LMP Session Guide 2023

deep breathe . . . let's get started!

As I mentioned, each session is its own; no two sessions should look the same. Even though there is consistency to my images (my style is a little bolder, more contrast, rich + saturated colors), I don't want you to spend hours combing the interwebs looking for images that you want to "copy" - two reasons, that gallery was crafted for those people + more importantly I won't duplicate someone else's work. I take pride in creating something with you that is entirely your own.

What to wear

When it comes to choosing outfits, or what to wear, I only have a handful of tried + true guidelines that I think work best for everyone.

1. Pick one statement piece and work everyones outfits around that one item. (Mom's dress, dad's shirt, the dogs collar...you get it.)
2. Avoid loud prints + vibrant colors (there's this thing called color casting - wear a hot pink shirt, and your skin will look hot pink.)
3. No logos of ANY kind - nothing is worse than a really well put together group of outfits, and a giant NIKE swoosh cuts through it all.
4. Try not to be too matchy-matchy. What I mean is not putting everyone in jeans and white shirt...or everyone wearing one color.
5. Dress for where you will be - high heels aren't ideal for sand just like a tank top isn't ideal for snow.
6. Try and avoid strong trends - you don't want to look back and be able to say "hey 2021, nice floppy felt hat / kimono / cut off shorts combo!"

Think about where we will be - wherever we end up, you'll likely want to be able to move around a bit. Especially the kiddos! I definitely recommend waiting to dress the younger ones until you arrive - my best friend's daughter emptied the contents of her stomach all over her dress on the way to their session - no bueno. Needless to say, we rescheduled. If you build in a little time before your session starts to get everyone together + ready, you'll have less to worry about! If we are outdoors, I recommend dressing in layers - if it's cold + you warm up a little, layers can peel off. If you start out warm + get chilly, back on they go! A note on footwear: nothing worse than bright white kicks at a Christmas tree farm in December the day after a rain storm! 'Nuff said.

Click the links below for outfit "pin-spiration" by session style!

NEWBORN Sessions

Babies have their own schedule ... their own agenda. Let's be real - I have never had a newborn session that has been less than an hour, but I have also NEVER needed one to last 4 hours either! My sweet spot is usually 1.5 - 2 hours, and that includes any diaper changing or feeding or really anything you or babe needs! Your newborn session shouldn't be rushed or panicked in any way. I love taking a "fly on the wall" approach to these sessions, as the beauty and the magic live in the in-between moments. Your sessions will be flush with images of all kinds so when you look back years from now, you can say "oh my gosh! Look how little the kids were! ... I remember that quilt! ... Look at how small they were in their daddy's arms! ... Wow I can't believe how great their older brother/sister was at holding them!" I encourage you to let your session happen naturally. If baby needs to eat, please feed them! I will only shoot breastfeeding with permission + take images that show the bond between you + that sweet babe. (Nothing taken could be mistaken for Lactation Consultant course material :)

In terms of what to wear, I want you to be comfortable. You will most likely be 2-3 weeks out from delivery + your body is still healing. Be kind to her and wrap her up in soft fabrics that stretch + move with you, are neutral in color and classic in their form. Leggings, sweaters, cardigans, light and flowing gowns (think linen, cotton, spring and summer style dresses), simple tops with little to no detail are best. Your partner should follow in suit. Neutral, calming, easy to wear pieces that keep them comfy too are always a winner. I would suggest leaving super long necklaces and statement jewelry in your closet for these, as they can quickly become tangled in blankets, and even newborn fingers.

Same goes for baby - light, neutral fabrics will read best + won't go out of style. It is best to have several options on hand, as babies never stay in one outfit for very long! If you have any family pieces (bonnets, booties, nightgowns...) let's use them! Muslin swaddles + soft knit blankets are best for wrapping baby with and gently draping over them while they snuggle with you. Please try and avoid bright colors and busy patterns - simple is best. I am not a prop photographer when it comes to newborns, as I really want to capture connection and not a vignette. That's not to say that a paci or a stuffie isn't welcome! Of course they are - in fact, I love shooting around the babies space a little to get images that help round out their story even more.

FAMILy sessionS

Family sessions are the best for so many reasons. They can celebrate something happy, or even something sad. They can represent a new chapter in your story, or the end to an old one. They can even be just because. I firmly believe that really doesn't even need to be a reason for a session, other because you want one! I have done family sessions in peoples homes, in old historic buildings; I have done them in sand + snow and everything in between. What ever vision you have for your session, let's talk about it! I want to learn what makes you + yours tick. I want to help you preserve your legacy to pass it down for years to come.

When styling everyone, pick one statement piece + work the remaining outfits around that one item with solids, neutral patterns and accessories to tie it together. If you have one outfit that speaks to you and sets the tone, go with it. If it's a dress with a floral pattern, you can pull a color from said dress + grab other select items in that color for the rest of the family. You can have the littlest one wear a simple pattern, and have the older kiddos wear solid colors that compliment the pattern. In terms of shoes - please choose sensible shoes for where we will be...and if we are in a grassy field or in sand, shoes are optional :)

These sessions are meant to tell your story - they are meant to show the world what makes you + yours as awesome as you are. Families are what they are, come in all shapes + sizes, and sometimes theres not a drop of blood between them. Please know that I am here for it all, and I can't wait to find that connection that you all share and shoot the heck out of it!

MOTHERHOOD sessions

Motherhood sessions are some of my favorite. Having two babies myself, I can say without hesitation it's the most beautiful I've ever felt in my life ... and I was VERY pregnant in July! There is something so sweet + settling about creating a new life. You journey into motherhood is yours. It looks different for everyone and that's what I love to capture. As with every other session I do, it's those in-between moments that really tug at the heartstrings. Your hand resting softly on your belly, a tiny smile as you think about meeting that little life earth-side for the first time. It's all pure magic.

When you think about what to wear, think comfort. You will likely be 32-34 weeks at the time of your session, and that's the beginning of the end! Long, flowing dresses, soft fabrics that move with the slightest breeze. Depending on the feel you want in your images, you could choose a body hugging, off-the-shoulder gown, or a cotton maxi summer dress. Light, neutral colors are the very best. It's calming, not at all distracting, and really speaks to this season of your life. If bright, bold colors are your thing, all I ask is to choose carefully ... the reason is a little phenomenon called color casting - if you are wearing hot pink, your skin will look very pink where the fabric touches. Let's talk about how hard that is to manage in post processing - whoever it was that first uttered the statement "you can photoshop that out, right?!" had NO idea what they started! I would also try to avoid large patterns + logos. Small, sweet patterns are ok, as they usually blend pretty well and don't distract. If your other half is joining you in your session, the same suggestions apply.

Barefoot is always an option - feeling mother nature under your feet is such a grounding sensation that really speaks to this season of your life. If you have to / need to wear shoes, let them be comfortable. Of course in warm weather, sandals are the easiest choice. In cooler weather, as long a your feet are warm, that's all that matters. Bonus if you wear a long dress - no one will see your feet, so wear those cozy Uggs!

Bottom line, I want you to feel beautiful + as comfortable as you can. Check out this link for some "pin-spiration," especially if you are a visual person, or really just want to see an entire look put together.

TANGIBLES

If you are interested in expanding your investment beyond a digital gallery, I would LOVE to help you choose what works best for you. We can even create something outside of these packages to honor your session + the beautiful collection you will hold so dear.

Cheers to you for choosing me - I will take the very best care of your story.

I know how important it is to get it right.