Tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, preparing your children, and more!
Portrait Session
PLANNING YOUR family
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Hello friend!
I am so excited to capture your memories! My passion is to capture beauty in everyday life so that families have memories to treasure forever. Thank you for giving me the honor of working with you! As a Mama to an energetic kiddo, I know the value of family portraits, and also that they can create a lot of stress as you're preparing. But it doesn't have to!
In this Portrait Experience Guide you’ll find everything you’ll need to know about a family session with me, and helpful tips to help make this a memorable and fun experience! If there is anything I can do for you along the way, or you are left with any remaining questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to serve you the best that I can. I can’t wait for our session together!
- Michelle
I LOVE photographing children! As a mom myself, I also completely understand how unpredictable kids can be. I've seen all kinds of silly behavior, so you can rest assured that nothing your kids do or say will offend me in the least. Do not worry about tantrums, crying, or defiant behavior. It might happen, and it might not, but we'll roll with it and aim to have a fun time. I look forward to laughing and playing with your kids during the session, and I want your family to have fun and enjoy the experience above all!
Managing
little ones
Explain to your kids in advance what is going to happen, and treat it like a fun family outing or a new adventure.
Instead of telling them to “smile nicely and behave”, instruct them to have fun and not be afraid to laugh! This will make for a fun time where they feel free to be themselves - and the candid images will be amazing!
Be sure they are well-fed before the session, and be sure to bring snacks along. No one will cooperate when they're feeling hangry!
As much as possible, let me try to manage behavior. They generally respond better to my games and playful suggestions than threats.
Here are a few things you can do to help the experience go as smoothly as possible:
Do your best to relax and have fun. Kids follow your lead, and respond best to calm, laughter, and a fun vibe. You are encouraged to tell jokes, tickle each other, tell funny stories, or sing your favorite songs.
We'll aim to use bribes sparingly (and only if everything else is failing). I'm after genuine expressions and connection, which is best obtained through having fun together and showering each other with love.
Embrace whatever happens (and keep smiling)! Part of the magic of childhood is the unpredictability. Even if your child doesn't fully cooperate, I will document memories that will pull at your heartstrings, long after the days of a cluttered house and messy faces have passed.
I get it. Your idea of a good time is not necessarily getting dressed up and taking photos!
These years when our children are young go by fast. It may not seem like a big deal right now, but I promise that having a collection of images to remember what it was like when your children were young will be so special down the road!
Given that, here's what I want you to know:
less-than-enthusiastic participants
A note for any
EVERYONE. I mean it, EVERYONE, feels awkward in front of the camera for at least the first 10 minutes of a session. I promise this is normal, and we'll get through the awkward part as quickly as possible and you'll forget all about it.
1
I know we may be meeting for the first time, but I do need your trust (at least a little!). I won't force you to do anything you're not comfortable doing. Your job is to love on your family. My job is to make you all look and feel incredible. If you trust me, and my silly ideas, it will be amazing!
2
There will be fun, silliness, and you will be moving. I won't ask you to hold a stiff pose for 15 minutes. Think more along the lines of prompts like "give your partner a hug" - hey, that's something you enjoy doing already, right?
3
Even though you may not have been looking forward to your session, your partner probably is. They may have even been thinking about it or planning it out for months, or even YEARS! Do your best to show up with a positive attitude and open mind. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
5
Your session is NOT going to be an hour of "smile nicely at the camera" like you might have been used to as a kid, or even senior photos. You might be feeling like Ricky Bobby and be thinking "I'm not sure what to do with my hands?!" Relax! I've got you. I will tell you exactly where your hands should go and you won't be left feeling awkward.
4
And if there's anything that I can do as your photographer to improve your experience, I'd LOVE to help. Just ask!
There is no “good” or “bad” time to take family photos. Whether you have a particular “look” in mind (such as spring flowers) or want to document a certain milestone in your family, we'll find a location and date that's perfect for you.
Sessions typically last about an hour and generally occur two hours before sunset or 2 hours after sunrise. It's best to have your session when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. Certain places will also have better lighting in the morning or evening, so we can make a final decision based on your location of choice.
Due to lighting constraints, it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises. Keep this in mind while planning your session to avoid any mishaps.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
Sunset + Bedtimes
In the warmer months, sunset sessions often fall during the witching hour. They may even fall during or after bedtime.
As much as I love a consistent bedtime routine, if you're looking for a "golden hour" glow, we're like going to need to throw off your schedule a bit.
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 pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
If sticking to your normal bedtime routine is important to you, let me know and we can opt for a location with beautiful morning light and have a sunrise session instead.
If your session takes place in the fall, while it might be tempting to dress your little one in a pumpkin costume, I'd advise keeping attire a little more neutral.
Yes, that image would crush it on the ‘gram, but if you’re hoping to print these images for your walls, will you always want to see that pumpkin costume?
The same holds true for images taken for Christmas cards. While those red and green sweaters might be worthy of the Minted hall of fame, are those photos going to match your home aesthetic the rest of the year?
If you’re looking for outfit advice, feel free to send ideas my way! I'm happy to help you outfits that are coordinated, weather appropriate, and will look amazing year-round.
Seasonality
things to keep in mind:
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Even though Spring begins in March, classic "spring sessions" full of flowers usually start around mid-April when the weather warms up a bit. Of course, if you're looking for a Cherry Blossom session, we'll keep an eye on peak bloom dates and adjust accordingly!
Fresh Flowers & Sunny Days
Spring
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In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Keep in mind, because of the later sunset sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your photos during the summer, I'd recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
"If it could only be like this always"
Summer
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Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and peak wedding season for me as well. Because of the perfect weather, my schedule typically books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall session, I recommend scheduling early!
"and autumn a mosaic of them all."
Autumn
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If you opt for a winter session, we can begin as early as 2:30pm for golden hour. Make sure little ones are dressed in lots of layers to keep them warm, and opt for some nice pea coats for the adults. Pocket warmers and thick socks can help keep everyone warm. And make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
Winter
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Locations
MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS
You may already have a location in mind for your session. If not, I offer a customized list of location options for my clients. There are endless options in the Washington, DC area, and we can find a location to match any vision you have for your session!
Perhaps you're envisioning a garden in bloom, being surrounded by tall grasses, a location with stunning architecture, or a relaxed urban feel - we have it all! Here are a few of my most popular session locations that photograph beautifully:
Green Spring Gardens
Bon Air Rose Garden
Fort C.F. Smith Park
Old Town Alexandria
Jones Point Park*
Carlyle House*
Morven Park*
Oatlands Historic House & Gardens*
Manassas Battlefield*
virginia
Tudor Place Historic House & Gardens*
National Cathedral*
Lincoln Memorial*
DC War Memorial*
Jefferson Memorial*
DAR Constitution Hall*
The Kennedy Center
Georgetown
National Arboretum*
Library of Congress/Supreme Court
Washington, D.C.
Great Falls Park
Brookside Gardens*
Strong Mansion*
Riversdale House Museum
maryland
Many locations in the area, including those indicated with a * above, require permits that often include a permit fee. These fees are the responsibility of my clients, but I take care of all of the permit filing and organization on your behalf.
I LOVE dogs, and I always get so excited when people want to incorporate them into a family session. It does take some advanced planning, however, so be sure to let me know your plans to include your dog(s), and follow these tips:
Managing
furry ones
Location Choice
We need to choose a location where dogs are allowed, and where your dog will be comfortable. For example, if your dog is easily spooked by traffic noise or crowds, don’t choose a spot next to a busy road or a crowded park for your photo session location.
Bring Help
Since your dog likely won’t be in every photo you’ll need some backup during your session. Designate a friend or family member to be in charge of holding your dog’s leash, giving treats when necessary, and entertaining them when they’re not being photographed.
Most dogs shed. Every dog owner knows that dog hair is a permanent outfit accessory. So, when you’re choosing your outfits for your photo sessions, keep potential shedding in mind. Try to stay away from dark colors for light dog hair, and light colors for dark dog hair. And a lint roller is a must have to bring with you for your session! Consider a stylish leash for your session too!
Arrive in Advance
Plan to arrive extra early so you can walk your dog around and get them used to the location. It also helps tire them out a bit, and get them camera ready!
Bring Treats
This one is self-explanatory, but it helps a lot to have a snack for your dog to thank them for a job well-done! A favorite squeaky toy is also a plus, as it can help us grab their attention at times.
Plan Outfits & Accessories
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Outfits are an important part of preparing for your portrait session, and understandably can be very stressful! As someone who selects outfits for my own family's portraits, and advises clients on putting together their outfits, here are my tried and true tips for beautiful family outfits!
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Neutrals are BEST! They are timeless, flattering, and keep the focus on you rather than your clothing. You can mix neutrals (e.g. ivory, gray, beige) with soft colors (light blue, blush, sage green) for a beautiful palette.
Pick the clothes for the person hardest to dress first. In my family, that's usually me, and then I focus on choosing items for my family around my outfit in colors that are complementary.
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Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Be considerate of trends that might date your photos in a few years. Try to aim for classic options that will always be in style. Avoid logos, clashing or busy patterns, and baseball caps.
Choose clothes that you are comfortable in, and that fit well. It will show if you're uncomfortable and constantly adjusting your outfit.
Feel free to add accessories! You don't need to go overboard, but adding stacked bracelets, statement earrings or necklace, watch, pocket square, etc. can instantly add visual interest to your photos and make your outfits look more cohesive. For kids, accessories like suspenders, bows, vests are all great! I suggest leaving exercise trackers off.
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Choosing Outfits
for everyone
For in-home sessions, bare feet or socks are great. For an outdoor session, try to avoid athletic sneakers and opt for a dressier option. It's completely fine to bring flats/sandals for any extended walking. For kids, be sure their shoes fit and are comfortable so they can play!
Think about how each person will look standing next to one other person (i.e. Dad with son, dad with daughter) and try to make sure each outfit is complementary and not too similar in color. Even better, try on the clothes together to see how it all looks.
Think about what your photos will look like printed and hung-up in your home - by selecting a color palette you love, you'll be happy to hang your memories to enjoy!
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Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Don't be afraid of patterns! If used correctly they can be a beautiful addition to your photos. I suggest choosing one patterned item of clothing (I especially love florals), and letting that decide your color palette. You can dress family members in clothing that complements those colors.
Consider the overall balance of outfits. If everyone wears denim bottoms, it looks very heavy on the bottom and your eye goes there instead of your faces. Avoid a "color blob" where your clothing merges together. Alternate colors and fabrics. For example, bottoms could include a mix of denim, white jeans, khaki, corduroy, skirts/dresses, or colored chinos.
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Colors
for everyone
Wondering what I mean when I say "neutrals"? Here are examples of my favorite colors to select from when choosing your outfits. You can mix and match across these palettes to create a look that's uniquely you!
Outfits
Neutrals
Pastels
Earth Tones
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Colors to avoid
for everyone
There are a few colors that I would recommend you avoid: black (it can easily show hair/dust and can highlight dark shadows), bright red/orange (which cast onto your skin in unflattering ways), and neon colors which take away all the attention from you! There could be exceptions, so if you're thinking about one of these, please ask.
Outfits
Try a flowy midi or maxi dress that shows beautiful movement rather than a form-fitting option.
Incorporate texture (e.g. lace, linen, knits, ruffles) and layers for a beautiful effect.
If your session is in a park or other grassy area, be careful about choosing your heels. Wedges or chunky heels are the best option to prevent you from sinking into the ground.
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
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Outfits
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress! This is a great opportunity to wear that piece you save for special occasions.
Simple hair accessories are great additions to any outfit. Headbands are a personal favorite!
Accessories
for the ladies
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Baltic Born
ASOS Maternity
Red Dress Boutique
Petal and Pup
Free People
Morning Lavender
Seraphine Maternity
Anthropologie
Bohme
One Loved Babe
Ingrid & Isabel
Lulus
Piper and Scoot
Madewell
Favorite Shops
Pink Blush Maternity
Nothing Fits But
BHLDN
Doen
Christy Dawn
Vici
JessaKae
Zara
Ivy City Co.
H&M
Knotted Fern
Banana Republic
Gap
Fehrnvi
for the ladies
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Professional hair and makeup might be a splurge, but you won't regret it! What better excuse to pamper yourself than your photo session?
Professionals do a fantastic job with making sure your hair and makeup are camera-ready, and long lasting. The more confident you feel with the way you look, the more relaxed you will be in your photos. It's also SO nice to not have to worry about those things on the day-of. You already have enough to manage!
I'm happy to share a list of Hair and Makeup Artists in the Washington, DC area who you might consider for your session.
Even if you do not opt for a little professional pampering, do check to make sure fingernails are clean and trimmed. And if you're applying your own makeup, you might consider going a little heavier than you normally would to be sure it's visible on camera. Make sure you blend foundation well - especially around your jawline!
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
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You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. During the summer, roll up the sleeves instead of opting for a polo. In the cooler months, consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Wardrobe
for the gents
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Wardrobe
for the gents
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ASOS
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
Luna + Luca
Lou Lou & Company
Axel & Rose
Jamie Kay
Janie and Jack
Zara
H&M
Gap
Indie Blue
Favorite Shops
Rylee and Cru
Knotted Fern
Carter's Little Planet Organics
Hope and Henry
Noralee
Quincy Mae
Seviin Children's Apparel
A Vintage Childhood Boutique
Modern Raised
for the kids
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I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for your family, but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 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. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
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
If you've booked a Mini Session, it will be a little different than a full session with me. Since our time together is short, I'll be working quickly to capture many beautiful images during our time together. This leaves a little less time for me to get to know you and your children, so I rely on you a little more to help get your family to have fun, whether that means tickling, a sing-along of their favorite song, or telling inside jokes that get the family laughing. Completing the Mini Session Questionnaire also helps ensure I'm able to best serve your family during a short timeline.
mini sessions
for families
Mini Sessions are stacked back-to-back, so if you arrive late, I won't be able to extend your session. Be sure you arrive early to allow time to walk from the car and get settled prior to your session start time.
arrive early
Mini Session Tips
A few days prior to your session, I'll share the "Final Information" email with everything you'll need to know for your session, including directions, how to reach me day-of, information about my assistant, and any other important tips. Be sure to read this!
read & prepare
Mini Sessions have a predetermined Rain Date in the event of inclement weather. I will make every effort to proceed on the original date, and I will let you know with as much warning as possible if we need to reschedule for the rain date.
rain date
Planning Ahead
for the smoothest session
In my personal experience, it always takes us WAY longer for us to be ready to leave the house on family picture day than usual.
Here are a few recommendations to help you effectively prepare for your session. I find that taking these steps will go a long way to helping you feel relaxed and ready!
prep in advance
Follow the checklist and be sure to set aside these items in advance, so you will have much less to worry about day-of! I highly recommend that everyone tries on their outfits, and is "ready to go" with everything that's needed a couple of days before your session date.
tell a little fib
Tell your family you need to leave the house 20 minutes earlier than you actually do. And day-of, start getting ready earlier than you think you need to. Be sure to leave the house early so you have plenty of time to arrive at your session - including traffic and parking - without rushing. You'll appreciate this cushion, and if you arrive early, you can just explore the location together.
check your energy
For me, this is a big one. If I'm calm, happy, and relaxed, my family usually is too. When I'm stressed and angry, they pick up on that vibe REAL quick. I try very hard to stay calm and relaxed, which sets us all up for success when we arrive to our session.
come ready
...to have fun and laugh!I find it can be helpful to think through a normal day with my family and make note of any inside jokes, games we like to play, or memories we can talk about that make them feel happy or silly. Did your child just learn to count to 10? Or can they name their colors in Spanish? Do they like to sit on Dad’s shoulders? Or do they love it when Mom blows raspberries on their cheeks? These games get them focused on a task and help them forget I’m standing there with a camera! I have a few ideas I come with, but it’s always more genuine if you can draw on something your family loves to do together.
Diapers, wipes, diaper cream
Milk or formula, as needed
Comfort item (paci, blanket, etc.)
Change of clothes
Wipes for dirty hands
A mess-free snack they'll enjoy
Water and/or favorite drinks
A bribe, just in case
Touch-up makeup
Comb/brush, hairspray
Phone (with a kid-friendly playlist)
A change of comfortable shoes if
wearing heels during the session
Sunscreen and/or bug spray
Stain remover pen
Tissues
Lint Roller
packing list
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own in accordance with your personal print release. If you do print your own photos, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. I only guarantee prints from my professional print lab, available in your gallery.
A:
Can I print the images on my own?
q:
This will depend on the type of session you booked. Families can expect to receive at least 50 high resolution images in a curated online gallery when booking a full session. I do not put an upper limit on the number of images I deliver for full sessions, either!
A:
How many images will I receive?
q:
I generally guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for six months, but may vary depending on the session you booked. Once your gallery has been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices and your cloud storage right away. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
A:
How long will I have access to the images?
q:
Turnaround times can vary by season, but I aim to deliver all images within three weeks of your session. Your contract will state the turnaround for your particular 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 like applying filters. I also deeply appreciate image credits and tags as they help me 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. You will receive a personal use print release to use, print and share your images. The images are not approved for commercial/business use, entering into a contest or publication, or selling them. If you have these needs, reach out and we can explore a separate release.
A:
Do I own the rights to the images?
q:
This will depend on the type of session you booked. I'll share these details with you at booking and prior to your session.
A:
How long should we plan for the session to take?
q:
I do light retouching on all of the images I deliver to you. 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,) I’ll remove it. Larger edits (such as removing tan lines, bra straps) require more time and will require additional additional editing fees if requested.
A:
Will you retouch our images?
q:
Your session includes a curated digital gallery with print release so you can download, share, and print your high-resolution images. I am to deliver your gallery within three weeks after your session, but timeline may vary depending on the type of session you booked.
Your Images
When to Expect
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
I offer everything from prints to custom heirloom quality lay-flat albums, so you can preserve your family's treasured memories for years to come.
Bring Your Images to Life with
prints
Your Client Portal includes everything related to your session experience with Michelle, including your invoices & receipts, pre-session questionnaires, your gallery, and the opportunity to purchase print products.
If you have trouble logging in, contact Michelle.
CLIENT PORTAL
ACCESSING YOUR
ACCESS MY CLIENT PORTAL
I know that this guide is long but hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your family session. If you have any additional questions please feel free to email or text me.
hello@michellejonesphoto.com
571-721-1444