7 Common Questions About Family Photography Answered

Now that the weather is warming up here in Ohio, I thought it might be nice to share some common FAQs for family photography sessions! I will be starting sunset sessions again in April and cannot wait!

1. WHAT TIME DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Sessions take place at sunrise and at sunset at most locations. If you have young children with early bedtimes, I highly recommend booking in September or October when the sunset is earlier! Check out another blog post of mine here for more tips about sessions with young children!

2. WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Family sessions generally take place at a Metropark location in the Columbus, Ohio area. When you book your session, if you are the first session of the evening, you will be provided with a list of park options for location. I have created this list based on years of experience for which parks work best at certain times of the day! If there is a special location that is sentimental to you, of course please let me know and with a little planning, we can usually make it happen!

3. WILL YOU TAKE ANY POSED PHOTOS OF US?

Yes, I take a few looking-at-the-camera-portraits of you together as a family, and an individual portrait of each child. I know these types of photos are important to document, too. The remainder of your session is all about capturing moments more naturally as they unfold and documenting your family connection.

4. CAN I PRINT MY PHOTOS?

Yes! You have printing rights and online personal use rights to your photos.

5. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

I will contact you in the days leading up to your session and if it looks like rain we can either reschedule (if you're keen to have some photos outside) or play by ear and make a same-day decision to hold your session or not. There are a couple of indoor locations can move to as well including the Franklin Park Conservatory!

6. HOW DO I VIEW MY PHOTOS AFTER THE SESSION?

Within one week of your session, I will send you an online proofing gallery. From this gallery, you will choose which photos you would like. Once your favorites are selected, I get to work editing the photos and will send them to you once they are ready. Usually within two weeks. You will be able to download the full-resolution image files from this final gallery. The image files are ready for print and online personal use!

7. HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION WITH YOU?

If you are ready to book a family photo session, please visit my booking site by clicking here! This site allows you to select your family photo package and see my availability calendar! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have!

5 Tips for Successful Family Photos with Young Kids

Fall busy season is in full swing here in Ohio and that means it’s time to talk about how to get the most out of your family photo session with little ones!

Here are my top 5 tips for family photos with young kids:

1. Choose a slow day that does not have a packed schedule. You want them to be as well-rested as possible and ready to participate in the photo experience!

2. Snacks! Pack some of their favorite (not super messy!) snacks and bring them along during the session. Don’t forget the water or juice, too!

3. Push back nap time. If your session is at sunset and you are worried that they will not be able to stay up late, I highly recommend pushing back their nap time that day. (AND see number 1) If you are looking for earlier session times, try to schedule a sunset session in September or October. Sunrise sessions are also an option (and did you know that sunrise is close to 8am at the end of October and the first weekend in November?! Not tooooo bad.. right?!)

4. Follow their lead. Once we get posed photos out of the way, I love letting them explore the setting we are in. Small breaks like this between poses can really help take the pressure off of them.

5. Keep the mood positive! Kids pick up on our emotions.. try to keep a positive, upbeat attitude - there WILL be things that do not go as planned and that is OK! We roll with it and keep moving.

BONUS TIP: Hype them up for the photoshoot! In the weeks and days leading up to the session, start telling them the plan! Tell them about your friend, Erika and how much FUN we are going to have at the park taking pictures. If you act excited, they will get excited, too!

Summer Sunset Family Photos at Scioto Grove Metropark

It was so nice to see this beautiful family again! I plan a majority of my sessions just before sunset so we can catch that golden hour goodness. This was a beautiful family photo session filled with joy and love!

Fall Family Photos in Lewis Center, Ohio

Fall is always a busy season for me but I love it so much. I thrive on being busy! Seeing all of the families that come back to me with babies a little bit older or maybe a new baby in tow is one of the best parts of my job. I am always so honored when clients come back to me for their family photos.

Metro parks in the Columbus and Lewis Center, Ohio areas are where a majority of my sessions take place. I don’t know if you have explored a metro park lately, but we are extremely lucky to have so many beautiful parks near us to enjoy.

Here is a family session from Shale Hollow last fall. One of my favorite places!