What to Expect – Family Photography The Woodlands
I thought I would go into a little of what a session is like with me, no matter if you book a Petite, Full or Storyteller session, and most of the time even 15 minute mini sessions 🙂 I get lots of questions of what to expect during photo sessions and how many images come with a package or even what to wear! Here is a little breakdown for you!
How do I book my session? Booking Sessions are EASY peasy!! I have an online booking system that you can go in, chose your session type and the day/time from my available days on a calendar and get you all setup! No need for back and forth or waiting for me to reply. You sign the contract, answer a short questionnaire and pay your retainer all in one step!
What should I wear? This is a question I get a lot! I can do a customized styling board for your family or answer any questions at all prior to your session! I am always happy to help! My most recommended tips are; no matchy matchy. Don’t wear all white tops and jeans, or all blue etc, coordinate your colors, add a few patterns (not everyone) and go with it. If you are more comfortable in jeans or leggings, WEAR THEM! If you want to deck out in the nines, DO IT!, or you just want to wear a flowly dress for this time, YES! Its all about comfort, especially for Mom. I always recommend, planning Moms and girls outfits, then coordinate the boys around them. I am attaching a few great combos of family style outfits on this post. Mustard yellows and deep purples are my fave during fall! If you are on FB I have a VIP group where I upload style guides as well!
What should we expect during our session? You should expect fun 😉 Depending on the session type you booked, depends on our time together, but no matter if its a mini session or storyteller, you get 100% of my attention on your sweet family. We don’t just do posed photos, we do a combo of lifestyle and posed. That way I can get the personalities of your family mixed in with those cheese smiles 😉 I get feed back all the time of “my kids had so much fun during your session!!” or ” even my husband liked our session” and in my book, husband and kiddos liking their session is a huge win!! I normally try and start with your family photos as I know most of the time that is the most important ones the client is wanting.
How many images do we get and how do we chose? The way my process works, is within 1-2 days of your session you get a soft proof gallery, this gallery for minis typically gives you 20 images to chose from for a 5-10 image package session or 40-60 images to chose from a 25-35 image package. Most of my images are not 10 of the same image just slightly different smile, most of the time we get a good combo of images in that period 🙂 So those who book my minis and are worried about getting enough images, WE DO! Trust me 🙂 I am a firm believer in not needing 100 plus photos of a family session, I give you enough images you can easily decide from and you ALWAYS have the option to purchase more or your full gallery at a discount price! My turn around time most of the year is 1 week from when you chose your images. During fall season, its about 2 weeks (sometimes faster).
If I book a Petite session for my child’s milestone photos, can we do a few family photos too? Absolutely!!! Just remember these are 30 min sessions, so we do a few family style then focus the rest on your sweet child! You still get 10 images in your package as well.
What if my child won’t cooperate? Don’t worry!! If we have a moody/cranky child, we go to lifestyle photos! We have fun with them, let them run around, play ring around the rosy, throw leaves in the air, we get those smiles!! My biggest advice, especially on children ages 18 months to age 3, is to remember these are the toddler years. They are UNPREDICTABLE. So go with the flow, don’t be stressed, if you are stressed the child stresses as well. So we get a family photo of not a perfect smile, its ok!! You will look back on these with memories and laugh at how your child made the cutest pouty face. Although it doesn’t seem like it at the time, you will want to remember this moments! We may have a pouty posed family photo, but then you get 10 smiling photos of them playing in the leaves, and that smile will be forever etched in your memories! Oh and definitely bring candy/crackers as a bribe!
Where will my session be? 99% of the time I shoot in the Woodlands area. I have about 6 spots I LOVE and use at different times of year. I know these spots like the back of my hand and know the light situation both during sun and overcast. They make for amazing memories and beautiful backdrops. Minis and Petite sessions are always done in the Woodlands. If you book a Full or Storyteller session I will travel within a 20 mile radius of the Woodlands, upon approving the location.
Can grandparents/cousins be included in the photo session? All Mini Sessions, Petite Sessions and Full photo sessions are for immediate families only (meaning parents/kids). If you want to add in grandparents/cousins/aunts/friends outside the nuclear family unit, there is a fee per person added, just message me for pricing! Extended family sessions are some of my favorite sessions to photograph! I love capturing the love of entire generations of family.
Can we bring our pet? YESSSS. I love pets!! I do recommend bringing a handler if you want a few family photos without your sweet pup.
Want to book a family session? Lets chat!
Laci Leigh Photography is a photographer in the Woodlands area specializing in children and family portraiture. She is now booking for 2021 sessions and servicing The Woodlands, Houston, Spring, Conroe, Tomball, Cypress, Kingwood, Humble and Katy Texas areas.