Session Prep Guide
Hey! I'm Sarah, your photographer. I believe that the best moments are often the most genuine, so I focus on capturing the joy of you and your people together. Life is a little messy and so is doing photos with kids, so don't stress about everything being perfect or kids looking at the camera. The best way to get good photos is to focus on each other, playing, laughing and cuddling. Chances are it will feel a little chaotic but that's where the magic is. For couples it's totally normal to feel a little nervous or awkward, I will give you some direction to keep you moving and laughing together.
Keep reading for some tips on what to wear and how to prepare for both couples and family sessions!
Before
I will send you a short questionnaire to get to know a bit about you and your family or partner, what makes you laugh and anything in particular you're hoping to capture. If you have any questions send me an email!
We will check in a few days before the shoot to confirm exact meeting location, timing and weather.
During
I have a pretty laid back approach and want to make sure you feel comfortable and everyone is having fun! I'll give you some direction so you know what you're supposed to be doing. As well as do a mix of different groups, and give you space to just play and explore together for some more candid shots.
After
For full 30 or 60 min sessions you will receive a sneak peek of ~10 photos within a week of your session, and your full gallery in about 1 month. For mini sessions you will receive just your full gallery within 2-3 weeks of your session.
All photos will be shared in an online gallery, you will be able to download all images and don't need to make any selections.
What to wear!
Be yourself, be comfortable: this is the most important thing! Choose something you love and feel your best in. I find most clients prefer to wear something on the more casual side that feels like them!
Children’s Outfits: If your child will be wearing a dress please ensure they are wearing something to cover their diaper/underwear (ex. bike shorts or bloomers in summer, or leggings/tights if it's cold). This will ensure they can play, be picked up, or swung without their diaper/underwear being in the photos.
Colours: Neutral colours photograph best, think beiges, greys, blues, olive greens, burgundy, light pinks, blues, browns etc. Try to avoid pieces with characters or big logos that could take the attention away from you. Choosing a colour palette can help tie things together without all wearing the same thing can help things go together without feeling too matchy. Patterns can be a fun way to add some interest (plaids and florals are always a favourite). If one person is wearing a big pattern more simple styles for others is great. Try on your outfits together if you can to see how they all look!
Shoes: make sure they are comfortable for a bit of walking, avoid stiletto heels and running shoes. Leather shoes, boots or sandals or neutral coloured sneakers can look best! If you’re wanting a dressier shoe for your outfit think about your location and if you will feel stable walking.
Check out some more examples below and then scroll past for more tips!
Session Tips
1. Please be on time
Being a lover of natural light, the timing for your session isn’t a coincidence. It is scheduled so that we have the best lighting for your photos. Make sure to account for traffic and arrive early to park and get everyone out of the car. If you think your kids would benefit from some time to run around or familiarize themselves with the location maybe arrive early and go for a little wander.
2. Come prepared
For families sometimes it can be helpful to have snacks, water bottles, wipes or a last minute change of clothes just in case! If you're bringing a snack something that isn't going to make a mess on their face or clothes is best.
For couples, it can be nice to spend some time connecting before the shoot, grab an early dinner or a drink, get ready together or arrive early for a walk before the shoot!
3. Hair, makeup, nails
If you plan on getting your hair and makeup done for your session make sure it feels natural and you! If you're doing an engagement session it can be fun to use your wedding makeup trial for this day. Small details like having your nails painted or trimmed nicely for the session can be a nice touch as well (especially for engagement photos).
4. It's ok to feel a little nervous
Please know that I do not expect you to be models. My job is to direct you in a way that helps you relax, feel natural, and be yourselves in front of the lens. You do not need to practice poses, study Pinterest pins or let the nerves take over. For couples you'll receive lots of direction as needed, and with kids it's normal and expected for things to feel a little crazy at some points.
5. What if it rains?
I will be in touch by text or email in the couple days before to see how the weather is! I can shoot rain or shine but totally understand if you want to reschedule. Availability for rescheduling to a new weekend date may be limited during busy seasons. If it is just overcast I will usually recommend still shooting.
If you want to go ahead in the rain I do also have clear umbrellas I can bring, or we can embrace the rain boots and muddy buddies.
6. What to bring?
If you’re wondering about how you can make your experience personal and memorable, feel free to bring along any props that are special to you. Maybe it’s something from your proposal, a hobby you both love and share, or a little picnic + your fav beers. Pets are always welcome as well, most locations are good for dogs!
Home Zone Locations
Home Zone Locations
All locations here have no travel fees. North Vancouver locations are available for 30 min sessions and all others are available for 60+ min sessions with no additional travel fee. Click through the locations to see more about them!
Greenwood Park, North Vancouver
One of my favourites for forest in north van! There is lots of free street parking near by and it's a short ~5 min walk into the forest on a packed gravel trail. This spot is best in the morning, and is usually pretty quiet so not a ton of people walking past during our shoot. If you're booking a longer session there are more trails to walk through. This is often one of my mini session locations in spring and fall.
Path is mostly flat with some gentle hills and packed gravel. Good for wheelchair and stroller accessibility. Dogs welcome.
Lower Seymour, North Vancouver
This spot is up near Rice Lake, past Capilano University. Another pretty quiet trail but with a more deep forest look. The path is much narrower and there's lots of moss making it feel a little more wild. This spot can be beautiful morning or evening but can be a bit dark on a cloudy day.
Has a rooty uneven path to enter so not accessible for wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Dogs welcome.
Lynn Creek, North Vancouver
Lynn Creek is a new favourite of mine! There is the option for photos along the packed gravel trail - with big leafy trees (green in spring and summer and changing colours for fall). As well as we can go down to the river bank and play in and around the river depending on the season.
Packed gravel trails are accessible, river bank has large uneven stones and is not. Dogs welcome.
Cates Park, North Vancouver
Cates Park is best at the beach in the early morning. We can take a walk along the sand with the mountains and ocean in the background. Then head up into the park and play in the grass. In spring there are some beautiful flowering bushes and trees, and in fall the leaves change.
The nicest areas of beach requires stairs to access. Dogs are technically not permitted on the beach.
Grand Boulevard Park, North Vancouver
Another favourite for fall mini sessions! The trees in this park are so stunning in fall as they change colours - typically in late October they are at their peak. In summer there are often little pockets of wild flowers and the grass is left long for pollinators. There are also some gorgeous willow trees through spring, summer and fall.
There is a winding concrete path down the middle of the park that is accessible. Plus lots of places to pop off the path into the grass. Dogs welcome.
Cleveland Dam, North Vancouver
Cleveland Dam is best in the early evening, an hour or two before sunset on a sunny day to get the gorgeous light rays across the mountains. There is a really nice forest path we can walk to that is up a bit of a hill (5-7 min walk). Or some trees near the fences that are closer to the mountains.
Concrete paths and compact grass are accessible, dogs welcome. Public washrooms available.
Caulfield Park, West Vancouver
A fan favourite for being by the ocean! At low tide there is a little sandy beach we can play in the ocean, as well as some lightly forested areas, and the big rocks with ocean views. This location is nice in the afternoon evening, and gets a beautiful golden hour a little earlier in the evening than other beaches.
The paths can be uneven so not great for those with trouble walking on uneven surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible.
** Only available for 60+ min sessions
Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver
Lighthouse Park has a mix of gorgeous forest and the classic west coast rocky cliffs with ocean views. Walk from the parking lot to the ocean is ~15 min. Comfortable shoes are essential for this location as there is more walking than required at other spots. But so many beautiful spots if you're up for a little adventure and a longer session. We can also walk to the lighthouse view if desired!
Not an accessible location. Dogs welcome
** Only available for 90+ min sessions
Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver
Whytecliff has similar cliffs to Lighthouse but without all the walking, as well as views looking out over Bowen Island and up towards Squamish. Park with big leafy trees, and a rocky beach are also options!
Not an accessible location. Permit required for weddings, and wedding portraits. No transit available
** Only available for 60+ min sessions
Vancouver City
If you're hoping for a more city vibe there are lots of fun spots around the city! Some client favourites are around the art gallery and courthouse, Gaston, coal harbour and a selection of cute coffee shops throughout the city. Happy to help plan your perfect walking tour of the city or date afternoon of activities.
** Only available for 60+ min sessions
Stanley Park, Vancouver
Stanley Park has so many options for spots! From city views, forested areas, rose garden and beaches with views of the North Shore mountains. Stanley Park can be quite busy in summer so I typically recommend for more off season shoots to avoid big crowds in the background, and lots of traffic moving around the park. Third Beach is one of my fav spots for sunset!
Different areas are more or less accessible! Message me to discuss. Dogs welcome in most areas.
** Only available for 60+ min sessions
Vanier Park, Vancouver
Vanier Park is so beautiful especially in spring and fall! Lots of blooms in spring and pretty leaves in fall. We can also head to the beach for some mountain or city views. The beach here is a dog beach so not ideal if you or your kids are not fans of dogs.
Paths through the park are accessible. Beach has a steep narrow hill down not great for mobility devices.
** Only available for 60+ min sessions
Jericho Beach, Vancouver
Jericho beach is another fav for beautiful summer sunsets over the north shore mountains. There are also some pretty trees in the park during summer and fall and really nice golden light. Park and beach can be busy in summer with groups picnicking.
Park paths and grass are flat and accessible. Dogs welcome.
** Only available for 60+ min sessions
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If you loved your session, it would mean the world to me if you could share a review on google. This helps me connect with more families and couples and supports my small business. Thank you!