Preparing for your Family Photos: The Three P's
If you have scheduled your Castle Rock Family Photos you are probably so excited but as a mom, you know preparation and expectations are key to success. I have taken photos with children and a husband who has been less than enthusiastic about the upcoming scheduled session. Although I still achieved beautiful family photos the experience can be improved by a little preparation done on your part! Your family is the most important subject of this session. and though I can manipulate a little bit in Photoshop I cannot completely make your family 100% ready for your session like only you can. I’ve heard it said that mom sets the temperature for the family and the family unit is the thermostat. Mama, you can make a difference in how your family shows up to a photo session even when they are a little objection
My email list subscribers receive a pdf of 10 tips for preparing for your family photos but here is a spin-off of my 10 Tips. If you would like the whole list you can subscribe here!
Here are my THREE P’s for Preparing for your family portraits:
Promote the excitement
When you are excited about something, they will become excited about that same something too. Positive reinforcement is powerful! Sing your praises and excitement about your upcoming session. Show them photos of when they were younger and remind them how much they have grown and you want to remember this time in their childhood.
Once we decide on the location, HYPE IT UP! Is it a wildflower field? Talk all about the different flowers you will see and smell. The animals that might be there too! Is your session at a park in the city? Let them get excited about the things you might see there. A firetruck driving by, a fountain, the ducks in the pond!
Emphasize the importance of these photographs and the joy of being together as a family. My kids almost always cheer up when we mention these photos are for their favorite family member! Grammy always gets the biggest cheeses from my kids!
I also love a good silly photo alongside the sweet, intimate ones. So if hyping up the silliness helps them get excited do it, then do it! They will be more willing to be snuggly when the prompting arises during the session.
Pick your outfits
This is the fun part (well, for me at least). I'll send you a style guide for guidelines so don't be stressed about what to wear for your Colorado family session. The process of putting together coordinated and stylish outfits for the whole family can be a fun and creative endeavor. It's an opportunity to showcase your style and create a visual story that complements the setting of the shoot.
For me, the anticipation of picking out the perfect attire is almost as thrilling as the photo session itself. It's a chance to express our personalities while also coordinating our looks to create a cohesive and visually appealing outcome. It's like curating a mini fashion show that reflects our family's vibe and style.
Selecting outfits that make us feel confident and comfortable contributes to our mindset going into the session. When we're dressed in outfits that we love and feel good in, it boosts our confidence and adds to the positive energy we bring to the photography session.
Not only will the Style Guide I send to you help you choose, but I also have a Client Closet for full-session clients to access. It's full of dresses for moms and outfits for young children. I'm always adding to it too! I've been photographing families for 9 years and I'll be your guiding light for outfit selection. I'll be holding your hand every step of the outfit-choosing way if you choose not to access my client closet.
Plan something fun afterward
If your schedule allows, plan something fun to do as a family after a photography session! It's not just a great idea, it’s also a wonderful way to create lasting memories and continue the positive energy from the photo session. After spending time in front of the camera, it’s important to unwind and celebrate the experience as a family.
Planning a fun activity after the session also serves as a reward for everyone's participation and patience during the photo shoot. It reinforces the idea that the session was not just about taking pictures but was also a shared experience that deserves to be celebrated and followed by something enjoyable.
Now, I’m not telling you to bribe your children or husband because I believe photos should happen regardless if there are tears or not. But it is something else to look forward to after your session! Go to a park, or a sporting event, get ice cream… treat yourselves to being vulnerable with your photographer! That is no small feat! Having something to look forward to after the session can help calm children and the nerves that can happen when they don't want to do the thing. And ice cream solves a multitude of problems!
Capturing this moment in your family's history can be a positive experience regardless of tears and objections. Remember mama, you set the tone and the temperature of your family portrait session. The three key components to preparing for your family session are promoting the excitement, picking your outfits, and planning something fun after the session. If you do those three things I can guarantee you will have an amazing session celebrating your family and you will have beautiful heirloom photos to cherish for years to come.
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a family lifestyle photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer.
If you love these photos and are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs or Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and the season of life you are in. I’m currently booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Baby-Bump clients. Fill out the contact form here and I will be in touch within 24 business hours!
FAQ Friday | Can we bring our dog to our portrait session?
Hi there! I’ve decided to introduce a new rhythm to my blog. I’ll be here on Fridays answering Melissa Batzer Photography’s most frequently asked questions and today’s FAQ is…
Can we bring our dog to our Colorado Springs photo session?
The short answer is YES!
I’m 1000% a dog person. Our family dog made it into many of our portrait sessions over the years and I treasure those images she is in now that she crossed the rainbow bridge. I am forever grateful to have those professional photos of our Sadie girl.
Bringing your dog to a photography session can be a run and rewarding experience. Not only will you capture beautiful memories with your furry friend, but it can also add an element of joy and personality to your photos. However, preparing and planning are important to ensure a successful session for you and your dog. Here are some tips for bringing your dog to a Colorado photography session.
Plan the location: Consider the location of the photo session carefully. Choose a place where your dog feels comfortable and safe. Is your dog easily distracted? A quieter location with fewer distractions may be best.
Purchase a photogenic leash: Most locations require your dog to be leashed and so that leash will be in all the photos. In my professional opinion, bright colors like pink, purple, red, and neon colors do not photograph well. Purchasing a brown, light brown, or sand leather dog leash and collar for your session would go well with all outfits. Here are links to a few that will be photographed beautifully. | Brown | Light Brown | Sand
Exercise your dog beforehand: A tired dog is more likely to cooperate during the session. Take your dog on a long walk or play fetch at least an hour before your photo session to help them burn off excess energy. But be sure to cut the fetch off 30 minutes before your session so we aren’t working with a panting dog’s long tongue!
Bring treats and toys: Treats and toys can be very useful for keeping your dog focused and engaged during the photo session. Use them as rewards for good behavior and to keep your dog’s attention on the camera.
Be patient: Dogs can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be patient and flexible during the session. Arrive early to allow your dog to get comfortable with the new surroundings and be prepared for all the unexpected interruptions (like potty breaks) or needed breaks.
Communicate: It’s important to let me know what your dog is like. Are there any specific behaviors, poses, commands, or cues your dog responds to? This will help me capture the best possible photos of your family with your furry friend and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Have realistic expectations: It’s important to remember that working with animals can be unpredictable. I strive to get at least one good classic family photo (everyone looking and smiling at the camera) but the rest of the session is very organically prompted for emotive images. Embrace the candid moments and the unique personality that your dog brings to the photos.
Bringing your family dog to your photography session can result in some incredibly heartwarming and memorable images. By taking time to prepare and communicating properly you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. So, don’t hesitate to include your furry friend in your next photo session and capture the special bond you share.
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a lifestyle family photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I’m based out of Castle Rock but serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer as well.
If you love these photos and are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs and Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and this season of life you are in. I’m booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Bump-Baby clients. Fill out the contact form here and we will be in touch!
WHEN TO BOOK YOUR MATERNITY PORTRAITS IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
One of the first questions my clients ask me when scheduling maternity photos is “When should we schedule them?” My short answer is between 28-32 weeks. To make you feel like a queen in your images it takes time and proper planning for maternity sessions. And because the window is only a month you will want to book towards the end of your first trimester. Read on to learn more about when is the best time to book a maternity session.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to take maternity portraits in Colorado Springs?
What is the best trimester to take maternity portraits?
When should I book my photographer for Colorado Springs maternity portraits?
Is 35 weeks too late for maternity portraits?
Is 24 weeks too early for maternity portraits?
Can I book solo maternity portraits?
What is the best time of the day to schedule maternity portraits in Colorado? And what about the weather?
What if there are unexpected changes in the pregnancy timeline?
Tips for when to book maternity portraits in Colorado Springs, CO.
When is the best time to take maternity photos in Colorado Springs?
Any time of year is great! Scheduling your maternity photos mainly depends on where you are in your pregnancy to achieve those beautiful, round bump photos. If this is your first pregnancy and you are at that perfect 28-33 week point during the winter you can handle the cold for a short time and have some epic snowy Mountain photos. If this is your second or subsequent pregnancy maybe a studio session would be better to keep the kids warm and happy. Totally up to your family and photographer where your session will be held in the cold winter months. At any other time of the year, the Colorado landscape is your oyster! I work with families on a case-by-case basis and am flexible to meet your specific needs.
What is the best trimester to take maternity portraits?
The best trimester to take maternity photos in is the very beginning of the third trimester, from 28-33 weeks. But there is a lot of wiggle room in this time frame as each mama is different. First-time mamas might not start showing until well into their second trimester, so you may want to hold off until the later end of the 28-33 weeks. Whereas veteran mamas may start showing earlier and have a well-defined baby bump by the beginning of their third trimester. If you are carrying multiples you should schedule it for the last couple weeks of your second trimester. Maternity photos are meant to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy so you definitely want to have a noticeable bump to show off in your portraits. But there is caution in waiting too long too!
Here are a few reasons you don’t want to go too far into your pregnancy:
You might start to feel uncomfortable.
Early labor is always a possibility
The further into your pregnancy you are the less confident you might feel - I hate to say it but this may be the case for you. We are not all blessed with only a belly bump and not an extra chin. When you look back at these photos I want you to feel like the amazing queen you are, not a cow (which can happen later in the third trimester because your baby is putting on 1/2 lb a week!!!)!
If you wait until the end of your pregnancy to have your Colorado Springs maternity photos taken that discomfort will show in your photos. We want to make sure you aren’t doing anything to induce early labor. I’m not asking your husband to swing you around or jump but some poses may be a bit tricky when your center of gravity is off. Maternity sessions require a lot of movement which can move labor along if you are close to the end.
When should I book my photographer for maternity portraits in Colorado Springs?
I will always say, the sooner the better. Are you in your first trimester right now? That’s the perfect time! If you want to wait until 12-13 weeks that’s okay. Don’t sit on it because your favorite Colorado Springs maternity photographer might be booked up already. Maternity photography is not as flexible as family photography because there is a shorter window to schedule it. So, my biggest advice is to get on my calendar early and I will reserve time for you during your winder. As we get closer to the window, we can go with how you are feeling and choose a firm date then.
I also offer a maternity + newborn bundle package as well as a Baby’s First-year Collection, which allows you to reserve the time on my calendar for subsequent portrait sessions as well! So many of my families who booked these packages tell me it was such a relief to know that their important milestone sessions were already in the books so they didn’t have to worry about it. The best advice is to book your session early!
Is 35 weeks too late for maternity portraits?
The short answer is nope! But there is a caveat. Are you having a healthy pregnancy? How are you feeling? Where is your session taking place? What’s the weather like outside? These are all factors that will play into scheduling a late third-trimester maternity session. I know for me, I was uncomfortable and swollen by 35 weeks with my second pregnancy specifically. When I was pregnant with my second over the summer I experienced severe prodromal labor with her at 36 weeks that was induced by the heat and too much activity. I definitely don’t mean to frighten you into not scheduling your session that late if you need to but just keep those factors in mind when you are looking to book your maternity session after 34 weeks.
With that said, I find that sometimes moms decide last minute they really truly desire to document this special and fleeting season of their motherhood. I will always say better late than not at all when it comes to photos. So if this is you, I would recommend not doing an adventure maternity photo session where you are hiking to a mountain top if you are past 35 weeks. Keep it simple and cool!
Is 24 weeks too early for Maternity Portraits?
It might be. Your beautiful bump may not have that perfectly roundness quite yet. Some moms are already showing enough to get their maternity photos taken this early. It is better to have a more defined bump in your maternity photos. But if you are going to take them this early for some reason there are ways to help define your belly more. You can arch your back a bit and bend your leg to pronounce your belly more, as well as big belly breaths. If you choose a Colorado Springs Maternity photographer who knows how to pose you correctly, you will still be able to get amazing photos of your baby bump at 24 weeks. If you are carrying multiples or this is a second or subsequent pregnancy you just may be able to pull off a fuller, rounder belly!
Can I book solo maternity portraits?
Of course! If you are a single mom or your husband cannot join you because of a deployment or work schedule solo maternity portraits are lovely! Or maybe you prefer to keep your maternity photo shoot just Mama and baby. Either way, in maternity portraits I (and most other photographers) will pose Mama for a few solo shots. It is such a beautiful and empowering time for a woman and I 100% support those feelings through a solo maternity portrait session.
What is the best time of day to schedule maternity portraits in Colorado? And what about the weather?
I love to shoot in full sunlight, either 90 minutes after sunrise or 90 minutes before sunset. One of my favorite things about Colorado is its four unique seasons. Each adds its unique flair for maternity sessions. I love cozy winter maternity sessions and colorful wildflower maternity sessions. As for the weather, that is one thing I cannot control. However, when scheduling your maternity sessions, I like to set a rain date just in case the original needs to be changed.
What if there are unexpected changes in the pregnancy timeline?
As a mom, I understand there is always the chance of unexpected changes in your pregnancy. Bedrest, early delivery, a loss. It’s important to communicate with your photographer as soon as possible. Most photographers understand pregnancy can be unpredictable and are more than happy to be flexible to accommodate your needs. It’s always a good idea to discuss possible contingency plans when booking your session. They can work to reschedule and always refer back to your contract.
Tips for when to book maternity portraits in Colorado Springs, CO
Booking your Colorado Springs Maternity session when you are between 28 and 33 weeks is ideal for a well-defined baby bump and confidence!
If this is your first pregnancy you may want to wait until 30 weeks for a more enhanced baby bump.
Reach out to your photographer when you are comfortable, usually around 12 weeks pregnant.
Waiting too late to schedule your photos may result in your favorite photographer being booked up.
Your photos will be beautiful no matter the season because your family is beautiful!
Welcome! I’m so honored you are here checking out my blog. I wanted to tell you a little more about me; I am a family lifestyle photographer and a Mama of two. If you would like to learn a little more about me click here. I serve clients as a Colorado Springs Family Photographer and a Denver Family Photographer.
If you love these photos and are looking for a milestone, family, maternity, or newborn lifestyle photographer in Colorado Springs or Denver I would love to learn more about you, your family, and the season of life you are in. I’m currently booking all of 2024 and into 2025 for my Baby-Bump clients. Fill out the contact form here and I will be in touch within 24 business hours!
