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For maternity shoots: I love the look of long flowy dresses on mom. If dad’s getting in the photos, have him wear a solid color shirt that matches one of the colors in moms dress. If dresses aren’t your thing, anything form-fitting that shows off the belly and has nice colors is a plus. Feel free to glam it up, adding necklaces, bracelets or a funky jacket. Also, you may want to bring small props such as baby booties, a pacifier, or letter blocks.

For newborns, to achieve those peaceful baby shots, it is important that I meet your baby no later than the first two weeks after their birth. This may seem very early but babies are more difficult to pose and wake more easily the older they get. The day of the session I suggest to have the house at a good warm temperature. The little ones don’t like to be too hot or too cold. Keep in mind that most of the poses will be of the baby in their diaper or naked. So the house has to be set at a comfortable temperature for them. Babies may require additional feedings during their session and it may take a considerable amount of time before baby is in a deep enough sleep to start the session. Their photos are usually taken without clothes or with just a diaper cover, but different crocheted hats or frilly headbands with flowers or bows make for great accessories. If you have a particular outfit in mind, feel free to have it ready!

As for feeding the baby, try to time it so that you are almost done with the feeding or completely done by the time I arrive.  A happy belly equals a happy baby. Which equals a sleepy baby. Sleepy babies are awesome! If by chance the baby woke up on the wrong side of the crib, then I will try and capture what we can and possibly suggest another mini session (no charge) within the next few days. I want great pictures as much as you do, so I am more than happy to come back another day and try and capture your baby at it’s best.

The most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.  Bring different outfits to the session to choose from. Have fun with your clothing!  Layering, bright colors, and accessories are the way to go. But stay away from logos and busy patterns.  Wear heels or fun flats, but please remember that we might walk a lot so please bring some comfortable shoes as well. Don’t forget to bring that beautiful ring! Also, if you have any props you want to use for “Save the date cards” or fun Pinterest ideas I am all about it!

Seriously don’t tell anyone but senior seasons are my favorite! So here are a few of my tips for you guys and gals!

It’s important to look and feel good with what you are wearing in the photos. Please feel free to bring a change of clothes to wear as there is a bathroom on site. Maybe jeans and a cute top and a sun dress? It’s up to you guys!

You can bring props with you if you want! If you play a musical instrument in school or anything you want to have bring it!  Jewelry is always a great add-on especially if you have a High School ring you want to show off.

You don’t necessarily need to “dress up” for your portrait session. The best images are usually captured when you wear clothing that you are comfortable in and outfits that match your unique style. I recommend trying to keep things simple by picking solid colors and coordinating your wardrobe as much as possible – the only exception is to avoid wearing solid white. Unless it’s like a sundress or something to that effect.

I recommend bringing at least 3 or 4 outfits. Usually, most girls bring jeans and their favorite tops and a nice sun dress something pretty. The sundress and sandals look is always a favorite for most of my clients. Select a wardrobe that can be coordinated together (for example, pants that look good with two or three different shirts, etc.). Watch out for bra straps that might be hanging out. And of course, be careful not to wear a dark colored bra under light colored shirts or you might be surprised what shows up in the final photographs.

Steer clear of busy patterns, bright colors, or logos and consider bringing along several different clothing changes. Adding or removing a jacket, changing into different shoes, or putting on a different shirt can change your outfit just enough to make it appear that you are wearing an entirely different wardrobe. Also be sure that your clothing is clean and free of wrinkles.

MAKE-UP! 

Just keep it real. Keep it matte…no shimmery, shiny night-time makeup. How do you normally wear it? A little more than normal is fine. A lot more will look harsh…but, hey, sometimes that’s the artistic touch you want.

My biggest tip is to do your makeup with intention and to know what the camera will see. We’ll be working with natural light, so apply your makeup with natural light. Take a mirror outside and make sure you like what you see.

Start by getting plenty of sleep the night before. Tired and baggy eyes will show up in the final images. On the day of your portrait session, be sure to apply your makeup the same way you would on any other day. It’s usually not a good idea to try out something new right before having your pictures taken. We want your images to be a true reflection of you!

Consider bringing a brush, lipstick, powder, hair clips and a pocket mirror with you to have on hand during the portrait session. Applying lipstick (even if you don’t typically wear lipstick) will help your lips stand out. Dry, chapped lips never look good in high-resolution photographs! Your hands will probably be in a few of the images so consider doing your nails right before your portrait session. Along with that, kicking off your shoes can be a fun way to shake up the look of the images so you may want to get a pedicure too. Don’t be caught by surprise with chipped or worn out nail polish!

For families: I suggest picking a color or two and having everyone wear something that coordinates. Maybe have a few family members wear different patterns or prints that incorporate that color, while other family members stick with solids.

For children: I love bold colors and prints! For girls, striped leggings and cute dresses make for adorable pictures! Or little boys in ties and quirky hats! I carry bubbles and treats for the little ones just in case someone is in a grumpy mood… it tends to help.

Expectations: Make sure your child or children are fed, well rested and ready to have a good time. It’s a good idea to tell small children they are going to “play” and meet a lady named Meghan. I want them to feel comfortable and at ease and ready to have fun. I prefer we all work as a team. You know your child better than I do. As you prepare for your portrait photography session, notice what you do or say that produces great reactions. Hug and kiss your kids, laugh out loud, and strike a festive mood. I will ask you to look at the camera when the timing is right, but for the most part, ignore me and my camera.