What to expect from a family photo session -, LA photographer’s guide
HERE AT FIVE OCEANO, WE WANT TO MAKE YOU FEEL AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE.
BECAUSE I KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR INVESTING IN THESE FAMILY MOMENTS AND I WANT YOU TO ENJOY THEM!!
I’M A LAIDBACK PHOTOGRAPHER
I’m known to be a laid-back photographer that likes to have fun during my sessions and can care less about taking the perfect photo. You won’t have to worry about me putting you in crazy poses and having you hold a smile for an hour. I like our session environment to be comfortable, fun and memorable. Regardless if this is your first ever professional family session. Or if this is your 50th session one thing I can tell you is your family can relax and be themselves.
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
How I like to prepare my families for their session is by explaining to them what type of photographer I am if they haven’t worked with me already. I like answering any questions they might have. Or me asking them any questions I might have of their family. Now don’t get spooked its not an interview more of quick Icebreaker. I believe it’s important we match to make it a successful experience for both of us. This is where we will also exchange any info like emails, phone numbers, addresses and all that good stuff. This will all happen a few weeks before our session.
LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER
To put me more in a box you can say I’m a lifestyle photographer. What this means is I don’t pose. What not posing looks like is where the family is in the moment. Vs where everyone is looking at the camera smiling standing straight. I look for moments that showcase family intimacy. Where the kiddos are playful and silly, where mom and dad are holding their babies with tenderness. Some people call it the “no posing style” photography. Don’t get me wrong if the kiddos are willingly looking at the camera smiling Its defiantly a plus. I will say look at the camera, but this isn’t what are whole session will consist of. I want to showcase the love families have without the pressure of posing for a photo but with the peace of knowing that being themselves is enough for amazing photographs. I do what I call lose posing. I start of by asking my families to sit or stand together. I like to see how they naturally pose themselves together then I go in and move them around if needed. Since I seek connections, I often ask my families to give each other lots of kisses to hold hands, to hug, to make each other laugh. That’s how I do my lose posing. I tell my families have fun pretend I’m not here. Let’s not get this confused with candid photos since I will also have you look over at me from time to time.
HELP PLANNING YOUR OUTFITS
When a family first books me I like to ask them if they have any questions on what to wear because I know this is a huge worry for some families. Not knowing what to wear can be stressful I have a whole blog post on this that goes super in detailed. Make sure to plan ahead and if you have any questions always ask me, I can help coordinated your family’s outfit. I like to suggest you start with what moms going to wear and go from there. I know moms can take longer to find what they want to wear I find it easier to start with her.
CHECKLIST ON HOW TO PREP FOR PHOTOSHOOT
It is important that everyone feels excited and ready for the session. whether that means the kiddos get an extra nap before the session or a special treat after it’s done. It is important the kiddos see this as a fun experience. Parents should also not set any expectation of their kiddos behaving a certain way at the session. Hopefully without any expectations of them staying still for a photo helps relieve the stress for the rest of the family and everyone can go into the session with an open mind. Another thing I recommend is to confirm the location address. This might mean looking up the directions beforehand to make sure you know exactly where the session will be at and avoid being late.
OUTDOOR LOCATION
I love shooting on location it’s one of my favorite things about what I do. There is a few pros and cons when it comes to having an outdoor location session. Some pros or the beautiful views and perfect golden hour light not to mention its super fun for families to just make an entire day out of. Some cons are the weather it can be unpredictable. In situations of bad weather, I will always reschedule the session to a better weather day. Thant’s why its important to plan your outfits ahead of time to see what works best with the location you’ll be at. How I choose what locations to have the session at consist of a few things. As I got to know you and what location you prefer I will provide a few options for you to choose from. We do this together to find you the perfect backdrop.
