Tips for timing, choosing a location, outfits, managing kids and more!
Portrait Session
PLANNING YOUR family
to THE MAIN WEBSITE
I’m so excited to work with you and can’t wait to share this special time together during your session. I know it’s natural to feel a little anxious—life is full, and your family has so much going on. But that’s one of the things I love most about capturing these moments—the beautiful chaos of life and the love that holds it all together.
That’s why I’ve carefully put together this guide, with you in mind, to help ease any worries and make sure you feel ready and excited. Whether it’s finding a location that feels like home, choosing outfits that reflect who you are, or making sure the kids have fun along the way, I’m here to make everything feel easy and enjoyable.
My biggest hope is that this guide brings you a sense of calm and excitement as you prepare for your session. And remember, I’m just a message away if you have any questions, need advice, or simply want to chat. I’m here for you every step of the way and can’t wait to create something beautiful together!
- caroline
One thing I’ve come to understand over the years is that as parents, our experience of our children often feels more intense than what others see. For instance, when you're at the grocery store and your three-year-old son starts shouting, it might feel like the whole world is focused on the disruption. But in reality, most people just see an adorable (albeit a bit loud) little boy, likely bringing a smile to their face.
The same is true during a photo session. Your child is stepping into a new environment, with someone they don’t know holding a big camera. It’s completely normal for them not to act quite like themselves. They might be more animated than usual, or your outgoing child may suddenly become shy.
But please know, this is all perfectly okay. I’m here to capture your child exactly as they are in that moment, with all their unique expressions and quirks. I want you to relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that the magic of these moments shines through in the most unexpected and beautiful ways.
Managing
little ones
The best thing you can do for your kids during the session is to simply go with the flow and stay positive. When you’re relaxed and having fun, your little ones (or big ones) will naturally pick up on that energy and are more likely to join in and enjoy the moment too.
It’s always a great idea to bring along a few little treats or rewards for younger children. A favorite toy, a special snack, or even the promise of ice cream afterward can work wonders in keeping them happy and engaged.
Please know that I’m incredibly patient with kids, and I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to help even the smallest ones feel comfortable and have fun. We’ll take it all in stride, and I’m here to make sure everyone feels at ease. Together, we’ll capture the beautiful, candid moments that truly reflect your family’s love and connection.
Newborn
You’ve likely realized this by now, but babies can be a bit messy. It’s always a good idea for all members of the family to plan an extra outfit just in case.
04
This is a season when you might not quite feel like yourself. A fresh outfit you feel good in goes a long way. We’ve found longer, a-line dresses that are nursing friendly are often the most flattering. Brands like Ivy City, Petal and Pup and Morning Lavender tend to have quite a few of these at affordable prices. Session days are also a good day to take others up on that offer to help. You are one hard working mama and if you have time to nap, shower and get ready in peace, you’re going to love these images a lot more.
Dear Mama,
03
While your entire house doesn’t need to look like it’s ready for Pinterest, we do recommend cleaning up the nursery and any places you think we might shoot. This might include your bed, the couch or a spot in your home with beautiful natural light. But truly, that's all you need to prep. We know you're in the throes of newborn life and we won't judge the pile or dishes in the sink or baby paraphernalia that has suddenly taken over the house.
Preparing your home
backup Outfits
Feed and change your little one’s diaper right before we arrive. This helps ensure that they are ready to go as soon as we arrive. However due to the tiny size of their tummies, it’s also likely that they’ll need another feed (and maybe a diaper change) during the shoot.
Please don’t worry about pausing the session to feed your little one. This is normal! We plan extra time for newborn sessions.
02
01
Preparing your Baby
If we’ll be photographing the newest members of your family, the following tips below will help ensure everyone is happy throughout the session.
Newborns
a note about
We’ve found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. We normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” our clients have in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour and when when we can—we love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. We 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.
We schedule sessions during what we 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 we’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
Sunset & Bedtimes
In the warmer months, sunset sessions often fall during the witching hour. They may even fall during or after bedtime.
As much as we love a consistent bedtime routine, in order to capture the best light during "golden hour", we're like going to need to throw off your schedule a bit.
If our session takes place close to dinnertime, we recommend feeding kids (and yourselves!) before we begin shooting.
If your little one is going to be going to bed later, consider pushing their nap a bit that day, letting them sleep longer or packing pj's so that you can quickly tuck them into bed as soon as you get home.
If you have a little one who's particular about their clothes (believe me, I completely understand—my 4-year-old daughter is the same!), a wonderful way to avoid any outfit battles is to offer them a sense of choice. Present two or three outfit options that you know will work with the rest of the family’s outfits, and let them pick. This way, they feel empowered and excited, and no matter what they choose, everyone will look great together.
And when it comes to shoes, if the thought of wearing those new dress shoes is causing a meltdown, let them wear their beloved Crocs instead. What truly matters is that they’re happy and comfortable. A joyful, relaxed child will always look more beautiful in photos than a perfectly dressed but unhappy one. Your child’s natural happiness will be what makes the photos truly shine!
Seasonality
things to keep in mind:
Summer
walks on the beach hand in hand
In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your engagement photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
01
02
03
04
View next
Winter family sessions are such a cozy way to capture beautiful moments, and I always recommend opting for in-home or studio sessions during the colder months. These settings allow everyone to stay warm and comfortable while creating intimate, heartfelt images that reflect the love in your home. Plus, you won’t have to worry about freezing temperatures or bundling up in heavy coats—just focus on being together, and I’ll capture the magic!
cozy in home sessions or studios
Winter
View next
Spring sessions are truly magical! With warmer, sunny days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors without the chill. Instead of fall leaves or bare trees, spring offers vibrant pops of green and stunning blooms that add a fresh, lively feel to your photos. The beauty of nature in full bloom creates a dreamy backdrop, making it the perfect season to capture joyful, light-filled moments with your loved ones.
Fresh Flowers & Sunny Days
Spring
View next
In spite of the heat, we’re big fans of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your photos during the summer, we recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
"If it could only be like this always"
Summer
View next
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year on the East Coast and because of the perfect weather, our schedules typically book up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall session, we recommend scheduling early!
"and autumn a mosaic of them all."
Autumn
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Locations
our favorite places to shoot
The best session locations are often meaningful to our individual families; however, we’re also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for session locations are endless!
The Jeffrey Mansion
Supreme Court
Ohio State House
German Village
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Creekside at Gahanna
Ravine at Park of Roses
Quarry Trails
Shale Hollow
water elements
Que Studio
Zurie Studio
BeChanged Studio
studio
Alum Creek
BEACH
Inniswoods
Tall pines at Hoover
Park of Roses
Emily Traphagen Park
Smith Nature Park
Schiller Park
woodsy
Columbus Museum of Art
Franklin Park Conservatory
The Main Library
Cozy in home session
A cool trendy hotel (staycation!)
indoor
The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our families!
We know that furry family members are just as important, and we absolutely love when families choose to include their pets in their session! If you’re bringing your pet along, we’ll just need to make sure we choose a pet-friendly location to keep everyone comfortable and happy.
A great plan is to have your pet join us for the first part of the session, and then have a friend take them home. Since we won’t be using your pet in every shot, having someone there to hold them between photos is really helpful.
To ensure your pet feels their best, we recommend giving them a little exercise before the session and bringing along their favorite toy or treats. And if they could use a grooming, a quick brush-up before the shoot will make sure they look picture-perfect too!
Managing
furry ones
on to the next
When it comes to picking outfits, I always encourage families to think about “complementing” rather than “matching.” For instance, if Dad is wearing a blue and pink pastel plaid shirt, Mom might choose a soft, flowing blue dress that ties it all together beautifully. You can even think in terms of “color families” like pastels or jewel tones to create a harmonious, timeless look.
A helpful tip is to select 3 coordinating colors and spread them throughout the family. Don’t be afraid to mix in subtle patterns or textures, like a soft linen, for added depth and character.
Also, consider the location. If we’re shooting in a lush, green field, you might want to avoid light green dresses that could blend in with the scenery. Thoughtful details like this ensure that your family stands out in the best way, creating images that feel warm, natural, and full of connection.
Choosing Outfits
for everyone
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking or we'll be in grass, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots.
We love the way larger patterns and textures (like linen) 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. We love bright, neon dresses, but we don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Wardrobe Tips
for the ladies
on to the next
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 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
for the ladies
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal & Pup
Pink Blush (Maternity)
H&M
Vici Dolls
Virginia Dare Dress Co.
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Kate + Grace Boutique
Favorite Shops
Able
Zara
Mango
Nothing Fits But
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Shopbop
Everlane
for the ladies
on to the next
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years. I always recommend Erica Eigensee and Denise Chesser!
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, we recommend staying a bit “classic”. Now probably isn’t the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you’re planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
Hair & Makeup
for the ladies
on to the next
You can’t go wrong with crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look.
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
for the gents
on to the next
Wardrobe
for the gents
on to the next
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
Lululemon
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Amazon - GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
Kate Quinn
Zara Kids
Quincy Mae
Rylee & Cru
Noralee
Target - Cat & Jack, Art Class, Q by Quincy Mae
H&M Kids
Crew Cuts by J Crew
Roolee
Alice & Ames
Favorite Shops
Smallable
Fin and Vance
Little & Co.
Briar Baby
Jaime Kay
Childhoods Clothing
Spearmint Love
Gap
Old Navy
Boden
Hanna Andersson
for the kids
shop my PRIME favorites
on to the next
If it's actively going to rain on the day of your session, don’t worry— we can absolutely reschedule! Shooting in the rain, especially as the weather gets colder, is no one’s idea of fun. I’ll keep a close eye on the forecast and let you know the morning of if we need to make any changes. While I work hard to get everyone rescheduled as quickly as possible, there may be rare instances where no available dates work for you. In that case, rest assured your deposit will be credited toward a future session. Your comfort and experience are my top priority!
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
When it comes to your session, there's no need to worry about posing—we’ve got you covered every step of the way. I’ll guide you through natural, easy “poses” that feel comfortable and true to you. And if I suggest something that feels a little silly, it’s probably because I know it’s going to lead to a genuine laugh—and that’s the moment I’m really after, the kind of joy that shines through in the photos.
Throughout our time together, I’ll keep a close eye on the little details—your hair, makeup, and outfits—to make sure everything stays in place. My goal is for you to feel completely at ease and truly enjoy these moments with your loved ones. This time is about capturing the love and connection you share, and I’m here to make the entire experience relaxed, fun, and full of memories you'll treasure forever.
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands?"
POSING
If you have booked an extended family session (more than one household, grandparents, etc), we have a few tips to help make photographing this larger group a bit easier on everyone.
Extended Family Sessions
Tips for larger groups
Please send us all family groupings ahead of time so that while we’re shooting, we understand who should be photographed together.
While you don’t need to draw us a family tree (although bonus points if you do!) something like this would work well:
1
Grandma - Jean
Grandfather - Max
Sam (son of Jean + Max) and Tina.
Their Kids: Jason (10), Julianne (5) and Jack (2)
Elizabeth (son of Jean + Max) and Paul
Their Kids: Austin (9) and Claire (6)
When it comes to choosing outfits for larger families, we recommend coordinating with one another ahead of time. Photographs typically come out best when families choose a color palette or a few colors over wearing the exact same thing (think: the white polo and khaki photo uniform of the 90’s.)
Outfits that feel a bit special (your “Sunday best”) but that you still feel comfortable in generally result in the best images.
If you need any advice in this area, just let us know!
2
When it comes to choosing a location for larger groupings, there are a few extra elements to keep in mind. Locations should be easy to access, limit walking and be safe for young children.
While we can get away with shooting small families in a downtown setting, for larger families, we’ll need a bit of space to spread out. Family homes with larger yards (and open shade), parks and outdoor settings typically work best for extended families.
3
Following the session, we’ll deliver a gallery with the edited images. Please let us know ahead of time who should have access to this gallery. If you send us a list of the email addresses, we can set those up at the time of delivery to give all necessary parties access.
4
Entire family
Grandparents + Their children
Grandparents + Their children + spouses
Child A + Child B
Grandparents + Child A + Child A’s Family
Grandparents + Child B + Child B’s Family
Child A + Child A’s Family
Child A + Spouse
Child A’s Kids
Child A + kids
Child A spouse + kids
Individual photos of all members of Child A’s Family
Child B + Child A’s Family
Child B + Spouse
Child B’s Kids
Child B + kids
Child B spouse + kids
Individual photos of all members of Child B’s Family
Example Extended Family Shot List
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
Yes, you are welcome to print the images on your own. If you do this, we recommend making sure that the printer does not color correct the images (many automatically do this.) We also recommend looking for a high quality printer. While 10 cent prints sound great in theory, the cheaper printing quality often won’t do your images justice. Paper quality, color correction and a handful of other factors play a big role in the way your prints turn out. This is one of the reasons why we LOVE offering prints to our clients.
A:
Can I print the images on my own?
q:
While we don’t guarantee an exact number of images, we will make sure we capture your family thoroughly. Most families should expect to receive at least 30-40 edited images following their session (with the exception of minis)
A:
How many images will I receive?
q:
We guarantee that your images will remain in an online gallery for at least a year. While your galleries may stay up longer than that, we cannot guarantee it. Once your galleries have been delivered, we highly recommend downloading all high resolution images to several devices. Consider investing in a portable, waterproof external hard drive.
A:
How long will I have access to the images?
q:
While turnaround times can vary by season, we aim to deliver all images within two weeks of your session.
A:
When will I receive my images?
q:
Frequently
asked
Questions
You are absolutely welcome to share images on social media. To ensure that our work is properly represented, we ask that you refrain from any edits. We also appreciate image credits and tags as they help us to continue to grow as a business.
A:
Can I share the images on social media?
q:
By default, the creators of images always own the rights to the images. However we’ll give you a release to use, print and share your images. The only thing you won’t be able to do is sell your image as a stock photo. We won’t do this either without your written permission.
A:
Do I own the rights to the images?
q:
We typically plan about 60 minutes for sessions. While we likely don’t need to be shooting this entire time, this does give us the flexibility for location changes, excited kids and time to warm up.
A:
How long should we plan for the session to take?
q:
We do light retouching on all of our images. This means that if there are any glaring objects that should be removed (such as a bump from the tumble your toddler took that morning,) we’ll remove it. Larger edits (such as removing tan lines,) require more time and would require us to add additional editing hours to your collection.
A:
Will you retouch our images?
q:
As soon as possible after your session is complete, we’ll back up your images and begin the editing process. Unless we have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your edited, digital images around 2 weeks after your session.
Your Images
When to Expect
We wholeheartedly believe that your images deserve to be more than just a fleeting moment on a screen. While digital spaces like Instagram are wonderful for sharing, they aren’t forever. One day, Instagram will be a memory, your phone will be replaced, and the images you can physically hold in your hands will be the lasting way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this: fifteen years ago, digital images were delivered on floppy disks, and today, there’s almost no way to access those files. Technology evolves so quickly, and even the online galleries we provide will one day disappear. But prints? Prints stand the test of time. I bet your family still treasures photographs from your grandparents, maybe even your great-grandparents—images that were captured when cameras were rare and prints were a luxury.
Those printed memories are still with us, hanging on walls and tucked in albums, passed down through generations. That’s the lasting legacy I want to create for you—images that aren’t just viewed, but felt and cherished for years to come.
Bring Your Images to Life with
prints
Perfect for those who value legacy. These heirloom albums are a great way to house a large number of images in a beautiful way. Leave them on display as coffee table books or protect them with a legacy box.
Albums
Our framed and matted prints are the perfect way to fill your walls with memories. With a variety of frames to choose from, we’ll help you select the perfect image pairings for your space.
Prints & Wall Art
Details for ordering will be delivered with your gallery
Easy to hang and easy to change out. Canvases are one of our favorite ways to decorate a space. They also work great on little easels placed around the home.
Canvases
We 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 we missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email us.
asteriaphoto@gmail.com