Prep Guide
family session
family session
— With love, Kara
Deciding what to wear for your photoshoot can seem like a hard task!
But I'm here for you to make it fun and easier!
In this guide you'll find examples for outfits and tips on how to prepare for your session. With these tips, I'm sure you'll get the best out of your photoshoot. I'd also love to help you personally, so please let me know if I can help with any details!
Welcome
to the
prep guide
Keep reading for more details on how to prepare for your family session, what to wear, bringing pets, session location ideas, and so much more.
My family sessions are all about connection! The smile on your face while you look at your kids, daddy's hands holding your little ones, the smiles, the giggle and all the moments in between!
I will guide your family every step of the way to achieve not only beautiful portraits but beautiful moments for you to cherish forever.
In this guide you will find helpful tips on outfits and information on
how to prepare your family. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask – I'm here to help!
After your session I will cull and edit your photos. Your gallery is typical ready within 2-3 weeks of your session. You will receive a link to your private gallery, then it's time to enjoy them!
preparation
preparing for your family session
I know you want to tell your kiddos that when we have the session, they should look into the camera, smile, and do exactly as the photographer asks them to.
Well, I’m going to ask you not to do that.
Because children never do as we say, right?! And this is not how I want it to be during our session, a moment full of exhortations.
It should be a moment of laughter and joy.
And this is also how I’m working!
To take your photos, I will play with your kiddos. I will make funny sounds, dance, play peek-a-boo, and everything in between.
I want you to tell your children that you are going away to have fun.
I know all kiddos are different. Some are shy, some are very enthusiastic, and some don’t want their photos taken at all. Some kids simply need more time to warm up, while others don’t.
You know your children the best, and please let me know before our session if there is anything you feel I need to know about your children.
Feel free to use bribes (a great gift to all mothers). Often, smaller rewards throughout the session work better than a big reward at the end. Like a mini marshmallow after a few clicks of the camera, this helps the little ones maintain focus.
As I said, you know your kids best, and if you feel that a reward after the session can work on them, go for it.
But most important is that you try to get your kiddos excited before the session and not stress too much about them being "perfect".
How to Prep your kiddos
Studio sessions are scheduled during daytime hours at my natural light studio in Downtown Kankakee.
My favorite time to begin outdoor sessions is 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset. Golden hour makes for the best photos!
No matter the season, in my experience, I've found that timing your family session for when the sun is the least harsh throughout the day creates the best lighting for photos, which is why it is extremely important to be on time for your photo session. Golden hour won't wait on us!
Timing & Lighting
THE BEST TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS
Please try to avoid coming into the session and forcing your kiddos to sit still and smile. The most important thing is that your kiddos feel comfortable and have fun at the session. The smiles will come naturally.
Forcing Smiles
I know this easier said and done, trust me! But stressing over details or time will not put you in a good mood before your session.
Don't Stress
Your family is beautiful, and your session is going to be great. Let those thoughts about perfection go. Instead, be present with your family and enjoy the moments you have with them. Leave all the worries and wrangling kiddos to me!
Set High Expectations on Yourself
preparing dont's
I know this isn't easy because they never sleep when we want them to. But try to come to the session with littles that have eaten and rested or napped.
Fed & Well Rested is Best!
Plan your clothes in advance. And make sure that both mom and dad are comfortable with what you're planning to wear. If you have any questions about how to match the family, feel free to email me.
Plan the Outfits
Forget all your worries and focus on creating memories with your family.
Be Excited!
preparing do's
Even if your daughter wants to have her favorite
t-shirt with Frozen's Elsa because that is the most beautiful t-shirt she has. It's a big no-no. Prints and cartoon characters steal unnecessary attention and will also make the photos less timeless.
Ditch the Prints and Cartoon Characters
Using soft colors removes distractions, and the feelings between you and your family members will be the central part of the pictures.
Soft Colors
Just like the reason about choosing soft colors, for the same reason, it's a good idea to avoid very eye-catching patterns since they will steal attention and there is a chance that the pictures will feel a bit messy.
Patterns
Something worth mentioning is that long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera as they add movement to your clothing and tends to be very flattering and natural-looking.
Fabrics and Layers
This is the less complicated part. No one wants to freeze or look too warm. Or if the location is the beach, barefoot works better than stilettos.
Dress for the Season
and the Location
This is mainly for the dads. Cellphones, keys, and other items are nothing we want to see through your pant pockets.
Empty Your Pockets
When it comes to colors, the goal is to complement each other instead of match. As it can be challenging to know what colors work well together and create harmony in the pictures, you can see a couple of color palettes here.
You can pick the one that feels most like you and use it when planning your outfit.
Color palettes
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Warm sunset walks on the beach. Tans and sun dresses.
summer
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Fall foliage, dreamy lighting, and romance in the air.
Autumn
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Magical snow, snuggling close, winter wonderlands.
winter
For example, colorful leaves and foliage in the fall or blooming and bright florals in the spring. Styling outfits will become easier after you have decided on a theme. Outdoor session start times vary from season to season.
let the season guide the theme
The Studio, Downtown Kankakee, Sunrise Greenhouse, ONU
more favorites
Kankakee State Park, Davis Creek, Cactus Farm
woodsy
Governor Small Memorial Park, Legion Park
parks
Perry Farm, Willowhaven, Kankakee State Park, Cactus Farm
grassy fields
Below are some favorite locations in Kankakee & Iroquois counties, the best session locations are often the ones that are meaningful to your family.
Locations
In and Around Kankakee & Iroquois County
This is not required, but... A perfect way to spoil yourself is to get your hair and makeup done professionally before your session.
It also removes the stress of getting ready when you are probably already nervous before your session.
It's also great as it will give you an incredible feeling of being absolutely gorgeous, boosting your confidence and making you relax.
But the most important thing is that you feel comfortable. If that is letting your hair down, you should come to the session with your hair down.
This is important for the rest of your family as well.
Please ensure that they have been at the hairdresser a couple of days before and that dad's beard is groomed, too!
Feeling Comfortable is Key
hair & makeup
To get extra inspiration for your outfits, I have put together a Pinterest Board full of inspiration for both studio and outdoor sessions so that you can quickly see how colors and different types of clothes work together.
You can access the Pinterest Boards via the links below. Happy outfit planning!
Inspiration
visuals are always helpful
"When we have each other, we have everything."
I will make sure you're looking your best at all times – keeping an eye on your hair & makeup and the layers of your clothing. I've got you covered!
If you're worried about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose, don't be! I will guide you every step of the way.
If you're worried about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose, don't be! I will guide you every step of the way. I will make sure you're looking your best at all times – keeping an eye on your hair & makeup and the layers of your clothing. I've got you covered!
posing
“Kara is the ultimate package! She does an amazing job at coordinating outfits beforehand, fixing hair and outfits the day of, and making you feel confident in front of the camera. She is welcoming and so easy to talk to. Kara has outstanding patience and an incredible eye for detail. My only hope is for more people to experience a photo session with her.” - Holly
We couldn’t be happier that we hired Kara to photograph our family.
kind words from our favorite clients
I get so excited when families want to include their pets in their photo session! After many pet-friendly sessions, I have a few tips and tricks to share.
Including your pet in your family session means we'll need to choose a pet-friendly location, so keep that in mind when you're choosing the session vibe and location.
I also encourage families to bring your pet's favorite treats, groom them beforehand (if necessary), and give them plenty of exercise prior to our session.
Since your pet likely won't be in every photo, we always begin the session with your pet and then recommend either dropping them off, having a friend either watch over them or take them home for the remaining time of our session.
I love your furry family members.
pets
As a backup for potential bad weather or rain, we can always schedule a backup session date at the time of booking. I'm always keeping an eye on the weather – it's kinda the name of the game as a photographer. Expect to hear from me around one week before your session as we start to get an idea of the weather forecast. Worst case, we reschedule photos to a better day! It's not worth being out in undesirable weather with kiddos when we don't have to be.
Scheduling & Weather
Scheduling & Weather
what if the weather is bad & it rains?
- Extra clothes. When children are involved you never know what can happen! I highly recommend getting the littles dressed at the studio or on location!
- Baby wipes. Because anything can happen...
- Favorite toy or stuffed animal for extra comfort. If possible, avoid toys with bright colors in case they will be shown in some photos.
- A small snack, if needed! Reach for snacks that aren't very messy and won't leave spots or stains easily. Mini marshmallows are a snack that doesn't show in photos while your kiddos eat!
- Touch-up makeup, a brush, and hairspray for mama.
- A favorite blanket or quilt. This is a great layering option to add at the studio or on location!
Packing List
a checklist of things to remember
The studio is located at 388 East Court Street, Suite 101, Kankakee, IL 60901. The entrance is under the black awning along Court Street.
Street parking is available along East Court Street and South Indiana Avenue. There is also additional parking on the east side of the building in front of the B. Harley Bradley House mural.
If you choose to park in the east parking lot by the mural, please let me know when you arrive so I can provide you with a parking pass for your window.
getting to
the studio
Blog Post with Highlights
four weeks
Online Gallery Delivered
three weeks
Sneak Peek Photos
One week
when to expect your family photos
Whenever you are unsure about the little details or have a question while planning for your session, let me know. No question is too small. If you can't decide whether to pick the pink or beige headband for your baby girl or which shoe looks best, I'm always here for you!
And I can't wait for your session!
I'M HERE FOR YOU.
See you soon, Kara
Whenever you are unsure about the little details or have a question while planning for your session, let me know. No question is too small or silly to ask. If you can't decide whether to pick the pink or beige headband for your baby girl or which shoe looks best, I'm always here for you!