Top 9 Tips for Planning Your Edmonds Family Photo Session
With kids, everything can happen
With families comes children, and no matter the age – things will happen, and you should expect hiccups before or during your session. No matter their age, they are their person and may throw a wrench in your best-prepared plans. Think about their nap schedule, ensure they have a meal or snack, and address any other needs beforehand. Whether your child is shy, your baby requires special attention, or your teenager is having a moment, all of these situations happen to families from time to time. My role as your photographer is to help your session run smoothly, including ensuring your children have a relaxing time.
Plan your outfits
Matching or not matching – both are fantastic choices- it’s key to keep your stress level at a minimum on the day of your shoot. Consider your choices as the photos will be a part of your family’s history. Instead of trying to set fashion trends, keep your options simple and timeless. With my few simple guidelines, choosing outfits will be easy and stress-free.
Location
Visualize your photos before the day of your session. I like to shoot outside since Edmonds, WA has such places. We can be in a park, next to the water or in a field. We can also schedule your session at your home (travel fee). Whatever suits your family the best.
People change
Your family will change and sometimes even grow, which is great! As your life evolves and babies grow into adults, don’t miss the opportunity to capture these incredible moments. Think about scheduling family sessions and a children’s session once a year. Especially when there are constant changes – becoming taller, growing out their features, changing their styles – planning your sessions out in advance will ensure that you don’t miss these life events and take them off your to-do list.
Who to include?
Consider who is a part of your “family” and how you should incorporate them into your photo shoot. From everyone you want to include – think about how to work with their schedules and invite them to the shoot, whether it is extended family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandchildren, or friends that impact your life. Plan on sending a few reminders in advance – including the coordination of outfits – so you can start your session on time.
Pro tip: You may want to bring your pet if the location allows them. If so, bring a friend to help handle the pet when they’re not in the photo.
Time of day matters
For your photographs, you want the best light possible. With outdoor sessions, think about scheduling in either the early morning light or at sunset. When you select an at-home session, the schedule can be more flexible for the time of day and season. Think about when your children are the best and when they need to nap – this can help improve the mood of your photoshoot.
Have a good time
My photography style puts you at ease as I want you to have fun and be relaxed. While many families stare at the camera and smile, think about how you can have fun during your session. When you’re enjoying time with each other, it shows in the final product, and I will provide tips and guidance when needed. Having natural, unposed photos can be beautiful as you show your true personalities – especially when you’re snuggling with your little ones.
FAQ
What if it rains?
The weather – like life – is sometimes unpredictable in Edmonds. If it rains, snows, or trends towards a "too-hot" day, we can see that in advance, and it’s better to reschedule. Your photo session should be an excellent experience, which may not happen during a downpour.
Will We Get the Digital Files?
YES! Once the session has wrapped up, your high-resolution files will arrive digitally through an online gallery (no logos or watermarks). All edited photos are similar to what you can view on my website.
Can We Print Our Photos?
Absolutely. You can print the photos from the online gallery (the preferred method) or print them on your own.
Pro tip: Not all print shops are created equal and can change the contrast and colors to look different from the final projects. I spend hours editing photos to make them look specific, and bad printing reverses all my hard work, which is a total bummer.
PRICING
Family Session *MARCH '24 SPECIAL | $299
Individualized client experience focused on your specific needs
1 hr session at my recommendation
A minimum of 35 beautifully edited images
Online gallery of edited images
Full-resolution digital edited images on USB drive (upon request)
Web-sized digital images for sharing
Two outfit changes
Group of 7+ people add $45
>>>>>>> Extended Session | $499
The Extended Session includes it all, everything from the basic and digital sessions! Plus, we will have more time to get fun, unique shots that push our creative limits. And instead of 35 photos, you will get over 70! Extended Sessions are recommended for seniors, engagements, and large families to get more photos of different groupings.
Session Includes:
Individualized client experience focused on your specific needs
1.5-2 hr session at location of your choice
A minimum of 60 beautifully edited images
Online gallery of edited images
Full-resolution digital edited images on USB drive
Web-sized digital images for sharing
Additional creative poses
Multiple location options
Unlimited outfit changes
Groups of 7+ fee waived
*Fast editing within 1-2 weeks is available for an additional cost.
If there is something you want that you don’t see, please contact me for a custom quote.
Contact me to pick a day and time for your family session. I require a signed agreement and a non-refundable reservation fee of $60 (via Venmo is fine) to secure the date. The remaining payment is due on the day of your session.
