassment. The night before may not be the best time to try a new face mask and risk a huge breakout. Be safe, sure you can have your nails done or hair done, just stay safe and do your normal thing. I’m all for trying new things just perhaps not on the night before your Photo Session.

Be Comfortable: Make sure you’re you! If your photographer asks you to do something that is uncomfortable or that you don’t like, let them know. If you’re uncomfortable most likely that will come across in your pictures. You want to be yourself, you want to be comfortable and you want to look comfortable. This will make your photos come out amazing if you are your normal happy self. Bottom line – don’t stress, don’t rush, be happy and enjoy the moment!
