Book Early to secure your spot! Family photographers are usually booked out months before the holidays, so you can't expect to book your session last minute. If you wait until November or December to schedule, you might find yourself scrambling for availability. Consider planning ahead, think early fall or even august. That way you’ll not only secure a spot on your photographer’s calendar but also have plenty of time to prepare outfits, discuss location options, and finalize all the details. Put down the Santa hats I know, it’s very tempting to get those shots of your little ones in a Santa hat, but going all out with holiday-themed props and outfits means those photos look like they only belong on the wall for about a month. Of course Santa hats and holiday lights are fun, but they can make your photos feel dated once the season passes. Instead, go for a timeless approach by choosing outfits and settings that look classic and elegant, so your family portraits can be displayed year-round without looking like you forgot to put away the holiday decor. Think neutrals, earthy tones, and classic clothes that never go out of style. Pick a Location that your family holds close to their hearts If you're planning ahead (which you should be) you get the advantage of some extra time to pick a beautiful location that holds meaning to your family. Whether it’s a cozy home session, a beautiful park, or a location that holds sentimental value, taking the time to select the right spot will ensure your photos encapsulate the essence of your unique family. Think about the place that brings you comfort and peace. We all feel our best when there's familiarity. Plus it helps the kids feel a little more at ease! Coordinate, Don’t Match Out are the days of the classic red flannel pj sets. Family photos should feel cohesive, but that doesn’t mean everyone has to wear identical outfits. opt for coordinated colors and styles that reflect each family member’s personality instead of matching. This will ensure that you'll all have your own sense of style while still looking polished together. Planning this in advance allows you to curate looks that feel authentic without the pressure of shopping for last minute outfits Incorporate Personal Touches Timeless doesn’t have to mean boring! You're more than welcome to add personal touches,like a favorite blanket, family heirloom, or even your pet— it will make your photos feel more intimate and uniquely you. The key is to ensure that these elements compliment the session, without taking the attention away from your family Plan for the Unexpected Planning early is the best thing you can do, especially if you're someone who tends to be a little indecisive or pay too much attention to detail. It gives you a buffer so you have some time to focus on all the little details in between, or maybe even explore some shoot locations beforehand. It also allows for rescheduling due to weather, someone falling ill, or anything else that might poop up. Enjoy the Process Perhaps the best part of planning ahead for your family photo session is that you can actually enjoy the overall process. There’s no last-minute scrambling for outfits, rushing to find the perfect photographer, or stress about timing. Instead, you can relax, knowing that everything is organized and ready to go. In fact, I encourage my clients to make a family day of your session, maybe stop at a cute cafe on the way there. It's your time to make everything a little special and make some memories. Timeless Photos for Every Season By incorporating these tips and focusing on creating timeless family portraits rather than seasonal holiday shots, you’ll have photos that stand the test of time and can be displayed proudly in your home all year long. So, don’t wait until the last minute—start planning your session today to ensure it’s everything you want and more, without the added stress. Happy planning! Let Us Handle the Details! Deciding on the optimal spots and styles for your photo displays can easily become overwhelming. You might be wondering where the best place is to display artwork in your home weather you want them as a statement piece or hallway decor. But don't worry,when you book with a full service photography studio like ours, we make the entire process seamless and enjoyable. We handle everything, from prepping your kids for a fun photo session, helping you select outfits that align with your artistic vision,and we take the reins when designing your final artwork. So while planning everything might seem daunting, partnering with us means you can relax and enjoy the moment!

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Lindsay & Jesse at The University Club

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I can’t believe we launched Shy Heart Studios just over six years ago now. I’ve never focused on our anniversary until this year…. year six. That was not intentional, I just didn’t think much of it and was always too busy in January every year to give it any thought.

After a year like 2020 I’ve decided there’s only one way to go… and that way is up. Bigger. Better. More successful. There are no other options.

Prior to 2020 had you ever heard the words “Micro Wedding” ? No? that’s because 2020, and the global pandemic invented them!