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Everything you need to know about your family session!

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Every family wishes they had more portraits of themselves! But most of the time it’s hard to get everyone on board with the idea (I would say 9/10 families don’t care for having their photo taken) and finding a day that works out with your busy schedule can be a daunting task.

I’ll make you a deal — if you can find a day that works then I will make it FUN!

Rose Courts style

My shooting style during family sessions is a mixture of two styles. I like to read the family members and determine which one I should do!
Sometimes it’s a photojournalistic style, meaning I like to just observe you and your family interacting naturally, like a fly on the wall! And sometimes I will bust out a few prompts or games to create some movement, make it fun and keep the kids entertained!

Expert Tips

1. Style Mom First

I always suggest styling mom first then basing the rest of the family off of her outfit! Moms are normally the most particular about how they look so I recommend this tactic to easily plan your outfits.

2. Snacks for Kids (and adults)

Snacks are a great way to keep your kids (and possibly hangry dads) happy during their session! Bring something quick and easy you can throw in my camera bag and pull out to tame a rowdy toddler!

3. No yelling at your Kids

This is a big one for me. This can ruin your photos faster than anything else. (And make your photographer a little uncomfortable!) I promise you, I have seen some kids and have photographed more than you know. Your children are not that bad! I normally let kids run out some energy or be the star of the show for a minute if they want! If they’ve got some personality, LET IT SHINE! The last thing you want is a pouty child and a fake smile for the rest of the session! It’s best to let them run around and get the crazies out versus disciplining them. Rewards (like ice cream after we’re done) are a good way to help your kids behave as well!

Outfit Inspiration

I LOVE MUTED COLORS, IT KEEPS THE FOCUS ON YOU!

IF YOU’RE WANTING TO ADD A LITTLE ‘POP’, I SUGGEST ONLY ONE OF YOU ROCKIN’ THAT ACCENT COLOR

S I M P L E • I S • B E T T E R
so go easy on the number of patterns! Just like the accent color, I suggest only one pattern to keep the focus on YOU.

THE TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH PATTERNS
Choose patterns larger than a quarter

If you really want a pattern, go for it, I’m not afraid of patterns! BUT I highly, highly, highly suggest a pattern larger than a quarter! With small patterns, the camera can’t decide what color an area is supposed to be so it gets confused and produces “Moire” or chromatic aberration and makes your clothing look far from true to color.

I firmly believe…

I firmly believe that photos don’t belong on your phone. The last step to complete your session experience: PRINT YOUR PHOTOS! I am passionate about printing your photos and hanging them in your home. Your home should be a collection of the things you love — especially photos of the people you love!

One Final Note

The biggest reminder I can share is to let your family be themselves. See the beauty in it. Each family is beautiful and each family is different. And every individual inside it has a distinct personality and wonderful characteristics that make them who they are!

Let me showcase your family’s beauty