PREP GUIDE
Welcome
I’m truly honored that you’ve entrusted me with capturing such meaningful moments in your life. Every session is an opportunity to create artwork that reflects your unique story, and I can’t wait to bring your vision to life.
It’s completely natural to feel a bit of anticipation before being in front of the camera. My role is to ensure you feel comfortable, confident, and at ease—so the laughter, connection, and genuine emotion shine through naturally. We’ll create a relaxed, enjoyable experience together, where you can simply be present while I take care of the rest.
This guide is designed to walk you through every detail of the process, so you feel fully prepared and excited for what’s ahead. From styling tips to what to expect during your session, consider it your personal roadmap to a seamless, unforgettable experience.
What Time of Day is Best for Photos?
For outdoor sessions, nothing compares to the magic of golden hour—the hour just before sunset—when the light is soft, flattering, and romantic. This time of day bathes everything in a warm, dreamy glow that brings your images to life.
In the winter, the sun sets around 5:30 PM, while in the summer, it’s closer to 8:30 PM. We’ll select the perfect start time together based on the season, your location, and the overall look you’re envisioning.
Because we’re working with the most beautiful light of the day, timeliness is key. Arriving just a few minutes late is no problem, but if we start too far behind schedule, we risk losing that perfect golden glow before we’ve captured all the magic.
Locations
Your location sets the tone for your entire session—it’s the backdrop to your story. Think about the mood and aesthetic you want your images to convey. Do you imagine a rustic, woodsy scene filled with warm textures and golden light? A carefree, sun-soaked beach session splashing in the waves? A refined, urban stroll surrounded by architectural details? Or perhaps something intimate and cozy at home, where every corner feels familiar.
When choosing your location, consider scenery you truly love—landscapes you’d be delighted to see on your walls for years to come. If little ones will be joining us, selecting a spot they can enjoy will make the experience even more joyful.
I have a curated list of beautiful locations I know photograph perfectly, but I also love when clients bring their own ideas. If you have a place that’s personally meaningful, access to a hidden gem, or a vision that’s delightfully outside the box, let’s make it happen. Your location should be as unique and personal as the moments we’ll capture.
What to Wear
The right wardrobe can elevate your session and create images that feel timeless. Choose pieces that not only reflect your personal style but also make you feel confident and at ease—you should be able to move, laugh, and interact naturally.
Neutrals, earth tones, and soft, muted shades photograph beautifully. They complement a wide range of settings, keep the focus on you, and ensure your images feel elegant for years to come.
If you’re planning outfits for multiple people, aim for cohesion rather than identical looks. Start with one person’s outfit—often “mom” or the primary subject—and build around it with complementary tones, subtle patterns, and varied textures. This approach creates harmony without feeling overly staged.
Consider the location and season, and select outfits that enhance the scenery rather than compete with it. Above all, wear something that makes you feel your best—when you’re comfortable and confident, it will shine through in every photograph.
Colors
Color sets the mood for your images, so selecting the right tones is an essential part of creating a cohesive, elevated look. Soft, neutral shades—like beige, cream, blush, and pale pastels—offer a timeless elegance that will never go out of style. Rich, earthy hues such as rust, olive, mustard, and deep navy add warmth, depth, and a touch of sophistication.
For group sessions, aim to coordinate rather than match. Begin with a few core colors as your foundation, then weave in subtle accent tones to create dimension and interest. This approach keeps the overall look harmonious without feeling too uniform.
Consider your location and season as well—bold colors can make a striking statement against lush greenery or golden sand, while muted tones can beautifully complement the softness of an indoor or overcast setting. Above all, choose colors that make you feel confident and reflect the mood you want to bring to your session.
Comfort
Confidence begins with comfort. When you feel at ease in what you’re wearing, it naturally translates into relaxed body language, genuine expressions, and effortless movement in your photos. Choose pieces that fit well, allow you to move freely, and feel good against your skin.
Avoid anything that might cause distraction—like stiff fabrics, overly tight clothing, or uncomfortable shoes—so you can stay fully present in the moment. Soft, breathable materials and well-tailored silhouettes not only photograph beautifully but also ensure you can focus on connecting with your loved ones rather than adjusting your outfit.
When you’re comfortable, you’re free to laugh, move, and be yourself—and that’s when the most authentic, captivating images happen.
Textures & Layers
Layers create versatility, and texture brings your images to life. A well-chosen jacket, scarf, or cardigan can provide multiple looks without the need for a full outfit change, while textured fabrics—like chunky knits, delicate lace, flowing linen, or structured denim—add richness and depth that photograph beautifully.
These elements not only enhance your overall style but also create visual dimension, helping your outfit stand out against the backdrop. They can infuse warmth, seasonal relevance, and personality into your images, elevating them from simple portraits to timeless works of art.
Accessories
Thoughtfully chosen accessories—like delicate jewelry, a stylish hat, a textured scarf, or classic suspenders—can add depth, personality, and polish to your look. The right details have the power to subtly elevate an outfit, making it feel complete without distracting from the true focus of the session: you.
Aim for balance. A statement piece can be beautiful, but avoid over-accessorizing so your images remain timeless and uncluttered. Think of accessories as the finishing touch—enhancing your style, complementing your wardrobe, and adding a touch of individuality that makes your photos uniquely yours.
Things to Avoid
- Clothing with large logos, visible brand names, or graphic designs
- Wrinkled or ill-fitting garments
- Overly busy or distracting patterns
- Neon or highlighter-bright colors that overpower the image
- Uncomfortable clothing or shoes that limit movement
- Perfectly matching outfits instead of coordinating tones and textures
- Bulky items in pockets (phones, keys, wallets)
- Digital or sporty watches (such as Apple Watches) unless they’re part of your look
- Hair ties or bands on wrists
- Nail colors that clash with your wardrobe
- Heavy or reflective sunglasses that obscure your eyes (unless used intentionally for style)
- Excessive makeup or hairstyles that don’t feel like you
Small, thoughtful choices in styling can make a big difference in how polished, cohesive, and timeless your final gallery feels.
A Glimpse Into Our Session
Your session is more than just a series of photographs—it’s an experience designed to feel effortless, joyful, and uniquely yours. My approach blends gentle direction with plenty of space for authentic moments to unfold. I’ll guide you with natural, playful prompts that spark connection, laughter, and genuine interaction, while also creating a few beautifully composed, timeless portraits along the way.
The best images often come from the in-between moments—the glance, the touch, the unplanned burst of laughter—and I’m there to capture it all. Together, we’ll create a gallery that feels both artful and true to who you are, while ensuring the entire experience is relaxed, enjoyable, and memorable from start to finish.
Pets
Our furry (or feathered!) friends are part of the family, and I’m always delighted to include them in your session. While it requires a bit of extra planning, the joy and personality they bring to your photos are absolutely worth it.
We’ll start by selecting a pet-friendly location—this might be a scenic park, a beautiful outdoor space, or even your own backyard for maximum comfort. To keep things smooth and stress-free, I often suggest including your pet toward the end of the session. This helps avoid paw prints on outfits or excess shedding early on. If possible, bring along a friend or family member to keep your pet company when they’re not in front of the camera.
Before your session, give your pet some playtime or a nice walk so they’re more relaxed. And don’t forget a favorite toy or a few treats—they can be the perfect tools for capturing those adorable, cooperative moments.
After Your Session
Once our time together wraps, my work is just beginning—and I can’t wait to bring your images to life. I head straight to my computer to carefully review the magic we’ve created, selecting the best frames that tell your story beautifully.
Within 24–48 hours, you’ll receive a private, watermarked proof gallery of unedited images. From there, you’ll select the agreed-upon number of favorites (and you’re always welcome to add more if you wish). Once your selections are in, I’ll begin the editing process—refining each image to ensure it reflects my signature style while staying true to the moment we captured.
While my turnaround time is typically quite prompt, please allow up to 2–4 weeks for your final gallery during busier seasons. When your images are ready, you’ll receive a beautifully curated online gallery, complete with high-resolution downloads and the option to order premium, heirloom-quality prints directly from your gallery.
Thank You
I’m so grateful you’ve taken the time to read through this guide, and I hope it has left you feeling inspired, confident, and excited for your upcoming session. My goal is to make this experience seamless and enjoyable—from the moment you book, to the day of your session, and long after you receive your final images.
If there’s anything you’re unsure about or something I didn’t cover, please know you can reach out at any time. I’m here for you every step of the way—before, during, and after your session.
alexagailloux@gmail.com
941-445-2962
I can’t wait to create something beautiful together.
