ready to ramble?
The Low-Stress Client Prep Guide
Use the tips in this quick guide for your Family Ramble, and you'll arrive feeling ready to hang with your people.
Plus me. I'll be there, too.
what is a ramble?
A Family Ramble is simply a time to be with those you love. During the session, I'll offer light direction to create and capture relaxed and easy photographs. Your only job is to enjoy. If you want to be sure to capture a few family portraits for any reason, just let me know at the start of the session and I'll keep my eyes peeled for locations and light for beautiful portraits.
when do I arrive?
If you're anything like our family, leaving the house is not unlike a tornado with a destination. Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your session time so you allow space for putting shoes back on (does your kid pull them off in the car, too?) and feeling ready, whatever that means for your crew.
The importance of comfortable clothing
Colors: Because Family Rambles usually involve walking outdoors, I recommend wearing tones that contrast the colors that dominate the landscape, depending on the time of year. Off-whites, lighter blues, and deep yellows, oranges and reds are usually a good bet.
Patterns: Consider how the clothing of your family coordinates or clashes. Heavily patterned shirts on everyone might not be the best choice, but consider a combination of coordinated patterns and solids. Large patterns like plaids add a bit of color and interest to photos, but avoid smaller patterns that might fade into the background of trees and natural elements.
The big one, comfort: Of course, the most important aspect of clothing is its comfort. Adults should choose clothing that makes them relax and feel good. Children should wear comfortable clothing for running and playing, and have sufficient layers for changes in temperature. Nothing kills the mood like freezing hands and ears.
Kid tricks
As the mother of two young kids myself, I take a lot of photos of children. My favorites are always the ones that are candid and emotive. If I want happy, busy kids in the photos, I know I need to feed them, take them somewhere they love and be relaxed myself.
As you prepare for your Ramble, use the tricks you know will help your kids feel happy, relaxed and ready for a bit of an adventure. Snacks (for everyone), more snacks, and maybe the promise of an ice cream afterward never hurt. Feel free to bring any items you think might help your kids feel comfortable. Favorite toys and other items are welcome-- these may be an important part of their story right now.
And you know what? Kids get cranky. That's okay! Rambles are low-pressure and I'll sneak a few shots of them in their cranktastic glory and you'll savor that photo years from now. Deal? Deal.
