Preparing for Your On-location Photo Session

The Golden Hour is ideal

The golden hour—the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset—is one of the best times of day for photography. The light during this time is soft, warm, and flattering, creating beautiful tones and gentle shadows. It reduces harsh contrast and adds a natural glow that’s hard to replicate at any other time of day. I recommend scheduling sessions as close to golden hour as possible.

What if That’s Too Late for the Kids?

I completely understand that golden hour may fall too late in the evening for families with young children. In that case, we’ll work backwards from sunset to find the latest possible start time that still gives us great light and keeps the little ones comfortable and happy.

My goal is to balance beautiful lighting with your family's needs. We’ll find a time that gives us the best of both—gorgeous photos and a great experience for everyone involved. Let me know the best start time for you and your family.

Why a Personal Location Is Perfect for Family Photos

Choosing a personal location for your family photo session—like your home, backyard, or a favorite family spot—adds a special layer of meaning to your images. These places are filled with your real life, real memories, and the everyday beauty of your family’s story.

Here’s why it works so well:

Comfort = Real Connection
Everyone, especially kids, feels more at ease in familiar surroundings. That comfort helps bring out genuine smiles, natural interactions, and real connection—everything we want to capture.
Unique to You
No one else has your front porch, your cozy living room, or your favorite trail. Personal locations make your photos one-of-a-kind and deeply meaningful.
Lifestyle Moments
Being at home or in a place that matters to you gives us a chance to document little in-between moments—playing in the yard, snuggling on the couch, or walking hand in hand. These are the memories you'll cherish most.

Of course, I’m always happy to shoot in beautiful public locations too—but if you're open to it, a personal location often brings out the most authentic version of your family.

What to Wear for Your Outdoor Family Photo Session

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match. Aim for a coordinated color palette rather than everyone wearing the same thing. Think complementary tones, like soft neutrals, earth tones, or warm/cool pastels. This creates a natural, timeless look without feeling too "matchy."

2. Choose Comfortable, Classic Pieces Pick clothes that feel good and reflect your style—nothing too tight, stiff, or trendy. You’ll feel more relaxed (and it shows in the photos!). Simple, well-fitting clothes always photograph best.

3. Add Layers. Layers like cardigans, vests, or scarves can work great outdoors and add dimension without being distracting.

4. Avoid Bold Logos & Loud Patterns-hey can draw attention away from your faces and connection.

What to Expect After Your Photography Session

Thank you so much for a wonderful session! Here’s what happens next:

🕐 Gallery Delivery

Your edited photo gallery will be ready within 1–2 weeks. I’ll send you a link to your private online album, where you can view and download your images.

💳 Final Payment

Please note that full payment is required before the final gallery is delivered. If you still have a balance, I’ll send you a reminder before your photos are released.

📸 Social Media & Sharing

Your privacy is important. I never share images on social media or my website without your permission. If you’d like to be featured, just let me know!

💾 Image Storage

Your gallery will remain online as long as I’m an active photographer, but I highly recommend downloading and backing up your images right away for safekeeping.

✨ Edits & Requests

If you'd like any changes to your photos, please let me know as soon as possible after receiving your gallery.

If you're not happy with your images, please don’t download them. Reach out to me first so we can talk through your concerns and find a solution together.