Stress Free Fall Sessions

Family pictures can be so stressful. From picking locations, to coordinating outfits that match but aren’t matchy. As a mom of three, I honestly don’t think we’ve ever gotten to a session without yelling, frustrations, and running around last minute looking for shoes and bows. I get it. However, I’ve learned a few things that help our sessions run a little more smoothly year by year.

First, location! I always hang wall art of my family’s portraits on walls in our home, so I want our images to go along with the design aesthetic in our home. That means I pick locations based on the colors at the location. Also, pick a location that reflects your families personality. Are you a hiking outdoor family? Then Red Rock or Mt. Charleston are perfect. Do you like a more modern aesthetic? Then a dry lake bed or a studio are great. Is your family vibe more urban, funky, or are you new to Vegas and want to show it off? Let’s head downtown, with fun murals, a parking garage, and street portraits. (It’s amazing the views from a parking garage) There are lots more places to consider, these are just a few. Talk with your photographer and check out their work at your favorite locations,

Second, let’s talk wardrobe. The number one rule any photographer will tell you is, start with mom. You are the center of your family’s universe, start with yourself and what you fell the best in!! Go ahead, put yourself first! (It will be fine 😉) Keep in mind the colors of your loaction. Then, once you’ve nailed down an outfit for yourself, work on your kiddos. I prefer colors not to match, but to compliment each other. Maybe I will wear a dress with a colorful print, but one kid will each wear a dress that is solid, the other with a simple print, with colors that compliment my outfit. Also, don’t stress they boys outfits. Classic shorts or pants with a nice shirt is simple and timeless. (Another tip, let the boy(s) bring their favorite baseball cap to wear towards the end to show off their personality.)

Finally, plan to get there early. This is from experience. Personally, when it comes to family pictures, we are never on time. This is rude to the photographer. They have blocked out a certain time for you and as a client you need to respect that. Also, the time you are late is coming out of your session, especially if you are doing a mini session with another client right after you. So do as I say, not as I do. You’ll be way more relaxed knowing you’re not late. And, when mom is relaxed, everyone will follow suite. Lastly, have fun and enjoy your kiddos. You’ll be so happy to have these images on your walls for decades!!

Finding a Perfect Fit Photographer, Las Vegas Newborn and Family Photographer

If you’re like me, you do lots of research before making a big purchase. Family and newborn photo sessions are not cheap, so how can you pick a photographer that you feel comfortable with, that is up to your standards, and that will deliver a beautiful finished product. I have worked with eight different family photographer in the last ten years, so here are some things I do when vetting a family photographer…

First, you may be wondering why I’ve had so many different photographers. Well, that’s where I start. Find a photographer whose style you absolutely LOVE. Personally, I like to have a variety of styles for our family portraits, so I have picked different photographers for different reasons. Some photographers specialize in outdoor golden hour, some in natural light studios, some for newborn portraits, and some for vacations pictures.

So TIP #1, research photographers in your area and find a few that you connect with when it comes to their images and style. How? Instagram is a huge help. Explore a few hashtags. (#lasvegasnewbornphotographer, #phoenixfresh48photographer, #fortworthlifestylephotographer) If you find what you’re looking for, then look at their website. Google is also a great help, but don’t just scroll through the first two pages, keep scrolling and researching, making a list of potential photographers.

TIP #2, Look into their portfolio and see if you can picture your family in their images. Read the photographer’s ‘About Me’ page. Is this someone you could see yourself being friends with? Honestly, Family, Newborn, and Fresh 48 sessions an be pretty personal and intimate. You definitely want a photographer that you feel comfortable with. Check out their instagram and see if they’ve posted any videos or stories that show more of their personality. Schedule a phone call and talk one on one. This is really helpful for both the photographer and client.

TIP #3 Figure out your budget. When you inquire with a photographer about investments, ask specifically what you get and if there are different packages. Nothing is worse than getting a gallery back and then having to pay way more than you thought for extra images.

TIP #4 Do what I do, ask your friends!!! Do you love your neighbor’s family pictures? Did you gawk at your friend’s birth announcement? Get those referrals and see how their experience was.

TIP #4 Lastly, think about what kind of experience you want. Do you want the whole shabang?? Hair, makeup, a client closet to pick dresses from? Do you need wardrobe help? Do you need help designing a gallery wall? Don’t be afraid to ask what extra services your photographer offers.

I hope these tips help! Nothing is worse than investing in pictures that you never display in your home. And nothing is better than looking at images each day that make you smile!