Tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, managing kids and more!
photo Session
PLANNING YOUR
to THE MAIN WEBSITE
I’m so excited to be working together! We are going to create photographs that truly feel like you to help you savor the season you’re in now...and for years to come.
This guide covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids and more. It's chock-full of inspiration and FAQ, but if you're needing a quick read, I've got you covered below.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
- Amy
You're a busy mama, I get it. Though I love giving answering all the questions and thinking through every detail, sometimes you just need the short version:
-Prep your kids ahead of time by talking with them about the session
-Don't overfill the day. Keep it as normal and simple as possible.
-Feed your kids ahead of time (no matter their age!)
-Arrive 10 minutes prior to your session time
-Wear complementing colors & patterns, nothing too matchy-matchy
-Avoid neon colors and graphics
-Schedule beauty appointments ahead of time, avoid tanning sessions day-of
-If it's supposed to rain or you're sick, we'll reschedule!
What to Bring: snacks, water, (mess-free!) bribes, touchup makeup and backup outfits for little ones
TLDR
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Want more? Keep scrolling to get the full scoop!
I'm a mama too, and I know it can feel like a game of roulette on how your child will decide to behave for photos... I'm here to say that nothing will surprise me. Don’t stress about how your child will act the day of our session - I promise! This is a new experience for them, and it's completely normal for your children to need time to warm up and get comfortable.
The best thing you can do? Enjoy your family.
Your energy is their energy.
The more relaxed you are, the more they'll follow your lead. Don't be afraid to start talking about having fun photos with Miss Amy, or however feels good to your family!
Managing
little ones
Beyond that, everyone is happier and things run more smoothly when everyone is well fed and well rested. It makes a world of difference!
If you feel it's needed, feel free to offer a little reward. Favorite toys, special snacks (mess-free) and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
Remember, I'm a mama too. I have some tricks up my sleeve and the whole goal is to simply celebrate and document this dear season for your family!
Newborn
You’ve likely realized this by now, but keeping things simple is my goal. I won't be posing your baby in awkward ways or bringing lots of props, but I will bring some neutral swaddles and a linen mat for a soft background if needed. Otherwise, neutral onesies and rompers are highly recommended along with textured knit or linen blankets or a favorite simple swaddle. Believe it or not, a white (snug) onesie can be perfect!
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This is a season when you might not quite feel like yourself. A fresh outfit you feel good in goes a long way. We’ve found longer, flowy or a-line dresses that are nursing friendly are often the most flattering. Session days are also a good day to take others up on that offer to help. You are one hard working mama and if you have time to shower and get ready in peace, you’re going to love these images a lot more.
Dear Mama,
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While your house doesn’t need to look insta-worthy, I do recommend tidying up the nursery and any places you think we might shoot. This might include your bed, the couch or a spot in your home with beautiful natural light. But truly, that's all you need to prep. I know you're in the throes of newborn life (and I know how it feels!)
Preparing your home
Simplicity wins
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before I arrive. This helps ensure that they are ready to go as soon as I arrive. However, due to the tiny size of their tummies, it’s also likely that they’ll need another feed (and maybe a diaper change) during the shoot.
Please don’t worry about pausing the session to feed your little one. This is normal! I always account for extra time for newborn sessions.
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Preparing your Baby
If we’ll be photographing the newest members of your family, the following tips below will help ensure everyone is happy throughout the session.
Newborns
a note about
I believe in photographing your family in every stage, so I don't just focus on littles. Sure, sometimes teens can feel "too cool" for photos, but I like to keep things effortless. I won't pose them in ways that feel forced and I'll be reading the room to keep them comfortable while still getting those photos of your (grown) babies that you'll love for years to come.
Lastly, a little prep goes a long way. Talk with them ahead of time and include them in the process!
Teen
SPIRIT
Sessions last about an hour and a half and when when we can, I love to begin outdoor sessions about two hours before sunset. It helps us to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also great!
If we are planning for your session at home, I'll have you send me videos & photos so we can plan for when it's brightest in your home. For newborn sessions, we typically plan for weekday mornings.
Though that's ideal, my main goal is to help you pick a time that makes sense for your family and vision. Sometimes that means picking a location with more shade to accomodate early bedtimes or nap times. Sometimes that means a morning session is best.
Let's chat through what time of day is typically best for your kids and what your priorities are for the session so that we plan for all the moving parts of family life!
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME and LIGHT
Sunset & Bedtimes
As much as I love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", a sunset session will likely throw off your schedule a bit. (And if this is a deal breaker, let me know so that we can plan accordingly!)
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, I recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pjs so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
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Spring is one of my favorite times of year to plan sessions. Blooms abound, and everyone is so happy that the weather is warming up. When I schedule spring dates, I typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date because we all know spring is unpredictable!
Fresh Flowers & Sunny Days
Spring
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In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your photos during the summer, we recommend bringing water, extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
Longer days full of sunshine
Summer
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Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in Charlottesville and because of the perfect weather, my schedule books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall session, I recommend scheduling early. Also, plan for an early afternoon session as sunset is earlier.
"I'm so glad I live in a world
where there are octobers"
Autumn
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If your session takes place during the winter, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. We recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. Pocket warmers and thick socks hidden in cute boots can help keep everyone warm without showing up in images.
cozy layers & hot cocoa
Winter
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
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When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
Always keep the location & season in mind.
If we're shooting in a green field, green clothing can blend in too much with the surroundings.
If we are doing an in-home session, barefoot is best.
What to Wear
for everyone
If you're opting for a dressier outfit, heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
Patterns and texture add some fun vibrancy to your photos, just be careful when choosing patterns to make sure they don't feel too busy.
Be sure to try your dress or outfit on beforehand to make sure it moves well with you, doesn't show undergarments or wrinkle super easily - you'll thank me later!
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and linen look amazing in photographs.
Typically, dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a flowy dress - they look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
for the ladies
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Nuuly
Doen
Anthropologie
Tuckernuck
J. Crew
Free People
Petal & Pup
Christy Dawn
Daughters of India
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Sezane
Rylee & Cru
Hill House Home
Favorite Shops
Natalie Dressed
Darling Boutique
Able
Zara
Mango
Ivy City
Everlane
Maternity
Nothing Fits But
Hill House Home
Christy Dawn
Ivy City
Everlane
for the ladies
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Feeling your best for your photos is key! Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, we recommend staying a bit “classic” so that you can be confident in a look you love!
If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Also consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans for added texture and layers.
Be careful with which patterns you choose - they can make your photo look a little too busy. (Not sure? Just reach out!)
Pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Wardrobe Tips
for the gents
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Favorite Shops
for the gents
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Quattro Tizi
ASOS
Huckberry
J. Crew
Zara
Madewell
Nordstrom
H&M
Everlane
Lululemon
Target - GoodThreads
Billy Reid
Banana Republic
Taylor Stitch
Bonobos
Mr Porter
Stag Provisions
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Rylee & Cru
Noralee
H&M Kids
Target - Cat & Jack, Art
Old Navy
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Alice & Ames
La Coqueta
Favorite Shops
Whimsies
Jaime Kay
Mini Boden
Gap
Tea Collection
Angel Dear
Hanna Andersson
Green Bean Baby Boutique
for the kids
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Sometimes it's just easier to know what to avoid, am I right?
- Anything with words or logos
- Neon colors
- Matching outfits for the entire family
- Fabrics that wrinkle easily
- Phones and wallets in your pockets
- Apple watches and hair ties on your wrist
-Outfits that show your undergarments
-Anything that doesn't feel like you. Your family photos should reflect your family in all its goodness and beauty. Don't feel like you need to do what everyone else is doing!
Pro tip for holiday photos? Avoid holiday patterns and traditional Christmas colors - you'll want to enjoy these photos way beyond the holidays!
Things to avoid
what not to wear
Locations
my favorite places to shoot
The best session locations are often the ones that have special meaning to your family. However, sometimes you just need some inspiration to get started!
UVA
The Clifton
James Monroe Highland
Historic Tuckahoe (RVA)
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Downtown Mall
Libby Hill Park (RVA)
URBAN
Pantops
McIntire Park
SIMPLE & NATURAL
King Family Vineyards
Chiles Orchard
Carter Mountain
Foxhaven Farm
The Market at Grelen
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Riverview Park
Azaela Park
Monticello Trail
The Market at Grelen
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful but I love exploring meaningful locations with my families!
The Market at Grelen
Waterperry Farm
UVA gardens
The Clifton
GARDENS
Want to see some examples from these locations?
Check out my Location Library!
It’s session day! To keep everyone's spirits high, avoid filling the day more than normal. Keep things smooth and simple!
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can get started right on time. When I arrive, I’ll spend some time saying helloand getting a tour of your home if we are doing an in-home session. After that, you get to enjoy your sweet family and let me do all the work.
We'll start with those timeless posed photos that everyone wants, but then we'll aim for those love-drenched photos. I’ll give you direction when needed, but don’t worry, you don’t have to smile at the camera the whole time - that’s way too exhausting! The best thing you can do is to love on your family and enjoy them. I’ll do the rest!
session day
what to expect
I love to schedule two dates on the calendar when we can - a primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps to make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I’ve found that the best way to make sure families get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. If the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 24 hours in advance.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. Plus, most of the best photos come from simply playing & enjoying time together. I even have some games up my sleeve for littles because nobody wants to feel like they are in a Sears portrait studio.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Life happens. And the timing of sickness is rarely (read: never) convenient. If you or your little ones have the sniffles, we can keep our original plans, but if the stomach bug has hit your home or a fever has your little one down, let's reschedule.
Sickness
what to do if you're unwell
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), here are a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
Extended Family Sessions
Tips for larger groups
Please send me all family groupings ahead of time so that while we’re shooting, I understand who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw me a family tree, something like this would work well:
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Grandma - Jean
Grandfather - Max
Sam (son of Jean + Max) and Tina.
Their Kids: Jason (10), Julianne (5) and Jack (2)
Elizabeth (son of Jean + Max) and Paul
Their Kids: Austin (9) and Claire (6)
When it comes to choosing outfits for larger families, I recommend coordinating with one another ahead of time. Photographs typically come out best when families choose a color palette or a few colors over wearing the exact same thing (think: the white polo and khaki photo uniform of the 90’s.)
Outfits that feel a bit special (your “Sunday best”) but that you still feel comfortable in generally result in the best images.
If you need any advice in this area, just let me know!
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When it comes to choosing a location for larger groupings, there are a few extra elements to keep in mind. Locations should be easy to access, limit walking and be safe for young children.
While we can get away with shooting small families in a downtown setting, for larger families, we’ll need a bit of space to spread out. Family homes with larger yards (and open shade), parks and outdoor settings typically work best for extended families.
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Following the session, I’ll deliver a gallery with the edited images. Please let us know ahead of time who should have access to this gallery. If you send me a list of the email addresses, I can set those up at the time of delivery to give all necessary parties access.
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Entire family
Grandparents + Their children
Grandparents + Their children + spouses
Child A + Child B
Grandparents + Child A + Child A’s Family
Grandparents + Child B + Child B’s Family
Child A + Child A’s Family
Child A + Spouse
Child A’s Kids
Child A + kids
Child A spouse + kids
Individual photos of all members of Child A’s Family
Child B + Child A’s Family
Child B + Spouse
Child B’s Kids
Child B + kids
Child B spouse + kids
Individual photos of all members of Child B’s Family
Example Shot List
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend a high quality printer like Artifact Uprising or Mpix. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality won’t do your images justice (who wants orange skin?). Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering prints to our clients.
A:
Can I print the images on my own?
q:
While I don’t guarantee an exact number of images, I will make sure I capture your family thoroughly. Most families will receive at least 75 edited images following their session.
A:
How many images will I receive?
q:
Your images will remain in an online gallery for 3 months. There will be a print sale for the first 10 days - no coupon needed. Once your galleries have been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all of your high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
A:
How long will I have access to the images?
q:
While turnaround times can vary by season, we aim to deliver all images within 3-4 weeks of your session.
A:
When will I receive my images?
q:
Frequently
asked
Questions
You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media. To ensure that my work is properly represented, I ask that you refrain from any edits. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help me to continue to grow as a business.
A:
Can I share the images on social media?
q:
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However, you'll be give a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. I won’t do this either without your written permission.
A:
Do I own the rights to the images?
q:
Sessions last about 90 minutes. While we likely won't be shooting this entire time, this does give us the flexibility for snack breaks, restless kiddos and time to warm up.
A:
How long should we plan for the session to take?
q:
Light retouching is done with on all of your images. This means that if there are any glaring objects that should be removed (such as a bump from the tumble your toddler took that morning,) we’ll remove it. Larger edits (such as removing tan lines,) require more time and would require us to add additional editing hours to your collection.
A:
Will you retouch our images?
q:
After our session, I'll backup your photos to start the editing process and ship any film to be processed. Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your edited, digital images between 3 and 4 weeks after your session.
Your Photographs
When to Expect
Think about this: 15 years ago, if I had delivered digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries I deliver will eventually fade away (so make sure to back your photos up to a hard drive!)
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) Photographs that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember these sweet seasons, and better yet, they are so much easier to enjoy every day with your family!
Bring Your Images to Life with
prints
My framed and matted prints are the perfect way to fill your walls. With a variety of frames to choose from, I’ll help you select the perfect image pairings for your space.
Framed Prints
These aren't your standard photo albums. These are heirloom worthy and a great way to house a larger number of images in a beautiful way! Traditional or layflat pages are available.
Albums & books
Most of these heirlooms are available right within your gallery, but I'm here for you every step of the way!
Ranging from small gift prints to ready-to-frame large prints, this is a classic option that fits every family!
Prints
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However, if there is something I missed or you need a recommendation, feel free to email me.
amy@amynicolephoto.com