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portrait SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
choosing the perfect time, location, outfits & More!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited to be working with you and cannot wait for our time together during your portrait session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having John and I's photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm a big fan of portrait sessions for a few reasons. First, they are such a fun was to document the season of life you're in right now.
I love how portrait sessions allow you to showcase each of your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to you and your family (and even include pets!). While they’re great for Christmas Cards, I’ve taken portrait sessions anywhere from 11-1 months in advance to a few days before the holiday season.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets and how to manage them, location ideas and more!
I get it. Having your picture taken for any length of time might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and that you even had a little fun!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
I’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a client has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and when when we can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I like to schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before I’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I shoot most of portrait sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my clients choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30 pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, I am a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6 pm. If you’re taking your photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup, water, and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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If you’re hoping to use your photos for your holiday cards or prints for gifts, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your cards or gifts. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your cards and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Holiday cards
Locations
california portrait LOCATIONS
I love when clients choose a location for their session that complements their personalities. The best session locations are often meaningful places to my clients; however, I am also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and family farms, the options for portrait session locations are endless!
Palace of Fine Arts
SF City Hall
Legion of Honor Museum
Montavlo Arts Center
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Peir 7
Point Reyes
Land's End/Sutro Baths
COASTAL
Nob Hill/Powell Street
Lyon Street Stairs
Embarcadero
Mission/Balmy or Clarion Alley
Maiden Lane/Union Square
URBAN
Carmel Beach
Big Sur
Baker Beach
Chrissy Feild
Marshall's Beach
BEACH
Family Ranch
Coyote Hills Regional Park
Your Home
Mill Valley/Marin Headlands
Berkeley/SF Botanical Gardens
RUSTIC
Cooking class
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful, but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my clients!
Destination portrait Sessions
While I shoot most portrait sessions in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve photographed sessions everywhere from Los Angeles to Colorado, Wyoming to Kauai. If you have a location in mind that is significant to the two of you, let me know because if our schedules align, we might be able to take your photos outside of our normal area.
Travel fees may apply depending on the location and our availability.
Our dogs are a huge part of our family, which is why I love when clients choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. We won’t use your pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Also bring water, especially for summer portrait sessions. Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot (a lint roller might also be a good idea).
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, Mom may want to choose a long, soft blue dress. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally clients pick one outfit for a portrait session, but if planned ahead of time we can fit in two: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when clients usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don’t forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
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Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind. I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos - and why not pamper yourself?!
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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There will probably be times during your session when I am photographing your hands holding or your jewelry/ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
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You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look.
Bow ties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
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Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
It’s typical to schedule two session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I have found that the best way to make sure our clients get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I will check in the week of your portrait session to confirm the time & location we will be meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Props
champagne is always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your session, I recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship or a family tradition may come off as contrived.
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Date Night
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t get dressed up all that often. Which means that the day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
This portrait session is a part of celebrating this season of life and heading off to dinner is a great way to end your session!
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I will download and back up your images. Unless there is a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos between 2 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your portrait session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
catie@catherineleanne.com