Prepare
MATERNITY SESSION
At BK Rose Studio, we understand the stress that comes with preparing for a photo session.
That's why we've created this guide to help minimize your stress and ensure a successful shoot.
What To Expect
STUDIO SESSIONS
Our studio is attached to our home. We converted our 2.5 car garage into a dedicated studio space. It is temperature regulated (we have heat and a/c). There is a changing area and mirror.
Our studio sessions are very creative in nature and change as we all feel inspired. We welcome your ideas and will also bring our own! These sessions are fun and laid-back!
OUTDOOR SESSIONS
We will meet at an agreed upon location and walk from there. We do try our best to keep you out of any highly buggy or muddy areas. If your group has any walking concerns, please let us know ahead of time so we can properly prepare.
What To Wear
CHOOSING YOUR WARDROBE
Upon booking your session we will discuss wardrobe options.
Don’t feel like shopping? No problem! We welcome clients to bring their own wardrobe but also have dresses in our studio for client use. Browse them here: CLIENT WARDROBE.
PREPARE EARLY
Prepare your outfits from head to toe well ahead of your session day. If you need to order any additional items you will need time for them to arrive. Consider the change that will occur in your belly size.
Once you have the outfits picked out, place them on hangers and put them on one side of your closet. Any accessories or shoes you want to wear with the outfit hand in plastic bags around the hanger with the outfit. Do this for any additional people that may be apart of the photo session. Then on the day of your session all you have to do is grab those ready-to-go hung up items (that you have carefully placed to one side of the closet) and head to your session. Planning this way ahead of time eliminates a lot of the day-of session stress.
COORDINATING WARDROBE
Coordinate your outfits with your partner to ensure a cohesive look. We suggest wearing solid colors that flatter your skin tone. Avoid logos and busy patterns that may be distracting.
Consider the season you will be taking photos in. Here are some suggestions to help when selecting colors. Neutrals (cream/white) look good in every season and are a very timeless look.
Spring sessions: pale yellow, light pink, lavender, light blue, sage green, white cream (pale + colorful)
Summer sessions: yellow, pink, purple/lavender, blues, greens, white, cream (bright + colorful)
Fall sessions: mustard yellow, orange, navy blue, rose pink, burgundy, emerald, turquoise (deeper + richer colors)
Winter sessions: ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green, white, cream (cool based jewel-tones)
A NOTE FOR THOSE WHO WEAR GLASSES
Glasses that have anti-glare coating and are not light sensitive are the best for photos. If we see a heavy glare on your glasses or they are transition changing with the light, we may ask you to remove your glasses so we can clearly see your eyes. If you think your glasses will be problematic, consider an alternate pair without these issues, or a pair of glasses with the lenses popped out (we will not be able to see the lenses are popped out in the photos). Light-transitional glasses WILL appear dark and we will not be able to see your eyes well, even when shooting in shaded areas.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO BRING
Please bring any additional items you would like to incorporate into your session. For example: A onesie with a cute saying on it, baby shoes, your ultrasound, and any other sentimental items you would like to capture in a photo.
Makeup / Hair / Nails
IF YOU ARE DOING YOUR OWN
Arrive with your hair styled and your makeup done but bring your hair and makeup kit with you for touch-ups. Plan extra time to get ready to allow time if anything doesn’t look right. If it normally takes you 30 minutes to get ready, plan an extra 15-30 minutes to apply makeup and do your hair.
We often see hands, so make sure your nail polish is freshly manicured and not chipping. Men, your nails should be nicely manicured as well.
IF YOU ARE WORKING WITH A STYLIST
If you are interested in having professional makeup and hair done for your session, please check out our makeup artist recommendations HERE.
If this is the option you choose, please coordinate with us ahead of time where you will be doing makeup. We often need to work this into our schedule for the day if you will be doing makeup at our studio.
Weather
STUDIO SESSIONS
We shoot rain or shine!
SUMMER SESSIONS
Ticks and mosquitoes ARE nasty in the summer. Use your own discretion with bug spray but we HIGHLY encourage bug spray on all family members during hot months. When you come home, please check everyone for ticks. Although we do try to avoid high bug areas, it’s difficult to completely avoid in Illinois.
WINTER SESSIONS
Snow makes for beautiful photos, so bundle up and let’s go make magic! But please dress everyone accordingly. Cold kids can not hide it on their face, so PLEASE dress warm. Hats, gloves and scarves can be very cute in photos so please layer up! We can still get beautiful cozy photos with everyone dressed appropriately for the weather.
IF IT’S RAINING AND YOUR SESSION IS OUTDOORS
We will connect with you to reschedule your session.
Prepare Mentally
LET GO OF EXPECTATIONS
It’s not about having the perfect hair or the perfect outfit or posing the perfect way. It’s about capturing this special time in your life. If you are worried about your clothes, it will show in the photos. Your clothes may get dirty, that’s a normal part of the photoshoot process. Don’t wear anything that you care that much about.
Too often have we photographed couples or families that argue through the shoot, picking at each other’s flaws. This makes for a very uncomfortable photoshoot process (for all parties involved). As best as you can, try to let go of any stress you have felt from the day and enjoy the fact that you are doing something creative! The moment you relax and just let the experience unfold is when the magic happens.
Working With Kids
If your maternity session will involve other children, here are some tips to ensure success!
WE SUPPORT BRIBERY 🥰
Bring water + small bite-sized snacks for young kids. For kids who can eat solids, we recommend the white chocolate cooking morsels (you get them in the baking isle). These are our absolute favorite snack for kids for photo sessions. They don’t stain faces and are quick to eat because they are tiny (so we aren’t standing their waiting for the child to finish chewing). We know this is not “parent-of-the-year” advice, but please know we don’t judge and we fully support you on all forms of bribery you may implement to make your photo session a success.
DRESS THEM APPROPRIATELY (FOR OUTDOOR SESSIONS)
Please please please, DRESS YOUR KIDS APPROPRIATE FOR THE WEATHER!!! Adults can smile through the cold, kids can not. If your kids are cold or hot, it will show on their faces and they will look miserable through the photos.
TALK UP THE SESSION
Before your session, talk about how much fun it’s going to be with your kids. Talk about how you are going to play together and cuddle and explore and take some really fun family photos! Get them excited and involved so they show up with smiles on their faces! This sounds silly, but it really works!
MAKE SURE THEY ARE WELL FED AND WELL RESTED
Hungry and tired kids are angry kids. ‘Nuff said.
CLIP HAIR BACK
If your child’s hair tends to fall in their face, opt for a hairstyle that keeps their hair away from their face so we can see their cute little expressions! If we are spending the whole session pulling their hair out of their face it will take away from the magic of the moments.
CHECK YOUR OWN ENERGY
No grumpy dads or stressed out moms! Your kids will feed off your energy, so whatever is bothering you, try to let it go before your session and enjoy the ride! We will be here to root you on the whole way!
Feeling Stuck?
If you feel stuck with your wardrobe or need additional suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We are here to help!
Email: BKRoseStudio (at) gmail.com