Family Session:
The Process

Let’s do this!

Planning for family portraits can be daunting, especially in the age of comparison that we live in. Let’s hash out the details, plan, and then have FUN. It’s all about the prep.

01. We plan. Together. I got you!

P L A N

We chat, gather info, figure out details, and plan, plan, plan. This could include coming in to peruse my client closet, or maybe you just need to make a quick run to Nordstroms…. I will text with you to until the cows come home with insight on what outfits work well together, what textures might be missing. The more we plan, the more prepared you will feel for your session and that translates to confidence!

{Side note: I have been asked all the questions- you don’t need to worry about asking something I haven’t heard already! }

02. The session itself. Yippee!

WE DOCUMENT. FREEZE TIME {FOR A BIT}.

Because we have prepared so well, it is FUN to just show up and get going.

03. Oooohhhh and aaaahhhhhhh….

BASK IN THE GLORY OF YOUR FAMILY’S AWESOMENESS.

The real fun begins! A few weeks after your session you will get to reap the rewards of our hard work and preparations- it’s the best! You will choose your collection and receive a print credit to use towards actual, tangle products for images from your session.

Family of five with their mother sitting at the center posing for their family photoshoot in a studio

More about Part One:

One Location: $250 Two locations: $350

Your session fee includes all of the prep involved, the session itself, and the presentation of your gallery and slideshow so that you can select and purchase your collection. Images are not included in your session fee.

Reserve your date & location

Beach, non-beach, or studio

Plan your clothing

I have guides, a client closet & a phone for texting help!

Finalize the little details

Jewelry, shoes, hair…. it’s all stuff to think about ahead of time.

More about Part Two:

The session itself

All of the prep comes into play the day of your session. Because you feel ready, because your kids know what to expect, it’s time to just enjoy each other, have fun, and let things unfold.

If you want posed images, we usually get those first, and then we start running, walking, playing and laughing. We may alternate between those things, too! We go off of what the kids show and/or tell us. Little ones let us know when they need a break or change of pace.

My sessions are not limited by time, necessarily. We plan for the light as needed, and then we just show up and have fun. When we’re done, we’ll know!

FAQs for Family Sessions

With 13 years of teaching, 17-ish years of parenting, I’ve seen a lot. It’s hard to phase me. Whether it’s teen angst, toddler resentment, or baby hunger… there’s usually a solution. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that out-of-sorts kids will feed off of our energy, so we as the adults (or kids pretending to be adults?) have to keep our cool. Follow my lead- usually a change of pace, giving them some ownership, or a funny face contest will turn them around!

You don’t have to, but it all depends on what you want to use. I would say most of my family clients tend to purchase new clothing items simply because they look fresh. Blacks especially photograph better if they are newer- older black clothing items can look faded or dingy on camera. Shoes are another thing- if you can’t buy new ones, give them a once over, a polish, or a session with a magic eraser! I will also provide you with so much help in my prep guide- it will make planning your session outfits a lot easier!

Great question! We reschedule, simple as that. If I notice something in the forecast that causes concern, I will reach out, and hope you will do the same. Typically I keep an eye on it- if there is more than a week’s time, the weather can shift in our favor. If rain is imminent & not budging then we look at our calendars and figure out a new date. We can also switch to the studio if your date is something you’d rather not change.

This is a common request! It’s best to let me know as soon as your session is booked. Sometimes I can prioritize a few images from your session, but your collection must be purchased before I can do this. It’s always best to check in with me on any looming deadlines so that they stay on my radar. If your timeline is extremely tight (1 or 2 day turn-around) there is a rush fee of $75 per image.

Of course. I will also ask if *I* can bribe them- sometimes we just do what is needed. Especially with little ones it’s okay to dangle a carrot or two in the interest of getting some fun photos.

This is the world we live in now- people get sick. I ask my clients to communicate with me and we go from there. The reality is that I can photoshop an image until it’s perfection defined, but if your child feels sick, you will always look at their photos and think, “They were sick.” It’s always best for everyone to reschedule if someone gets sick.

THE DETAILS

Part Three: Choosing Your Collection

Collection A

$650

12 images
$100 print credit

Collection B

$850

25 images
$250 print credit

With all Session Collections:

All images delivered in both

high and web resolutions

All images are fully retouched

Print credit can be used towards any items in my online shop (see below)

Collection C

Couple swinging their child for a family shoot

$1,000

entire gallery
$500 print credit

What is a print credit?

Print credit is basically free money to spend in my online shop. After your session I will send you a link to my online store where you can take a look at what I offer and think about what you might want to use it for. There is no requirement to spend it, but collection images remain the same price regardless of print credit use.

Some examples:

Albums

Especially great for those who purchase a larger collection, an album ensures your memories are viewable, printed, and will be passed down as the years pass.

Mini Accordion Albums

Pocket sized- small but mighty! These mini albums fit in a pocket or purse, but expand to showcase images from your session with a fun, interactive format.

Framed Orb

Nothing like it anywhere. Gorgeous details down to the eyelashes, a subtle canvas texture that doesn’t overpower, and quality like you have not seen.

Acrylic Block {8×10}

This makes an excellent addition to a desk at work or a bookshelf at home

AccordionAlbums

The larger version of a mini-accordion album, these interactive pieces make it fun to revisit session images and memories.

Ready to book your session?

The next step is to set up a call with me. We can talk details, you can tell me all about your family, and we’ll figure out what location and date work best.

Some things to remember:

Beach Sessions are based on optimal lighting, tides, and ideally, fewer crowds, but sometimes we just go with it!

Non-beach sessions are typically early morning or golden hour; Balboa Park and Little Italy are “mornings only” locations. Please reach out prior to booking if you have questions.

Studio sessions are excellent to have mid day, once you’ve had time to get ready and get your family loaded into the car- so not too early, as studio light means we aren’t competing with the sun, weather, and crowds.

LET’S CHAT

“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.”~Katie Thurmes

Family Session: The Process

01.

We plan. Together. I got you!