Holding on

Some days you just want to hold on for dear life.

Some days you just need a hand.

Some days, a smile, hug or pat on the back can make all the difference.

Every day, mama can make everything all better.

What to wear for your session | Raleigh Film Photographer

I totally get it. Deciding what to wear for your family or newborn session can be a nightmare and headache. I can help my clients ALL day long figure out what to wear, but as soon as it's my turn to be in front of the camera, I freeze up and basically just shut down mentally, lol.

My biggest suggestion for selecting a wardrobe for your session is to start with YOU, MAMA - and then go from there. I know, I know...these photos aren't all about the mama, but you better bet mama will ALWAYS be the main focus in the majority of the images. I always strive to make mama look amazing, because let's face it.....if everyone else looks outstanding, but mama doesn't love the way she looks, well...that photo isn't going to make it very far.

So step 1 is to find something beautiful and special for mama. Long flowing dresses are THE BEST OPTION when it comes to family and newborn photos. You may be rolling your eyes at me right now saying "but Stephanie, I NEVER wear dresses"; and you know what?? Me either! BUT - when it comes time for family pictures, I am searching Free People, Anthropologie and Piper + Scoot looking for the perfect flowing dress like it's my job because there is nothing more beautiful than a mama with her babies in a long, flowing dress. 

And I also know you are saying "but Stephanie, we are having photos taken in our home - do I really need to wear a dress?". Um and the answer is - UM, DEFINITELY! Inside or outside, long flowing dresses are beautiful, timeless and perfect!

I always suggest looking for a dress that has flow and movement, as well as a little bit of texture - maybe the sleeves have lace, or the bottom part of the dress/skirt is tulle. Textures add so much depth and dimension to photos. You can't ever go wrong with texture.

For spring and summer sessions, opt for lighter or pastel colors to really make your photos pop! For fall and winter sessions, warmer colors and floral patterns are the perfect combination!

So since you've already picked out your dress (right, mama???), styling the rest of the family is easy peasy! All you have left to do now is to select colors and patterns that COMPLIMENT, but not match your dress! Long gone are the days of family sessions where everyone is dressed in a classic white button down shirt and khaki pants! You want your wardrobe to have variety and some style!

Style your wardrobe around your dress and opt for items that bring out your dress! I always suggest having ONE pattern in your wardrobe, so if you are wearing a solid colored dress, have your daughter in a small-patterned top and solid skirt! OR - if your dress is patterned, dress the rest of your family in solid colors (or maybe add in a small complimentary pattern, such as stripes to go with your floral dress).

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My typical suggestions for wardrobes: 

Mom: long, flowing dress or skirt with some texture!

Dad: Neutral colored button down, polo skirt or v-neck shirt and solid pants (no jeans!).

Little boys: solid colored or striped polo shirt or button down with khaki or neutral colored shorts/pants.

Little girls: solid colored or small patterned dress that has a little bit of flow and movement.

Remember textures and accessories can work great with everyone!! Throw a fluffy vest over your daughter's dress, or add a scarf to your son! Little extras can add a ton of interest to a photo!

And with that, I know that you want to book a session immediately, right??. : ) Here's the low-down for ya. Family sessions are typically done in your home + fave places...we usually always venture outside around your home to play  (weather permitting). Some folks like to do just their house and yard, some folks like to do just one room of their house and their favorite park up the road. We're not meeting in some random park or place you've never been before. These are the places that matter most to you. This stage/house/moment you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your here and now. I promise you will NEVER regret preserving those in-between moments. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).

Smiles + a nap | Raleigh Family Photographer

Smiles and a nap sound like the perfect combo, right?

Sometimes kiddos just need a break during a session. Maybe they need to nurse, or maybe they just need to take a little walk to get some fresh air. All that's a-ok. Your family session shouldn't be crazy and hectic and stressful. These images are supposed to depict your love, connection and joy as a family and being stressed and frazzled rarely ever leads to beautiful photos you want to plaster up on your walls! Taking a little five minute break gets your little ones away from the camera and often times it leads to magic - like a NAP on mama's shoulder during a session - how priceless is that?!?!

I don't always stop shooting during these little "breaks", but I do try to give you a little space and distance and capture you all from a far. Or often times, I'll take maybe a kiddo (and a parent) who doesn't need a break to the side for some fun portraits! The end goal is to always give you a beautiful representation of your lovely family. Tears and meltdowns are part of your life too and sometimes I'll sneak in and capture those moments as well. I promise you years from now, a meltdown photo of your then 2 year old will be beyond priceless.  

So don't worry, mama. We'll do whatever we need to relax YOU and your babies (and hubby) during your session! I promise it will be magical!

And with that, I know that you want to book a session immediately, right??. : ) Here's the low-down for ya. Family sessions are typically done in your home + fave places...we usually always venture outside around your home to play  (weather permitting). Some folks like to do just their house and yard, some folks like to do just one room of their house and their favorite park up the road. We're not meeting in some random park or place you've never been before. These are the places that matter most to you. This stage/house/moment you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your here and now. I promise you will NEVER regret preserving those in-between moments. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).

True Love | Raleigh Film Photographer

True love....

These two love birds are tying the knot in September and I can't even tell you how excited I am to be a part of their wedding. I leave room in my calendar for one (mayyyyybe two) weddings a year and as soon as Kathryn and I started messaging back and forth about her wedding, I knew we would be a perfect fit. Getting married is a BIG deal. Like a really BIG deal. You only do it once, and the person capturing and recording all of these little details for you should be an absolutely perfect fit to your wedding day and wedding plans. I spent a morning meeting and chatting with Kathryn and Lorenzo, discussing my style, my take on photography and all of my quirks. And they were awesome. They let me be myself and are so open and welcoming to any and all of my suggestions.

Photographing them for their engagement was fun and quirky and probably different than most engagement photos you see out there floating around. Both Kathryn and Lorenzo wanted to have the session in the comfort of their own home and out in front of their house.....and you all know how I feel about those home sessions!! They make my heart skip a beat. :) Both of these love birds opened up and truly let me in to their love for each other. They laughed (probably most at me....), joked with each other and settled into those true love moments. 
 

And with that, I know that you want to book a session immediately, right??. : ) Here's the low-down for ya. Family sessions (babies, couples, newborns) are done in your home + fave places...we usually always venture outside around your home to play  (weather permitting). Some folks like to do just their house and yard, some folks like to do just one room of their house and their favorite park up the road. We're not meeting in some random park or place you've never been before. These are the places that matter most to you. This stage/house/moment you're at right now will be totally different and changed and just "where in the world did time go?" a year from now. Take the time to capture your here and now. I promise you will NEVER regret preserving those in-between moments. Call or email me for session deets (or just click this link riiiiiiight here).