You're Officially Booked!

I am so excited that we get to work together! It is such an honor to be your photographer and I cannot wait to get started. Thank you for trusting me to guide you as we look ahead, plan ahead, and get even more excited for your upcoming session. 

Now we get to start the planning process by choosing locations, outfits, etc!

I know this can be a lot to think through, so I've created this guide to walk you through some helpful tips and suggestions.

Let's Start Off Right

When you’re prepping for your session, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

This is supposed to be fun!  Let me take all the stress off your shoulders.

If you trust me, there is nothing for you to worry about.

The most important thing is to make sure you feel like yourself!

 I am the professional here, and you don't need to be!

I use lots of descriptive words in our sessions so you will know exactly where to put your hands, your gaze, etc!

I still get nervous in front of the camera so I get it. You can relax and let me guide you! 

Please be on time! This is 100% the thing that ruins a session.

I can work with crazy kids, silly dogs, awkward feelings, but being late cannot be changed.

Some locations require appointments and fees, so tardiness takes away from your session time.

If you think you will be delayed please let me know in advance so I can alter our timing if possible.

Types of Sessions

Based on what session you've booked, you'll have some specific things to consider. 

MINI Sessions

You have 15 minutes with me!

Since you have a small amount of time, its important to make sure everyone involved is ready at our start time.

If you have smaller kids, it can be a great idea to arrive 15 min early so they can get comfortable with the space and don't feel rushed. If you have a fun annoucement to make, be sure to bring your necessary props!

A sonogram will make anyone "awwwww" when they see how excited you are holding it! 

HALF Sessions

We have 30 minutes to capture all of the magic!

It's important for me to know what are your most desired photos and combinations.

Since you have shorter amount of time, its important to make sure everyone involved is ready at our start time.

If you have smaller kids, it can be a great idea to arrive 15 min early so they can get comfortable with the space and don't feel rushed. I don't want you to stress about anything on the day. Leave those things to me!

Full Sessions

You get 1 hour and two outfits! We have so much time to get fancy and casual in your favorite place.

I love full sessions because they allow the most time for me to get creative and let us have some extra fun!

Maternity SessionS

 You're having a baby!

The best thing you can do for yourself now is to find new ways to love how you feel.

Beauty can evolve when you're pregnant and the same things that once made you feel special may not do the trick.

So if you find a perfect dress that makes you feel beautiful, go for it! If wearing fake lashes makes you feel stunning, wear them!

This is the time for you to feel special and I want to celebrate you! Your session day could be the perfect time to pamper yourself! Maybe set up a mani/pedi or a haircut to make this day all about you!

Newborn SessionS

I love babies! They smell like love and are soft as butter, but sometimes they can be a bit cranky!

I recommend formatting your baby's day so they are changed and fed right before I arrive for your session.

A full baby is a content baby. I would always prefer they doze off during our session than wake up abruptly to me pointing a camera at them and all they want to do is eat!

If your newborn session is in your hospital room, make sure to clear off as much space as you can so I have room to move around while you are still bonding with your new little addition. Natural window light is also a magic-maker here, so try to leave space near any windows for posing.

Location, Location, Location!

I often get asked what spots I love and recommend for sessions.

I'm always adding to my list, but I love returning to reliable locations that can be the perfect backdrop to your session.

Here are some of my favorite local spots for you to consider depending on your area.

What To Wear

I have some go to guidelines for myself and my clients when planning a session.

1. COMPLIMENT INSTEAD OF MATCH!

Did you find the perfect sundress that makes you feel stunning after a day of taking care of everyone else?

Amazing! You deserve to feel beautiful! Maybe choose one or two of the colors in your dress and use it as your main color palette. You can have your husband in a softer tone that coordinates and your children in simple dresses or tops and bottoms.

Choosing colors that work well together is the best way to approach choosing outfits for your session!

For example, if you want to wear a light blue dress, having your husband wear a navy blue suit or navy blue pants and a white button down would be a great choice!

2. CHOOSE PASTELS OR NEUTRAL TONES

Here are some of my favorite clothing colors to photograph:

light blues, pinks, and other pastel shades, navy blue, cream, gray, khaki/taupe.

If you have several people joining in your session, it can be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or fall tones. 

3. TEXTURE IS BETTER THAN PATTERN! 

As far as patterns, avoid anything that may go out of style quickly. Stick with classic patterns like floral and plaid. If one of you is wearing a pattern, have the other person wear a solid color. Too much pattern is very distracting!

4. DRESS FOR THE SEASON!

For Winter and Fall: Don't be afraid to bundle up. If your session is in the winter, wear fleece-lined tights under jeans or pants. Layer cozy knits or grab a pretty winter coat! Feel free to also bring big coats to put on while we aren't shooting. 

Spring and Summer: Pair a dress with pretty earrings or a headband, or a summer dress and some platform sandals for a trendy look. As for spring, you can't go wrong with beautiful floral prints and pastel hues with jeans.

THINGS TO AVOID!

The colors of your clothes play a HUGE part in your final images.

I strongly suggest staying away from anything orange, bright red, or hot pink.

These super saturated colors will look even more bold and overpowering in your final images

and truly can take away from you and your family. 

A strong color or pattern can take all the attention away from you.

But Annie...

I'm 30 weeks pregnant and nothing fits anymore....

I'm 3 weeks postpartum and a tight zipper is not what I want to think about right now...

It's 2am and I am scrambling on LTK and Amazon to find something for my newborn while I'm feeding her....

I have three boys of different ages and want them to coordinate but they have totally different personalities...

I have a perfect dress for my daughter but no idea what anyone else should wear....

Well..... I have been there too!

Being a mama myself, I know how daunting it can feel to pick out coordinating outfits for everyone,

so I decided to do some of that searching for you! 

Here are some ideas to get you started!

I'm trying to add things to these lists often so feel free to check back as much as you want!

If you also find something perfect to coordinate, send it to me and I would love to include it here for other clients as well.

For more ideas and options, please use the following links to go to my shopping lists.

Hair and Makeup Styling

When it comes to hairstyles, be sure to consider your session location and season.

You know your hair best and how it responds to humidity and heat.

If we are shooting on the beach, you may want to go for a style that can blow in the breeze.

Maybe you've dreamed of having the perfect updo to match your fancy outfit.

This may be the perfect time to go to a salon so it is perfectly set and won't loosen during the session.

My best advice is to be realistic. Take a look at past photos of yourself and see how you like your hair!

Take a minute to see what hairstyles make you feel special and beautiful. If you feel good, you will look radiant!



When planning your makeup, I highly recommend coordinating it to your outfit aesthetic.

If you're planning to be in a soft sundress in botanical gardens, a dark smokey eye may not be the best match.

If you want to do your own makeup, make sure you apply your eye makeup a little heavier than normal for your pictures. Emphasizing your lashes will always be a great addition so your eyes are even more captivating.

I cannot wait to work with you!

While your photos will be totally unique to you, I wanted to walk you through some helpful tips and tricks so you're confident by the time of your session. If you have any remaining ideas or questions, feel free to reach out to me!