Family Portrait Sessions


FAQs:


What are family portrait sessions?

These sessions are usually with your close knit family who wants to capture a special occasion and make memories about them. They usually mark something special - like a milestone birthday, graduation, anniversary. But, for celebrating life we really don't need any occasion. Every day is special and we need not have a reason to celebrate and be happy about it. Spring and fall sessions are usually a hit with the families, cause - for spring, we are just happy and want to be out of the winter mode, and for fall - it is the perfect time before winter to get all our holiday pictures taken and ready to be sent to your loved ones across the world.


Where do we do the sessions?

Usually these are done outdoors. There are ample number of parks and beaches around Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles communities - and I have permits for photography at them from the respective authorities. We can also do indoor sessions, but with when it comes to kids I think the more room they have to play and have fun - it is much easier to capture the true emotions, that really brings out the best.

What time in the day is the ideal time DO THEses SESSIONS?

I do prefer the golden hour - but, everyone's schedule is not tailored around my needs I suppose! So, any time during the day is fine. Cloudy days are also perfect, cause I wont have the problem of asking you to take off your sunglasses and also, we don't have to deal with the raccoon-eyes or squinting faces all the time. Even on days with harsh sunlight, we can make great images with a little bit of help from the OCF (Off Camera Flash) systems, but you need to remember that harsh sun-light also drains you out of energy and mid-way during the session the family is often tired and that leads to a not-very ideal situation for everyone involved.


What do I wear?

  • Preference is to keep solid colors with the whole family coordinated. The recommended colors - White, Tan, Brown, Blues, Darker Reds (like maroon), Pink (cause we can’t avoid it with girls) but preferably pastel shades, greens (not the neon ones), Grays. I might have mentioned all the colors on the pallet. Again these are just suggestions, you guys are welcome to get as creative as possible; I will do my best to work with it. Mommies - take charge here, cause I know you girls do a good job in this (in most case, there are exceptions every where you see).
  • Patterns are also fine, as long as they are not distracting and can be coordinated with the whole family.
  • Avoid uniform or same colors as much as possible. But - it is hard to do that in certain scenarios, like if it is twins you will want to dress them in a similar manner, and that is perfectly fine.
  • Avoid bold letters or prints on the front of tops/shirts if possible. Unless it is for branding purposes, then it is appropriate.
  • Accessorize if needed - jewelry, watches, hats. Anything that accents the dress/clothes. (Note : Don’t forget to wear your rings if you are married/engaged, MEN - hope you are reading this).
  • If you have to get a professional make up done, please plan for it early and get a touch-up kit along with you for the shoot also. (Just in case)
  • Please wear comfortable shoes to walk a bit, and carry your heals or boots if so in a bag if possible.
  • Get warm/fleece jackets (off late it is chilly outside later in the day).
  • Get a comb or a hair brush (if possible), and a pocket mirror - you will needed (now a days - we have the phone to check ourselves I suppose)
  • If you have a wardrobe change planned, please make sure you get all of it into the bag (like one time someone forgot their pants for the next  wardrobe change, and the mom wasn’t happy at all about it)


Can you bring your pets?

They are totally part of the family, so please do bring them. But, make sure they are well groomed and on a leash. Also, please make sure to update me about this - because, there are certain beaches and parks which have a restriction and we will need to make sure we choose an appropriate location with that constraint in mind.




Can you bring your pets?

They are totally part of the family, so please do bring them. But, make sure they are well groomed and on a leash. Also, please make sure to update me about this - because, there are certain beaches and parks which have a restriction and we will need to make sure we choose an appropriate location with that constraint in mind.


How do we prepare for poses?

This is the part where you don't have to be worried. I will take care of doing it for you. While that said - if you have a particular pose that you want to get pictures with, please do share them to me and we can work at it. Also, I will do the posing and the a few prompts - and let your family be themselves. With me, I believe too much of posing will also make you very stiff and take you our of your natural stance. So, just come and be yourself, and we will make the best memories out of them.


Things to consider when doing sessions with Kids

Bring change of clothes, and if possible in a very similar color pallet to work with. I have seen many times where the dress gets soiled when they play and it is easier to quickly swap the dress out rather than any other alternative.

Make sure they have slept well and rested and fed before the session. Especially for toddlers - that makes a world of difference.