FAMILY
CLIENT GUIDE
HELLO & WELCOME!
When it comes to family picture day, we know it can be stressful. We want you to feel calm, prepared, and ready to make the most of our time together so we can create beautiful timeless images of you and your family! Below is a guide to help planning your session to ease the stress.
Lauren & Sarah
PLANNING YOUR SESSION
TIPS and guidelines to help prepare for your session
BEFORE THE SESSION
Planning your family session can feel overwhelming at times, but putting some time and attention to a few key things will make for a much smoother process. Here are a few tips for families planning their next portrait session with us.
- Consider the locations that may work best for your family. When selecting a location for your portrait session, consider the season and style of images you want.
- Begin thinking about a color palette and choosing outfits. Keep in mind where you will display these photographs to ensure your wardrobe coordinates with your home decor.
SESSION TIPS
We want to make your portrait session as easy (and relaxing!) as possible for you and your family. Below is a general list of items we have compiled to help make the session go smoothly.
- On the day of the session, make sure everyone is well fed, especially children. We don’t want anyone getting “hangry” (angry because they are so hungry)!
- If you have young children, it is a good idea to wait and get them dressed until you arrive at the shooting location to prevent any wet spots or stains from food and drink.
CHOOSING A LOCATION
All locations are in the bryan/college station area
The Gardens
Evening location
This location is beautifully setup with lush foliage, various flowers and bushes, and gorgeous pathways. We love this spot to capture families and children with various scenery options. There is quite a bit of walking involved and parking must be paid upon arrival, but it is well worth it!
The Gardens at Texas A&M University are located at:
578 John Kimbrough Blvd, College Station, TX 77845
george bush library
MORNING OR Evening location
This location is impeccably landscaped with lush foliage, colorful flowers year round, a pond, a rose arbor, and bridge. This is a great spot to capture families and children with a variety of background options. The best part is that this location works for a morning or evening session!
The George Bush Library is located at:
1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845
brazos center park
morning location
This location is easily accessible and provides a simple backdrop with lush foliage and a pond. If you are wanting a simple no-flowers or buildings morning location, this is the perfect spot!
Brazos Center Park is located at:
3232 Briarcrest Dr, Bryan, TX 77802
Downtown Bryan
Evening location
This location is perfect for a more urban setting with historic buildings and fun architecture. There is quite a bit of walking involved and there can be heavy traffic. We recommend only opting for this location if you have older children.
Our meeting spot in Downtown is located at:
223 S Main St, Bryan, TX 77803
RESEARCH PARK
Evening location
This location is at the corner of Research Parkway and Technology Loop near campus. This location provides a simple nature backdrop with lush foliage and rocks.
Avalon is located at:
1139 Technology Loop, College Station, TX 77845
2818 hwy 21 field
Evening location
This location is at the corner of 2818 and HWY 21 and a very simple backdrop with lush foliage. Sometimes the grass is freshly mowed, so it is best to have a backup location in mind if your session date nears and the landscapers have been out.
2818 HWY 21 Field is located at:
The corner of 2818 and HWY 21 in Bryan
What to wear
What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles.
The family SESSION
What to expect during the session
Plan to arrive early
Things happen. The last thing you want is to feel even more stressed and rushed than you might feel already. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to make sure you are able to find the location and park nearby.
Genuine smiles
We’ve done quite a few family sessions in our day, and we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help children (and adults!) respond with genuine smiles and laughter.
FAMILY & SIBLING SHOTS
We will capture various combinations of the full family together in different poses, siblings together, parents together, and individuals!
WE'LL HELP YOU POSE
You don’t have to come up with poses or image ideas. We’ve got all that covered and know exactly how to set up an image to get great shots.
Bribery is an option
We bring fun things to get genuine reactions from kids including non-messy candy and balloons to offer as a bribe!
we'll make it fun
Come prepared to enjoy each other and show me the relationships you have. We'll keep the energy positive for a fantastic experience!
FOLLOWING YOUR SESSION
WHAT TO EXPECT ONCE YOUR SESSION IS OVER
The Portrait Process
01.
Organizing images
After your family session is finished, we will need time to sort through the photographs we have taken. We eliminate test shots, duplicate images, missed focal shots, shots with poor expressions, etc. We will select to keep the best images possible to present to our clients.
02.
SNEAK PEEK
We will post sneak peek images on our social media outlets for your family and friends to view. This is often within 2 weeks of your session.
03.
EDITING & RETOUCHING
Family sessions can require extensive hand editing. You can expect for your images to be retouched to remove acne, blemishes, or imperfections. We will do head swaps in group images if needed.
04.
FILE delivery
The moment you have eagerly been waiting for! On average, our clients receive images within 4-6 weeks. Peak season may take up to 8 weeks. We will email you a password protected online gallery to view your images.