Thank you so much for choosing me to document this moment in time for you. I truly believe photos are so important and freeze a feeling you might other wise have forgotten about. I believe less is more when creating memories for you.

Below is a ton of information to get the most out of your session. I have been doing this for 14 years (and also have 3 kids of my own so I’m basically a pro haha) and truly found these tips help your session so much, as well as my style guide helps to achieve my style of photography. Please have a look through, let me know if you have any questions or need suggestions at all.

One more thing about me and my style is all about beautiful light. I always say I would rather shoot in an ugly place with beautiful light than a perfect place with bad light. Light is everything when it comes to light and airy photography. Outdoor sessions are all photographed in the late afternoon/evening when the light is the softest. In the Fall, the best time for family photos will be around 3:00-6:00 to get that golden glow.  My style is to generally shoot in “messy” longer grass or a field type of setting (all seen below)  Finding new locations does take a good amount of time so please be respectful of this if asking for something specific. I do have locations I use every year so no need to suggest anything, I just do like to ask in case you had anything in mind.

What To Wear

For Mom – Whites, creams, beige, pastels, neutrals, blush, neutral tones, fall tones ect. My style is very light and bright so it is important that your outfit reflects this as well. Loose flowy shirts or dresses are great. Same as light colored pants with softer tops. I truly find dresses photograph best overall and is always my #1 recommendation for mamas. Remember this is not every day, this is a photoshoot. Just as you would dress up for an event, this is another excuse to get dressy.

Make sure to have your hair down and curled as well as makeup on. Your hands and feet will be in the photos so please do not have on distracting nail polish or jewelry. Keep it simple.

For Dad – the same rules apply for him as well as no logos or old t shirts or ball caps. Light colors are always a must. For the guys usually greys and cream colors are easy to find and work great as well as earth tones and neutrals always. White t-shirts are just fine as long as they are still a crisp white and in good condition. Jeans are fine but do add a more casual feel to the photos.

The goal is to coordinate your pallet rather than to match.

Lots of inspiration here for you

https://www.pinterest.ca/ncphotographyyeg/what-to-wear-photoshoot-ideas/

For the littles  A simple little outfit in the same pallet as what you have chosen to wear. Again, dresses are great for little ones. Please just add shorts or bloomers underneath as this is really helpful for not missing shots due to position. H&M, Zara, Old Navy, Amazon. All great places for family photos. Heck Walmart has even stepped up their game.

Headbands and bows are great to showing off a little bit of character.  Or we don’t need any, just consider to bring some as an option. Again, light in color. I do not provide these. For the girls, hair down is always best, nothing too perfect or slicked back. For the little guys, think of how you would dress Dad, but for littles. Same concept and coordination.

Do not for outfits– Not a ton of black, bright colours, purples, reds, pinks ect. No ball caps or logos.

Bribes – Little treats. Cherrios, num nums, ect. These are little bribes that are not messy. Things without color that we can sneak into the shot and don’t get their clothes messy are a win

Toys but NOT their absolute favorite one. Ones that make sounds or light up are perfect. But please do not bring these out until I ask. Last resort.

If they have a favorite stuffy or blanket that works with my style, please do bring it. I love personal details.

Get the Most Out of Your Session

Like anything,  working together just works better.  Try and stay on schedule the morning of and the night before. It really does help.  Please be on time for your session as I typically schedule Fall sessions back to back to accommodate all of the requests. Please respect my time and treat this as any other appointment. I will email you the address of your session closer to, as I typically check them out as close to your session as possible since nature is ever changing.  It might sound silly but talk to your kids about the session. Tell them my name, Nicole, and that we will be taking photos. Practice their cheese smile and get them prepared, no matter what age. It truly helps.

I will need your help getting those trusty smiles. Whether this means tickle fights or barking like a dog (yup I said it), I will need your help. Plan on running around, doing a ton of nose kisses and throwing your kids as high as they can go, Dad be ready for your work out. I like to have fun and capture those little personalities as much as I can  because we all know they grow up way way too fast. Don’t feel pressured to sit still and smile and the camera. Let your kids be who there are, it’s what you’ll want to remember the most. Kids are hard to photograph so if we can work together to get those smiles the shoot should be a success. This is not a day off and will feel like an entire workout when you are done. It’ll be worth it, I promise.

But most of all, have fun. Keep smiling, play with your little one, connect with them as you normally would..

Please let me know if you have any questions at all before your session. In the mean time, please let me know if you would like a certain for your session

I also ask that you take the time to sign this client contract asap

https://nc-photography.ca/portrait-contract/

Here are some client sessions that nailed their outfits