Location and timing:
Most portrait sessions are photographed outdoors but I do have a studio I can rent for an additional fee. I have several locations that I prefer to use for portrait sessions but am also happy to check out a location if you have something in mind. Lighting really is everything when it comes to photography, so when looking for a location I always look at lighting first and scenery second. I love the look of a sun-drenched day, but I typically like shooting when there are a few clouds in the sky providing us with shade that creates an even, filtered light. The best time of day to shoot is either in the morning between 9:00-10:30 or in the afternoon starting a few hours before sunset. For this reason, I typically do not shoot more than 2 sessions in a day.
Session types:
Newborn Portraits: Newborn photography is done in your home, right where mommy and baby are most comfortable. The goal in newborn sessions is to photograph a sleeping baby, but I often snap some cute open-eyed images as they are falling asleep. I bring several cheesecloth baby swaddlers, cute hats, a selection of backgrounds, and a newborn posing pillow that I make nice and cozy with a heating pad and blankets. I prefer to photograph newborn sessions when the baby is between 7-10 days old. This enables us to get all the squishy little curled up poses that just become impossible once the little angel has figured out how to stretch!
Family and Children's Portraits: I typically photograph family and children's portrait sessions outdoors. The best time of day to shoot is either in the morning between 9:00-10:30 or in the afternoon starting a few hours before sunset. For this reason, I typically do not shoot more than 2 sessions in a day. Children tend to be better early in the morning so I always recommend choosing a morning session when you are including small children. Full bellies make for a much happier child, but I do not recommend feeding children during a session so it is always best to make sure that they eat before hand. (This goes for adults, too!)
Maternity Portraits: There is something so special about the 9 months that you spend carrying a child in your womb. You are actually in the process of creating a tiny human! It's a magical time and one that you should definitely honor with a portrait session. Maternity portraits are mostly done outdoors. The best time of day to shoot is either in the morning between 9:00-10:30 or in the afternoon starting a few hours before sunset. For this reason, I typically do not shoot more than 2 sessions in a day. It is best to schedule your session when you are between 7-8 months pregnant. I always like to include Dad in the fun!
Headshots: Whether it's a headshot for your website, acting headshots, or profile images for social media, a professional headshot is the best way to set you apart from the competition! Headshots can be done outdoors or in the studio. For outdoor sessions, I typically shoot either in the morning between 9:00-10:30 or in the afternoon starting a few hours before sunset. For this reason, I typically do not shoot more than 2 outdoor sessions in a day. For studio sessions, I rent a studio in the Deep Ellum area or I can bring my studio to you (depending on space available). Studio sessions may be scheduled anytime between 9am-7pm.
What to wear:
It is important when selecting your wardrobe that you wear clothing that is appropriate to the location of your portrait session. For instance I would not advise you to wear stilettos out to the lake or wear a flowing sundress in a downtown location. If you would love to dress up and wear a more formal outfit, I would recommend doing a nighttime city-scape shoot where we can use the lights of the city as a backdrop! If you want to wear cowboy boots and a sundress, I would recommend White Rock Lake at sunset. For a more casual outfit, I love Central Square Park in Dallas. (It's actually my favorite location!)
For families, I always recommend dressing in coordinating colors but not being overly "matchy." Each person should still dress to their personality and age. I suggest picking a palette of 3 colors, 1-2 bold colors and 2 neutral, and having everyone dress from those colors. Don't be afraid to wear patterns, just remember to use them sparingly! Be sure to avoid clashing patterns. Different shades of your bold color looks great too! For example, you could wear shades of blue and plum mixed with gray and white, or red and oranges mixed with denim and khaki. Ladies don't forget to accessorize! Wear a statement necklace or a flowing scarf to give your outfit an added touch of style. It's also always a good idea to bring a cute hoodie or hat for small kids.
Things to avoid:
white socks
baggy clothing that bunches up when you move or sit
sneakers (unless they are cute and go with your look, like converse)
too many patterns
wearing too much white without layering a darker color over it
Check out my blog for more inspiration!
