How to prepare for your family portrait session in San Diego, CA – San Diego Family photographer

1024 683 Hillary Gustaveson

Hi! I’m your local San Diego boutique family photographer with a passion for capturing families together and providing heirloom artwork for you to pass down to your kids. 

Preparing for your session ahead of time can enhance the experience resulting in beautiful portraits of your family. Here are a few ways to prepare… 

Choose the Right Location

There are so many amazing locations for your family portraits in San Diego to choose from. When I come for your consultation, we discuss what your family is into and what locations reflect your family so everyone is comfortable during their session. Are you beach people? More of a trail? Anyone not able to walk far? All things to consider. Also certain locations in San Diego (like trails) tend to affect the time of day your session is. 

Select Outfits

The biggest suggestion would be not to all match wearing the same thing. Nothing dates a portrait more than jeans and a white shirt. You want to pick one person to have the pattern/design on their outfit (usually thats Mom or little girl) and then pull similar colors that are in that outfit. I go over all of this during your consultation. 

Avoid trendy designs/colors and no logos, neons or branding/sayings.

Consider the Time of Day

Sessions are about 90 minutes before sunset. Golden Hour is the prime time as I can get that warm glow with my subjects. However- if you have little ones and they are unhappy later in the day, I do save one weekend morning a month for those littles to have early morning sessions. 

Prepare Children (and Pets!)

Take your dog for a walk before the session to get some energy out. Make sure the kids have had snacks and are hydrated. Bringing them in other clothing and changing into their outfits at the session is always suggested. I beg for you to not stress to them to just sit and smile- let me work with them to let them show their personalities. Use a reward for after the session (such as going out to ice cream after!) so we can use that for motivation.
Allow kids to have involvement in outfit selection (giving them 2 to choose from) and allow them to be my helper during the session.

Have fun!

My sessions are fun and relaxed and I want you to have a great time while I capture your family together <3 

If you’re ready to schedule your family photo session in San Diego, use the contact button below to schedule your consultation.

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