Heirloom portrait collage of a boy in a white collared john john.

Preparing for Your
Heirloom Portrait Session

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Choose the Outfit

If you have a family generational piece, that is always a wonderful choice. If you need an outfit I have a few to choose from, but I have listed some of my favorite heirloom clothing providers below.

Heirloom portraits call for a very timeless, classic look. White, ivory, pastel blue, or pastel pink are the best colors. Collars, lace, smocking and sleeves lead the eye to your child's sweet face and photograph beautifully. Make sure the clothes are not too tight or too loose. A gorgeous heirloom dress doesn't photograph as well if it is baggy or slipping off your child's shoulder.

Girls

Heirloom dress or romper
Optional accessories are small bows or barrette - keep them on the smaller side so as not to take away from your child's face
If your daughter has pierced ears, make sure she is wearing a small post earring - pearl, gold, or diamond. A chunky earring can ruin a portrait.

Boys

Classic collared button down, peter pan collared shirt, john john or bubble
No polos, please

Heirloom portraits are from the chest up, so there is no need for shoes.

Siblings

If your children will have a portait together, choose the same color for their outfits. A light pink and a light blue will clash.

Heirloom Clothing

LOCAL

Magpies

The Little Cottage

ONLINE

THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION

Make sure teeth are brushed.
Make sure hair is brushed and you have any accessories, brush and hairspray packed.
Wipe down face, eyes, and nose gently before we start.
Make sure you have ironed or steamed the outfit and have it on a hanger.
Have your child arrive in comfy clothes and change into their portrait outfit at the studio. I have a changing table for the very littles, and a restroom for the others.

DURING THE SESSION

How long will my session last?

We will take some time to get acquainted and let your child get used to their surroundings. Once we begin shooting, it usually only takes 5 - 15 minutes, depending on the child.

What if my child doesn't act right?

Don't worry about how your child will act or if they will smile. Give them room to get used to me and feel how they feel...crazy, grumpy, shy, loud, quiet, silly. Just let them be. Some of the best photos I capture are when kids are allowed to just be themselves.

AFTER YOUR SESSION

Proof Gallery

Within 2 weeks, you will receive a link to an online proofing gallery. There you will find a gallery of the best images from your session, lightly edited, from which to choose your favorites. Once you have chosen your favorites, I will do the final fine art edits to prepare your artwork.

Retouching

My editing style includes making everyone's skin look lovely. I will remove any scratches, blemishes, and bruises. However, I will only remove scars, birthmarks, and things of the like if I am asked. So please let me know if you have a request.

Gallery Delivery

The final editing is where the magic happens, and honestly where the majority of my time is spent. Your gallery will be delivered to you through a link I will send you in an email. There you will be able to view your images and choose your products. Fine art prints can be added to any wall art purchase. A digital copy is included with each wall art purchase.

vIf you have any questions as we get closer to your session date, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am so excited to spend time with your precious little!