Arkansas newborn, milestone, and family portrait phototrapher

contact jessica

Preparing for your
portrait
Session

Hello!

First of all, thank you for your interest in lifestyle sessions! I absolutely love capturing all of life's little milestones! From newborns to annual family portraits, I love freezing your special moments.
I am here to help you along the way, so I send tips, outfit suggestions, and information along the way so that you get the best images possible!
After your session, I will edit your images and upload them all into a password-protected gallery, where you can download, print, order prints, and share these with anyone. This means you will actually receive your images as soon as I finish editing them (yay!). I will send a USB of your images in the mail a few weeks after your gallery is uploaded. I know you're asking, "how long does it take to get my gallery?" now. I usually have a 4-6 week turnaround in delivering my galleries, depending on the time of year and workload.
Any additional questions? Please feel free to email me! I cannot wait to capture your session!

Ways to get timeless images you will love and cherish for years to come.

tips for your session

I recommend planning your outfits as soon as you book your session.  This gives you time to look through your closet, look at inspirational photos for your session, and get any outfits ordered and delivered before your session.  I always suggest light, muted colors and patterns and to steer away from bold reds, oranges, etc.  I also recommend choosing one pattern and two colors in that pattern for your outfits. My favorite colors to photograph are light blues, grays, creams, lavender, blush, and sage greens.  These softer colors compliment most skin tones and does not become distracting from the most important subject: YOU!

1. Plan Outfits in Advance

In my own family images, I always like to dress my children in outfits that I consider timeless and not incredibly trendy.  Heirloom bubbles and dresses for the littles are always a great choice.  A crisp button-down with khakis, a flowing dress or a beautiful top with dressy jeans works well for the teens and adults.  Avoid writing and large logos on clothing as it becomes distracting in your photos.  Some of my favorites brands are Hill House Home, J Crew, Anthropologie, Dillard's, Ralph Lauren (for men and boys), Cecil & Lou (for kids), Feltman Brothers (for kids), and Remember Nguyen (for kids). 

2. Choosing a timeless wardrobe

Lighting is crucial element in the planning process of your portrait session.  I plan the timing of all of my sessions for the best possible lighting during that time of day and almost exclusively use natural light for my images.
For outdoor sessions, I photograph during the hours leading up to sunset, which gives great "golden hour" light in your images.  I prefer architecture that is white or lighter in color and also areas that have open space to allow light to flow in.
For indoor sessions, I schedule in the morning or midday.  I prefer clean spaces with ample window light and light colored walls.

I do have an indoor studio in Sheridan, AR that is available for your session  

3. Lighting

For newborn sessions, I always suggest feeding your baby 30 minutes prior to our session.  If baby decides differently, then we just roll with that schedule!
I always suggest feeding your family a snack before the session.  Full tummies make happy kiddos and that is definitely what we want during our session!  For toddlers: I suggest bringing a colorless snack that will not leave residue on the child's face or clothes and also a sippy cup of their favorite drink.  I completely understand that we might need to take a quick snack break during our session and welcome that!

4.  Feeding

Preparing for your session

A little more about

Make sure your family is comfortable in their outfit.  Smooth out wrinkles and straighten bows.  Sometimes I suggest trying on your outfits and wearing them for about 5 to 10 minutes.  If you are wanting your child to not wear shoes, please make sure they are accustomed to walking on the ground while barefoot.  I also suggest bringing  a neutral-colored toy along to entertain your child during the session.

don't forget the nails!

And, one last tip!! 

When preparing for your session, don’t forget to pamper your nails!  Whether it's holding your newborn, hugging your children, or wrapping your arms around your significant other, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands in the frame.   Try to avoid any chipped polish or bold patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!! Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions at jessicabrownphotog@gmail.com. I am SO excited to work together!!!