welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for our time together during your family session! It’s normal to be a little nervous about your photoshoot. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
Regardless of the season that you're in, and whether your babies are big, small or furry, this time in your life deserves to be captured by something other than your iPhone. My business began with family portraits in the fall of 2016, and they will forever be the heart and soul of why I do what I do.
Children change quickly. Loved ones pass away. And so much of life can be missed because we didn't stop to soak it in. That's why I love family photography. You can remember those snippets in time, the people you love, and the kids you've raised for forever.
My goal is to capture you and your loved ones doing what you do best - being yourselves. And hey, if I can make you laugh and have fun while we do so, then that's an even bigger win. So let's plan a day, pick a location, and create a slew of images that will fill up the frames your walls for years to come.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session. 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 & how to manage them, location ideas and more!
- Becca
I get it. Having your pictures taken 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 you even had a little fun!
the guys
A NOTE TO
Family sessions are so fun because they can be done any time of the year. 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" you have in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Full sessions typically last about an hour and when when I 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 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
Before your session, pack a bag with snacks, water and any small objects (like toys or lollipops) that might help me get their attention when it’s time for them to look at the camera. If they are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families discuss and pick something fun in advance as a treat after the session if they’re good listeners, like an ice cream cone, for example.
It also helps if their bellies are full and they’ve has some good rest beforehand. Once your prepare them physically and mentally, then feel free to give them (and you!) grace! They’re little, and I know that some days don’t always go as planned. I've seen it all and will make sure to get you great photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
prepping your littles
my favorite Locations
in the dfw area
When it comes to planning your photoshoot, the location you choose can have as much of an impact on how the pictures turn out as the outfits you wear! One of the secrets to getting some of those amazing pictures you see in my portfolio has a lot to do with the location you choose.
Below you'll see some of my favorite places to shoot in the DFW area. Please take your time looking at all the spots to see if one is the perfect fit for you.
If you have a different spot in mind, let me know! I love checking out new places and shooting somewhere that holds special meaning to you.
mccormick park
Euless, Texas
This location is definitely a client favorite! It’s beautiful all year round, although my favorite time of year for this park is definitely March-June. In the early spring there’s a bluebonnet patch I love shooting in and if you hit the park at the right time you can get some gorgeous tree blossoms! After that the long wispy green grass and huge trees are so beautiful and provide plenty of shade for amazing pictures. In the fall you can find the trees changing color and the gazebo is such a fun place to change the scenery a bit.
navigate
Farmers Branch, Texas
I fell in love with this spot the first time I did a session here. It was absolutely beautiful, and I was in awe of the rows and rows of flowers. The gardens are well maintained, easy to access, and add a unique and beautiful touch to your pictures with the variety of blossoms there.
rose gardens of farmers branch
grapevine botanical gardens
Grapevine, Texas
I absolutely LOVE the botanical gardens for so many reasons. It’s well kept, easy to access, and the flowers are pretty year round. It’s not a huge garden, but there’s a little bit of everything to make your pictures special, like a bridge, small field and gorgeous trees. One thing to keep in mind though, is that in peak season (especially on the weekends) this place can be very crowded with people and photographers. So try going on an off day to avoid the crowds.
murrell park
Flower Mound, Texas
I love Murrell Park for the beautiful rocky terrain and lake in the background. You can get lots of variety in your pictures at just one spot - trees, "cliffs", beach and lake! It's a very popular spot for photographers, so I recommend going here on a weekday evening, especially during the fall.
stone creek park
Flower Mound, Texas
Speaking of hidden gems, I absolutely LOVE Stone Creek Park! There’s an amazing stream that flows through this park as well, with lots of stones to take pictures on. That, paired with huge fields and bridges offers lots of great variety for your pictures. It's a very popular spot for photographers, so I recommend going here on a weekday evening, especially during the fall.
arbor hills nature preserve
Plano, Texas
This is definitely a hidden gem in the middle of the metroplex. With miles of trails and field after gorgeous field, this locations has so much to offer. And my favorite part is a little off stream that flows through the park you can take pictures in! Isaac and I took our 2 year anniversary pictures there and I just love how beautiful and romantic this location made the pictures look. Best of all, in the spring you can find some beautiful wildflowers and lots of tall wispy grass you’ll love.
dallas arboretum
Dallas, Texas
I am a big fan of the arboretum, and love how well kept it is year round. You’ll never go wrong here, and each season brings a different beauty of its own to the location. Keep in mind that during the fall the arboretum can get very crowded, which can make taking pictures a little more difficult.
I have a family pass which allows me to bring five guests and pays for parking for two vehicles, so you don't need to worry about the cost!
new light studio
Bedford
In Texas the weather can be very unpredictable, which is why I absolutely LOVE New Light Studio! The studio is located in Bedford, and there are many props available to make your session special. The room rental is added on top of the session fee, but in my opinion, it’s SO worth it. I love the simplicity of the room, because it makes the subjects shine! They also offer some really cute set ups for Christmas, which I love during the holidays.
elmer w. oliver nature park
Mansfield, Texas
Live in the Mansfield area? This park is PERFECT for you! It’s huge, and not only do you get to take some beautiful pictures, but we can walk the entire park loop for a little bit of exercise too. In the spring there’s a bluebonnet patch that is oh so pretty, and even in the winter, this park is amazing!
your home!
If you are wanting more casual, lifestyle type photos, you should consider doing them in your home! This is the perfect way to capture life - drinking coffee in the kitchen, hanging out on the couch, interacting with your pets and kids, and so much more. I love how unique and special in home sessions are!
My dog is huge part of our family, which is why I love when families 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. I won’t use the 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! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
pets
outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.
The goal for coordinating a family is to visually break up the colors and shades so that you’re not all wearing the same color on top and bottom. The more we can mix that up, the better. I encourage you to think about planning each outfit with “dominant colors” and “accent colors” in mind. A dominant color is the color that you see the most in an outfit, while an accent has a smaller piece of visual real estate. When you’re planning each family member’s outfit, if you can aim for each person to have a different dominant color, and then tie in and vary the accent colors, it’s going to look great all together.
find it fast
Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera. I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two instead.
Long, full-length, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Consider softer fabrics like chiffon or tulle which allow for beautiful movement in the images.
When considering the length of your dresses or skirts, it’s also a good idea to factor in whether or not there will be little ones in your photos. Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses photograph beautifully, but if you have little ones in your photos, a floor-length dress or skirt, or perhaps a cute midi-skirt, will make moving around with your kids much easier, and look perfect on camera, too.
say yes to the dress
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
Dresses
for the ladies
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Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with a group. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not be as noticeable on camera. Belts, headbands, bracelets and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention.
Although it might seem counter-intuitive, I recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
dresses
for the ladies
find it fast
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
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Ivory & Wren
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
dresses
for the ladies
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The last thing you want to worry about while having your pictures taken is how your hair and makeup look. Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup, and they also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind.
hair and makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
dresses
for the ladies
find it fast
Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face.
So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals and jeans at home, too, as well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong complement to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. I also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.
wardrobe tips
WHERE TO SHOP
tips
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
where to shop
WHERE TO SHOP
tips
for the gents
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When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, and big patterns it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and green, and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
picking colors
picking colors
mix it up
for the FAMILY
find it fast
If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, one of your daughters could wear a dress and flats, while the other wears a skirt and boots. One of your sons could wear a bowtie, while the other one wears suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring a great visual interest to the photos.
mixing up the pieces
for the FAMILY
picking colors
mix it up
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
If weather is an issue we can schedule two sessions - a primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure you get the look you have in mind for your photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I'll check in the week of your family session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your photoshoot 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 the two of 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.
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I'll 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 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
As soon as possible after your session is complete, I'll start going through your pictures to choose the best ones. You'll get a sneak peek within the first 24-36 hours with my favorite pictures from the session. The full gallery will be delivered about 2-3 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 session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me at
rsuehicks@gmail.com.