These are non-negotiable if you want incredible images!!!
DON'T wear overly bright or reflective clothing it can disturb the color of an image AND your skin. This includes stark white clothing (creams and soft whites are best)
DON'T dress everyone in the same exact colors. It's best to mix and match coordinating colors and textures. Jewel tones, Earth tones, soft muted tones and neutral colors photograph best. If we are doing a newborn session and you want focus on close up intimate images all black tops works great to keep focus on baby.
DON'T wear shorts, low sitting hats, collared shirts buttoned all the way up, short dresses/skirts, busy patterns, logos or graphic Tees.
DON'T Self or Spray tan right before your session to help prevent it wearing off on our gowns.
DO put the guys in jeans, slacks or linen pants and pattern free shirts, depending on the style you're going for. (We offer boys & mens shirts in a variety of sizes & colors plus gowns for girls in a range of styles and sizes)
DO feel free to bring a few options so I can help you choose what goes best with what!
DO Make sure your hair and nails are done before the shoot if needed that way you don't regret it once the shoots over.
(This includes the kiddos with chipping finger nail polish and stick on tattoos)
Links to wardrobe items below, feel free to mix and match what you'd like or reach out if you need some new ideas! I'm here to help!
How to prepare for your session!
Prep Guide
Maternity Session Prep
So first off CONGRATS! One of the most amazing and hardest times in a woman's life! This is a one time deal with each precious life created, have no regrets!
Bring family & children if you like, no extra charge. I offer a full selection of gowns for use during your session. Please be sure to bring skin colored, white or black bra & underwear, if possible bring all as some of our gowns are sheer.
Please moms make sure you eat well the day of your session! We want you feeling your best!
If theres work of mine you've seen & love please let me know, it helps me to assure that you leave happy with your images.
Newborn Session Prep
I like to set the session for 12-17 days after the due date for the sleepy sweet spot in most babies.
The last thing I wanted to do when my babies were a few days old was leave the house, so I like to give new parents at least a week to acclimate to life with their baby. Don't worry if your baby isn't 12-17 days!
I've successfully photographed babies as young as 6 days up to 4 months with modifications for NICU stays. Your baby is in experienced hands with me.
Parents of boys if you are having it done if possible hold off on circumcision until after the session, posing is limited by the healing process.
Baby doesn't have to sleep for their session BUT here are some ways to bring a relaxed/sleepy newborn to their session.
-Feed baby 2 hours before the session start time.
-After feeding, don't actively try to get baby to sleep--let them be awake!
-If baby is fussing, you can soothe them--we don't want a crying baby!
-This is a great window of time to give baby a bath! Not only will it keep baby awake, but it will fluff up greasy hair and clean off any grimy folds newborns can get around their necks!
-Letting baby kick unswaddled in a warm room is a great way for them to wear themselves out!
Newborn Session Prep Cont.
For newborn sessions if we are doing family I suggest for the most timeless look lets get everyone in black, dark grey or dark brown, short sleeve, tanks or long sleeved tops. These are close up snuggled shots only.
Bringing items from home do's and don'ts. I don't mind incorporating a personal item or family heirloom into sessions! But not all items are actually appropriate for tiny babies!
DON'T: bring "newborn sized" crocheted hats from big chain department stores. Spoiler alert: they aren't newborn sized.
DO: bring a helper if you need to! Grandparents are welcome, along with nannies and babysitters!
DON'T: bring cheap diaper covers or props you find online! If there's any specific themed prop you're interested in, let me know and I'll check to see if I already have something we can use.
DO: bring a bottle if you've done any bottle feeding. Some moms even bring their pumps with them. A bottle of pumped milk or formula could make a huge difference in baby's sleepiness if a full belly is what will help them stay in a deep sleep!
DON'T: stress if you haven't bottle fed baby and prefer to stick with breastfeeding! (I did too!)
Newborn Session Prep Cont. 2
Arriving to the studio:
When you first arrive at my studio, get comfortable in the waiting room!
First to keep the shooting room clear of any clutter.
Secondly, this is where the toys are and where we like to keep all food and drinks. Feel free to bring anything you think you might need including snacks!
Before feeding baby, please have baby only in their diaper! Feel free to swaddle them with a blanket while they eat if needed!
Once baby is ready we will start. This session is baby led so we will go with the flow of the baby. Feel free to whip out your phone and take as many photos and videos as you'd like! Or relax and use me as your glorified babysitters while your little one gets their first photoshoot!
Sitter Session Prep
Please keep in mind for this session we like to be sure baby is sitting up unassisted well which means the best age depending on your baby is 6-9 months old!
Don't forget I provide everything needed and family is included so come prepared by using our wardrobe guide if you plan on having family portraits done! I do also offer my client closet options as well.
For this session don't fret about posing, we will let your baby's personality shine through and photograph them as they are with no pressure on them to "perform".
Cake Smash Prep
This is a fun ONE! We provide the baby's outfit, all decor matching the theme. Since it is a themed set we will talk over your theme. As always wardrobe is available.
If baby has any allergies this is something that needs to be discussed with your chosen bakery. Jessica Rae Portraits is not liable for any issues pertaining to the cake/food for the smash. I recommend buying a custom order cake from a baker NOT a basic cake from the local grocery store. That way it matches your theme perfectly, it really can make or break the look of your baby's smash.
No matter the size of your family or session be prepared for a little chaos lol! When children are involved things can become interesting, it can sometimes turn into play time and that's ok. Keeping the kiddos happy and calm is important for good images and a fun experience so please bring along a treat or favorite toy if needed!
Family Session Prep
Wardrobe, Wardrobe, Wardrobe! The biggest regret families have after a session is their wardrobe! Don't be them! We can together choose what will look best on everyone. PLEASE do not do this by yourself, it is my job to help you look your best. We can use your own wardrobe, I can help you buy new or you can borrow from my closet, but let's style you together!
You may feel great in something that may not end up photographing well, but that is what I am here for so don't skip out on this service.
The links above can give you some ideas as to how to mix and match everyone. Also please read the DOs and DONTs! Been at this for 15 years, consider me your personal stylist. My hair and makeup artist can help as well.
If we've got kiddos involved let's plan around nap time for best results! I do not charge per person so everyone is included at no added cost, what else is family photos for!? Do not hesitate to reach out during the process anytime so we can be sure this is perfect!