I got a lot of questions about how to prepare for a session so here are some things for you to think about ahead of time!

Look at big sister's flowered dress and how her siblings outfits pull from that dress. Everything is coordinated so nicely and really pops agains the green grass!
What do we wear????
Color, color, color! I LOVE color in portraits. I think of portraits as art and I like colorful art. Many photographers recommend the traditional khaki pants and white shirts and while that works for some it is not always the most flattering. Remember in photos, the eye is drawn to the lightest part of an image. If you prefer a more monotone look then try a darker color. One color I find often works with large groups is blue. You can tell everyone to where a blue shirt and it almost always looks goods and coordinated!
How do you choose your colors? You can start with what looks good on you (or your children) but don’t forget to consider where you plan to display these portraits in the home! Planning on purchasing wall portraits? Consider coordinating with the colors in the rooms where you will display the portraits! Yes, I am serious!
I love these colors and how mom coordinated the children’s clothes with the colors in her dress! Perfect!
I suggest you select a wardrobe for the family that has pieces that all coordinate with each other.Test out your selections by laying EVERYONE’s outfits out on your bed and ask yourself if everything coordinates. You can also do this by shopping online and organizing outfits in a shopping cart. I do this and select items for all my kids from the same store since they usually coordinate many of their items each season.
LOVE the dog as one of the siblings and LOVE the green! See patterns can work if done right and color is fabulous!
Also consider bringing:
-your dog(s)! If it is an outdoor session your dog is welcome. Use your judgment as to whether or not he should come!
-accessories, such as headbands, scarves, jewelry, jackets and hats can really add to your look and give the image an artistic touch
-props – if you have fun props, such as antique family items, toys or items with special meaning you’d like included, please feel free to bring them
-dress up costumes for little ones if you are doing a session longer than 20 minutes. After we are done with the formal portraits we can have some fun playing dress up.

Long sleeve shirt and manicured nails work well for newborn sessions!
Newborns:
Be prepared for a LONG session! Newborn sessions can run up to 3 hours depending on how easy it is to get the baby into a deep sleep! Andrea allows time for nursing, diaper changes and comforting the baby.
Parents should wear long sleeve solid color shirts (or dark brown/grey or white if you prefer). Sleeveless is also an option but only if you like your arms!An extra shirt is always a good idea since naked newborns are known for soiling parent’s clothes! And Dad if you have great arms or a tatoo or something you like to show off, we can always go with a couple images of baby on your bare chest or arms. A stunning contrast of dad’s strength and baby’s frailty.

Nothing more precious than baby and daddy.
Clean manicured nails are essential as they will most likely be photographed.
MOM! Even if you think you “don’t look good enough to be in portraits right now”, do your best to come prepared to be in a few. If you hate how you look you don’t have to buy the portraits! If you don’t come prepared the opportunity to professionally capture this incredible new relationship will be gone. And know that I had three babies and three c-sections so I am very aware of what parts mom does not want photographed and what angles are flattering!.
Baby? A nice bath and lots of lotion to clean up the dry skin is suggested. Don’t forget to trim those newborn nails! NO tight socks to avoid marks on baby’s ankles. Dress him/her in a snap down the front outfit that is easy to take off without waking the baby up! NO OVER THE HEAD CLOTHES! If possible I like to “try” to get the baby naked and start to photograph him or her before they wake up.

Mommy brought the smaller bear. It was hers as a child. The rest are props from the studio.
What to wear/bring to a session?
-nude newborns are best for most images but we can try a special outfit if you have one you want photographed
-something special that you would like in the photographs
-cute hats if you have any (I have some too)
-a special outfit or cute onesie if you like
- knit blanket or any special blanket
- cloth diapers for accidents

A simple fitted black shirt shows off that belly and the jewelry adds a touch of color and femeninity.
Maternity
This is NOT your momma’s maternity session! Don’t be afraid to dress pretty!
Fitted tops, pretty jewelry, even heals! This is a beautiful time, show it of!
Suggested items:
-denim jeans or black yoga pants or long flowing skirt
-basic tank top and
-cute tops that you feel are flattering on you
-pretty fitted top (shirt,blouse,sweater) that opens in the front to reveal your belly
- pretty jewelry (necklace, earings, bracelet)
-blocks that spell baby’s name if you like
-sonogram photos
-special items you would like to be photographed with
- cute undies if you plan/or might end up doing semi-nude maternity images





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