Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am honored and excited you've chosen me to capture your family! I hope this guide can provide you with insight into why I am so passionate about the work I do, how you can make the most out of our session together, and what to expect from me before, during and after the session.
In August 2019, my husband and I welcomed our first daughter into the world and became parents. I can't believe how fast the last 5 years have flown by, and how much Maddie grown and changed. My sweet, smiley newborn became an active, determined little girl in the blink of an eye! Since becoming a mom and witnessing how quickly time flies as a parent, I've become even more passionate about photographing families and freezing this exhausting, sometime monotonous, but fleeting, magical time in your lives so you can always have it to look back on.
I totally get it. There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I want to take the stress and guesswork out of how to dress you and your family, how to pose and approach the session, what to do in the weeks, days and hours leading up to our time together, how to prepare your kids for a successful session (and how to act when things inevitably aren't going as planned!), printing and displaying your photos, and more!
Read on for all of my tips!
- CAROLINE
Let's get this out of the way first. Come ready to have fun and relax. I know that's easier said than done after putting so much time and investment into prepping for your session, but trust me it will be worth it! Your kids pick up on your energy and can sense when you're stressed. Come prepared with funny sayings to whisper in each others ears, favorite family games to play, stories to tell, etc.!
Have Fun
A NOTE TO
I recommend scheduling your family session at least 2-3 months in advance so you have plenty of time to plan and avoid stress. I generally shoot outdoor family sessions between the months of April and November, about an hour before sunset or early in the morning. And indoor or studio sessions during the middle of the day, year round.
That being said, I always want to keep kid's schedules in mind when session planning. Beautiful light is nice but it won't matter much if your kids are tired, cranky or hungry. Please let me know about nap schedules, early bedtimes and generally your kiddo's best times of day and we will do our best to work around that!
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
In New England, we are blessed with four beautifully distinct seasons that can offer so much variety from session to session.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
Summer
relaxed and carefree
I love shooting in the summertime! These sessions are naturally a little more relaxed and carefree. We don't have to worry as much about jackets, runny noses and sickness. There are so many beautiful locations to choose from in the summertime. The only thing to keep in mind when planning a summer session with young kiddos is the late sunset time. Sometimes we can start as late as 7pm to avoid crowds, harsh light and heat!
Fall
colorful leaves and snuggling close
Fall is one of the most popular times of the year for photos in New England and so my schedule typically books up quickly! Beautiful foliage, cooler weather, cozy sweaters and blankets, and opportunities for holiday cards, it's no wonder this time of year is so attractive. Another perk for young families is that the sun sets earlier in the evening so our sessions can start closer to 4 or 5pm, which is often better for little kid's.
Winter
cozy and intimate
I don't do a ton of outdoor family sessions during the winter, especially with kids under the age of 5. Between runny noses, red cheeks and blue lips, and bulky coats, it's a challenge to get the same quality photos as other times of year. That being said, I love indoor, at home and in studio sessions in the wintertime! These sessions are always some of my favorites because of the cozy, intimate feel to them. And we don't have to worry about the weather!
Spring
fresh blooms and pastel colors
Spring is such a beautiful, hopeful time in the Boston area! I love all the colorful blooms and we can achieve so much variety of backdrops in just a single session. Spring (mid to end of April) is a great time for a session in Boston especially. And Mother's Day focused sessions are a favorite of mine year after year.
Talking about the session in the days leading up to our shoot with your kids can help them become more comfortable quicker. Show them a photo of me and talk about me by name. Talk through where we are going to go and some things we're going to do. If your kids are old enough to be bribed, I have seen tons of success with this method too- and no judgement here! So many of my families plan to get ice cream or go to the playground after our session as an incentive.
However, no matter how much we prepare, your kids are not going to be angels and listen to everything we say during the session. That's normal! Just stay positive, go with the flow and keep smiling.
Prepping Kids
Locations
Greater Boston
PORTRAIT LOCATIONS
When it comes to locations for portrait sessions, the key is good light. The focus will be on you and your family and less about your surroundings. Of course, a beautiful location can go a long way but I also wouldn't stress about finding the "perfect" spot. Often times all we need is an open field or a clean, white wall to create magic.
That being said, here are some of my favorite spots in the Boston area. I'm also always down to try new spots, come to your own backyard, and more! Ten miles of travel from zip code 02474 is included in your session, travel fees may apply to sessions outside this radius.
Beacon Hill & Boston Public Garden
Back Bay, Comm Ave Mall & Beacon St
Boston Harbor Walk, Seaport
Charlestown Navy Yard
Charles River Esplanade
Christopher Columbus Park, North End
City Views
Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester*
Halibut Point Park, Rockport*
Castle Island, L St Beach
Crane Beach, Ipswich*
Plum Island National Refuge*
Beaches
Rock Meadow Conservation
Lone Tree Hill Conservation
Minute Man National Park
Mary Cummings Park
Open Fields
Arnold Arboretum
Larz Anderson Park
Lyman Estate
Stonehurst, Paine Estate
Pierce House
Crane Estate*
Gardens & ESTATEs
Boston Public Library
Museum of Fine Art
MIT Killian Court
Christian Science Plaza
Elegant Architecture
Wright Locke Farm
Smolak Farms*
Brooksby Farm*
Holiday Tree Farm (Topsfield)
Rustic Farms
*An Additional Travel Fee of $150 applies
Cape Cod Portrait Sessions
While I take most of my portrait sessions in the Boston area, I have LOVED capturing photographing families at the Cape the last few summers! If you have your heart set on a Cape Cod portrait session, reach out and we'll see if we can make something work!
Some of my favorite spots on the Cape for sessions are: Dowses Beach in Osterville, South Cape Beach in Mashpee and Lighthouse Beach in Chatham.
I love dogs and including them in sessions! That being said, know they often bring a level of distraction and extra stress to the day. This can of course vary depending on the age of your kids and the energy level of your dog. For example, adding a golden retriever puppy to a session with two toddlers might be more trouble than it's worth.
If your heart is set on including your fur baby in the session, I recommend planning to have a friend or family member come to the session to help out with the dog. We won’t use your dog in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots. Come prepared with treats, favorite toys, etc.! Depending on your dog’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and bring a lint roller.
Dogs
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
Planning outfits for the whole family can be HARD. I do this for a living and still struggle every year when it comes to dressing my own family for photos. My biggest tips are to start planning way earlier than you think you need to and to aim to "complement" outfits rather than "match". Stick to a color palette and avoid too much of any one color.
I recommend starting with mom because this is often the hardest! Then working off what you pick for yourself for the rest of the family. Find the kid's outfits next and save dad for last (boys are so much easier hah!).
find it fast
First and foremost your outfit should be able to withstand chasing after kiddos, throwing them in the air, sitting on blankets and cuddling with your family, and more. If you're constantly pulling and adjusting your outfit, you won't be comfortable and that will show on camera. So choose something that is comfortable and you feel confident in!
Don't be afraid of patterns, they often photograph beautifully on mom and will add interest to an image. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for mom
find it fast
Often times when it comes to accessories, less is more in photos. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for mom
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
Forever21
Nordstrom
BHLDN
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
Baltic Born
Target
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
Professionally done hair & makeup for mom can really pull a photo session together and be that last finishing touch. It last longer than typical hair & makeup, and tends to hold up better in humidity and wind.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos - treat yourself!
Pretty Wife Beauty, Glamour Cosmetics and To Make Beautiful are a few of my favorites!
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding your baby or toddler - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!). You don't have to go out and get yourself a full mani-pedi if you don't want, just think clean and trim!
Some of my favorite neutral nail colors for photos are:
OPI Lisbon Wants Moor
OPI Bubble Bath
CND Romantique
OPI Let's Be Friends
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
The guys have it so easy! All they have to do is find something: simple, well-fitted, and unwrinkled. Complement the rest of the family in color and dressiness level. No big logos or flip flops, please!
If considering a flannel or button down shirt, be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small, the camera can't read super small checkered patterns and it ends up giving their shirt a strange tint. Neutrals, solids, and textured shirts with jeans or dress pants are great for guys. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
New England weather is unpredictable and having to reschedule sessions is pretty common. Should the forecast show rain for our outdoor session, we will postpone to another day that week or the following week. I typically wait to make the final call until the morning of our session (or the night before if we have a morning session scheduled) because of how quickly the forecast can change.
Because I typically only schedule 1-2 sessions a week, rescheduling is usually not an issue. However, if your schedule is limited due to travel, work, etc., please let me know and we can consider scheduling a backup rain date ahead of time just in case.
You know your kids best. If there are particular words, phrases or games they find funny, come ready to share those with me!
Do they love being chased or playing peek a boo?
Do they like tickles or blowing bubbles?
I will try lots of different things for natural laughs and smiles but it's always helpful when parents come with some things in mind too!
Share away!
What to Bring
to your session
The short answer is all you truly need is yourselves, however, I think there are a few things that can add to a session and help them run smoothly with littles. A blanket adds a layer of coziness to your images and allows us to take more sitting photos comfortably. If you have a baby who isn't walking yet, I would say a blanket is a must. Toys that rattle or make noise that I can hold to get your baby's attention or a smile are also great to have with you. Dry snacks that don't make a mess of their mouth/teeth, such as puffs or cheerios, are ideal for middle of the session breaks.
This is the most common question I get as it relates to posing during a session. When it comes to family portrait sessions, the key is to always be touching a family member. Instead of letting a hand hang by your side, put your arm on your partner's forearm or bicep or hold your kiddo's hand or toes. I will remind you of all of this during our session of course but it is a great thing to keep in mind throughout the session. Lots of points of contact between all family members bring warmth and connection to images and make them feel more less static or posed.
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
"Where should I print my photos?"
The only printing company I can guarantee results is my own printing company when you order photos through me (via your gallery). That being said, I also have great results printing with Mpix and Mixbooks. I strongly recommend you do not print through CVS or Walgreen.
I also design professional, handcrafted albums and holiday/announcement cards. Email me for more details!
While turnaround times can vary by season, I aim aim to deliver all images within three weeks of your session. Images are delivered to your inbox via online gallery. Through this gallery, you have the ability to download the high resolution images to your computer, order prints, share with friends and family, etc.
When to Expect Your Images
Thank you for taking the time to read my guide for a successful portrait session! I can't wait to work together and share the beautiful results! For additional questions and recommendation, please email me at
caroline@carolinewinnphotography.com