PORTRAIT & STYLING GUIDE
HELLO THERE!
Thank you for booking a session with me, it means the world to me to be trusted to photograph and document your family’s memories!
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before having your photos taken. I still get those butterflies before my own family’s sessions, and I do this for a living! You don’t need to know how to pose, convince your children to behave perfectly, or arrive knowing exactly what to do. That’s my job.
I created this guide to answer your questions, help you prepare and make the entire experience feel as relaxed as possible. I’ll guide you every step of the way, but there will also be plenty of room for your family to move, play and simply be together.
My goal is to create photographs that are beautiful, but more importantly, that you feel connected to and that help you remember this season of your lives together.
BEFORE THE BIG DAY
The good news is that you don’t need to do very much!
Choose clothing that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident, give yourself plenty of time to get ready and try not to place too much pressure on the experience. You’ll find more detailed styling advice below, and you are always welcome to send me photographs of the outfits you’re considering.
Beyond that, your only job is to enjoy your family. The best photographs happen when everyone can settle in, connect and have a little fun. After all, the best part of appreciating the photos on your walls is knowing you had an awesome time getting them taken.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO?
Most people feel a little unsure in front of the camera, so you are definitely not alone.
Throughout the session, I’ll guide you into flattering positions and give you simple prompts that encourage movement, laughter and connection. You won’t be left wondering where to stand or what to do with your hands.
We’ll create a few photographs with everyone looking at the camera, but we’ll also leave room for the playful, quiet and wonderfully imperfect moments that make your family yours. Often, the photograph you end up loving most happens when no one realizes I’m taking it.
WEATHER AND BACKUP PLANS
I’ll keep a close eye on the forecast as your session approaches. Michigan weather can change quickly, so I usually avoid making a final decision too early.
Rain isn’t the only consideration. Heavy clouds, strong wind, extreme temperatures and other conditions can also affect the light and the overall experience. If I believe the weather will prevent us from creating the quality of photographs you hired me for, I’ll contact you about using our backup date.
Whenever possible, I’ll make that decision before you begin getting ready. If conditions are uncertain, we’ll stay in touch and make the best call together.
HELPING YOUR CHILDREN PREPARE
You don’t need to ask your children to smile or be on their best behavior. In fact, it usually works better if the session is presented as something fun you’re going to do together rather than something they need to perform for.
Children sometimes become extra silly, shy or emotional when they know something unfamiliar is about to happen. That is completely normal.
I’ll give them time to warm up, follow their personalities and use movement and play to keep them engaged. If someone needs a break, we’ll take one. I have plenty of ways to connect with children, and there is no expectation of perfection.
The goal isn’t to make your family look perfect. It’s to document the connection, personality and love that are already there.
WHAT TO WEAR?
Choosing outfits doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. The goal is for everyone to look coordinated while still feeling comfortable and like themselves. Begin with an outfit you already love and build the rest of the family’s clothing around it. Choose two or three complementary colors and repeat them gently throughout the other outfits.
Your clothing doesn’t need to match perfectly. It should simply feel as though it belongs in the same story.
THINK IN COLORS, TEXTURES AND LAYERS
Soft neutrals, earthy colors, muted blues and rich seasonal tones all photograph beautifully. Linen, knits, cotton, eyelet, gauze and subtle layers add texture and interest without distracting from your family. Try to avoid neon colors, large logos and several competing patterns.
One soft pattern can be beautiful. If one person wears a pattern, pull colors from it for the rest of the family.
These palettes are meant as inspiration, not a shopping list. Use them to notice how colors, textures and layers can work together without every outfit matching.
CHOOSE CLOTHING YOU CAN MOVE IN
Your session may include walking, sitting, snuggling, playing and picking up your children. Choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably and doesn’t require constant adjusting.
Flowing dresses photograph beautifully because they create movement, but they are never required. What matters most is that you feel confident and like yourself.
DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS
Shoes will appear in your photographs, so choose pairs that complement the clothing and location. Simple tan, brown or neutral shoes usually work well. Try to avoid athletic shoes, prominent logos and brightly colored soles unless they are intentionally part of your family’s style.
Empty pockets, remove hair ties from wrists and bring any finishing touches—such as a cardigan, jewelry or hair bow—with you.
I’M HAPPY TO HELP
You do not have to figure everything out alone. You are always welcome to send me photographs of the outfits you’re considering. I’m happy to help with colors, coordination or choosing between options.
FURRY FRIENDS
Pets are welcome to be involved in your session! Please let me know ahead of time so we can ensure a pet-friendly location. I recommend planning for your furry friends to be at the beginning of your session - I won’t use them in every single photo, unless that is what you prefer. It is also really helpful to have a friend available to help "behind the scenes," so they can assist with holding your pet while we finish your session.
If you do bring your fur babies, it helps immensely to let them get plenty of exercise and check out where we will be shooting before the session. Don’t forget their favorite treats and toys!
THE DAY OF THE SESSION
Please plan to arrive approximately ten minutes before our scheduled start time. If you intend to dress your children after arriving, give yourself a little extra time.
Unexpected things happen, traffic gets backed up, hair doesn’t cooperate, or someone needs one more snack before getting out of the car. Building in a cushion will help everyone begin the session feeling more relaxed.
Because our timing is planned around the available natural light, arriving on time is especially important. A late arrival may reduce the amount of time we have together.
Your session is meant to feel relaxed and family-centered. We are creating photographs, but we’re also making a few memories and leaving space for you to enjoy one another.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER OUR SESSION?
After your session, I’ll carefully review every image, remove duplicates and blinks, and hand-edit the strongest photographs in my signature style.
Your finished gallery will be delivered by email within approximately two weeks. From there, you’ll be able to view and download your images and order professional prints and products.
If you would like help choosing photographs, deciding what size to print or creating an album or wall display, I’m happy to guide you. Product ordering is completely optional, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
A FEW PARTING WORDS
More than anything, I want this experience to feel easy, personal, and true to your family.
Years from now, I hope these photographs bring you right back to this season—the personalities, the relationships, the laughter and even a little of the chaos. These are the details that change so quickly and become more meaningful with time.
Thank you for trusting me to document them.
If you have questions or would like help preparing, please reach out anytime.
Lindsey Anderson Photography
517.474.6225
