Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our
time together during your upcoming mini session! It’s
normal to be a little nervous about your mini session. I always
tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos
taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm so honored to help you create and capture memories that
you'll cherish for a lifetime. There is a lot to think about when it
comes to planning a mini session, so I've created this guide to
help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you've
read through this guide you'll have all of your questions
answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your
session. Then I'll take care of the rest.
I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
XOXO
KATIE
I get it. Having your picture taken might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. The most common thing I hear from guys before photos sessions is this: because of a bad experience in the past, they don't like taking photos or don't think they'll be good at it. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun! I promise!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
One thing I've learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old.
The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay.
Managing
little ones
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few treats and bribes for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
I'm incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the
colors and shades so you're not all wearing the same color on
the top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better.
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word
“complement” rather than “match.” And don't be afraid to dress
up! Flowing gowns, suits, sport coats, bow ties...there is no such
thing as too dressed up.
But if more casual is your thing, go for it! These are your photos
and I want your family to look and feel 100% like yourself.
Soft, neutral color tones will photograph the best and
complement all skin tones. Bright shades of red, orange, coral,
and similar colors tend to distract from the most important part
of the photos...YOU!
I suggest choosing 2-3 statement colors--soft pink and mauve,
for example--and combine those with other neutral colors, like
ivory, khaki, navy, and white. There are plenty of gorgeous color
combinations you can choose from!
And don’t forget to accessorize! Statement necklaces, cute
shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
find it fast
Say YES to the dress! Skirts and dresses look most stunning
because they really flatter every female body--especially on
camera. You can decide how dressed up or dressed down you
want your outfit to be.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to
choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make
your photos look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors will compliment my style of photography.
These lighter shades tend to photograph better than bright
colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I
love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection
they add to your complexion.
Bonus tip: Choose your outfit first, then style the rest of the family!
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Faux Tan
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Keep it simple. Large jewelry pieces will distract from where we
want the focus: on your family! Wear your wedding band and
small earrings only, if desired.
Bonus tip: Choose your outfit first, then style the rest of the family!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
*Morning Lavender
*Save 10% with code kpphoto10
Shop Döen
Anthropologie
Free People
Baltic Born
Coven & Co.
Revolve
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
Red Dress Boutique
H & M
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Fillyboo
Gal Meets Glam
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Professional hair & makeup is typically at the top of my clients' checklists because it looks amazing on camera and takes away much of the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Professional hair and makeup will last longer and give you that extra boost of confidence in front of the camera. It also tends to hold up better for humidity, heat, and wind.
Bonus tip: Always say YES to false lashes! Your natural skin tone will always photograph the best, so skip the self-tanner for your mini portrait session.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always a good idea.
Long, fitted pants with closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it--on his handsome face. So, for your session, it's best to leave the shorts and sandals at home, as well as any pants that are loose and baggy. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Solid shades of gray and navy are a strong complement to most women's outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also suggest staying away from graphics and logos.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Where to Shop
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
In my experience, every woman--regardless of her shape--has
an area of her body that she's self-conscious about, so
recognizing that area in advance is key.
Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement
your natural features is the best way to ensure you'll love the
way you look in your photos.
This is why most moms choose to wear flowing dresses versus
tight-fitting clothing for their family photos. Plus, it's way more
comfortable!
Off-the-shoulder or long sleeve dresses have a slimming effect
on all arms, while strapless, sleeveless, or spaghetti strap
dresses have the opposite effect.
When considering the length of your dress, factor in whether or
not you'll have young children with you. If you have little ones,
you may be sitting or squatting next to them. Cute, cocktail
length dresses are adorable, but make these poses difficult, as
do low-cut tops and high leg slits.
Quick tip: Be sure to wear the proper undergarments.
Flattering Your Features
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 the two of you 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
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so you're not all wearing the same color on the top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Prepping Your
Family
01
02
03
04
Colors
dominant + accent colors
I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with "dominant colors" and "accent colors" in mind. A dominant color is one you see most in the photo, while an accent color has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you're planning your family's outfits, you can choose a different dominant color for each person, then tie in and vary the accent colors in the accessories. This blog post will help when planning your outfits!
Mixing It Up
bow ties & suspenders, skirts & dresses
If you have multiple children, don't feel like you have to put them all in the same outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots, or a romper and sandals. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring great visual interest to the photos.
Tip: be sure that little girls wear matching bloomers under dresses.
01
02
03
04
Prepping the Little Ones
snacks, treats, and lots of smiles
Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. I also wrote this blog post, which I highly encourage you to read before your session.
01
02
03
04
Have Fun!
get ready for laughs and snuggles
A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned. Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
01
02
03
04
Mini Session Check List
Choose mini session date and time
Complete contract and payment
Review Guide for style tips
Choose your outfits
Schedule hair and makeup appointments
Thing to have handy:
o Touch-up makeup
o Water for parents
o Snacks and ice water for little ones
A close friend or family memeber to help with the little ones
If you have a toddler or younger child, small eye-catching items to keep their attention, like toys or lollipops
I know that you're so excited to receive your gallery! It takes a little time to perfect each image, but my goal is to return your gallery as soon as possible. You will receive your images within two weeks of your mini session.
When to Expect Your Images
I know I just gave you a lot to think about.
I created this guide to help make your mini session experience
something you'll look back fondly on for years and years.
It's not just about the photos for me. It's about the experience
and the memories. I want your session to be a time when you
are yourselves, have fun, laugh a lot, and let me take care of the
rest!
xoxo, Katie