What to Wear For Your Family Photo Session

My photo sessions are a little bit different, more relaxed and fun than your typical family photo session. We’re creating an intimate moment between you and your family. Much like the feeling of having them pile into bed with you on a Sunday morning or run to your arms when you’ve arrived home after a long time away. Tousled hair, simple clothing, and bare feet (when safe) all lend to the emotional connection of these Fine Art Photographs.

The love and connection in my photos is the most important part! It’s what draws you in and leaves you FEELING the photograph. This may be controversial, but it’s my belief that what you’re wearing the least important element of your session. I know, sounds wild! But take a look through my work and I think you’ll agree, it’s the emotion and connection that you see first, and what you remember.

Ok, now having said all that I know that styling yourself and also YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY can be unbelievably stressful. It’s my goal to make a session with me as relaxed and fun as possible., so I provide an entire private Welcome Page for everyone that books with me. It includes everything you need to know for your photo session so that you can relax and maybe even (definitely) enjoy your self! And I just have to say, and this may be surprising based on everything above, but I LOVE fashion. If you have the most spectacular dress for your session I will adore it and totally let you know, probably more than once! I will photograph the heck out of it and you will be so glad you wore it. I do think, though, that connection is more important than the clothes and that’s what makes me just a little bit different.

Here are a few of those tips from the Welcome Page, just for you!

1. Don’t put everyone in matching clothes :) It’s better that your clothes compliment each other instead of being too matchy-matchy. We’re avoiding the matching jeans and white shirt look from the 90’s, unless that’s your vibe in which case bring it on!

2. Avoid logos, graphics, and words on clothing. The eye will be distracted by that instead of focusing on your love and connection.

3. Wear something that you love and makes you feel good about yourself. Many of my families use clothes they already have. When you feel confident in your clothing, it shines through in your photos. And if you don’t like your outfit, most likely you won’t like your photos.

I hope this helps you with your photo session, whether you book with me or one of the other lovely photographers in Yuma. I love you, my friend! I can’t wait to photograph your sweet, beautiful love.

You will never regret having photos, you’ll only regret not taking them.

Newsletters are boring! How about a Love Letter instead?

I mean, the title says it all. You hear the word “newsletter” and probably groan internally. Everyone has one these days and no one has the time or inclination to read them.

Except.

There are two or three newsletters that show up in my mailbox that I outright ADORE. I may even breathe a sigh of relief when I see them. They’re a welcome treat after scrolling through junk, school emails, and work mumbo jumbo. For five minutes I’m transported into the author’s lovely mind and I may even think about their words again later that day! Who knew?

Soooo, can you see where this is going, my friend?

I’m going to stop sending newsletters. For real.

I’M GOING TO STOP SENDING NEWSLETTERS. I mean, I wasn’t great at sending them anyways but now isn’t the time to beat myself up over that, ya know?

Newsletters are boring. And lord knows we can’t waste this brief and precious life on boring.

Instead of a newsletter, I WILL be sending a Love Letter to my dear readers, with photos and thoughts on love.

A Love Letter, as in a letter full of love, from me to you.

Doesn’t that sound absolutely lovely? If this world is about anything, it’s about love. Since you’re here, I know that you probably cherish intimate human connections the way I do. Hopefully, you’re surrounded by tender, sweet love. And I’m determined to reflect that love back to you with my photos and words.

My Love Letters will be short and extra sweet, with a touch of sarcastic humor. Because if there’s anything we need in addition to love, sweet jeezus it’s humor.

Do I wish that you’ll breathe a sigh of pleasant relief when you see my little Love Letter in your inbox? FFS, you bet I do! I hope my photos and words can bring a touch of respite to your busy day. I hope it’ll be a tiny little vacation that you read in the pickup line, or in bed at the end of a long day, or even while you’re in the bathroom (maybe using the toilet but also maybe just escaping your children for a hot second).

I hope you’ll read my Love Letters and maybe even reply. I’m here for you, ready to love and laugh our way through this interesting life.

If you haven’t already, sign up below to receive your Love Letter:

A Yuma Wedding on Valentine's Day!

Happy, Happy New Year, my friends! The holidays are a popular time to get engaged and I don’t talk about this enough, but did you know that I adore photographing weddings? And give me all the small weddings, elopements, micro weddings, vow renewals, you get the idea! If you live in Yuma and are engaged, I’m ready to capture your wedding day! If you’re wanting a small and intimate event, I’m here to preserve those moments in a big way.

Moments of joy and excitement, stillness and reverence, lightness and humor.

This private Valentine’s Day wedding couldn’t have been more lovely. I’m honored to have been one of four people to witness their union. With a small wedding, I’m able to celebrate and cry right along with my couples! And my goodness, this couple’s love is breathtaking.

We started with a portrait session at the Wetlands, then headed over to Lute’s Wedding Chapel for the ceremony. This tiny little wedding venue is full of character. It was a lovely backdrop for Nancy and Jesse’s love. And can we get a “heck yeah” for Nancy’s playful look back at me?

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Nancy + Jesse