Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
First of all, I want to say thank you so much for choosing me to photograph this special time in your life! I am so excited to be working with you and providing you with beautiful photos of your family.
It’s normal to be a little nervous about your session. I still get nervous before having my photos taken - and I do this for a living!
I have put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know. I hope that the following suggestions will help you feel prepared and comfortable for your upcoming mini session. If you still have questions please just ask! I am here to help and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
My sessions are very relaxed and meant to be playful and fun so that I can capture what your family is like at this stage of life. I focus on capturing the emotions and relationships between each person in your family. So I will ask you to hug, snuggle, tickle and play together to get those genuine smiles and moments together. I tend to photograph a mix of portrait and candid style images.
What to Expect
Please Arrive Early
Please aim to arrive about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled session. This way you are ready to be photographed at your scheduled time. I want to make the most of our time together and give you the best experience possible. In order to do so, I appreciate you being on time. Due to the nature of mini sessions, if you arrive late I will be unable to extend your allotted time. Please make sure you allow enough time to find parking as well.
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
If the day of the mini session is calling for bad weather I will make the call the night before or morning of if I feel it is necessary to reschedule. It will then be moved to the planned rain date. I will email you to let you know as soon as possible.
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo I am actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I'll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
Posing
1. I suggest choosing what you (mom) will wear first. Choose something you feel comfortable and beautiful in. Then coordinate the rest of the family around you.
2. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Think creams, light blues, greys, blush pinks, soft greens and neutral colours.
3. For the ladies and girls, dresses are lots of fun to photograph and always look great! If a dress isn’t your style then nice jeans with a flowy neutral top will be perfect.
4. Dads and boys always look great in jeans or khakis (light or dark) with a henley, t-shirt or a button down shirt.
5. No big logos or distracting patterns. Coordinate but not matchy.
6. Don’t feel the need to overspend on clothing. However, remember that your wardrobe will affect your photos a lot!!
7. Choose clothes you love and feel great in. It will show SO much if you feel good and confident. Even if it does mean breaking my “rules”. These photos are for you to love for years to come! So choose what fits your personality. If that means more colour then do what reflects you!
What to Wear
find it fast
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Gap
Francesca’s
Wren & Ivory
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
find it fast
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
We think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
There will probably be times during your session when we’re shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too!).
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the ladies
find it fast
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen!
Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look.
Bowties are always a good idea.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin.
Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
find it fast
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the gents
Pinterest Outfit Inspiration
Please check out my boards below for inspiration when choosing what to wear to your session.
Moms: Morning Lavender, Zara, H&M, Gap, Wren & Ivory, Free People, Anthropologie
Kids: Zara, H&M, Gap
Maternity: ASOS, Wren & Ivory and Pink Blush Maternity
Store
Recommendations
Once I have completed editing your session, I will upload them to your online gallery. You will be able to view, share, download and print the images right from this gallery. Sessions will be delivered to you by 4 weeks. I usually get them out sooner between 2-3 weeks depending on my workload at the time. You will have the ability to print from my professional lab to get the best quality prints right from this gallery. You are welcome to share the images on social media. I just ask that you tag and credit Karina Anne Photography.
After the session
I hope that this guide will cover everything you need to know to prep for your mini session!
However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email
karinaannephotography@gmail.com
THANK YOU!
