What to wear in photographs is one of the most popular questions I get before a session. The days of being all “matchy-matchy” are over, and I always encourage people to embrace their unique individuality in their photos.
Here are the top 10 tips for wardrobe and accessories for your photos.
Stick to primary colors or their close version. Flouresecnts cast weird colors on faces and tend to come and go in trends.
If we are taking photos in a green area such as a park, don’t wear green clothing. Wearing it as an accent color is fine, though!
Start with one outfit you like and build around it for everyone else.
Wear what feels good! Avoid overly fussy clothes you or your kids aren’t comfortable in. That goes for shoes, too.
Layering adds dimension and provides a different look. Think hats, scarves, cardigans, and statement jewlery.
Wear clothes that fit well. Baggy, saggy clothes do not make you look slimmer!
Coordination, not matching. Go ahead and mix and match patterns too, as long as they are in the same color palette
Keep it simple for newborn session. Grey, black white, is great because it doesn’t overpower the baby’s beauty and simplicity.
Dress for the weather and be flexible. You know that the weather is changeable here, so have a plan B (or layer!)
Dress for the scene. A suit or a fussy dress on a little kid in a forest setting will look weird, and your personality won’t come through.
The point of your photo session is that the photos represent you and your family as you are right now. We want you to look and feel fabulous and comfortable because that will shine through in the photographs.
Keep your wardrobe as simple as possible, and be sure to stress to everyone involved in the photos that these session are going to be fun!
For many families, having portraits done yearly is a tradition that helps them mark time and revel in the growth of their family.
Family photos are a reminder of what is really important in your life. There has been no time in recent history that it’s been clearer than after spending months sheltering in place with the COVID-19 pandemic; family is everything.
However, it can be unclear how to many people how family photos can be safely taken as we begin to reopen. Since there is no vaccine or cure at this time, it’s important that everyone involved with the process of having a family photo made adheres to the most recent safety standards.
If you’re unsure of where to start, here are some things you can talk about with your photographer and a few things you can expect.
Ask About Safety Measures in Studio Settings
If your photographer works out of a brick and mortar studio, ask them to detail their process of cleaning and sanitizing, as well as how they are able to pose you while maintaining a safe distance.
Safety Precautions You May See:
The photographer Wearing masks and/or gloves during the session
Taking temperatures of family members
Only allowing family members who live together in the studio
Showing how to pose by having you mirror them
Cleaning and sanitizing all equipment between sessions
Limiting sessions to one or a few a day
Providing hand sanitizer
Asking clients to remove shoes
For me and my studio, I’m only accepting 2 studio sessions per day so I have enough time to clean and sterilize the studio between sessions. Newborn sessions will always be the first session of the day. All toys and products have also been removed from my space, and snacks will no longer be provided. All newborn wraps and baby outfits will be sanitized and cleaned before any session as well.
Like many photographers, I’m also only allowing immediate family into the studio after a hands-free temperature check with a touch-free thermometer. I also ask that shoes are left at the door upon entry.
I will also be wearing a mask while families are in the studio as well as washing my hands and using hand sanitizer. I’ll also be changing my clothes upon entry to the studio and when I leave before entering my home, and showering immediately before I leave my home and after sessions.
For clients coming into my studio, I’m requesting that outside items from home be kept to a minimum.
In the event of an illness, I’m asking that anyone who was unwell be fever-free for 48 hours before rescheduling their session.
Consider an Outdoor Family Portrait Sessions In More Remote Locations
Cincinnati summers can be hot, but I’m working with my clients to try and schedule as many outdoor family portrait sessions as possible.
Outdoor photo sessions allow for more air circulation and may allow for more social distancing measures. Look for photographers who know of locations that are off the beaten path rather than locations that may be crowded like public parks and beaches.
Some photographers may even have land outside their studio that they use for outdoor photos. Or they may be willing to come to your home to do outdoor photos in your yard.
I personally have a list of secluded locations that I love photographing at that my clients have been loving this season!
How Family Photos Happen in the Time of COVID-19
Your photographer should be able to give you an explanation of what you can expect from them in terms of posing, directing, and the viewing of the photos after the session.
They may have to stop more often to give feedback on posing rather than adjusting you themselves. This distancing is especially important when dealing with newborns, very young children, or anyone with ongoing health issues.
Things You Can Do To Stay Safe During Family Photos
It’s important to discuss with your family how the session is going to go, and what they need to do to stay safe. This is especially important with small children who may not understand social distancing boundaries.
Carry hand sanitizer with you
Wear masks whenever you are not being photographed
Ask that the photographer wears a mask at all times
If at a studio setting, have everyone wash their hands upon arrival
No hugging or handshakes with the photographer
Do not linger after the session
When arriving home, change clothes and shower
Limit contact as possible for two weeks leading up to your session
With a little bit of coordination, there’s a lot you can do to make a family portrait session as safe as possible.
Along with following a lot of the guidelines I’ve listed here, I’m personally working with each and every one of my clients to make sure they not only have an enjoyable experience, but a safe one as well.
Rather than letting this time pass you by because it is a hard time in history, a celebration of your family with a portrait session can be so meaningful to everyone.
Interested in a safe socially distance family session?
With the new decade just around the corner, the Brownfield family has something to look forward to in 2020. A New Year Baby!
Their baby is due right around the beginning of the new year, and while the gender is going to be a surprise, the love that surrounds the sweet little one is no surprise. Mom and Dad are ready!
Maternity photos are often the ones to get cut out of the budget because of the “big changes around the corner.” But I have to tell you, these “between” parts of your life are something to celebrate!
Years later looking at these photos I know it will mean so much to see that Baby Brownfield bump and remember the feeling of becoming first-time parents.
Seeing the tenderness and anticipation of their new life to come is so gratifying to me as a family photographer.
I love capturing maternity sessions outside where everyone can be more natural and relaxed. Fall is always a fantastic time to do the session.
29-32 weeks of pregnancy is the best time to take photos when your belly is sweetly round, before it begins to drop in preparation for birth.
Lots of women feel self-conscious about maternity sessions, but please don’t. I work with you and your partner to put you into cozy and intimate poses that show off your love and anticipation.
Not sure what to wear? Just ask! I’m happy to guide you, but if you feel beautiful you will look beautiful.
The photos from your maternity session will be ones you cherish. Plus it’s so fun for little kids to see photos of them in mommy’s belly when they are older!
Details about my most popular bump and baby sessions are here: Watch Me Grow Packages. I have packages that cover every important milestone from maternity bump photos through the first birthday cake smash!
There’s no other time in your life that is as important to be documented with photos. I can also assure you there’s no other time in your life that will go by faster!
Let’s work together to choose the perfect plan for your beautiful new family.
When all the kids in kindergarten start talking about how they got their names, this little girl’s story is going to be the coolest of them all.
Her parents (whom I’ve known since she was born) are huge music fans. After she was born, once they were able to soak her up for a bit, they decided on a name for their baby
For three days, she was just baby girl until they decided on the perfect name for her: Layla. After the iconic Eric Clapton song.
Sweet little Layla and I had some fun together creating her six-month-old portraits at the park on a picture-perfect autumn day.
I love photographing kids outside because I love the looks on their faces when they take in the feel of the wind on their face, and all the different textures, smells and sounds.
There’s something really special about the first year, and as a photographer, it’s always so humbling to see familiar faces again and again. I always feel like such a silly adult when I see the kids and say things like “Look how you have grown!” but it’s true!
That first year really is phenomenal. In the space of a year, they go from these tiny little blobs to these walking and sometimes even talking little humans. Photographing this stage of their lives is just amazing.
A few weeks after this session I got to photograph Layla again for her photo session with Santa and I swear she had grown another inch!
I’m so thankful for the Cowen family and their trust, and that I get to see little Layla grow. I’m so happy to be your family photographer and I can’t wait to see her soon for her first-year birthday and her cake smash photos!
Santa Sessions like what Layla had are Sold Out but we still have Christmas Jammie Minis! Sign Up Here
I love being Cincinnati Documentary Photographer! Documenting my own family this year has been so fun! The Barrett’s started a new family tradition and headed out to Stokes Berry Farm. After seeing a post on Facebook from a friend, I knew we had to go! We made the one hour trip north first thing in the morning and practically had the place to ourselves. My plan loving son was in all his glory!
I think he ate his weight in delicious berries.He loved running the rows looking for the juiciest berries. Found one!My sweet boy ended up picking 9lbs total of delicious berries! Plenty for strawberry ice cream, jam, pies, and of course, snacking on the way home! What is your favorite thing to do with your haul from the berry farm? Share your favorite recipes in the comments! I would love to add them to my collection <3
Book Your Cincinnati Documentary Session Today!
Are you interested in having my tag along on your summer adventures and documenting your family’s fun? Contact me today and let’s get something scheduled! There are still a few 50% off session fees out there for the taking. You can find all the details HERE.
Cincinnati Documentary Photographer | A Day in the Life Sessions
What are Day in the Life Sessions and why do I need this in my life?!
Easy! Summer is full of exciting adventures, why not have it documented in a beautiful and meaningful way. I have spent the last 18months documenting my family through my 365 project and these images have become some of my favorite images I have of my children. I have been getting a lot of interest for these sessions and am thrilled to be offering them for my clients!
I would love to tag along to your family trip to Kings Island, a day at the pool (hello underwater pictures!), a trip to the strawberry patch such as Stokes Berry Farm, or even just a lazy day at home playing in the backyard, making cookies, and bath time. Whatever it is that you want to remember forever, I want to be there to help you document it. Our children grow up so fast and if you are anything like me you would give anything to freeze that time. Pictures are one we we can do that!
Since these are a brand new offering, I am offering the first 5 people who book a documentary session a 50% discount with the code DOCUMENTUS
Is your family doing something fun this summer that you would love to have documented? As a Cincinnati Documentary Photographer I would love to help! Contact me! I would love to talk about it with you 🙂 Also, don’t forget, since these sessions are new, I am offering the first 5 people who book a documentary session a 50% discount with the code: DOCUMENTUS
Meera and her family came to visit Cincinnati and the surrounding area all the way from Dubai! As a Cake Smash Photographer it is very rare that we get to take first birthday pictures on a baby’s actual birthday, but we had the privilege of photographing this Cake Smash Session on Meera’s actual first birthday!
This alone was magical. Pair that with the beautiful smash cake that was custom made by the lovely ladies over at Tres Belle Cakes and we had a recipe for a dream Cake Smash Session!
We used a record setting 148 balloons onthis set. (And congratulations to our lucky winner for guessing the exact number of balloons we used on our facebook video!)
This little lady wasn’t interested in the cake unless Momma was sitting right next to her. Once she figured out what the cake was, she went all in, and had a great time.
So much cuteness. Check it out!
In a couple of weeks we are going to do a Unicorn Session with a LIVE Unicorn with Meera’s sisters. Stay tuned for that one!
Curious about doing your own custom Cake Smash Session with a Cake Smash Photographer in the Hyde Park and surrounding Cincinnati area?
If you’re curious about how it works, or interested in planning your own custom Cake Smash Session, click the link below and let’s chat about it 🙂
It’s hard to believe another 3 months have passed since this sweet boys 3 month portraits. Being a Cincinnati, Ohio Baby Photographer I look forward to milestone sessions. Each time these sweet babies are in the studio that have grown so much!
William came into the studio to see my for his 6 month sitter session and goodness, has he grown. He made my job so easy. As much as William has changed physically, he is the same chill baby he has been since he was a newborn now as a sitter.
Big sister was nice enough to come with him so we had her hop in a few pictures with her baby brother too. So cute!
See for yourself, below <3
A little about Cincinnati, Ohio Baby Photography Studio Sessions
Let me express a warm welcome to you and your family from Heather Elizabeth Studios. You are guaranteeing, when you hire me as your professional photographer, a level of expertise and talent. I will ensure your babies milestones are captured beautifully the first time without worry.
I pride myself on giving my clients a very individual experience. As we move through the process together, I listen to your needs to ensure that you get the photographs you want. They will be treasured for generations! I am always here to answer your questions and hear your suggestions.
My photography takes a natural approach to capturing the beauty and innocence of your baby. They certainly won’t stay little for long! It is my true passion to capture the first moments of your baby’s life for you and your family.
My journey in Photography began in 2010 and I have been photographing babies ever since. I absolutely love what I do! I pride myself on ensuring your photo shoot will be a relaxing experience for both you and your baby.
It is an honor and a joy to meet so many families and I look forward to working with you and yours!
As Cincinnati’s Newborn Photographer, I have the great pleasure of hosting so many beautiful families in my studio!
Ashlynn was born on , February 20th 2017, to her lovely parents Caroline & Stephen.
This beautiful baby girl was born weighing 7lbs. 15oz. & was 20 1/4in. long.
Ashlynn is the perfect mixture of her parents, and they just adore her so.
At 11 days new, Ashlynn surprised us all, by staying completely asleep her entire session!
Hang on to these precious memories, mommy and daddy – Ashlynn’s going to grow into a big girl right before your very eyes!
It was a pleasure being your Cincinnati Newborn Photographer!
A little about Cincinnati, Ohio Newborn Photography Studio Sessions
Let me express a warm welcome to you and your family from Heather Elizabeth Studios. You are guaranteeing, when you hire me as your professional photographer, a level of expertise and talent. I will ensure your priceless newborn moments are captured beautifully the first time without worry.
I pride myself on giving my clients a very individual experience. As we move through the process together, I listen to your needs to ensure that you get the photographs you want. They will be treasured for generations! I am always here to answer your questions and hear your suggestions.
My photography takes a natural approach to capturing the beauty and innocence of your newborn. They certainly won’t stay little for long! It is my true passion to capture the first moments of your baby’s life for you and your family.
My journey in Photography began in 2010 and I have been photographing newborns ever since. I absolutely love what I do! I pride myself on ensuring your photo shoot will be a relaxing experience for both you and your baby. While leaving me to capture their precious first days.
It is an honor and a joy to meet so many families and I look forward to working with you and yours! Book your session with me today!
Found one!
