portrait
portrait
planning your family
session
session
Tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, managing kids and more!
tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, managing kids and more!
planning your family
***better viewing experience on desktop***
Rachel
I'm so excited to be working with you. I can’t wait for our time together. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. You're a busy family with quite a few things on your plate.
That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids and more.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
I'm so excited to be working with you. I can’t wait for our time together. It’s normal to be a little anxious about your session. You're a busy family with quite a few things on your plate.
That's actually one of the reasons why I put together this guide. It covers things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a location, outfits, prepping kids and more.
Hopefully it helps you feel fully prepared for our time together, but should you have any other questions or if you need advice, please feel free to reach out!
Rachel
little ones
managing
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few things for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders as a reward system for a job well done.
I am incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
One thing I've learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old.
The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay.
little ones
managing
The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little one (or big one,) is to get on board.
It can also be helpful to pack a few things for younger children. Favorite toys, special snacks and the promise of ice cream afterwards work wonders as a reward system for a job well done.
I am incredibly patient with kids and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help get even the smallest ones to cooperate.
One thing I've learned over the years is that our experience of our children is different from what others experience. For example, if you’re at the grocery store with your three year old son and he starts yelling, you probably think he’s irritating other customers more than he is. Most likely, those other customers just see a cute (slightly loud,) three year old.
The same holds true for photo sessions. Your child is in a new element and a stranger is holding a big camera in front of their face. They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. They may show off more than usual or your extrovert may suddenly become shy.
Rest assured, it’s all okay.
When was the last time you saw a portrait session capture more than just pretty people on pretty backgrounds? One that made you think WOW, what an authentic moment in time? Odds are, if you haven't invested in lifestyle photography, your answer might be from an event you just happened to catch on your iphone.
That is such a shame. I want more for you!
I will work with you on a deeper level, creating a thoughtfully planned session that speaks to your personality, lifestyle, and even to coordinate with your decor so that prints ordered will compliment your home. Even more importantly, I will take time to get to know you, so that you shine in your images in a way you didn't know was even possible. Sessions start at $525.
Family sessions
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before I arrive. This helps ensure that they are ready to go right away. However due to the tiny size of their tummies, it’s also likely that they’ll need another feed (and maybe a diaper change) during the shoot.
Please don’t worry about pausing the session to feed your little one. This is normal! I plan extra time for newborn sessions.
newborns
a note about
01
If we’ll be photographing the newest members of your family, the following tips below will help ensure everyone is happy throughout the session.
While your entire house doesn’t need to look like it’s ready for Pinterest, we do recommend cleaning up the nursery and any places you think we might shoot. This might include your bed, the couch or a spot in your home with beautiful natural light. But truly, that's all you need to prep. We know you're in the throes of newborn life and we won't judge the pile or dishes in the sink or baby paraphernalia that has suddenly taken over the house.
02
preparing your baby
preparing your home
This is a season when you might not quite feel like yourself. A fresh outfit you feel good in goes a long way. I’ve found longer, a-line dresses that are nursing friendly are often the most flattering. Brands like Petal and Pup and Morning Lavender tend to have quite a few of these at affordable prices. Session days are also a good day to take others up on that offer to help. You are one hard working mama and if you have time to nap, shower and get ready in peace, you’re going to love these images a lot more.
03
You’ve likely realized this by now, but babies can be a bit messy. It’s always a good idea for all members of the family to plan an extra outfit just in case.
04
dear mama
backup outfits
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before I arrive. This helps ensure that they are ready to go right away. However due to the tiny size of their tummies, it’s also likely that they’ll need another feed (and maybe a diaper change) during the shoot.
Please don’t worry about pausing the session to feed your little one. This is normal! I plan extra time for newborn sessions.
newborns
a note about
01
If we’ll be photographing the newest members of your family, the following tips below will help ensure everyone is happy throughout the session.
While your entire house doesn’t need to look like it’s ready for Pinterest, we do recommend cleaning up the nursery and any places you think we might shoot. This might include your bed, the couch or a spot in your home with beautiful natural light. But truly, that's all you need to prep. We know you're in the throes of newborn life and we won't judge the pile or dishes in the sink or baby paraphernalia that has suddenly taken over the house.
preparing your baby
preparing your home
This is a season when you might not quite feel like yourself. A fresh outfit you feel good in goes a long way. I’ve found longer, a-line dresses that are nursing friendly are often the most flattering. Brands like Petal and Pup and Morning Lavender tend to have quite a few of these at affordable prices. Session days are also a good day to take others up on that offer to help. You are one hard working mama and if you have time to nap, shower and get ready in peace, you’re going to love these images a lot more.
You’ve likely realized this by now, but babies can be a bit messy. It’s always a good idea for all members of the family to plan an extra outfit just in case.
dear mama
backup outfits
02
03
04
When was the last time you saw a portrait session capture more than just pretty people on pretty backgrounds? One that made you think WOW, what an authentic moment in time? Odds are, if you haven't invested in lifestyle photography, your answer might be from an event you just happened to catch on your iphone.
That is such a shame. I want more for you!
I will work with you on a deeper level, creating a thoughtfully planned session that speaks to your personality, lifestyle, and even to coordinate with your decor so that prints ordered will compliment your home. Even more importantly, I will take time to get to know you, so that you shine in your images in a way you didn't know was even possible. Sessions start at $525.
Family sessions
is there a "good" time
to take photos?
time and light
I’ve found that there is a good, better or best time to take your photos, but never really a bad time. We'll plan your sessions based on a particular “look” you have in mind, a pastel beach session for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically begin about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first hour after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
is there a "good" time
to take photos?
I’ve found that there is a good, better or best time to take your photos, but never really a bad time. We'll plan your sessions based on a particular “look” you have in mind, a pastel beach session for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically begin about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first hour after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
time and light
sunset & Bedtimes
In the warmer months, sunset sessions may fall during or after bedtime. As much as I love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", we're likely going to need to throw off your schedule a bit.
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, we recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
sunset & Bedtimes
In the warmer months, sunset sessions may fall during or after bedtime. As much as I love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", we're likely going to need to throw off your schedule a bit.
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, we recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
When was the last time you saw a portrait session capture more than just pretty people on pretty backgrounds? One that made you think WOW, what an authentic moment in time? Odds are, if you haven't invested in lifestyle photography, your answer might be from an event you just happened to catch on your iphone.
That is such a shame. I want more for you!
I will work with you on a deeper level, creating a thoughtfully planned session that speaks to your personality, lifestyle, and even to coordinate with your decor so that prints ordered will compliment your home. Even more importantly, I will take time to get to know you, so that you shine in your images in a way you didn't know was even possible. Sessions start at $525.
Family sessions
Some family members just happen to be furry! I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
If you have additional family members, I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home.
The best way to ensure a cooperative floof is to exercise your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats!
When you schedule your hair/makeup, don't forget to call the groomer to set up an appointment for them as well.
fur babies
managing
Some family members just happen to be furry! I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
If you have additional family members, I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home.
The best way to ensure a cooperative floof is to exercise your pet before the session and bringing their favorite toy or treats!
When you schedule your hair/makeup, don't forget to call the groomer to set up an appointment for them as well.
fur babies
managing
When was the last time you saw a portrait session capture more than just pretty people on pretty backgrounds? One that made you think WOW, what an authentic moment in time? Odds are, if you haven't invested in lifestyle photography, your answer might be from an event you just happened to catch on your iphone.
That is such a shame. I want more for you!
I will work with you on a deeper level, creating a thoughtfully planned session that speaks to your personality, lifestyle, and even to coordinate with your decor so that prints ordered will compliment your home. Even more importantly, I will take time to get to know you, so that you shine in your images in a way you didn't know was even possible. Sessions start at $525.
Family sessions
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
Flattering silhouettes that also allow you to move freely is a must. And one last thing - almost every single adult female I have ever worked with has mentioned a body insecurity. You are not alone. It's my job to take flattering photos, but do what you need to do to feel confident. If that means wearing sleeves because you are worried about your arms looking some sort of way, do it.
choosing outfits
a curated session
styling tips for
The best session locations are often meaningful to our individual families; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From historic downtown to strawberry fields to the beach or college campuses, the options for session locations are endless, especially in a gorgeous place like Charleston!
A great way to start is to decide on a theme and narrow down from there. Want something classic and elegant for your walls? Or maybe something to show off your family's adventurous spirit? I've got you covered!
Classic and Elegant - The Four Corners, Historic District, Old Village, Plantations
Coastal - Sailing/Boating, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms
Adventure - Botany Bay, Hiking, Camping
Lifestyle - Baking Class at home, Poolside, Bedtime Snuggles, Art Class
Active Kiddos - Tennis Court, Bike Ride, Playground
Location location location
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, the Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
A good rule of thumb: pick 3 or so colors and spread them throughout the family. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
Flattering silhouettes that also allow you to move freely is a must. And one last thing - almost every single adult female I have ever worked with has mentioned a body insecurity. You are not alone. It's my job to take flattering photos, but do what you need to do to feel confident. If that means wearing sleeves because you are worried about your arms looking some sort of way, do it.
choosing outfits
a curated session
styling tips for
The best session locations are often meaningful to our individual families; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From historic downtown to strawberry fields to the beach or college campuses, the options for session locations are endless, especially in a gorgeous place like Charleston!
A great way to start is to decide on a theme and narrow down from there. Want something classic and elegant for your walls? Or maybe something to show off your family's adventurous spirit? I've got you covered!
location
Classic and Elegant
Coastal
Adventure
Lifestyle
Active Kiddos
The Four Corners
Historic District
Old Village
Plantations
Sailing/Boating
Folly Beach
Isle of Palms
Botany Bay
Hiking
Camping
Baking Class at home
Poolside
Bedtime Snuggles
Art Class
Tennis Court
Bike Ride
Playground
family sessions
extended
Please send me all family groupings ahead of time so that while we’re shooting, I understand who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw a family tree (although bonus points if you do!) something like this would work well:
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), I have a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
-Entire family
-Grandparents + Their children
-Grandparents + Their children + spouses
-Child A + Child B
-Grandparents + Child A + Child A’s Family
-Grandparents + Child B + Child B’s Family
-Child A + Child A’s Family
-Child A + Spouse
-Child A’s Kids
-Individual photos of all members of Child A’s Family
-Child B + Child A’s Family
-Child B + Spouse
-Child B + kids
-Child B spouse + kids
-Individual photos of all members of Child B’s Family
extended family shot list
family sessions
extended
Please send me all family groupings ahead of time so that while we’re shooting, I understand who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw a family tree (although bonus points if you do!) something like this would work well:
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), I have a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
extended family shot list
-Entire family
-Grandparents + Their children
-Grandparents + Their children + spouses
-Child A + Child B
-Grandparents + Child A + Child A’s Family
-Grandparents + Child B + Child B’s Family
-Child A + Child A’s Family
-Child A + Spouse
-Child A’s Kids
-Individual photos of all members of Child A’s Family
-Child B + Child A’s Family
-Child B + Spouse
-Child B + kids
-Child B spouse + kids
-Individual photos of all members of Child B’s Family
questions
frequently asked
Q:
when will i receive my images?
While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim to deliver all images within three weeks of your session.
a:
Q:
how many images will i receive?
While I don’t guarantee an exact number of images, we will make sure we capture your family thoroughly. Most families should expect to receive at least 60 edited images following their session.
a:
Q:
can i share images on social media?
You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media! To ensure that our work is properly represented, I ask that you refrain from any edits. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help to continue to grow as a business.
a:
Q:
do i own the rights to the images?
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I'll give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. We won’t do this either without your written permission.
a:
Q:
will you retouch our images?
I do light retouching on all deliverable images for exposure, tint, color temperature, skin tone, and blemishes.
Extensive retouching (such as removing tan lines or braces) require more time and would require an additional editing fee.
a:
Q:
how long will i have access
to my online gallery?
I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for at least 6 months. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, I cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
a:
Q:
can i print the images on
my own?
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While $1 prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering heirloom quality prints to clients.
a:
questions
asked
Q:
A:
when will i receive my images?
While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim to deliver all images within three weeks of your session.
how many images will i receive?
While I don’t guarantee an exact number of images, we will make sure we capture your family thoroughly. Most families should expect to receive at least 60 edited images following their session.
can i share images on social media?
You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media! To ensure that our work is properly represented, I ask that you refrain from any edits. I also appreciate image credits and tags as they help to continue to grow as a business.
do i own the rights to the images?
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However I'll give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. We won’t do this either without your written permission.
will you retouch
our images?
I do light retouching on all deliverable images for exposure, tint, color temperature, skin tone, and blemishes.
Extensive retouching (such as removing tan lines or braces) require more time and would require an additional editing fee.
how long will i have access to my online gallery?
I guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for at least 6 months. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, I cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, I highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
can i print the images on my own?
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, I recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) I also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While $1 prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why I LOVE offering heirloom quality prints to clients.
frequently
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When was the last time you saw a portrait session capture more than just pretty people on pretty backgrounds? One that made you think WOW, what an authentic moment in time? Odds are, if you haven't invested in lifestyle photography, your answer might be from an event you just happened to catch on your iphone.
That is such a shame. I want more for you!
I will work with you on a deeper level, creating a thoughtfully planned session that speaks to your personality, lifestyle, and even to coordinate with your decor so that prints ordered will compliment your home. Even more importantly, I will take time to get to know you, so that you shine in your images in a way you didn't know was even possible. Sessions start at $525.
Family sessions
bring your images to life with
prints
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries I deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
bring your images to life with
prints
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: fifteen years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries I deliver will eventually fade away.
But prints? Those last. I bet your family still has images from your grandparents (maybe even great grandparents.) And that was likely from a time period when cameras were expensive and prints were harder to come by.
whew!
Congratulations on making it through this extensive guide. Hopefully I covered everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to reach out.
get in touch
whew!
Congratulations on making it through this extensive guide. Hopefully I covered everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session. However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to reach out.
get in touch
© 2024 rachel Hamden Photography |
All Rights Reserved
843-870-1210
info@rachelredphotography.com
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