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!

Manifesting My Goals for 2023 - Las Vegas Newborn Photographer

According to Oprah, one of the ways to live your best life is to manifest it. To manifest your dreams, you need to speak your goal, write them down, and be specific. Normally, I only share goals with a few industry friends in The Round Table group, because if I fail to meet them, I don’t really want anyone to know. However, this year, I’m taking a leap and telling you all, typing them down, and putting them out into the universe.

Monthly milestone session Your kiddos are quickly changing, so I want to help you capture then as they are right now, since in a few months, they’ll be bigger and older. I want to offer these quick sessions monthly, they will be easy to book, sweet and simple, and will result in probably some of your favorite images to hang up at home.

Film Add Ons Y’all, I don’t even know how to load film into a camera. (divulging too much?) However, I am going to be taking a deep dive into film photography this year as well as heading to the Photo Native conference in Palm Springs next month, and learning from some of the best in the industry. In-home sessions are already so intimate and parents are really able slow down with your kiddos and document your connections. Film can just capture that on a another level artistically. My goal is to make this something to offer to my clients on a consistent basis. In the meantime, if I come to your home for a newborn or family session, know that you will be my guinea pig with film! Don’t worry, I will still capture the 99% of the session with my normal equipment.

Summer Pool Sessions I got this idea from a photographer friend and mentor, Sabrina Gebhardt. I already just play around with my own kiddos when it comes to taking pictures by the pool. They are really some of my favorite images of them. How fun would it be to jump in and capture the fun for another family? I will be looking for model call families for this come warmer weather to test it out. I image blue water, lots of splashing, bright bathing suits, goggles, jumping, flamingo floats, all of it. Sounds fun, right?!?!

There you have it, my 2023 business goal manifestation. All the while, I will continue documenting your newborns and families, improving my art and your client experience. Stay tuned for progress!! And if you want in on any model calls I’ll be offering for these goals, make sure to join my newsletter. Newsletter link on my home page 😉

Las Vegas Family Photography- Yes, It’s 110 Degrees, But Let’s Have a Session- Alyssa Charboneau Photography

You read right. There are so many reasons to have a family session, in the heat of a Las Vegas summer, and I’m not crazy. Actually, I prefer to do my own family’s sessions in the summer.

First of all, let’s address the big sweaty elephant. The temperature. Let’s do an inside session!! Your home is where your memories are made and where you’ll back in pictures and remember raising your kiddos. These sessions are not just for newborn sessions. In-home sessions are really so special and intimate. Added bonus, I come to you! No need to drive across town, trying not to wrinkle outfits, stuck in traffic, etc. We’ve all been there. And yes, my family is that family that is always running late, forgetting my lip gloss, screaming at kids to hurry and buckle up. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So in-home is just so much more relaxed, not rushed, and AIR CONDITIONED!!! Click HERE for a blog post featuring an in-home session.

Studio sessions are also an option. I love this option, and have done studio sessions with my own family. A nice, crisp white background, a pop of color with furniture, lends to a classic yet modern twist on a family session. These are perfect for mini sessions, milestones, and childhood personality sessions. Also, AIR CONDITIONED!! I love to use The Gathering Place for studio sessions here in Las Vegas.

Second, you will beat the craziness of fall. Think about it, kids go back to school, sports schedules are insane, throw in dance, gymnastics, theatre, whatever your kiddos have going on. Do you really want to cram a photo session in there too? Just make sure it’s not during a Raiders game, right? So right now, kiddos are home, maybe you can schedule a weekday session, and keep those fall weekends as open as possible. Then when everyone else is rushing to find a last minute photographer and print cards, you can sit back and give yourself a pat on the back.

Third, it’s a money saver! You can take advantage of early bird sales on card printing websites. If you are wanting to frame wall art as well, summer is a great time for sales. I know a lot of photographers will offer incentives on summer sessions as well because it is typically a slower season. Also, photographers tend to increase prices for the fall season, simply because demand is so high. This is kind of a no brainer. I prefer Minted for my Christmas cards.

Fourth and last, the style of your session. This is a huge reason I love summer sessions. Personally, I don’t want to frame a photo of my family in sweaters and boots. We are spring and summer people and I want our style to reflect that. I love summer dresses (like I have a major problem with buying summer dresses), cute sandals, and bright colors. This fits our personality and our style. Are you wanting to have a more winter or fall feel for Christmas cards? Then schedule a mini with your photographer. However, when it comes to framing wall art that will hang for years to come, I want a timeless style that suits our personalities.

There you have it! Why I love summer sessions as a mom and as a photographer. So take a look at your calendar, check in with your photographer (or me 😉) and don’t sweat your families photography session. Get it?!?!

Need wardrobe inspiration? Click HERE.