What should I wear!?
This is the most common client question. And it's a good one! Raise your hand if you have photos from middle and high school wearing an outfit you LOVED but it did not age well (I'm raising my hand). My biggest advice is not to go too trendy. Think of clothes that will be timeless. Neutral colors are going to be your best friend. For my own family, I always pick my favorite piece of clothing and use that as my centerpiece. From there, I coordinate everyone else's clothing. Usually, I pick out a dress and then plan around that. Sometimes one of my kids has a shirt that I love, like a dinosaur button-down, and I'll plan around that.
Tips:
- Pick something comfortable - kids will let you and everyone else know if they aren't wearing something that "feels good"
- Wear something that makes you feel good - if you don't like wearing fitted dresses, I wouldn't pick a fitted dress (maternity or family). Go with something flowy that flatters your figure or baby bump. If flowy isn't your thing, go with something fitted. It's all about you and what makes you feel good.
- Don't pick clothes with large logos or bright, loud colors
- Do pick clothes that are neutral or softer tones
But There's More ...
If you have kids or you're pregnant and exhausted (or both!) take the day of your session easy. I wouldn't recommend spending the morning at the pool or the beach. You don't want to come to your session exhausted and worn out. Make sure your little ones take a nap or have a time of rest before we meet. And FOOD! It's important to make sure that everyone has happy tummies before we meet. It's hard to smile when you're feeling hangry. It's a good idea to pack some mess-free snacks like gummies, goldfish, or a granola bar (not the ones with chocolate!). We're moms so all of that is usually in our diaper bags and purses anyways, don't be afraid to pull it all out! It's hot in the low country so I suggest water. All the water. Bring bottles of ice, cold water. And while we're packing that water, let's also remember that we have bugs the size of our fists, so bug spray is also a good idea. Another good idea is not to arrive too early. Kids don't really like waiting and you'll be spending most of your time trying to them clean. It just isn't worth it. My final piece of advice is to consider bribery! If we're working with young kids, I'll try to remember to ask if you're ok if I bribe them with a piece of candy or squish toy. Kids will smile for candy and toys. I've also bribed my own children with a dessert afterward if they listen and participate - it works!
In a nutshell:
- Take it easy
- Make sure children have nap/quiet time (mommy's to-be can nap too!)
- Eat a snack/meal before getting dressed
- Bring snacks
- Bring water
- Bring bug spray
- Don't arrive too early but be sure to arrive on time!
- Bribes
