Thank you for booking a photo session with Racquel Cowen Photography.
Here is some information to help you prepare for your session.
Now What?!?!
You’ve Booked Your Session!
What to Wear
The clothes you wear during your photo session can really elevate your images. Don’t stress though—just follow a few simple rules.
1. Avoid NEON colors and graphics on shirts. Neon will reflect color onto your face and graphics can be distracting.
2. Coordinate colors among family members, but DON’T MATCH. Find 2-3 complementary colors and have all family members wear something in those color families.
3. Patterns are okay, just not for every person in your group! Make it interesting with different textures and fabrics. Don’t be afraid of color, either!
4. We will be sitting on the ground at times, so clothing should be comfortable and allow you to move and sit down. That doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Just watch the length of your skirts and dress so that you can sit.
5. Don’t get a haircut the day before a session or try a new makeup look that day. Likewise, don’t pick “statement” clothing - we want you to stand out, not your outfit! Be you!
6. Try on your outfit before our session and look at yourself in the mirror from every angle. I will make sure I am posing you so that you look your best, but you need to be happy with what you have planned to wear and not be surprised by how your outfit looks on you in photos.
If you need ideas, just put "what to wear for a family photo session" into a Pinterest search or let me know.
What will we do in our session?
CONNECTION - NOT PERFECTION
Have fun! This session is about capturing all of you as you connect as a family for a few moments, away from the chaos and noise and busyness of your life. We are catching this moment in time for your family, whatever it authentically is. Not perfection, just you!
While I will ask you to look at me, most of the time I will ask you to look at each other and enjoy being with each other. Really look at your kids and your partner and see in them what makes you love them! Parents, unless I ask you to look at me, just look at your kids!
If the kids don't want to sit still, it's okay! If they don't want to smile, it's okay! If they want to stand on their heads, it’s okay! I will do my very best to make the session relaxed and fun for everyone so that smiles are not a rarity and your kids’ true selves shine through.
We will be standing up, sitting down, laying down, tickling, hugging, kissing, snuggling and maybe singing and dancing, jumping and running. Low stress!
And while smiles are great, laughter is even better!
Session Tips
DON’T TELL THE KIDS TO SAY ‘CHEESE’
My job as your family photographer is get to genuine, candid smiles from everyone. I work hard to get those smiles for you. Saying ‘cheese’ or telling your child to smile actually prevents me from doing this, and results in fake smiles. I want the whole family to enjoy their session, relax, and laugh. That’s what allows me to capture those true smiles!
DON’T STAND NEXT TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER
I strive to focus on capturing images that show connection and storytelling for my family photo sessions. This means that not all images will show everyone looking directly at the camera. However, I do always try to grab that one perfect “everyone-look-at-the-camera-and-smile” shot.
I LOVE that parents want to help get the kids to smile. After all, you are the ones who make them smile everyday and know how to get a good one. However, if you stand next to the camera, those adorable kiddos will be looking next to the camera, instead of at the camera.
Take a look at this handsome guy - you can see in the first picture he is looking at a parent standing to my left, instead of right at me. The picture on the right, you can see he’s looking at me and there’s a connection with his eyes and my camera.
A good way to avoid this would be to stand directly behind the photographer and play peek-a-boo. That will give us a chance to grab a photo of them looking right toward the camera.
If you’re in the photo, be sure to let me work for those smiles! Most of the time, I will get the cutest smiles out of the kids when the parents are not looking at the camera because they are looking at the kids to see if they are smiling. Your job is to keep looking and smiling at the camera, while I engage the little ones.
Naps—they’re not just for kids! Children who normally nap should definitely get their nap in before our session if possible. While you’re at it, take one yourself!
Empty bellies = bad smiles! Children and adults should eat before the session to ensure happiness and energy! Make sure to check faces and especially teeth for crumbs and leftovers! Dry, colorless snacks like crackers, animal cookies, and water are good to bring if you think your child will need to refuel.
Bribery - it’s only bad if it doesn’t work! I do my best to make our sessions fun and low stress, but every now and then, some kids just aren’t into it. I recommend having a bribe or two in your back pocket just in case.
Last Thoughts and FAQ’s
Communication - If you have any questions, need guidance, or just want to chat about your session - I’m here to support you! Please email, text or call!
Please arrive early ! Your session is timed for optimal sunlight and I cannot guarantee that we can go past our allotted time, so please arrive at least 5 minutes before we are due to begin.
Weather - I will consult with you about the weather one day before the session if it looks like we could have extreme heat/rain/extreme cold/etc. Generally, unless it is raining at the time of our session, we will go forward. (Unless you want photos in the rain - which I’m all for!) I will bring plastic to go under the blanket to try to keep you dry, but expect to get a little wet and muddy if it’s been a wet week.
Payments - If your session requires a deposit, that payment is due at the time of booking and counts towards your total package price. Final payments are due at the time of your session and can be made by cash, check or Venmo.
Cancellations - Except for emergencies (yes, sick kids count!), cancellations must be 24 hours or more before your session in order to reschedule without losing your deposit. I’ve blocked out that time for you, so please do your best to make it.
After your session - I will send your gallery to you by email within 7 days (7-14 days during peak times). I will let you know at your session what your time frame is. Once you receive your gallery, you will have the opportunity to select which photos from your session you’d like as your final images. Those will then receive standard editing and then be re-uploaded to your gallery so that you can download them. If you decide that you like more of the photos than what your package allows - you can always purchase additional photos. Please just let me know.
Let me know if there are any other questions! See you soon!