Hey there!

I am so excited to be able to photograph your family! I can’t wait!

I use a storytelling approach for all my sessions. Though with mini sessions they are a bit more focused on the get a traditional photo and then we’ll relax.

Don’t stress about your kids – I don’t expect your kids to be on
their best behavior and don’t want you to be expecting that either.
A relaxed dad and mom make everything better.
Don’t stress about you – your family is the best canvas for your memories.

This session will be quick and to the point and be over before you know it!

This is your permission slip to forget the other things that need to be done.

I love working with children and parents to make the session enjoyable and fun for all. (speaking of children, I’m a mom to 3, I come from a family of 7, worked as a nanny for a few years and for several years helped families of all sizes when they welcomed new babies into their lives.)

My Top Tips

First off, I believe getting your photos taken should be fun! I know it can be stressful with trying to figure out what to wear or where to do them and then worries of a grumpy husband and children that won’t behave but I want to take as much of that stress away! I will give you tips on what to wear and aside from that, clothing doesn’t really matter. What matters is that your family relaxes and has a good time!

To help keep connection and this spirit of fun it’s important that I keep your family close together while you keep your children engaged – this can mean tickling your little guy, or seeing how he can pile up and hug on Mommy. It can also mean allowing your little ones to play with leaves and talk about the color or shape! Or maybe your littles just wants to be held. I have lots of great tips and tricks up my sleeves to bring out the best in all of you!

It’s not about cheesing – in fact please don’t ask your kids to do that!

Once we get the important shots out of the way, you know, the ones for the grandparents with everyone looking at the camera, we can relax a little bit. My favorite images are always the ones where I get your family to engage with each other – laughing, sharing things you love about each other or the quiet moments away with mama one on one with the child. I’m not going to be constantly saying look at me or “cheese”. in fact unless I tell you to, I want you to NOT look at the camera! I want you to be looking at and engaging with each other. Because this session is about your love and joy as a family.

Prepping Your Children

• The most important part for a lifestyle and storytelling photography session is to allow your children freedom. I want to see their personalities come alive. I want to capture the love and delight you have for each other. They don’t have to look at the camera and smile all the time.
• children under 12 must remain with parents at the farm

My top tips for children

• make sure they don’t come hungry –
• bring water bottles –
• provide a special motivate (marshmallows or cherrios – do not use chocolate or sticky candy) –
• bring a lovely –
• bring a classic toy like blocks or a book along –
• don’t stress or get upset with them

And know toddler boys tend to get very excited and rough during a photo session while toddler girls can get quite shy and stubborn so please don’t stress as I’m quite used to dealing with it. 🙂

What To Wear – Christmas Tree Farm Edition

• stay away from too much green (hint: there will be green trees all around you! You want to stand out!)
• jewel tones are awesome!
• creams and lighter colors also look great
• don’t forget tights, shorts or leggings for toddlers

Layers, Layers, Layers! It can sometimes be cold and sometimes quite warm so double check the weather a few times before hand to make sure you all aren’t freezing. Especially with children it’s better to be warm than too cold.

Dogs At the Tree Farm

Well behaved dogs are welcome to be included in the session. Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it per the farm’s rules. Also bring treats for what you think might help to keep the dog calm.

What To Wear – Tips

Pretty certain this can be one of the hardest things for you mentally at the session. No longer are white shirts and jeans on everyone the trend. I am more than happy to discuss your clothing choices, help you narrow down your decision or give you a direction to focus on as well as make sure that your clothing coordinates well with the locations chosen for your photo shoot! Also I provide Style & Select – an online styling guide for all my clients. This service gives an excellent way to visualize what you might wear.

Your session will have lots of snuggling, moving, cuddling so make sure your clothing will make you feel comfortable and relaxed doing those things.

#1 Choose your palette first.

Pick a palette of 3-4 colors. Let this be your starting place. Think in terms of tones: blue tones, earth tones, neutrals, pastels, etc. (extra tip: start with mama’s outfit and then plan all the rest around that! Mama must feel good about what she is wearing!)

#2 Coordinate – don’t match

You want to complement each other’s outfits by choosing colors that work well together. I find that if everyone is wearing the same clothing, people will all tend to blend in together and there won’t be too much pop and life to the images.

Think with these pillars in mind: complimentary, timeless, comfortable

• Muted tones look beautiful together in a family picture.
• Only put a few people in patterns.
• Choose different textures that will give photos some interest such as lace, corduroy, denim, and knits.
• Choose creams over pure whites.
• For color palette, light neutrals, grays, browns, creams, greens and whites look best (again, neutrals and soft colors).
• Add interest by differing texture even if the color is the same.
• Dark jewel tones can also work well.
• If your home is dark wear lighter colors.

Say no to:

• No tiny checks or tiny lines
• No super small patterns
• No media or logos
• No neons/fluorescent colors
• all matching

Play up your strengths.

Let’s be honest…most of us have some insecurities about our bodies. But, my best advice to you is to WORK what you’ve got! Know your body type and what styles will flatter your figure. I want to make sure you feel as amazing as you are!

#3. Make sure you can move

I will have you moving a lot during the session – KEEP YOUR CLOTHING COMFY and ABLE TO MOVE IN. You will be hugging, kissing, dancing with your kids and I want you all to feel relaxed in that.

#4 Layering

One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a bunch of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

#5 Keep make up natural.

You will want to avoid using very heavy makeup, but a bit of color on your lips, eyes, and cheeks will help bring you to life in photos. Be sure to bring some lip gloss with you as well for touch ups as there may be lots of smooches in story from your partner and little ones!

#6 Be timeless

For some fashionista’s, this may be a difficult concept, however you are going to want these images to stand the test of time. Pick outfits that aren’t considered too trendy, but will be able to be enjoyed and displayed for many years to come.

#7 Accessorize!

Accessories give your photographs that needed punch! They lend pops of color, personality, and interest. Everybody wears them well and they work for all ages. Think hats, scarves, knee socks, bows, etc

#8 Don’t forget your footwear

Keep it classy & nice – Make sure they are clean/polished and avoid shoes like Crocs, Teva and Keen (unless of course we are doing a hiking session.)

For Kids:

don’t forget for children especially adding hats, knee socks, cute boots, hair bows, beanies are fun ways to add texture to your session!

if your child has sensory needs please keep those in mind. Don’t force clothing on them that will make them super uncomfortable.

View my pinterest board of ideas here.

Stores for shopping from: Pink Blush, Lou & Lou, Khanh (local in Blanchard), Riley & Cru, Jamie Kay, Bella Belly OKC, H & M, Old Navy

List for Before Your Session

Prepping before hand will help your session go so much smoother!

Lay out all your clothes a few days before.

Make sure it’s all together so you don’t have to run around at the last minute trying to find stuff.

Don’t plan a big event right before the session.

Don’t bring your children hungry.

Head into it with the attitude of “hey guys we are ready to have a fun family adventure with our new friend Charis!” If you are excited and relaxed, chances are the rest of your family will be too!

Day Of The Session

Location: Wells Christmas Tree Farm in Norman, OK

Please arrive at the farm at least 15 minutes before your session. Sometimes I can be a little walk into the farm. You will receive a pin of my location and description of what I am wearing the day of the session.

Park in the area to the left right after you enter before the Christmas Trees start.

After The Session

once I leave your session, I have all your precious images to edit!

Within 2-3 weeks you’ll get your viewing gallery. You get to then choose the package of images you wish to purchase. Once you’ve bought and selected those images, I will deliver the final gallery. You will have permission to download the images and access to my online gallery store that has beautiful high end products for displaying your beautiful images!