I’m so glad you’re exploring ways to hold onto the little moments you love most.
I completely get it, family photos are important to you but not if the process is complicated or time-consuming. Most clients usually get to see their images within a few days after their session (no waiting for weeks) and in the end you’ll leave with printed family portraits to show for the time you spent wrangling the whole gang together.
Let’s walk through how we get from planning your session to printed images in your home.
1. Planning a Smooth Session
We’ll start with having a chat so I can get to know your family and get a better picture of what you’d like to do with your images. And if you don’t know yet, that’s ok.
Best place to begin is by choosing a room in your home. Think about which walls can use a little “warming” up. Then repeat.
Don’t worry yet about how many images should go on that wall or how big they should be…after your session I will help you visualize all of that.
What’s more important early on is making sure everyone looks good together with outfits in colors that work well together and with your home.
I’ll offer tips and examples on how to do this, but my best advice is…keep it simple, neutral and if you’d like sprinkle in any colors from your home.
2. Best Time of Day for Pretty Lighting
The absolute BEST time to schedule your photo session outdoors is 1 hour before the sun sets. As the sun sets, it creates a soft glowing light that is oh so flattering— it’s known in the photography world as the “golden hour”. The golden hour changes throughout the year, so here’s a rough timeline of approximately when your session should START:
- Spring – 5:30 – 6:30 pm
- Summer – 6:30 – 7 pm
- Fall – 4:30 – 5:30 pm
- Winter – 3:30 – 4:30 pm
3. Beautiful Locations in Central NJ that Won’t Disappoint
No need to fuss about where to go. I’ve got this part covered, just choose from one of my go-to spots…
- Manasquan Resevoir in Howell has a vast tranquil body of water, lots of trees…if you haven’t been there, you’re missing out!
- Allaire State Park in Wall Township is a historic village perfect for holiday photos in front of various historic buildings.
- Spring Lake Beach in Spring Lake where you can enjoy bare feet in the sand, ocean breeze and perfect glowing light at sunset.
- Mercer County Park in West Windsor is another picturesque park with a lake as well as paths.
4. Photo Sessions that Aren’t Stressful or Stiff
We’ll get together for about an hour as I guide your family with gentle prompts, games and activities — like reading a favorite story together, walking up a path, smothering kids with kisses and tickle attacks — all sure ways to get you and your kids not thinking about the camera so moments can naturally unfold.
I’ll hone in on those peaceful, soulful and happy moments you love. And if at any time things aren’t going perfectly, don’t worry, we just embrace it and go with it because sometimes that’s how the most touching images are achieved.
5. Viewing & Bringing Your Images to Life
After your session, your images will get a little TLC before you get to see them (that’s about the time to get the tissues ready). My goal is to have your images ready to view pretty quickly, generally within a few days of the session.
I LOVE to show you your slideshow in person…I can come to you or we can meet somewhere.
We’ll peruse through album samples and art options for your walls like friends talking over coffee. I’ve done all of the hard work of narrowing down to a handful of options that will display beautifully in your modern home. So no stressing over sizes or designs — consider that part done for you.
Have questions or want to book a session?
