Styling guide

family sessions

client experience, style and information guide

for your family session

before

I will check the weather daily, along with projected wind, cloud coverage, and dune conditions on the date of our session. I will communicate with you the day before or day of if any changes need to be made in the location or if time needs to be adjusted slightly. For most sessions, I will meet you in the parking area and I always arrive early to let my gear adjust to the heat, etc. of the area. If the session needs to be rescheduled due to rain or bad weather, that will be communicated also early in the day. Your balance due may be paid online anytime BEFORE your session date, and a $25 discount is available for those that pay in cash. Of course if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

during

During our photo session, be prepared for silly jokes (especially if there are kids), and high energy! If you are worried about how to pose, what to do with your hands, etc., don't worry, I've got you covered! I'll be prompting you so you don't have to worry about that. I take LOTS of photos during the time that we're together, including a lot of candids. I also have a few small props for the kiddos to get them moving or prompt some candids.

after

You can expect to receive an email with your gallery link 2-3 weeks after your ​session. You'll be able to download the digital photos straight from the ​gallery, housed on Pixieset cloud. You will receive the promised amount in ​your session fee, and I usually deliver more if the session goes easy and ​weather holds nice!!

Sea Glass Photography

Less crowds & no rental chairs

The beach is a big draw for, well, everyone! That includes hotels/condo resorts that also use rental chairs and umbrellas. I select special spots along the beach for many reasons. Trust that if I have you drive a little ways to a small parking area, it is for all the best reasons and is key to the success and final results in your gallery.

Dunes & Sea Oats

As a natural light photographer, finding beautiful light for your session is a PRIORITY. Often times there is a measure of shade provided by the dunes and sea oats so I always look for that first. And frankly, the dunes & sea oats result in some of my favorite shots...hands down!

even light

The next thing I look for is placing you in even light. During beach photography it is all about the ANGLES. I will judge wind and sun direction when positioning you and your family. Sometimes the wind direction and speed has to make the final decision in placement for candids and traditional posing.

I always shoot within 2 hours after sunrise and before sunset.

A pretty surfline

Lastly, but importantly, I look for a place that will be providing a lot of beautiful surfline shapes. All areas on the beach are NOT the same shape, elevation, or even have the same shells laying around. I am at the beach doing sessions almost every day and trust that I know the best surf line areas for your session!

Best

Bold colors like reds, purples, emerald greens, dark brown, or pretty floral prints look awesome for beach sessions

dress it up!

Photos where you are dressed up always stand out more than ones where you're dressed too casually. Treat yourself to something new....You know you deserve it!!!

Side note for the ladies, flowy fabrics look great in photos!

choose 2 or 3 colors

If you stick to 2 or 3 colors, you really can't go wrong. Neutral and pastel tones look fantastic together.

DON'T be afraid of DEEP, RICH COLORS! They are fabulous against the blue ocean too!

neutrals

If you're ever not sure what color scheme to go with, neutrals never fail. They photograph very well, you can use the photos for different occasions and they're timeless and classic.

Go shoeless

In beach portrait photography, get those toes in the sand. You will never see those toe nails in your images so...NO worries!

Sea Glass Photography

Sea Glass Photography

Sea Glass Photography

no neon

Neon and very bright colors (especially a lot of them), can be very distracting in a photograph. Be mindful of your use of very bright colors, because that's the first place everyone's eyes will go to.

No Logos or all black

Avoid loud logos or pictures on clothing. Also, avoid wearing all black or dark blue.

avoid all matching

As cute as it may seem to have everybody wearing the same plaid, try to avoid being too matchy matchy. Choose outfit colors that compliment each other instead.

Styling tips

Be Prepared

Bring bobby pins or clips---just in case!

"Better to have and not need, than to need and not have," my Mom used to say.

say yes to the dress!

If you have a long, full length, flowy dress or skirt, say YES! Extra plus if it's in a neutral or pastel color. These photograph so well! Consider chiffon of tulle!

flatter fave features

When you're choosing what to wear, think about the features that you love the most and choose something that flatters those features. For example, heels always elongate women's legs and make them look fabulous.

treat yourself

This is a great reason to pamper yourself. Get your nails done, hair done, color, etc. Get dolled up! It makes you look good as well as feel good and confident for your photos.

Styling tips

find the best fit

For men, keep it NEUTRAL and always think of what the lady or ladies of the group are wearing. Keep it simple and clean!

remember details

If you have a classy watch that you love or hat, bring it along! It adds a pop of personalization to your session.

choose dressy

Dresses for little girls and cute shorts/shirts or jeans on boys will automatically make your photos stand out more! You can find great children's outfits in many places these days. Pick something you will all look back on and love!

Accessorize

Even though they're still little, think about what you would do for yourself. If you want to accessorize yourself, think about what accessories you would use for your little one! A cute bow or headband for a little girl, or a cut hat for the little guy.

Working with the kids

stay flexible

I certainly know how kids can be unpredictable at times, so it's best to stay flexible. I will let them run around and be silly if they need to before taking their still shots. Or we can do still shots first and candid playing ones later. I go with the flow!

bring bribes

Bribes are what we turn to if all else fails. If your child has a favorite treat, like fruit snacks or a piece of candy, bring it! We will use it if we need to.

keep it fun

We want the most genuine smiles and laughs from your kiddos during the session! So if that means silly jokes, funny prompts and noises, that's what we'll do!

Final note

I can't wait!

Thank you so much for booking with me. I can't wait to meet you and your sweet family! Hopefully you have found this guide helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me and I'll be more than happy to help. This is going to be a FUN session, so don't stress! Relax and we'll make some wonderful memories that you and your family will treasure forever.

all the best,

Deb

Contact:

850-261-5317