Preparing for Family Photos
Thank you for choosing us to photograph your family.
The guide below is to help clients prepare for their family session with Oleson Photography.
What to wear. Coordinate, Don’t Match.
We encourage families to wear what makes them feel comfortable yet presentable. We advised against graphic t-shirts, logos, and neon colors. Don’t wear too tight or too baggy of clothing. If you have further questions on wardrobe or color choice please reach out directly as this also depends on skin color and what the colors of your surrounding environment will be. For example in the fall, when the leaves are turning orange we generally advise against clients wearing any orange. If you are unsure of what to wear neutrals are always a safe option (think white, cream, beige, grey).
Small children
We love working with families with small children. We try to make sessions as low stress as possible. If your toddler needs a break, to go inside, or grab a snack that is perfectly okay! We want them to feel as comfortable as possible to create those genuine smiles and laughter.
How to prepare the kids
The most important thing you can do is be POSITIVE! Tell your children the day before the shoot how much fun they are going to have! Get them excited about checking out a new place. Leave enough time to get ready so no one feels rushed or stressed arriving to the session. Come well rested and full bellies (hungry kids are unhappy kids). Plan a special treat or outing for the children after the session. The day before your session make sure to take it easy so no one is over tired the following day. Your positive, relaxed approach to the family session will reflect in the photos and help the kids stay happy. Some ideas for
Large Family Shoots
We have done large family sessions of 8 to 15 people and we encourage the family before hand to discuss pairings with one another before the shoot. For example, *all sisters in 1 photo, only kids in one photo, all uncles in one photo, etc. As photographers we will also make it a priority throughout the shoot to ask if there are any pairings/different combinations of family we might be missing. We want you to maximize your time with us and get as much variety within your session at Oleson Photography.
Be flexible & Come prepared
For your family shoot we want you to come prepared. Alaska weather and terrain can be unpredictable but sometimes it’s a blessing for Justin and I to get creative. If your session is today and you’re a little disappointed with the weather because it’s not bright and sunny, don't fret. Ideally, we want a cloudy or partly cloudy day for pictures. This creates even lighting throughout the whole image. If there’s a little rain, wind, or fog embrace the change, you’re in good hands. We will reach out to you if we need to reschedule due to extreme weather conditions. For families with smaller kids we are aware that your session might need to be around naps/routines to foster the best smiles and attitudes. If you let us know the best time of day (before or after naps) we will try our best to work around their schedule if weather permits.
Some practical things to remember: Bring water for everyone, brush, hairspray, or gel, extra jackets and sweaters for fall and winter sessions, bug spray.
Come prepared with an extra pair of shoes: mud boots or rain boots that way if we end up taking a little detour to another location we’re all prepared for the terrain. If your family session is in the winter, come prepared with hand warmers, extra coats, and a blanket. You can place extra hand warmers in your winter boots with your socks and in the pockets of your winter coat. I did this during my wedding pictures in the Alaska winter and it was a life saver!
Locations
Wondering where to take pictures in Alaska? My husband and I work closely with our clients to recommend locations that will suit best for your family based on your vision so you never have to do research on your own.
