Fall + Winter Prep Guide

An informational guide to help choose the right session for you this fall - and to help you make it a success!

What will you get out of this guide? And how will it help you?

This guide has been created to help you have a successful session this fall + winter season. I will be showing you different lighting scenarios and what time of day they are. I will be giving you color palettes that work best with each type of location and giving you tips on how to best help your session go smoothly!

What locations and minis can I expect to see this Fall + Winter?

Fall themed Minis
Desert Family Minis
Surprise Location Mini
Christmas Cookie Minis
In Studio Christmas Family Minis
Salt River Family Minis
SANTA Minis
Cabin Room Minis

Christmas Boudoir Minis
Black Friday Special Minis
Vintage Christmas Minis
Flagstaff Sessions
Sedona Sessions
Lost Dutchman Minis
Downtown Minis

Studio Minis - Does Lighting Matter?

The best part about a studio session is that any time of day works!

Studio sessions are perfect pop-in sessions that allow you to get the same even lighting no matter what time of day. They are also a perfect option if you are going for the cozy lifestyle effect.

Why are studio minis a good option?

-No outdoor distractions for the kids

-Studio door can be shut for each family, eliminating the kids ability to run off or get into dirt, grass, etc.

-They are relaxing and more "cozy."

Thinking of including your fur child? Studios DO NOT allow pets. So keep this in mind when booking.

It is so so incredibly easy to let ourselves get caught up in the frustrations of getting ready for annual family photos. But, our kids do not see it the same way. If photos are made fun for them, they won't learn to continuously get worked up and dread them each year!

Remember that your little ones are only little for so long. The only way to capture a child's true personality and genuine smile in images is to make sure they are actually HAPPY.

No one is happy when they are getting yelled at and it definitely shows in photos.
I know it is SO HARD parents, but for the sake of genuine and happy photos, staying present and calm is the best thing you can do.

Littles often do best with some form of, I hate to say it, bribery. Try bringing one of your child's favorite candies, or promising them their favorite treat afterwards.
Try to refrain from saying "you are NOT getting your ice cream after this!" and instead continuously say things like "Think about the yummy ice cream you will get when we are all done!"

POSITIVE reinforcement during photos will go a long way!

Let Your Kids

Be Kids

"Ashley what colors do we wear to our session?"

Warm Tones

The warmer and cozier the color, the better.

-Burnt orange tones

- Deep blues

- Burgundy

- Mustards

- Earthy Browns or Taupes

- Deep Greens

- Mauve or Rose Tones

- White

- Taupe Tones

-Tans

-Khaki

- Blacks

Neutral Tones

"Ashley, what type of clothes do you recommend we wear?"

Feminine

DRESSES!!!

I can not stress this enough. The most flattering thing a woman can wear to show curves and exemplify femininity in photos is a dress.

Skirts

A good midi floral skirt with a solid top can not go wrong.

Try to PLEASE stay away from jeans if the rest of the family is wearing dresses and the boys are dressing up.

Neutral

Colored Pants

Try to select a good solid color that will pop with your selected top.

Ripped Jeans

A good pair of ripped jeans never goes wrong AS LONG AS the other people in the photo I dressed to a similar standard.

A solid colored top

A tucked in solid colored top complements the outfit well. Or a good flowy solid top.

The Fellas

NICE Jeans

A good pair of non ripped nice jeans can complement a long sleeve dress shirt or a solid colored tee.

Khaki Pants

These can go with literally any color and they are a great option for complementing a partner in a colored outfit that ONLY goes with khaki tones.

Plaid

A de-contrasted plaid or floral top is a great option to add texture to an image AS LONG AS the other people in the image don't have a clashing pattern.