PREP GUIDE

Thank you for choosing JWB to photograph your family! It’s a privilege to capture your family’s pictures, and we know you’ll love seeing them for years to come. It’s important to our team to not only provide you with gorgeous images, but also to make the whole process as easy (and fun!) as possible for the whole family. This prep guide is a go-to resource to help your family prepare for the best possible session.

And as always, if you have specific questions I haven’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@jwbrownphotography.com.

WHAT TO WEAR

Styling can have a huge image on the overall “look” of your photoshoot, but I know picking out individual outfits can be stressful. I’ve got you covered with a whole blog post dedicated to this subject, complete with practical ideas for how to coordinate patterns and colors: What to Wear for your Family Photography Session.

STYLING SERVICE

Every JWB Client has access to my free digital styling service! Here’s how it works:

Head to Style and Select and use code JWBSTYLE.
Answer a few quick questions about your preferred colors, style, and family members.
Browse a curated collection of coordinating outfits across a variety of price points.
“Heart” your favorites from each list.
Get an email links to purchase (or “shop” your own closet for something similar!)

FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS

Relax and have fun! Parents set the tone for the photoshoot, so the more relaxed you are, the more fun the kids will have, and the better your pictures will turn out. I will prompt and pose you sometimes, and in other moments will stand back to capture the natural connection you share with the ones you love.

You don't have to look at the camera. Focus on your family instead. Laugh and chat and hug and tickle, and I'll let you know if I want you to look my way from time to time.

Don't tell your kids to "say cheese." I much prefer to play silly games with them to elicit natural smiles and laughs. Remember, too: A child's grouchy, silly, thoughtful, or pouty moment is often just as gorgeous and memorable as a "perfect smile."

Avoid “hangry” children. Make sure kids have had a good meal prior to their session, and also pack a few non-messy snacks just in case.

Incentives work. Call it bribery if you must, but a promise of ice cream/family movie night/extra screen time/fruit snacks can go a long way! Just don’t threaten them during the session. Nothing kills a mood for a kid like saying, “well, no candy for you then” to them in the middle of the session.

After the Photoshoot: 24-Hour slideshow

Within just a couple of weeks of your session, you'll receive an email from me letting you know that your photos are ready.

Sit down with your family (and maybe pop some popcorn!) because you’ll be treated to a slideshow of your session. Families LOVE this part!

Be sure to give the slideshow some real attention! It will be open for 24 hours from the time you first view it, and the slideshow serves as your preview so that you can make a decision about which collection you’d like to purchase.

Your high-resolution files will be available immediately after purchase, and you’ll have a 30 days to decide how you’d like to use your print credit.