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Location Planning01 02 Wardrobe Planning Included with this email, I have a short questionnaire to help me understand a bit about your family and what your vision is. After receiving that, I will send over some recomendations on locations I think will be a great fit for your family! If you are interested in using anything from my client closet (I have womens and kids items) then we will set a time for you to come try on some dresses and find one you love. We can also plan any other family members outfits at this time. If you want to use your own items, I am happy to give opinions from a photography point of view. You’ll also find wardrobe tips later in this guide. Signature Session Guide J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M J E N N @ J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M What to expect as we prep
I’ll be sending more day-of tips just before your session so everything will be fresh in your mind. But essentially I just want you to stay in the moment with your kids and let me work with your kids to get them to look and smile. I want you to be smiling when it happens and not pointing at the camera or frowning at your kiddos. 03 Photo Day! In 3-4 weeks you will recieve your final gallery to your email. There will be a link where you can view, share and download all your photos. You will also be able to order beautiful professional quality prints at this time. You’ve invested in this photography session - your photos deserve to be printed by a professional lab as opposed to a drugstore. 04 Post Session J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M J E N N @ J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M
light and fresh warm and boldclassic and timeless Start by picking a palette of 3-4 colors. Let this be your starting place. Find a dress or outfit you love in this palette. You know what looks best with your hair and skin tones, so plan towards whatever makes you the most confident! Everyone in the family can express their own sense of style within the chosen color palette, and the whole group will coordinate beautifully. START WITH A PALLET! LAYERING / ACCESSORIES Layers and accessories are a great way to introduce some depth and variety to your outfits. In the cold months adding layers to your outfits always looks stunning in portraits and can keep kids warm and happy! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Likewise, accessories can complete your outfit and add a lot of interest to your photos! A stack of bracelets or a long necklace for mom or suspenders, a bow, or a bonnet for the little ones can really elevate your photos. MUTED COLORS / PATTERNS Avoid large patterns such as stripes, polka-dots and any other graphic patterns as they can be distracting. We want your family and your connections to be the star! Small patterns can look great. Try to have only 1 patterned outfit for every 2-3 people for family shoots. Avoid neon colors, and overly bright colors as they can also be distracting and cast unflattering colors onto your skin. Muted colors add interest but keep your family the focus of the photos. COORDINATE, DON'T MATCH Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your kids in the same matching dresses. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look across the board. Styling Tips TEXTURES / FABRIC Using a variety of natural textures can also create dimension and interest in your outfits. I suggest using a combination of textures. Linen, cotton, chunky knits and denim can all be great options J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M J E N N @ J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M
J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M J E N N @ J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M Bonus Tips HAIR & MAKEUP Feel free to go a bit bolder than normal on makeup, as that often looks best on camera. Some moms even opt to get a blowout or have their makeup done professionally before the session. I recommend bringing a small comb for any last minute fixes on hair, especially if you have little ones. BE YOU, BE COMFY! This is important! If there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your family session wardrobe! No matter how gorgeous they may be, if you're not comfortable and feeling confident, it will show in your expressions. Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable! Make sure dads shirt is long enough that his belly is covered if he lifts a kiddo up in the air. FIT YOUR STYLE TO YOUR LOCATION Always keep your session location in mind when choosing your outfit. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting and not compete with it.
Thank you!! I hope this guide has helped to answer most of the questions you may have, and also help you go into your session feeling prepared and confident! I want to make your session an experience something you will look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as the memories you make. Turning these (often crazy chaotic) moments into memories is the most important thing to me. I want your session to be a time for you to just be with your family and enjoy this season! If you have any additional question, please feel free to contact me directly. I look forward to working with you! L E T ' S G E T S O C I A L ! Follow me on Instagram (or if you already do, say hi!) so I can follow back and get to know your family before your session! I also occasionally drop some tips for family sessions on there! @jennchenphotography@jennchenphotography J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M J E N N @ J E N N C H E N P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M