Timing AND WEATHER OR why light matters


Let's talk about light for just a second. It's quite literally the most important thing about photography. Without light, photos wouldn't exist. Warm or cool tones can make or break an image. The direction of your light source can take away years or add more. As a photographer, I'm looking at what is going to best flatter my clients.


Ok. Let's get into it.


Time of Day

You just read about the direction of light and its importance to an image. Why would this make a difference? The short answer is early morning and just before sunset create a softer, more even look for outdoor photos.


Early morning - The light is soft and warm. No harsh shadows. Great for early risers.


Just before sunset - The light is warm and flattering. No harsh overhead shadows. Great for families. The most popular time to do photo sessions.


Noon - Bright, contrasty photos. Overhead light can cause harsh, unflattering shadows. Not ideal for family portraits. Think more editorial.


golden hour

The MVP of portrait light, the star player, the popular kid who gets along with everyone...


And for good reason. Golden hour is that time of day, either early in the morning or right before sunset, that makes everybody look good. The shadows are long and the light is soft and warm making the images look even and flattering on everyone. When photographers tell you to grab those specific time slots, be sure to act fast. These are the reasons they don't last long, and sometimes, come at a higher price than other times of the day.


weather

When it can work to your benefit and when it's best to reschedule


Overcast - Clouds act as a giant diffuser over the sun. If you had to schedule your session at 2:00 PM, you'll be hoping for a cloudy day. The clouds will help soften those shadows, creating a softer, more flattering look. This type of light tends to work well for portraits.


Bright, open sky - Depending on the time of day will depend on what the light does. No clouds and 12:00 PM? Harsh, direct light creating unflattering shadows on the face - your eyebrows are going to work against you and create dark shadows on your eyes. Best to find the shady side of a building or a large tree with lots of leaves to block out the sun. Golden hour? You're...well, golden.


Misty or Foggy - Definitely a mood, but not necessarily a reason to reschedule. It will create lovely soft light as well and creating an interesting and lovely background.


Storms - Let's reschedule.

Misty and overcast day but we got some incredible images.

Bright early afternoon light, so we found some heavily shaded areas to block out the harsh shadows.

Golden hour, warm soft light

Harsh overhead light, but works here for a more documentary feel

wardrobe planning OR WHAT YOU WEAR MATTERS


I talk extensively about colors and patterns here and how to have relaxed photoshoot here.

Here's a rundown:

  • Wear what's you.
  • If it's uncomfortable, leave it at home.
  • Avoid lots of different patterns and colors.
  • Wear things that compliment each other instead of completely matching.


bring options

Spring brings different types of weather, especially here in Tennessee. It could be 23 degrees and snowy the day before your photoshoot, but the day of could be 73 degrees and perfect. Bringing different options will offer a couple of benefits. If the weather changes on you quickly, you'll still be comfortable for your session. An added benefit would be that you would have different options to choose from for your photos.


Staying within a color palette will help your photos look cohesive and give your session a complete look.

These colors look good on everyone Pick a couple of colors and mix and match in a complementary way.

If you're a color lover, you could choose from a soft pastel palette.

Though this gives Fall as an option, these colors would work well for a spring session as well.

grooming & details

The goal for photos is to present our best selves, so here are a few tips on planning haircuts, manicures, and makeup.


Haircuts - You've heard the phrase "if you get a bad haircut, wait a week or two." This goes for photo prep as well. If you get a haircut the day before your photoshoot, it could potentially look like you just had a haircut... if you know what I mean. Planning a week or two beforehand will give you a little buffer.


Neutral nails - Unless you're doing some hand modeling, it's probably best to stay away from brightly colored nails. The nails aren't the main focus of your session, so we don't want to draw the eyes attention away from the important part, your face.


Makeup - Makeup is a little tricky. Too little or too much and you can tell. If you are a person who wears makeup, I would recommend wear 15% more than you would typically. Cameras and lenses are very sophisticated now, but they aren't (and maybe never will be) as high quality as the human eye.

MINDSET PREP or you are what you think

I get it. It's weird to have a camera in your face. That isn't a common thing for most of us. Moms, we feel more comfortable behind the camera, but you deserve to have photos together with your whole family.


Set attainable expectations - Let go of perfection. Life isn't perfect, and that's what makes it beautiful. Kids are going to be kids. There will be unexpected things that happen during your session. That's great! You'll get some great moments and smiles from those moments.


Embrace movement - We will "go on an adventure" if you book a photoshoot with me. We'll pick a spot, but we will walk around. I'll act more awkward than you, you'll laugh, and then I'll get a natural looking photo. It's important to relax and embrace feeling silly, embrace movement, embrace what you think is awkward but what I see as beautiful. Just about everyone I have every met feels awkward in front of a camera. The more time we have together, the more relaxed people get - and sometimes all it takes is walking around a little.


Trust the process - I promise I am not out to make you look like an idiot. If I instruct you to move in a way, it isn't because of you personally. It is how my lens sees you. Remember up above when I said the human eye is more advanced than the lens? It works in this situation as well. I'm going to make it so that you look as much like you do in the photo as you do in person. Instructing you to "take a step," "turn your shoulder towards me," or "look this way or that" is no reflection on you as a person. I'm making sure the lens is doing you justice!