Here are some common sense things that you might think I shouldn't have to mention, but as moms, we are concentrating on so many other things to prepare for the photo session that we sometimes overlook things!

TATOOS:  Remove temporary tatoos that the children have on their arms or other body parts.  Use a gentle method so as to avoid a rash.

BLEMISHES, SCRAPES, ETC.:  If someone has a blemish, scrape, rash, etc on your face or other exposed body parts, it is better NOT to try and cover it up with makeup, coverup, etc.  It is easier for me to remove it in photoshop on portraits you order from as is vs. having to overcompensate for additional makeup that runs beyond the affected area.

Again with scrapes, stitches, bruises, please avoid putting a bandaid on for the photo session.  It is much easier to photoshop without that.

SAYING CHEEEEEESE!:  Please do not have your child "practice" for the photo shoot by saying cheese!  By doing this, they tend to oversmile, get some facial distortion and they elongate the word by saying cheeeeeeeeeeese and their mouths do not look natural.  I have words and phrases that I use in shoots to help them feel relaxed, smile and laugh.  However, it is always great to think of something you say at home repeatedly that makes them smile or laugh.  Repetitive play mimicked at a shoot always helps.  Many parents forget these in the heat of the moment, so don't feel silly about writing them down to bring with you!

BRIBES & TOYS:  If you have small children 3 and under, please feel free to bring a special toy or something that makes a noise they like.

If you are bringing "bribes" please be aware of the types of food or candy you bring to my studio.  Some candies and suckers have the potential to stain their clothing and/or my backdrops.  They also may just serve to stimulate more drool in babies that will affect the outcome of the portraits.  Cheerios are a good, dry food to bring, and small enough to be less noticeable.  The best candies are smarties and I usually have some on hand.  Please alert me of any allergies.

SHOES/SOCKS:  For beach sessions, barefeet only!  For studio sessions I have a few comments.  For about age 5 and under I tend to have the children photographed in bare feet or socks.  There are some exceptions, like if you are all dressed up for the holidays or Easter.  I especially follow the "no shoes" rule with boys as their shoes tend to have very big soles and when a young boy sits down to pose, all I see are the bottom of his feet in the foreground of the photo!  Girls can get away with it more since they tend to have daintier shoes that often match their outfits.  The point of the story is to make sure their feet are clean and they have matching, clean socks on!  :0)

NAIL POLISH:  Many kids show up with funky colors on their nails or toenails.  Others have some painted and some chipped away.  Please either remove all nail polish or paint nails with a soft color and not something bold that will stand out in a picture.

HAIR:  If you color or highlight your hair, please be conscious of how your roots look.  Too many times I have been asked to touch up hair - this can be avoided by planning appropriately and getting a quick touchup on your hair color prior to our session.

BEACH SESSIONS:  Don't worry about your footwear if we are shooting at the beach!  I ask that everyone take off their socks and shoes at the beach.  And I don't let anyone get away with it unless there is an extreme medical condition!

Be prepared for your young child/toddler to want to explore with, play in and even taste the sand!  I know they are easily distracted, so bring a favorite toy or item... especially those that make noise so we can redirect their attention to the photographer!

I only shoot at the beach in optimal lighting which is approximately 90 minutes prior to sunset.  This is when the sun is low and the light is soft.  Shooting too early will show harsh shadows on the faces and cause squinting.  If this means we are close to a child's bed time, then try to adjust their schedule accordingly for at least the day of the shoot if not a few days prior.

Come prepared with a possible change of clothes.  Sometimes when we are done with the "posed" portion of the shoot, we like to frolic down by water's edge!  I've left shoots with the kids soaking wet.  If you were planning on going out to dinner afterward, a dry set of clothes is helpful!

There are no restrooms at the beach!  So... make sure everyone goes to the bathroom before you leave for the shoot and keep their drinking to a minimum.

For Spring and Fall beach sessions, if the weather was not above 80 degrees during the day, chances are it could be chilly by the water.  Please come prepared with a jacket or blanket to keep any children (or yourselves) warm during the shoot when they are not in a picture or if we need to take a break to warm them up.

COMMUNION SESSIONS 

These sessions do take a long time so be prepared to spend about 90 minutes in the studio.  And do NOT tell your child it will take any less time as they will get frustrated and impatient when it takes longer than expected.

Most moms do not come to the studio with their child fully dressed so that the dress or suit doesn't get wrinkled when they are buckled in a car seat.  You are more than welcome to have them "finish" getting dressed here and I have a bathroom for privacy if needed.

For girls, please come prepared with extra bobby pins for securing the veil, hairspray, combs, brushes, jewelry and any make up for touch ups.  I also recommend coming with a back up pair of panty hose if they are wearing them in case of a rip.

Please bring the child's rosary beads and a small communion bible to use in the pictures.  If you forget or do not have them, I do have white beads and a white book for you to use.

If you have photos from older children that you would like to match, whether for the pose or composition or background color, please discuss this with me ahead of time so we can make sure this can be accomplished.

Even if you have an idea of what you are looking for in your communion portrait, I have a set list of standard poses I use, which is very similar but slightly different with boys and girls.   They include full body, 3/4 body, headshots, sitting, praying with rosary beads, reading the bible book, etc.  I also take both serious and smiling shots so you will have a lot to choose from.  I usually try to end with something "fun" for the child to do to give them a chance to show their personality and be silly after having to be so serious and religious!

As a parent, be prepared for getting into a photo with your child.  It is such a special time for you and them and I feel it's important to have a shot of parent(s) and child together.

CLOTHING TIPS - coming soon.