It’s no lie that I love indoor photos, but there’s something special about an outdoor session in spring. Spring is a great time for family photos in the Seattle area. The weather is normally starting to warm up, flowers are in bloom, sunset is at a reasonable time, and spring fashion is so fun. Spring sessions are perfect for families, and maternity sessions, and can be booked directly from my website here.
My Top Tips for Traveling to a Warm Weather Destination with your Family
Spring Break is almost here!
Yes, I know I’m a photographer and that is what I’m best at, but if there’s anything I love as much as I love photography, it’s traveling with my family. As many of my photography clients are gearing up for Spring Break, I’d like to share my top tips for traveling to your warm weather destination.
Tip One - Take the overnight flight
Yes, I know, there are many who will disagree with me but overnight flights are the way to go for our family. All four of my kids sleep better on the plane than they do at home and it allows us to arrive to our destination in time to change, take a quick swim, have an early dinner, go to bed at a reasonable hour, then wake up refreshed and ready to go on the first full day of vacation.
Tip Two - Take a portable clothesline:
When you’re heading somewhere warm, you’re more than likely going to be wearing a lot of swimsuits. We travel with a portable clothesline that we set up on our balcony to dry the swimsuits so the kids always have a dry one available.
Tip Three - Go for the All Inclusive
All Inclusives are fantastic for families. Got a picky eater? Order something new if they don’t like the first option. Got a foodie? No need to worry about them ordering the most expensive item on the menu. You can let them try new things. On our last trip to the DR, my kids discovered virgin pina coladas. An all inclusive resort is a great place to try new foods and drinks.
Tip Four - Don’t Pack too much into your Vacation
Heading to a tropical destination normally involves a whole lot of pool/beach time and relaxation time. We try to limit the amount of excursions to two for each week of vacation. This allows you to still get out and explore a new place, but it also gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy taking a breather.
Tip Five - Travel with Carry On Only
When you’re heading somewhere warm, this is an easy one. You don’t need to carry winter coats or boots so you should be able to fit everything in your carry on. We have our kids take a carry on each and we will split the baby’s stuff between all of our luggage. For a week each kid packs two swimsuits, two pairs of shorts, two t-shirts, one pair of nice pants and a polo (for fancy dinners), a hoodie, and two pairs of pajamas.
Why You Should Have Your Family Photography Session at Your Home {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}
I strongly believe that your home is always the perfect backdrop for your family photographs. Here are some of the reasons why:
Your home is warm and cozy
Here in the Seattle area, the winters are long and rainy. By having your family photography session in your home, we will never have to reschedule due to weather, and you don’t need to take your kids out in the cold.
Your kids are more comfortable at home
Your home is your children’s safe space. They feel more comfortable there than any other place on earth. When they’re comfortable, they’re much more likely to cooperate for your family session.
Your home helps tell your story
Most of the time, a beach or park has no real meaning to the family being photographed there. Your home is a part of who you are and helps to tell your story.
You don’t have to drive for a long time to get to a location
All you need to do is be ready when I arrive. I do the traveling so you don’t have to!
It would be an honor to photograph your family in the four walls in which you’re most comfortable!
What is Lifestyle Photography?
“Don’t shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like” - David Alan Harvey
Lifestyle photography falls somewhere in the middle between a completely journalistic photography style and a smile-and-look-at-the-camera posed style. Lifestyle photography captures families loving on one another while still being somewhat directed by the photographer. The majority of my lifestyle sessions take place in your home. Newsflash - you do not need a newborn to have an in-home session! That seems to be a common misconception. Many people think that in-home sessions are for newborns and outdoor sessions are for families with older kids, but I have photographed many families in their own homes with breathtaking results. There are many reasons why I love in-home sessions but one of the major reasons why I love shooting in-home is because that’s where you’re most comfortable, and when you feel comfortable, it shows in your images.
When I arrive, I will take a quick walk around your house to determine where the best light is. Once that’s complete, I’ll slowly get out my camera while chatting with your kids until they feel comfortable with me. A lot of people feel awkward having their photo taken. Please know that this is completely normal! My goal is to make this as relaxing as possible. I will always help guide you into position, however, I’m not going to ask you to look and smile at me. Once you’re in position, I’m going to ask you to look down at your kids, tickle them (if that’s their thing), snuggle with them, read to them, play with them. This will help create meaningful images that show your kids how much they are loved.
How should you prepare your house for an in-home session? First of all, your house doesn’t have to be perfect. You have kids, it should look like they live there, however, please keep in mind that anything left out has the potential to be photographed. If you don’t want it in your images, put it away. I usually use the main bedroom, living room and kids rooms / nursery so if you want to tidy up, focus on those areas.
What should you wear to your in home session? I recommend that all family members are barefoot. I will have you sit on your bed, or snuggle on the couch, places where you wouldn’t normally wear shoes. It’s also easier for you that way because it’s one less thing to worry about! I have an online styling service for all my families and you are more than welcome to use it to pull together outfits. You can be as casual or as dressed up as you like. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable!
Any questions? Reach out! I’d love to chat with you.
A Cozy In Home Session on a Cool Fall Day {Seattle Family Photographer}
What happens if time gets away from you and you never get around to scheduling a newborn session when your baby is still tiny? Should you just skip a session? In my opinion, absolutely not! I photograph babies exactly how I photograph newborns, it really doesn’t matter if they are 6 days or 6 months! This sweet boy was almost 4 months for his sesison. His amazing parents had just finished renovating their gorgeous house and it was a perfect time to photograph this new family of three in the four walls which makes up their home.
