Oakland, CA – What to expect during your Family Session

Your family is changing. You blink your eyes and your kids are another year older. Your babies are now toddlers or teenagers. You want to capture all of those precious moments with a Lifestyle Photography Session.

You might be wondering what to expect during your session. Here are some tips that I share with all of my clients to help them know what to expect during their session.

Before your Session:

One of the questions that I get asked the most is, “What should I wear?” I recommend neutral colors without big, busy patterns. I think that coordinated outfits look better than matching. You will be comfortable if you are wearing something comfortable. If you are comfortable in dressy clothes, by all means wear dressy clothes. If the kids want to wear princess dresses, I’m all for it. And when in doubt, just ask. That’s what I’m here for.

Day of Session

When I arrive, I will want to spend a few minutes getting to know the kids and letting them get to know me. I will also spend a few minutes discussing what to expect. My goal is to capture moments that show the emotionand connection of your family. Many people think that Lifestyle photography is not posed. That’s just not true. I’m going to be directing and posing you the entire time. I’m very hands on and will fix your hair, straighten your collar or gently guide you in to position. I know how hard it is to be on the other side of the camera. I’m much more comfortable behind the camera. I’m going to tell corny jokes and ask you to play along with silly games. All of this helps you and the kids to relax so that I can capture true moments.

Children: I recognize that all kids are different. Just like adults, some are open and outgoing and some are quieter and take some time to warm up. I will spend as much time as necessary to have all of the kiddos comfortable and laughing. This sometime means telling jokes that kids love. And what kids doesn’t love a good fart joke? I may tell them to look for boogers in dad’s nose. These are the things that kids find hilarious. I have no expectations for the kids so please don’t stress over how they may act or what they are doing or not doing during the session. That’s the biggest stressor for parents during most sessions. Please don’t punish or correct the kiddos for not doing exactly what they are asked to do. Let’s face it. You want to capture this magical time in your kids’ lives and they aren’t always perfect and smiling. I promise to capture their personality.

Parents: So if I’m being honest, dads are often more difficult than the kids. Moms are usually easy. They are the ones that booked the session so chances are they are ready for it. Dad’s on the other hand, are often stiff and uncomfortable. I get it. I have a husband! I’m going to ask you to do and say things that are silly and that feel weird. I promise it won’t be as bad as you think. You might even have fun! And the bonus points you’ll earn with mom……priceless! I want this session to be stress free for you. I actually want you to look back and remember how much fun you had during the session.