Family information guide


We’re thrilled to have you here for your family photography session. Whether you’re capturing a special milestone, celebrating your loved ones, or simply creating beautiful memories, we’re dedicated to making your session unforgettable.

Our talented photographers are experts at bringing out the unique personalities and connections within families. From candid moments to posed portraits, we’ll work together to create stunning images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Outdoor autumn family portrait session in a golden field at sunset.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Editorial & Fine Art Photography


Capturing light, feelings, 

moments & all the things in between.


  • Warm Welcome: Kris will greet you and make you feel comfortable. We want you to relax and enjoy the experience!
  • Location: Whether it’s a scenic outdoor spot or your own home. We’ll choose a location that suits your family’s style and preferences.
  • Posing and Direction: Don’t worry about knowing how to pose! We’ll guide you through natural and flattering poses that showcase your family’s love and connection.
  • Candid Moments: Some of the best shots happen when you’re simply being yourselves. We’ll capture those genuine smiles, laughter, and interactions.
  • Outfit Tips: If you haven’t already, consider coordinating your outfits. Elegant cocktail attire, cozy sweaters, or matching holiday colors can add a special touch. More tips are below.
  • Props and Personalization: Feel free to bring any props or sentimental items that represent your family. Maybe it’s a favorite book, a cherished toy, or even your pet!
  • Editing and Delivery: After the session will be edited and enhance your photos. You’ll receive a gallery of high-quality images to choose from.
Group of royal terns standing together on a sandy beach in soft light.

5 Tips for your

Family Photos



#1 pLAN enough time for hair and makeup

  • Have your hair, nails, and makeup done. It will help your photos look beautiful.
  • Plan extra time to get your hair and makeup done while getting ready
  • Natural or light: false eyelashes can make a big difference in your makeup routine. Getting that romantic song feel to your makeup.
  • WOW hair products can add professional-grade volume and texture to your hair when you are styling it. LINK


#2 Coordinate Outfits Thoughtfully

  • Harmonize Colors: Choose a color palette that complements each other. You don’t need to match exactly, but coordinating tones create a cohesive look. For example, consider earthy tones like warm browns, soft blues, or muted greens. These colors work well together and evoke a sense of harmony.
  • Avoid Busy Patterns: Large prints or busy patterns can distract from the faces in the photo. Opt for solid colors or subtle textures.

NOTE: If someone is wearing a pattern (like stripes or florals), balance it out by having others wear simpler, solid-colored outfits.

  • Layers: add depth and visual interest to photos. Consider scarves, jackets, or hats.
  • Accessories: Hats and scarves, necklaces, bracelets, or a stylish belt can enhance the overall look.

NOTE: Remember, it’s the small details that matter and contribute to a polished appearance.

  • Comfort Matters: Ensure everyone feels comfortable in their chosen outfits. If someone is uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.
  • Avoid: clothing that is too tight or restrictive.
  • Mix and Match: dresses skirts and pants. Dressing in layers for a higher-end look to your photos. Jackets, sweaters, vest, full length coats, kimonos. All fun options to add layers to your outfit.
  • Shoes: If you are planning on wearing heels bring a spare set of shoes to walk from location to location so you don't get your heels stuck in the dirt.



#3 Choose a Meaningful Location

  • Home Sweet Home: Consider having your session at home. It’s where your family feels most comfortable and authentic.
  • Outdoor Beauty: If you prefer outdoor settings, think about parks, gardens, or scenic spots. Natural light works wonders! We have a list to choose from


#4 TELL your family your expectations and how excited you are ABOUT family photos

  • Authentic Moments: I believe in capturing the real essence of your family—the laughter, the love, and the unique connections you share. Let’s be ourselves, and I’ll ensure those candid moments shine through.
  • Time Together: Our session will be a time to bond, laugh, and create memories. Leave any stress behind; we’re here to have fun!
  • Beautiful Portraits: My goal is to create timeless portraits that reflect your family’s personality. From the littlest giggles to the warmest hugs, every detail matters.



#5 Relax & Be Yourselves

  • It's important to relax and be yourself during the family portraits. Having fun with your children and loved ones cracking jokes making silly faces. When capturing editorial and journalistic portrait it's important to let your personality shine through. But relaxing and being yourself this will naturally come out and you will cherish your images for generations.


“Relaxing makes for beautiful family portraits.”

Harmonize Colors

Neutral branding color palette with sage green, beige, blush pink and taupe hex codes.
Color palette featuring coral, blush pink, mustard yellow, mint green and teal swatches.
Barefoot Sunset color palette featuring six coastal-inspired muted tones.
Mediterranean color palette showing 15 soft pastel and muted tones for social media icons.
Coral Reef collection of 30 pastel Instagram highlight cover icons in soft coastal colors.
Beach Boho Procreate color palette with pink, sage, and neutral tones.
Black and white close-up portrait of a smiling child.

Planning Ahead


Timing Matters

Golden Hour: The hour before sunset (or after sunrise) provides soft, warm light. It’s ideal for dreamy photos.


Epic Monterey Beach Photos

Monterey's dramatic coastline is a photographer's dream, but capturing its full beauty requires understanding the ebb and flow of the tides. High tide brings crashing waves and dramatic scenes, while low tide reveals hidden coves and tide pools, offering unique photographic opportunities.

Plan to get your feet wet be sure to bring a jug of water to rinse.



Snacks Snacks and drinks for children

Have some snacks and drinks ready for the kids as reward pictures.

Before the Session snacks and drinks to AVOID

🚫 Red drinks and candy

🚫 Chocolate

🚫 Ice cream and smoothies

🚫 any fresh berries


Before the Session snacks and drinks that are OK

✅ Clear juice, water, or sodas

✅ Veggie straws, corn chips or potato chips

✅ Fresh fruits and vegetables. Dried fruit

✅ Cheetos

*anything that will not stan there close or Hands before the session

FAMILY PHOTO PREP Checklist!


  1. ⬜️ Hair, nail, and makeup.
  2. ⬜️ Plan out your outfits and accessories
  3. ⬜️ Let the kids know what’s happening - We're getting pictures on (day of the week and day of session). I'm super excited to have pretty pictures of you on the wall and we need to give one to Grandma and Grandpa.
  4. ⬜️ Preparing your spouse for portraits. - Let your spouse know how important these photos are to you. Remind them what the photos are for.



A person in a flowing red dress stands in a dramatic stormy field at dusk.
A family stands together on a leaf-covered path through golden autumn aspen trees.
Small child in red poncho plays among fallen autumn leaves and aspen trees.
Two children share a tender moment in a sunlit meadow with mountains in background.