What season is best for you and yours to have a family photo session?

Pros and cons of the different times of year when it comes to lighting, temperatures, colors, pollen allergies. Tips about clothing and what backdrops to think about.

Some tips about what to do when clients feel nervous about their photo session.

An explanation of all the things that happen before, during and after a photo shoot. This gives clients an idea of why a photo shoot costs what it costs.

What happens when a photo session doesn't go as planned?

Photography is more than just taking a snapshot. it’s about capturing life’s best and most special moments and preserve them for many years to come.

As the saying goes; time flies when you're having fun. This is especially true when watching our families grow and change over time. Those kiddos sure do grow up quickly (even though it doesn’t always feel that way when you’re in the middle of raising a few little ones…)

It’s why capturing special family moments through photography is so important. Family photography lets us freeze time and hold onto those precious memories forever.

Now, these days, everybody has a cell phone with a pretty good camera inside and we’re all snapping away every day to document daily, random moments. But, a professional family photo session can give you so much more than snap shots.

Trained photographers have a keen eye for detail and know how to capture the essence of your family in a way that amateur photographers simply can’t. Not to mention, all family members are actually in the photos. I cannot tell you how many photos we have of our kids but always with either mom or dad missing in the shot. Somebody has to take that picture, right?

A skilled photographer knows how to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, resulting in natural and beautiful photographs. Photographers think about posing, lighting, movement, composition, the list goes on and on.

I think that the art of family photography lies in capturing genuine emotions and connections between family members. The impact of these photos can be profound, reminding us of the love and joy we share with our families, even during difficult times.

When people are thinking about booking a family session, I would recommend finding somebody who’s style you like. Always discuss with your photographer what you're looking for in terms of location, outfits, and props.

During the photo shoot try to be flexible and open-minded. Sometimes the best shots come from unexpected moments or poses. Very often I have people hold hands or link arms and walk toward me. I tell them to pretend they are on a movie set. Walk and talk, laugh, look at each other, look at me, tell silly jokes and so on. I know this might feel weird for some people but it usually makes for some good laughs. The photos that come from these moments are always amazing. The genuine smiles are wonderful and the way people look at one another shows real connections. I love it!

Besides documenting growing families in a family session (which very much are life’s special moments!), there are many more occasions when photographers can preserve memories.

For example, some people decide to have the birth of their baby photographed. Most do a session with the little one when he or she is a few weeks or months old.

There are engagement shoots (surprise ones too!), senior portraits for the high school kids, mile stone birthdays, baby showers, birthday cake smashes for that 1st birthday, reunions, multi-generational big family sessions, weddings, anniversaries, parties, dog portraits and friendship photo sessions.

Basically, any reason to get together with family or friends or your beloved pet is worth documenting. Today is when we make memories for later in life!

What’s in My Bag? A Peek Inside the Gear I Use for Family and Dog Photography.

What is your style?
Where did you learn photography?
How long have you been working as a photographer?
How are the photos delivered?
How many images will I receive after the session?
Is retouching available?
Are your prices listed online?
Are there sessions/subjects you don't photograph?
Where should we meet?
Can I bring the dog?
What about the best light?
What if it rains?
Do you have a studio?
What if the kids don’t cooperate?
what should we wear?
How do I book a session?
What about payment?

What is your style? Even though I like doing (posed) portraits, I also love the more candid and spontaneous shots. Photos that show emotions and connections between people. Nowadays it’s called Life-Style Photography. It’s less posed and often subjects are not looking at the camera but at each other. It makes for beautiful photographs. I try to do both during a session.

Where did you learn photography? I studied photojournalism and covered local news in Silicon Valley for a little while. When my kids were little I stayed home but when I came back to work I realized I really gravitated towards taking family photos. Looking back I know why. I was always photographing my own kids and family members :O)
Being a mom I know how valuable it is to have some really good quality photos of the kiddos. they grow up quite quickly and are changing all the time! Those moments, frozen in time, become memories and are great to document and have forever.

How long have you been working as a photographer? I have been working behind the camera on and off for about 20 years now. As mentioned, I was shooting in a different way when working in the newspaper business. Town events, high school and college sports, local politics and arts and culture were subjects I was photographing. It wasn’t till much later that I found my passion for portraits, kid, family and pet photography. Fortunately the way photographers works with their gear, the way we think about light in general and camera settings and composition are the same no matter what we shoot! To keep learning all there is about photography I keep taking classes every now and then. This could be for example about studio lighting, posing, social media, new gear or Photoshop and Lightroom tricks.

How are the photos delivered? After your session your photos will go up on my website. Just go to the home page and click Galleries. Or go here: https://www.forestvibephotography.com/galleries You might have to scroll all the way down. Once you see all your images you can pick the ones you like. Those images will be delivered to you via a special link.

How many images will I receive? A senior portrait session and a head shot session have their digital images included. For all other sessions clients can pick from three different packages. You can see the differences here: https://www.forestvibephotography.com/investments

Is retouching available? In the past I have done retouching but only on minor things like taking out an eyesore in the background. A fence post or part of an ugly lamp post for example. Out of principal I don’t retouch faces and bodies. My motto: we are beautiful as we are. Every line, wrinkle and pimple tells a story!

Are your prices listed online? They are. You can find them here: https://www.forestvibephotography.com/investments Most sessions (except the Senior Portrait session) have a sitting fee and then a separate fee for the digital, high resolution digital images. We have different packages for different amounts of photos. If you’re booking for a small event, we should discuss all details before an estimate can be given.

Are there sessions/subjects you don’t photograph? I don’t photograph births, First Birthday/cake smashes, big events, sports and newborns. I do, however love working with families and slightly older kiddos. Most of my work is centered around family and child photography. As mentioned in my About section, https://www.forestvibephotography.com/about I’m a big dog lover and really enjoy photographing man’s best friend as well! An occasional engagement in the park is always fun too. I really enjoy working with seniors. They are super fun and easy going and always up for trying new poses. Senior portrait sessions are awesome!
Sometimes I document small events but only if it’s the right fit with the client.

Where should we meet? I usually ask what a client has in mind. Sometimes there are certain spaces that hold a special place in our hearts. If clients don’t have any idea, I’ll have plenty of suggestions. I’m very familiar with the woods in and around Acton so can always suggest a place to go.
The important thing is to find a spot where everybody is comfortable and so I’m flexible if we have to switch last minute or use a backyard as our backdrop. Here is a different blog post with some ideas: Here is an older blog post with some ideas:
https://www.forestvibephotography.com/blog/finding-new-photosession-locations

Can I bring the dog? YES PLEASE! I loooooooove dogs and truly enjoy spending time with them and taking photos of them. They do count as an extra family member (in real life and for my sessions) so there could be a small, extra fee for an additional member in your party.
Also, I do sessions specifically for the dog(s). These are fun and quick and will create memories for life. Sometimes these sessions include a human :o)
https://www.forestvibephotography.com/dogs

What about the best light? It all depends on what time of the year the photo shoot is happening. The time of day is pretty important too. Some people really like Golden Hour which is much later in the day in the Summer than in the Fall for example. I don’t really like taking photos in the middle of the day because the light is so harsh. Unless we can find a big shaded area. Days with overcast are really great. The sky and clouds almost work as a very large soft box in the sky.

What if it rains?
Working with a bit of light rain can still work if people are up for it. Sometimes we pick up an umbrella and that can make for some special photos. I tend not to photograph when it’s really raining (cats and dogs).
I always touch base with clients before the session when the weather looks iffy. There will always be a chance to reschedule.

Do you have a studio?I have a little studio with lights and a backdrop. It is great for those smaller sessions (like mommy and me, head shots, individual portraits, small family portraits) during the cold New England months.

What if the kids don’t cooperate?I usually tell parents not to worry. We can always take a break or play a little game. Very often the best photos come from the situations when people are not posing. I’ll ask the kids to run to mom or dad, tickle a sibling, spin around, pet the dog, play airplane or climb a tree. It always works out and beautiful photos are the result.
For those who need to recover after a session, here’s a local massage therapist who is just simply amazing!!
https://www.marceline.massagetherapy.com

What should we wear? It’s best to pick soft colors and stay away from bright (including neon) colors, black and white. Clothing with shiny fabrics and big prints like dinosaurs and fire trucks are fun to wear but unfortunately they are distracting in photos.
Try to find outfits that are somewhat similar or compliment each other.

How do I book a session? If you go to my home page you’ll see a button to each out to me, or you can go here:
https://www.forestvibephotography.com/contact
Or, you can email me at forestvibephoto@gmail.com or give me a buzz 408-857-7179

What about payment? After we have discussed what your session is going to look like and where we will meet, I’ll email you a contract that you can sign electronically. Typically clients pay half of the sitting fee upfront. This is to secure your spot for the date and time agreed upon. Most photographers make this payment a non-refundable fee. This is the only way to get somewhat compensated for when people cancel. We have already done our research for the session, penciled clients into the calendar and maybe scouted out the location and other prep work.
Part two of the payment (the rest of the sitting fee and the fee for the images) gets paid after the session.
Check, Venmo or cash is the best way to pay.

What is the difference between portrait and life style photography.

Keeping an eye out for new locations to offer to families for a photo session.

Different studies and experiences in early life will help with the next chapters later in life.

Differences explained between taking photos with a phone and a professional camera.

Photographing dogs is really fun but very often not an easy task. Even a well trained dog will get distracted by sounds and smells or will look at the owner for directions (instead of looking at me). After meeting the pup for our photo session, I usually leave him/ her alone for a bit to settle down. Just watching a dog can help with predicting a bit what they will do next and gives me a change to check the lighting.

My dog ripped open her stuffed animal a while ago and I kept the squeaker that was inside. It's always in my back pocket when I go out on a doggie shoot. So far I haven't met a dog who won't look up or cocks its head when I push the squeaker! Making weird noises with your mouth works well too.

When photographing a human and dog together I try to capture the bond they have. Which means that they don't have to stare at the camera. Just looking at each other and their expressions can be magical!

Dogs who are active are great for getting some nice action shots. I always make sure to crank up my ISO and use a shutterspeed of at least 1/500. Get low and have the dog run towards you (have the owner stand behind you and call the dog), catch a Frisbee out of the air or jump into a pool or some body of water.

A wonderful dog photographer to check out is Emily Abrahams. She's made it a true specialty. https://inspawrationphotograph...

Emily also gives workshops. https://inspawrationphotograph...