People ask me all the time, how to do you get your clients to look so relaxed but also have these wonderful shots that capture them perfectly?  I have thought about this over the years and I really think there are five things that make up an awesome family session!  Most of them have nothing to do with me ….and everything to do with my clients!  But here you go!

• Location!  I think this is so important.  My locations (which you can read about more here) are unique…I choose spots that have some structure (buildings) and open space…I also always try to have trees, even if I’m in a field, I use my surroundings/locations to help frame and be a part of my images.  In the session below, that I use several different buildings, a path, two fences and an orchard…that helps to give so much variety to their gallery and images.  One of the challenges for my beach sessions is that I don’t have all of that to work with so I have to be ultra creative with just the vast open ocean.
• Clothing/Outfits:  Though I encourage my clients with a what to wear guide in their welcome packets…ultimately its up to them!  I have to say, I have the most stylish clients…they always bring it when it comes to choice of clothing.  They never do matchy matchy, but always coordinate and accessorize perfectly!
• Preparation:  I work hard at helping my clients prepare for out time together.  Once they book me, they get a welcome packet in the mail that is loaded with information about how to preapre their kids, what they can expect, the process, how long and what we’ll do at their session.  I really feel the more they are prepared, the better it is.  When we are all on the same page it makes things go so much smoother!
• Connection:  It’s a must…I work hard to make sure there is loads of connection (touching and hugging) in my images.  I also try to get them to relax and so I capture real smiles and giggles.  Sometimes you have to encourage your clients to do this, but once we start, then it becomes natural for them and the outcome is AMAZING!
• Relax and Have fun:  This is vital.  I want the experience with me to be FUN!  Nothing is a better compliment to me than when we are finished and walking to the car to hear a dad say “that was so much easier than we’ve ever had”  I work quickly (and that’s important) but I also keep things relaxed.  This helps to keep things moving, kids engaged, and for me to capture their personalities.

So I choose to highlight what makes up an awesome family session because the below session was exactly that.   I so enjoyed working with each and everyone of them and the outcome is simply beautiful!  The light, the location, the beautiful people…it’s just perfect!  Thank you so much B family for allowing me the opportunity to work with you!

A few house keeping items:

• We have very few beach sessions left for the summer…that is crazy to us, but we are nearly booked!  If you are at all thinking about a beach session at any of the NC/SC beaches…then please email us right away for availablity.
• The Teen Shoot for June only has one spot left!  Check out the details here!
• We are booking fall family sessions!  Yep…only 1 weekend date available for October and 3 in September!

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