I thought I would write a post for my clients on how to prepare for their photo session…specifically family sessions. Don’t worry…we’ll get to how all of this transpires to the bedroom! 😉
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​The biggest question I often get  is what to wear to a session? Here is what I recommend:

​What to wear:

– Soft solid colors are generally best: cream, grey, pink, light blue, tans
– Black always looks good…I love black!
– Keep patterns to a minimum, if at all.
– If you wear patterns try not to have everyone in a pattern, just one person or so…and children are the best candidates because they are smaller.
– Think in layers. A scarf, hat or vest can come on and off and provide additional looks to your images.
– Try not to wear the exact same colors, or wear the exact same outfits. So white shirts with jeans looks very monochromatic, but can also give your images a dated feel. Mix it up within that color palette. For instance dad in a white shirt, kids in grey and light pink, mom in white dress. 😉

You can also see my pinterest page for ideas here:
​https://www.pinterest.com/joannaboothpics/fallwint…
https://www.pinterest.com/joannaboothpics/bluebonn…
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How to get the kids…and hubby ready!
​So kids and husbands are the moveable parts in a session that keep things going smooth and evenly verses  rushed and short. Here’s what I recommend for both to keep mom happy during a portrait session.

​​Kids under 8 years old:
​- Make sure kids have lots of rest
​- Take the kids to the bathroom
​- Check the details! Brush their teeth, remove those Spiderman tattoos, give their hair a brush
​- Feed the kids before coming
​- Bring snacks for small children…but keep them hidden until we need them
​- Bring favorite toys/dolls…keep them hidden for bribery purposes if needed
​- Practice smiling and making funny faces in the mirror. That way they will know what the difference is when we are trying to get them to smile
​- Tell the kids they are going to meet me. Show them my picture from my website. ​Here is some dialogue that can help.

Say: “Mrs. Joanna will be taking our photos today. We are so excited! It’s going to be fun and she’s going to make us laugh and smile. Are you excited to meet her?!”

 

​Hubby
​If your husband is happy, carefree, likes to smile, loves to dress up and is excited for your family photo session because he can’t wait to spend money on photos and loves looking at his adoring family… then I’m jealous and you can totally skip reading this part! Lol
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If your husband is like mine, then he probably couldn’t care less about being in front of a camera, getting dressed up, then spending an hour with a stranger to only have to yell at his almost 7 year old because he’s not listening…whew mini rant over. But he does it to make you happy, because it’s important to you, and because he would rather sacrifice and hour of aggravation instead of deal with the silent treatment for weeks. (Ahem…this is not a personal psychological release I’m going through I assure you. Lol!)

BUT, if that’s the case…this is good! Why? Because I know how to handle that. Here’s how to get dad’s in the mood! (a bit of a double entendre)

• Figure out what the color palette will be for your photos beforehand
• Get his opinion on what he likes and is comfortable in
• Pick out what fits in the palette
• The session time is 1 hour and goes by really fast
• Pump him up and let him know he’s got this!
• Although the session is 1 hour, we won’t be capturing dad exclusively. There will be time for him to chill out and check out the game on his phone.
• DO NOT SCHEDULE A SESSION DURING HIS FAVORITE TEAM GAME
• Have the conversation of when was the last time you guys were photographed. If you have kids…it should be every year. If it’s just the two of you, every 5 years.
• 

 

Ok…so here’s where the title comes into play…

First, let’s just think about this…sometimes dad’s need a “mommy treat” as a bribe to get into a photo session. We all have mommy treats at various stock levels. Make sure you stock up on yours…just in case dad needs one later on in the evening for doing a good job at his session. Hey! Don’t judge! Do what you have to do. However, I do not promote illegal acts, or any pimp related work! Lol! (Like a pimp would hire me for a family session…I digress. But seriously, no means no.)

Second, again putting myself out there…husbands often see us looking haggardly. I generally am in my sweatpants and some tattered shirt sitting in front of the computer with my hair wrapped up or unkempt. So whenever I dress up, it’s like I’m some plus-sized Beyonce who just walked into the room. At least that’s how I think my husband sees me with his drooling look, and comments of “where did you get that outfit.” Ha! So what better way to go from a photo session to a lovely romantic dinner and “dessert” when you’re all made up and looking and feeling sexy! Hello!

Anyhoo, I’m back on track! So lastly, in the end if EVERYONE is happy, then as the old saying goes, if mom is happy everyone is happy. Because both parties are getting what they want. Photos… and mommy treats! Lol! So when you’re ready, contact me for your family session!