Family sessions are scheduled in our portrait studio located at 375 US 46, Budd Lake NJ or at a planned outdoor location. Outdoor sessions are scheduled about 90 minutes before sunset to ensure that the best lighting and beautiful sky is your natural backdrop.
Family session are structured for immediate family members (mom, dad, child(ren).

Family session tips, for a great session:

What Should We Wear?
*Try to plan and try on your outfits well in advance*
*Watch out for the little details that can be distracting in your photos, such as; bra straps showing, lint on black clothes, hair flyaways, red eyes, lipstick on teeth. We do our best to edit some of these little things out but some in some situations that is not always possible.
*There will be a little bit of walking, so if anyone is wearing heels and not used to them we encourage bringing a pair of flats.

What Do We Bring?
*If you have a baby/toddler, definitely consider bringing a backup outfit. (just incase)
as well as some snacks, toys, things that keep the kiddos happy
*A small bag/tote to put any loose items in while you’re being photographed. I.E- phone, keys, wallet.
*It’s always a great idea to have a hair brush and a little hairspray with you to tame last minute fly aways, and a few make up essentials for any needed touchups just before the shoot.
*If you’d like to get some fun sitting/laying shots, bring along a blanket that won’t clash with your outfits.
*Bring wipes for clean faces(Do a last minute check of faces) The camera catches every detail on close ups

Preparing Your Child
If children are included in your session make sure they get a good nights sleep the night before or a good nap if your session is later in the day. Also make sure they have been fed at least an hour before the session so they are not hungry and grouchy.
A few days before the session let them know you are doing a photo shoot so it is not a surprise and over whelming to them. One great way to get them excited about the session is to practice some poses together.

Most importantly be happy and excited! This day is about you and your family. Don’t stress. Relax and have fun! A little bit of goofiness and giggling can make for a great image. Children can sense stress and anxiety. If you’re relaxed it will be much easier for them to enjoy the day

Align Your Wardrobe:
For example:
Mom: light blue blouse, white pants
Dad:  dark blue shirt, khaki pants
little Billy:  plaid short-sleeved button down (dark blue, light blue, yellow, & white), khaki pants
little Suzie:  yellow dress
Something like this ties everyone together without looking too matchy.
I have a Pinterest board called “What to wear for your shoot”  that’s full of visual ideas.  Check it out!

Centered & Calm:

Let’s face it.  Frustration, anxiety, and stress are all contagious.  I know it’s difficult to not lose your cool when the kiddos lose theirs.  As a mom, I totally get it!  However, it’s important to keep in mind that, that type of energy is magnetic.  Once little Billy starts throwing his tantrum, dad gets frustrated, which upsets mom, and now little Suzie is crying.  Nothing good will result from that combination.  If we need to take a few minutes to calm little Billy down then I am completely OK with that.  Take him on a solo walk, hold him, give him a hug, whisper a joke in his ear, anything to help him remember that we’re just here to have fun.