Portrait Session
PLANNING YOUR
everything you need to know to get the photos you're dreaming of
Welcome
FROM AMANDA
I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait for our time together during your portrait session! It’s normal to be a little nervous. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I am thrilled that you pulled the trigger (seriously, just imagine the MAGIC we are going to create together!). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your trust in me. It is an honor to create one of the integral parts of your family's legacy.
Please read through this guide carefully to help you get the very BEST out of our session together!
Are you ready for some good news? You really don't need to do much! Besides outfit selection (which I cover in this guide), all I ask of you is to enjoy your experience and trust the process. Try to talk about your upcoming session in a positive tone at all times, especially in front of any family members that may be feeling a little uncertain.
Before the big day
the pre-game ritual
All of these are great! Just... not so much when it comes to photos. Gum shows no matter how much you think it won't. Transition lenses look like sunglasses in photos, and we want to see those beautiful eyes! And even if a spray tan looks FANTASTIC in person, it really throws off the skin tones that I pride myself in capturing. Your natural skin color is the BEST!
If you wear glasses and have transition lenses, you can either remove the glasses altogether for the photos, or if they are an integral part of your look, you can change them out for a pair with traditional lenses. I will try my best to minimize the glare so we can see those gorgeous eyes!
Things to avoid: gum, transition lenses, and spray tans
HELPFUL HINTS
What do I do with my hands?
It's totally normal to not know what to do in front of the camera! In fact, I consider it an integral part of my job to show you want to do in a way that feels effortless and natural. Not only are my sessions extremely relaxed, but I fully guide you and your family into poses and give you prompts so you can have moments of genuine laughter and fun together. Often you won't even realize how amazing a moment is and I sneak a photo at just the right time.
I'm here to see the beauty in seemingly ordinary moments.
It is one of the best and most fulfilling parts of my work.
Session Day!
a few things to keep in mind
Please plan to arrive ten minutes before start time, or even earlier if you plan on getting the kids dressed there. Unexpected things happen on photo day - hair doesn't cooperate, traffic gets crazy, you have to run back because you forgot something.
This is a big one ... DISCIPLINE. For the time we have together, please don't worry a bit about your child's behavior (so long as no one is in danger or being injured, of course). Kids can sense when our expectations are high, and they may act out more than usual. I totally understand you want them to be on their best behavior! But in the spirit of having a relaxing, fun experience (and getting good photos!), it works best if disciplining is paused during the session. Honestly, it backfires anyway and the tears and grumpy faces stick around longer.
I have a "bag of tricks" that usually works if a child is having challenges. Also, since my sessions aren't time-based, we have plenty of time to take breaks as needed. I can stop and walk with them, talk to them, ask them about their favorite stories, shows, or toys. Worst case scenario? They stay grumpy and you will get some pretty entertaining photos that capture exactly who they were on that day. Mission accomplished, right?!
So yeah, don't worry mama. Trust the process and we will get some great stuff.
Outfits
THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR PHOTOS
Here we go! This is either the most stressful or most fun part of the process (although I'm SO here to help you either way)... it's outfit time!
Photography is kind of like walking into a bakery. There are many photographers out there who have all kinds of different styles - cupcake flavors, if you will. They're all great, but each one requires a specific recipe to get that end result you love! I am so honored that you've chosen my bakery, but I need your help to complete the recipe.
I have a very specific style and strive to be consistent with my images so you know exactly what kinds of photos you will be getting from your session (dreamy, light, airy, classic, timeless, and glowy... if I do say so myself!).
So let's get baking.
Perhaps you've noticed that mostly everyone on my website or instagram feed is wearing light colors. There is a reason for this! A photographer's best friend is light. Light is the "paint" I use. I use it to get a very specific look - probably the look that drew you to my work in the first place! When you wear light clothing, the sunlight bounces around, reflects back into your face and anyone who is around you, creating a beautiful glow. It flatters your skin - making it creamier, and hiding flaws.
**If you absolutely hate light colors, please go with muted jewel tones (such as plum or midnight blue), as opposed to anything bright and vivid, or neon. Sunlight combined with vivid colors (such as really bright blues, neon yellows, etc) makes for an unnatural color cast on your skin. With the lighting I use, if you are wearing bright green and it reflects back onto your face (and it will) it can make you look sick and we don't want that!
My aim when it comes to clothing, is to have it NOT distract from your faces and expressions. I want the focus to be solely on those dimples in your baby's cheeks, your son's freckles, your daughter's beautiful eyes. When you are wearing simple and timeless clothing, the attention isn't drawn to your clothing... but to those amazing features I just mentioned. This is a great thing! When you wear busy patterns, it competes for that attention and your eyes are naturally drawn there.
Light colors are a MUST.
THE OVERALL AESTHETIC
Patterns
low contrast is always best!
We need to be very selective about the patterns we incorporate into our portraits. As a general rule, all patterns should be small in size, and very low contrast.
High contrast patterns (aka: light and dark colors close together) attract the eye and compete for attention... taking the focus from faces, which we don't want! This is one of those seemingly little choices that actually make a big impact!
Light and delicate patterns are easier on the eyes (and the overall color palette). The image on the right is an example of a portrait-friendly pattern. This dress doesn't attract the eye, leaving it free to focus on the most important things - the faces you love!
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When the ladies wear dresses, it really helps create that timeless look. I highly recommend maxi dresses! The floor length flatters every silhouette and adds to the beauty. When a little breeze flutters by, it helps create motion in the photo. Additionally, the long length makes crouching down easier, which you're likely to do quite a bit during a family session. Wearing dresses is NOT an absolute must, but it really does help create the aesthetic you often see in my work!
For little girls, you can go very simple! Just a solid colored, plain dress can be perfect. You can also add texture with sweaters, boots, bows, etc.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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Props should be classic, natural, and only used very sparingly. Remember, I like to keep the focus on the face! That being said, I love including a meaningful prop or two, when the occasion calls for it.
For example, I LOVE LOVE LOVE floral bouquets, a beloved book, an ultrasound photo, or a sentimental toy (just for some of the shots). Little props that are simple and meaningful, can add some fun photos to a collage, and make for visual interest. If you DO bring a prop or two, please let me know before we start so I can incorporate them when the time is right in your session.
Props
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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While it isn't absolutely necessary, feel free to go all out! Professionally done hair & makeup does last longer than what you or I can do on our own, most likely. It also tends to hold up better for humidity and wind.
With the settings I use to shoot, please go a shade or two darker than usual with your usual blush and lipstick (these things will photograph lighter than they look in person). Additionally, be sure to keep hair out of eyes - especially for the little ones! A simple hair-colored barrette is my favorite, because it doesn't distract from their faces.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Anything neutral, light and NOT distracting works! In the Summer, I love kiddos in bare feet if the terrain allows. As for babies who can't walk - if it's warm enough, let's see those cute toes! If it's cold out, neutral boots are adorable, or just about anything as long as it's not a bright color. If mom is wearing a maxi dress, often times we won't be able to see those shoes so no pressure there.
When all is said and done, I just want to make sure the shoes don't attract too much attention. We want that attention going to your faces!
Shoes (or not)
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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Nothing Fits But
Morning Lavender
Baltic Born
Anthropologie
Mint Julep
J. Crew
Favorite Shops
Pink Blush
Amazon
Ivy City
Joyfolie
Free People
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
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For shirts, I recommend a button-up dress shirt (rolled up to the elbows if the temperatures allow! It helps create a dressy, but not stuffy look). I would avoid polo shirts, at least for my particular style.
For bottoms I highly recommend keeping them a light color. This can make a HUGE difference in your photos. Khakis, tan pants or light grey will work. If you'd like to go the denim route, choose a very light wash. I highly discourage dark pants (black, navy, dark brown, etc.) because of the contrast it creates with other light colors. Your eye will go right to it!
*Adding layers and textures by way of blazers, suspenders, vests, etc. is always a good idea as long as the colors stay muted.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
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ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
This section reviews guidance for specific sessions, such as newborns, seniors, and maternity sessions.
Session Types
Families
colorful leaves and snuggling close
For families, we always say to expect the session to feel CHAOTIC! There's a lot to wrangle and it might feel like your kids aren't cooperating or we aren't getting good shots. I promise you, I won't let you leave until we have what we need! Just trust the process and know that the result will be genuine, authentic images!
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Maternity
baby bumps & new mom glow
Maternity sessions are typically held when you're 30-35 weeks along. We find that this is the "sweet spot" in most pregnancies: the bump is well-pronounced, but mama is still feeling well enough to be photographed! While these sessions will certainly focus on the mom-to-be, your partner and/or any older children are welcome to attend as well. We know this is a special time for them, too!
Newborn
ten little fingers & toes
Lifestyle newborn sessions are held in your home, any time in the first 3-6 weeks of baby's life. These sessions focus on baby's environment and family relationships, creating a perfect time capsule of those early days at home.
Please don't feel as if you need to deep clean your entire home before the session! We will primarily work in areas with the very best natural light, such as the nursery, master bedroom, or living room, and we're totally used to moving a few things around once we arrive.
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Locations
MARYLAND AND DC PORTRAIT LOCATIONS
During your consultation, we'll work together to choose a location based on how you want your photographs to feel, where you live, and how far you're comfortable traveling. Much like the other "ingredients" in our photo recipe, the location we shoot in matters A LOT and greatly impacts the final look of the photos!
That means that park near your home might be beautiful to the naked eye, but it may not work for photos. Likewise, the place I choose for us to shoot in might look like nothing special in person, but will be pure magic for your portraits. Below are a few tried-and-true locations that I love. If you're interested in shooting somewhere new, let's talk about it during your session!
Old Town Alexandria
DC National Mall
Georgetown
Maryland State House
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Downtown Annapolis
Solomons Island
Leonardtown Wharf
Naval Academy
COASTAL
College Campus
Personal Property
Wedding Venue
PERSONAL
Terrapin Park
The Narrows (Kent Island)
Jefferson Patterson Park
BEACH
Jefferson Patterson Park
Quiet Waters Park
Greenwell State Park
RUSTIC
Sailing / Boating
Mountains
County Fair
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our clients!
Our dogs are a huge part of our family, which is why I love when clients choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the second part of your session, and arranging for a friend to tag along and pet-sit for the first half. We won’t feature the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
I will keep an eye on the forecast the week before our session. It can change quickly... in either direction! If the forecast is sketchy there is always a bit of a gamble with whatever choice I make, as the weather can change on a dime. However, I will try to make the best decision based on my professional experience and let you know if we will need to reschedule 12-24 hours in advance.
The most important thing to me is the lighting outside. Even if it's not raining but the clouds are too dark, or if it poured hours before and the ground is muddy, we will need to reschedule. Dark clouds make for unflattering shadows, and of course the possibility of rain is no fun when you just spent so much time on everyone's hair! If this happens, will proceed with the backup date we chose upon first booking.
At the end of the day, my greatest wish is that you, your children, and grandchildren ADORE these photos forever. After all, your family is what life is all about, and one of my greatest joys is that I get to play a small role in preserving your legacy.
It is my hope that our time together ends with your hearts a little more full, your home a little more light, and that you fall in love with your life over and over again.
Parting Thoughts
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session! However if there is something we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
hello@amandawosephotography.com. See you soon!