the family portrait guide
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your session. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. You're a busy family with quite a few things on your plate.
That's actually one of the reasons why we put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids and more.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
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xoxo,
Deja
01. Little ones
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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 (nothing that will stain clothing, teeth or mouths) and bribes for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders.
I am incredibly patient with kids and that we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
One thing I have 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 ok.
02. Little ones- Tips + Tricks
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- Once you book your session, show your little one's my photo. Tell them I am a good friend that they are going to be visiting with, who takes family photos. You can show them my about page as well, so they can see I have a son. All of this will aid in helping them feel closer to me. Continue to talk about me as "your friend" right up until your session. This will definitely help them feel more at ease with me.
- Practice smiling in front of the mirror, or playing games like you are taking photos. Allow yourself to be silly and have fun with it, this will also help them to loosen up during the session.
- Pick a special game that you can play during your session. I love asking my families to play ring around the rosey. Practice with your little ones before your session, make it a "special" game that they will be excited to play during the session.
- Make sure everyone is well fed before the session, a full kid is a happy kid :)
- If napping is still a part of your child's routine, stay on track. Don't make any drastic adjustments to their schedule as it's a sure sign that something is up and young children don't do well with schedule changes. We can accommodate this by either changing locations or time frames.
03. big ones
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Many husbands are not keen on having their photos taken, the same goes with our older/teen children. My advice here is having a discussion with those tough players about what the session means to you and why you are doing it.
During a session, if I see that a family member is having a hard time connecting or having fun during the session, I will sometimes remind them that the session is for a short period of time, but will leave them with long lasting memories.
If all else fails, bribery is a great go to! Hey, whatever gets you through the session right!?
Lastly, I strongly encourage everyone in the family to leave their cell phones and other non-essential items in the car or at home during the session. If everyone is engaged in the session and staying present, the session will go much faster and you will enjoy the results much more.
If a cell phone needs to be removed from a photo, there will be a retouching charge of $25.
04. fur babies
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I know that some family members just happen to be furry and I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home. I won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have someone available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
SUNSET SESSIONS:
If you are booking in the winter months, you must take into consideration that the sun sets pretty early, around 4-4:30 p.m.
If you are booking in the summer months, the sun sets around 7-7:30 p.m. This is usually the witching hour for children, or may even fall during or after bedtime.
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, I recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If you decide to do a sunset session and want to push their nap that day, packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home is always a great idea.
STUDIO SESSIONS:
Studio sessions can be scheduled at any time of the day, so before booking, take note of what time of the day you have the happiest of children.
Try not to book your session to close to nap times, as this will result in a tired or groggy kiddo.
It's also helpful to feed them before the session, so they are nice and full and ready to shoot.
My studio is located in my home, and we do have a pet cat. If you are highly allergic to cat's, I would suggest choosing a sunset or a lifestyle session.
Lastly, take into consideration if your child has sensitivity to light as all studio sessions are photographed with a strobe light (which means it flashes during every shot).
LIFESTYLE SESSIONS:
Lifestyle sessions are scheduled depending on when your home has the best light. Once you have booked, I will ask you to open all the curtains in your home for me and take notice for one day, when your home receives the most light and which rooms are the brightest.
Once you have identified those rooms, please send me photos with the curtains open, so I can get a sense of the space.
Once we have nailed down our shooting locations, we will then take into consideration your children's nap schedules.
session timing
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
And always keep the location in mind. If we're shooting in a green field, light green dresses might blend in too much with the surroundings.
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what to wear
Tips for Everyone
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what to wear
Tips for the Ladies- Wardrobe
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or if we'll be in grass or sand, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) photograph - just 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. I love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
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what to wear
Tips for the Ladies - Accessorize
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs. Dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress.
They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Lastly, the right undergarments do wonders! I advise sheer tops be layered with full tanks and bra straps are hidden or worn strapless, unless it's part of your outfit and you mean for it to be photographed.
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what to wear
Tips for the Ladies - Where to Shop
RENT THE RUNWAY
ASOS
MORNING LAVENDER
J. CREW
ANTHROPOLOGIE
FREE PEOPLE
JESSAKAE
PETAL & PUP
PINK BLUSH (MATERNITY)
H&M
VICI DOLLS
VIRIGINA DARE DRESS CO.
BALTIC BORN CLOTHING
MADEWELL
KATE + GRACE BOUTIQUE
HAZEL + FOLK
RENT THE RUNWAY
ASOS
MORNING LAVENDER
J. CREW
ANTHROPOLOGIE
FREE PEOPLE
JESSAKAE
PETAL & PUP
PINK BLUSH (MATERNITY)
H&M
VICI DOLLS
VIRIGINA DARE DRESS CO.
BALTIC BORN CLOTHING
MADEWELL
KATE + GRACE BOUTIQUE
HAZEL + FOLK
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what to wear
Tips for the Ladies - Hair + Makeup
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
If you go this route, we recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover. Lastly, your hands will be in the photos, so a quick look over your fingernails is always a good idea.
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what to wear
Tips for the Men- Wardrobe
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or 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. Layers are always a great idea, they give you versatility and also allow you some flexibility if it gets a little warm. Lastly, don't forget the shoes!
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what to wear
Tips for the Men- Where to Shop
RENT THE RUNWAY
ASOS
SUIT SUPPLY
J. CREW
ZARA
LEATHER & COTTON
JACK THREADS
FRANK & OAK
NORDSTROM
CUTS
MADEWELL
LULULEMON
BANANA REPUBLIC
MANGO
REISS
ALEX MILL
UNTUCKIT
GOOD THREADS
BONOBOS
ABERCROMBIE
RAG & BONE
H&M
URBAN OUTFITTERS
EVERLANE
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what to wear
Tips for the Kids-Wardrobe
My biggest tip in this section is to pick fabrics, shoes and accessories that are comfortable, soft and the right size. Often times we pick out new garments for our children, that we don't try on until the day of the session (cause kids are messy). It's during the session that I often hear, this is itchy, my shoes are too tight/or too big, this headband keeps falling off.
Test your children's wardrobe before your session, soft, neutral colors will always be in style, and double check that their shoes are comfortable and are in line with their wardrobe.
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what to wear
Tips for the Kids-Where to Shop
KATE QUINN
ZARA KIDS
QUINCY MAE
RYLEE & CRU
NORALEE
TARGET
H&M KIDS
CREW CUTS BY J.CREW
ROLEE
ALICE & AMES
OAT AND CO.
SWEET BABY PHOTO PROPS
SMALLABLE
FIN & VANCE
LITTLE & CO.
BRIAR BABY
JAIME KAY
CHILDHOODS CLOTHING
SPEARMINT LOVE
GAP
OLD NAVY
BODEN
HANNA ANDERSSON
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When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will 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 we know it’s going to make everyone laugh - and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.
Throughout your session, we’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
The key to posing, trust me as your photographer and go with the flow.
- Adults are much easier to pose than children. During our session, everyone wants to capture the "all looking" family photo. In order to do so, I will need all the adults to stay smiling and looking at me, while I try and gain the children's focus.
- For the smaller kids, pick them up for the photo and place one hand under their armpit. Very softly, give the a gentle tickle for an original smile.
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), I have a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
Please send me all family groupings ahead of time so that while I am shooting, I understand who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw me a family tree (although bonus points if you do!) something like this would work well:
Grandma - Jean
Grandfather - Max
Sam (son of Jean + Max) and Tina.
Their Kids: Jason (10), Julianne (5) and Jack (2)
Elizabeth (son of Jean + Max) and Paul
Their Kids: Austin (9) and Claire (6)
When it comes to choosing a location for larger groupings, there are a few extra elements to keep in mind. Locations should be easy to access, limit walking and be safe for young children.
While we can get away with shooting small families in a downtown setting, for larger families, we’ll need a bit of space to spread out. Family homes with larger yards (and open shade), parks and outdoor settings typically work best for extended families.
Following the session, I will deliver a gallery with the edited images. Please let me know ahead of time who should have access to this gallery. If you send me a list of the email addresses, I can set those up at the time of delivery to give all necessary parties access.
When it comes to choosing outfits for larger families, I recommend coordinating with one another ahead of time. Photographs typically come out best when families choose a color palette or a few colors over wearing the exact same thing (think: the white polo and khaki photo uniform of the 90’s.)
Outfits that feel a bit special (your “Sunday best”) but that you still feel comfortable in generally result in the best images.
If you need any advice in this area, just let me know!
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frequently asked
questions
faq's
When will I receive my images?
can i share images on social media?
how long will i have access to the images?
do i own the rights to the images?
can i have the raw files of the imags?
will you retouch our images?
can i print the images on my own?
While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim to deliver all images within two weeks of your session.
All galleries are sent with an expiration date. Your images will live on your public site for three months. After your three months, you can extend your online portal for $5 a month. Just reach out to me if you need extended access.
I highly recommend that you download both your high resolution and web sized images once your gallery has been delivered. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive for extra back up. All session images are guaranteed up to one year of session date.
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However, I will give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. I won’t do this either without your written permission.
I do light retouching on all of of my images. 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 will remove it. Larger edits (such as removing tan lines,) require more time and would require me to add additional editing hours to your collection. Retouching fees vary depending on project.
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, 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 often 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. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering my print lab to my clients through my gallery portal.
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However, I will give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. I won’t do this either without your written permission.
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. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help me to continue to grow as a business.
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thank you
so much!
thank you
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me.
DEJASVIEWPHOTOS@GMAIL.COM
