So, you’ve finally decided to book a family portrait session -- sweet! Where do you go from here?

Well, thankfully you've stumbled upon our blog! We are honored to do a family portrait for you. Come along with me as I go over our typical custom family session options!

-OUR PRICING, PRINTING, AND TIME SLOTS

Family Mini Sessions: 30 minutes, $350 and includes a gallery of high-resolution images. A family of 4 can expect about 50 images, as we photograph as many family member combinations as we can fit within this timeframe. The high-resolution images we send you can print up to 16x20 with impressive clarity.

Custom Family Session: 60 minutes, $395. Multiple same-day photo locations can be arranged, and additional charges may apply depending on what you are looking for. Contact us directly for more information! Session Timeframes: We understand that sometimes unexpected things happen, but please try to be on time, so that you get the most out of your session! There may be family sessions before and after yours, and we want to provide you with the best photos possible!

Printing and Retouching Services: Your gallery of images will be softly retouched. However, if you wish to have an image retouched further, there is an additional charge. We also offer printing! Each image is carefully edited for printing, and color corrected to perfection. The prints are mailed directly to your house. Visit Print Pricing!

-CONNECTING WITH THE FAM & KIDDOS

I love connecting with the kiddos as soon as possible! It isn't uncommon for me to chat with the family and kids as we meet at the location and walk to the most ideal photo spot. The more I chat and interact with the kids, the better connection I can make when photo time comes. Connecting with open-ended questions is the best way to chat with kids, such as: “What’s your favorite ….X Y or Z?" This style of question encourages them to respond with something other than just a yes or no answer. I can see how their minds run through a bunch of fun thoughts as they are trying to answer their “favorite” question. I tend to not pull out my camera until I have chatted with the family for a few minutes, helping break the ice.

-FINDING THE RIGHT LOCATION

Those who are interested in being photographed by us will have many photo locations all over the Bay Area to choose from. I am also open to new locations, or photographing at your residence! Feel free to take a look at my favorite locations HERE. The location you chose will portray a feeling in your photographs. A grassy morning session will create a different feel than a night session in the city. Choose wisely! About 95% of our family sessions are outdoor in a natural area. Outdoor family sessions are my personal favorite photo sessions, by far!

-TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR

I find that everyone wearing the exact same top and bottoms creates a zebra-like appearance. So having your family wear different tones of the same color is the best way to go. Instead of everyone wearing the same blue, wear a royal blue, light blue, dark blue, etc. Wearing the same color in different tones shows your family is a unit, but still individual members. I tend to stay away from white and black tops, if possible. Black and white can look great. It’s not a stringent rule. Adding a scarf is never a bad idea! Here is an in-depth discussion on what to wear. HERE

-PHOTOS ARE DONE, NOW WHAT?

Once we photograph your awesome family, give us up to one week to deliver your digital gallery of images. Your images will be gently retouched. After receiving your images, we can do extra retouching and/or printing for an additional charge. Depending on how many family members you have, expect anywhere from 25-50 images. You will be able to download these upon receiving an email from me stating your photos are ready!

-PAYMENT

A 25% deposit is required for all sessions. As photographers, if there is a cancellation last minute, that means we aren't able to fill that slot with another family. Families with 6+ individuals will need a custom quote. Reminder, please be on time for your time slot so you can the most out of the session! Here's our pricing overview again at a glance:

Family Mini Session 30 Minutes $350 25-50 images

Custom Family Session 60 minutes $395 50-100 images

Thank you for reading, and we genuinely hope you choose us to capture your family through photographs!