School Portraits Prep Guide
ready to roll?
The Low-Stress Prep Guide
Use the tips in this quick guide for your photo session, and you'll arrive feeling ready to roll!
what should I expect?
These quick and easy sessions feel more like a conversation, with some light direction to to capture relaxed and easy photographs of your budding scholar. We'll do some posed shots and some candids. Your only job is to enjoy. Easy schmeezy.
Because we'll be walking outside, it's best to dress for the outdoors so everyone is comfortable. If rain looks likely, you'll hear from me by Friday that we'll need to use our rain date.
More on what to expect below.
how do I meet you?
Head to the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, and look for me (the one with the camera!) in the parking lot. If I'm not there, hang tight while I finish up with the family before yours and we'll get you squared away in no time.
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 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 these sessions will be hosted outdoors, I recommend wearing tones that contrast the colors that dominate the landscape. 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 session, 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! These sessions 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.
