what to wear If you or your children are fair-skinned or blond, it's best to avoid wearing white or cream colors. Likewise, dark-skinned and dark-haired families might want to choose colors other than black or dark navy. As a general rule, solid colors are better than prints or patterns. Logos or other writing on clothing can also be distracting. Children and their parents always look nice when photographed in a similar color scheme: Light Pink, Pale Blue, Light Orange (etc.) all translate to a similar Light Gray on Black & White film. Red, Royal Blue, Kelly Green translate to Dark Gray. For Color Film, use your judgment in "styling" your wardrobe selection. I am always happy to offer suggestions if you are deliberating about what to wear. Coordinating or matching outfits for siblings are also cute. Fit is important, especially in tops. For your child, choose something that is snug (but not tight). Loose clothing will translate as baggy and less flattering. The same applies to what you wear. I always recommend that children go barefoot and, when possible, in short sleeves and/or shorts or dresses. There is nothing cuter than a photograph showcasing a child's baby fat and tiny hands/feet! (even if its wintertime!) The most important things to remember when selecting what to wear for you and your children: (1) that you and your children will feel comfortable, (2) that the clothing will not be fussy and require constant straightening and (3) that it be timeless. (You don't want to grow tired of looking at those outfits in years to come). Variety adds interest, so it's a good idea to plan for one outfit change-any more than this will be too disruptive. For infants, I recommend only a diaper (for girls a diaper cover or "bloomers") and if you dare to expose yourself to possible accidents while going for the classic "Naked Tushy" shot, nothing at all. The shape and skin of your baby's behind is irresistible-I promise not to embarrass them in future years by shooting them from the front! For Moms, a shirt with a nice neckline, like a boat-neck or scoop-neck looks good. Oxford-cloth cotton shirts, no matter how well ironed, usually highlight too many creases, so I like to propose cotton with a little bit of Lycra so the fit is snug and flattering. pre-shoot grooming Some Moms like to have their hair cut or blown out before the day of the shoot. I encourage you to do whatever will make you feel good about yourself for our photo session. If you'd like to have your nails done, please avoid red polish: it comes out really dark when translated into Black & White and looks especially unnatural against young children's skin. Get gorgeous! Even if you prefer the "Natural Look," remember that you've never seen a photograph of Cindy Crawford without a little mascara, concealer and lip-gloss. You were "glammed up" for the professional photos taken at your wedding, so why should this be any different? Have a comb and a little hair gel/spray/goop on hand to keep your children's hair in place. No matter whether you have decided in advance if you want to be included in the photos, its best that you are prepared before I arrive. If you need to jump in the shot in order to soothe or pacify your little one, and I shoot a few frames of Mother/Child moments, you won't want to be sorry that you weren't prepared for that shot, and it would be certainly inefficient if you excused yourself to quickly make yourself up. how to best prepare the set: your home Dogs are always cute with their young masters, but often their curiosity tends to interfere with the children's attention and can possibly be dangerous when sniffing around my lighting equipment. If possible, please arrange to have your pets hang out elsewhere while we are working on the shoot. If they are very good, I am happy to try to incorporate them in a shot when all the other shots have been successfully taken. The telephone can be a distraction. If possible, please let the machine/voice mail pick up your calls. Although you may sometimes use music or television to distract your young kids, at the photo shoot however, it's best that these remain off. There are enough things going on to excite the little ones and we don't want them getting over-stimulated. "Photogenic" snacks are sometimes welcome distractions and a good idea to keep on hand: a bowl of strawberries or grapes, an apple or a pear. Even a handful of raisins will slow a child down to focus on popping one in at a time. After their energy is exerted on having their photos taken, it's natural that children will need a snack and if they fall into that magical "zone" while chomping away, I'll keep shooting! These can be adorable shots. Sippy Cups, bottles and juice boxes aren't so photogenic, however. If you are coming to my studio, please bring your child's favorite snacks. Do not assume I will necessarily have them. (My daughter hates all fruit. If I were bringing along snacks for her, it'd be raisins or goldfish. My point here is that all children are different!) tips for a great shoot It's all about the "Talent"-your child! A mellow, well-rested child makes for a great shoot. The younger the child, the more likely he or she will be camera-ready in the morning. For older children, the afternoons are fine to schedule the shoot. In general, however, if they are exhausted, it will be difficult to get good photos of them. You know your child best. On bright days, (natural) sunlight is best first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. This is good to keep in mind when planning outdoor shoots. Cloudy days, if they are bright, can actually be very good to shoot in, because the light is even and flattering. If your children are old enough to understand, you might try explaining to them about what to expect at the photo shoot in advance (bright lights that go pop, etc.). It's best that you have no plans or appointments scheduled directly after the shoot is likely to end, just in case our session takes longer than expected. Children are sensitive to rushing and associated signs of stress. If Mommy is mellow, children are likely to follow suit. Try to have realistic expectations about the shoot. If a classic family portrait is what you have in mind when booking the shoot, then we will focus on that. But trying to accomplish multiple assignments (the group shot of Mommy and Baby, Mommy and Older Child, Daddy and Baby, Daddy and Older Child, etc.) is likely to overload your children. Better plan on scheduling another shoot in six months when the children's faces and development will have changed and when a new season might offer you a different backdrop. At that shoot you can create a whole new "assignment" that was not previously photographed. Quite often, a client will book two shoots within a few months of each other, with a different goal for each shoot. Looking and/or smiling at the camera is not always good. As grown-ups, we are pre-conditioned to pose a certain way when faced with a camera's lens. As impossible as it may seem, pretending I'm not there, and being totally relaxed (in a "zone") will produce the best shots. Make a list of new songs, new words or new expressions that might help me to get your child to lighten up or maybe even crack up. If you are trying to come up with these on the spot, you almost never can recall what they are. By having a little lost nearby, you'll be well-prepared with "crib-notes"! Be prepared to have at least 30-40 frames shot for each "subject." This will mean about 3 to 4 rolls of medium format film, or one roll of 35mm film. As obvious as it may sound, the more film we shoot, the greater the amount of good shots we will have to choose from. Also remember that the more people we put in a frame, the lower the likelihood that everyone will look good simultaneously (so more shots will be necessary). If you have a Nanny or a Mother's Helper, I'm happy to use their assistance (by way of fetching a snack or holding the light reflector). Be wary of too many people shouting at your children to smile or to look into my camera's lens. Too many grown-ups shouting directions can be overwhelming for the little ones.