PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location,
outfit & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I’m so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your family session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having our family photos taken – and I do this for a living!
Whether I’m capturing your sweet family or celebrating a special moment in your life, like a graduation, birthday, anniversary, or new baby, I’m so honored to help you create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos, and by the time you’ve read through this guide, you’ll have all your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, especially for a family with multiple moving parts!!! I totally get it! I am a mom of FOUR!
So, since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring, pets & how to manage them, location ideas, and more! Then, on the day of your session, your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot, and let me create photos you’ll love forever.
– Kaitlyn
A NOTE TO
The Guys
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun!
TIME & LIGHT
I’m a natural light specialist because I believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, creates photographs that feel fresh, timeless and truest to you.
I begin all portraits sessions no sooner than two hours before the scheduled sunset, during the “golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time.
I am only able to shoot when natural light is still in the sky, so I’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before the sun goes down.
While I shoot most of my family sessions between March and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my families choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your family photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running. You’re also welcome to bring blankets for little ones to keep in a bag or stroller.
Spring
fresh flowers and sunny days
Even though Spring begins in March, I typically don’t begin shooting for another 3-4 weeks because the weather in New Mexico can still pretty chilly, and trees tend to bloom closer to early April. It’s still a good idea to bring a blanket along to your session if you have little ones, just incase!
Summer
in the desert
In spite of the heat, I’m a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6:30 pm. If you’re taking your family photos during the summer, I recommend bringing bug spray, especially if you choose to have your session in the Sandia foothills.
For the kids, definitely bring a water bottle! During July monsoon season, we might need to reschedule for weather reasons, but most times it clears up in time for portrait time.
Albuquerque and santa fe Family LOCATIONS
I love when families choose a location for their session that complements their family story. For example, if you love cities and towns, it may be fitting to take your family portraits among the classic architecture in Corrales, downtown ABQ or Santa Fe, while a local park or flower-filled fields may be more fitting for a large family with little kids who love to run! The best session locations are often meaningful places to the family; however, I’m also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for engagement session locations are endless!
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Veterans Memorial Park
Old Town, ABQ
Downtown Santa Fe
Casa Rodena
near water & TREES
The Bosque
UNM Campus
Jemez streams
Rio Grande waterways
URBAN
Downtown ABQ
WOODLANDS
Sandia Foothills
Sandia Peak
Hyde Memorial State Park (Santa Fe)
Santa Fe National Forest
An old mansion
RUSTIC
Bachechi Open Space
Tree & Flower Farms
A Vineyard
ADVENTURE
Jemez
Hiking
Tram ride
White Mesa
Tent Rocks
the above locations are all beautiful but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my clients!
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 first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I won’t use 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.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST & Coordinating the crew
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the words “complement” and “coordinate,” rather than “match.” This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom. The more I can mix that up, the better. I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’s going to look great all together.
For example, if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with a white button-down and gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square (making navy his dominant color). Your daughter could wear a soft blue top with a white tulle skirt (making a soft blue her dominant color) while your son weirs light beige pants and a white button down (making white his dominant color). Now each person has their own dominant color while still incorporating a few touches of the other that will pull all the looks together. This will break up the color visually and highlight each personality.
Moms, choose your outfits first! I know this is counter-intuitive to most of us, but doing this helps you visualize how everyone else will compliment and coordinate together. Once you have your outfit(s) picked out, you can build everyone else’s so that it fits together perfectly.
Neutrals, whites, creams, grey, and pastel colors photograph beautifully for the whole crew.
Natural light near a window is a MUST-have.
Photographing your baby in the best lit room is key, but it’s also nice to get some shots in the master bedroom also, and possibly outdoors!
for the ladies
Wardrobe Tips
Dresses and skirts look the most stunning because they really flatter ever female body, especially on camera. Long full-length, flow dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Considers softer fabrics, like chiffon or tulle, which allows for beautiful movement in the images.
When considering the length of your dress or skirt, it’s also a good idea to factor in whether or not there will be little ones in your photos. If you have smaller children, I’ll likely have you sitting or crouching on the ground to interact up-close with them. Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses photograph beautifully, but if you have little ones in your photos or the wind is present, a floor-length dress or skirt, or perhaps a cute midi-skirt, will make moving around with your kids much easier and look perfect on camera, too.
When choosing colors for your outfit, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shared. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, with sophisticated light neutrals like heather grey, creams, leather brown and white. The softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor AND indoor environment, and especially complements the light in the desert.
In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
Three quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer, or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.
for the ladies
Accessories
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs. Belts, bracelets, and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention.
Heels elongate women’s legs, making them look fabulous. Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe.
for the ladies
Favorite Shops
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Lulu’s
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
for the ladies
Hair & Makeup
Family sessions are the perfect time for professional hair and makeup!l! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind. Professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your family photos – moms, treating yourself for this is so worth the time and money, I promise! It will also relieve some stress on your part, in just getting ready and getting everyone out the door won’t be as stressful when someone else helped you get ready in peace!
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photography orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
for the ladies
Manicure
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding your man’s hand, or one of your kids!! It’s always nice to have your nails done, and looks classy on camera too.
for the gents
Wardrobe
Long, fitted pants and closed-toes shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs an feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals, and jeans at home, too, as well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. Solid shades of beige, gray or navy are a strong complement to most. women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, trust me when I say that it’s worth an house of discomfort for photos that will last you both a lifetime. Adding another laying will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests, and coats up the level of any look. If temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
Many of my male clients love to mix a suit coat, blazer or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds some extra visual interest, and breaks up the color tones. I’m a big fan of this fresh take on a timeless classic.
Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, and watches are sharp complements to any outfit for men and boys alike.
for the gents
Favorite Shops
KUHL
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
I’ll check in the week of your family session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your family session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for your crew – but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 2 hours in advance.
Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water, and any small objects (like very small toys or lollipops) that might help me get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they’re good listeners, like an ice cream cone, for example. It also helps if their bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest beforehand. Once you prepare them physically and mentally, then feel free to give them grace! They’re little and I know that some days don’t always go as planned. I have very young children too, and I’ve seen it all. I will make sure to get you great photos, regardless of their moods!!
Props
extra love is always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your family session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you and your family!
Typically for family sessions, especially if it’s seasonal, I might bring a banner like the one pictured to the right, a wreath, a festive blanket, or a sitting crate for little kids.
It depends on the location and what might flow best, as well as what you’re looking for!
POSING
"What do I do with my hands"?
When it comes to posing for your family session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you all laugh – and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for!
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on mom’s hair, makeup and everyone’s outfits to make sure things stay in place. I will definitely try my best to entertain your kids! If you have young children who just won’t sit still or cooperate, we might move on to photos of just mom and dad. This way, the kids can watch and understand what exactly is expected of them.
Bottom line: I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
When to Expect Your Images
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I begin to curate your images and aim to provide you with a sneak peak online within 24-48 hours. You can expect to receive your family photos between 2 and 3 weeks after your session.
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your family session! I created this guide to help make your portrait session experience something you’ll look back fondly on for years and years to come. At the end of the day, though, your future memories are the most important think to me, and I want your session to be a time for you all to just be yourselves and ENJOY your time together! I will take care of the rest!
Happy Planning!
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Kaitlyn Heacock is a wedding and family portrait photographer based outside of Pittsburgh, PA.
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