- courtney

When planning your portrait session, it is always fun to incorporate at least one element that is unique to you. Whether you want to document the city you live in, include your pets, show off your favorite date night spot or first home, I want to tell your story. Every moment matters and is special in your own way and I can’t wait to document these moments with you!


Portrait sessions are the perfect opportunity to capture a specific time in your life that you want to document forever. Whether you schedule the session to announce an upcoming graduation, your growing family, to document your first house or take formal family photos to send out on holiday cards, there are many directions you can take to create a truly fun and memorable shoot.





My goal for this guide is to help you create a vision for your shoot that we can work together to plan and execute, while also having some fun throughout your entire experience! This type of session gives you the ability to showcase your personality in an authentic way through a truly formal look, something casual or somewhere in between. 

As you read through this guide, you will find out what to expect on the day of your shoot, think through location ideas and have some guidance on planning outfits, as well as read some other logistical points that will help your shoot run smoothly.
 
Our hope is that this guide will be beneficial to you and answer a lot of the initial questions you might have. Of course, if there are any details you’d like to discuss or additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to be on your team!



A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Welcome

We get it, having your picture taken for an hour or two (depending on your shoot) might not be in your top 10 favorite things to do during your limited downtime. But, portrait sessions are an amazing opportunity to forget about everything around you and just focus on your family or yourself for a bit and have a good time! 
 
During the shoot, you might feel awkward at first being in front of the camera, but by the end of the session, you will find that it is a lot easier than you thought and find you even had a little fun. I promise to be as efficient as possible and I know you will appreciate having these images once it’s all said and done. 


The Guys

A NOTE TO

a note to

Normally, people schedule portrait sessions to document a certain stage of life they want to remember and share with family or friends. With that being said, there is never a “good” or “bad” time or reason to take photos. 
 
However, there are better times to take photos, depending on where you live and what you envision the session to look like. 
 
Sessions typically last between one to two hours, depending on the number of outfits and locations you are looking for, and it is usually the most ideal if we can begin the shoot a few hours before sunset. We prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches, unless there is some sort of cover you want to be under the entire session. The first two hours after sunrise is also another ideal time to shoot if you are an early riser. An early session is especially ideal for large cities and/or popular locations that have the potential to be filled with commuters and tourists.
 
Scheduling can always be one of the more challenging aspects of your portrait session, since we are all busy people nowadays! However, it is really important to arrive on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of daylight before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the light will get harsher as the sun rises.


Is there a "good" time to take photos? 

TIME & LIGHT

While we usually like to shoot portrait sessions in the fall or the spring, sessions can take place year round. The most important element when choosing the time of year for your portrait session is the location you have in mind and the weather.

Seasons

Here are a few things to consider about when to schedule your session:

Fall

colorful leaves, perfect temperatures & snuggling close

Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year in the Midwest with all of the colorful leaves changing and because of the ideal weather temperatures. If you are looking to shoot among the changing leaves, mid to late October will usually be the most ideal time for you.
 
If you have your heart set on a fall portrait session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as possible as our availability can fill up fast. 

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Winter

snowfall, hot chocolate and cozy coats

If you’re scheduling your photos to be taken during winter, keep in mind that the sun sets rather early in the day. If you are looking to shoot in the evening, we might need to start as early as 2:30pm to catch the golden sunlight.

Don't forget to dress in layers so that in between photos you can warm up and look as natural as possible on camera. If you are cold, it can show in the photos through raised shoulders and tense arms. Another tip would be to bring a little extra makeup and tissues just in case your nose begins running and to also have hand warmers close by to stay warm.

Locations that feature city skylines and impressive architecture are also best during the winter, as most trees have lost their leaves and the plants have gone dormant. A lush and natural outdoor scene will not be possible during the winter months unless you’re in a warm climate.


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Spring

blooming flowers and sunny days

Depending on where you are wanting to shoot, it can still be chilly in parts of the US at the start of spring. The further south you live, the earlier we can schedule your shoot during the spring. No matter what, when scheduling spring dates, scheduling a primary date and a backup date is necessary if we want to avoid potential rain. 

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Summer

water activities and walks on the beach

Despite the heat, summer sessions are still delightful events that have their own perks. Because of the later sunset, we can begin shooting as late as 6pm and there are so many options for activities. If you decide on taking portrait photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a hand towel to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session and wearing light fabrics (in color and weight) that don’t reveal sweat.

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If you’re planning to use your portrait session photos for holiday cards or announcements, usually the more lead time you allow, the better. I shoot primarily on film that is sent to my film lab to be developed before I can begin editing your session.
 
Then, if you are going to purchase and print holiday or announcement cards, it can take a few more weeks to design, print and collect addresses, before they are ready to be sent out to family and friends. With that being said, the earlier we can schedule your shoot for any printed cards, the better.
 
In the past, I have had some people who were not able to get their portrait session scheduled in time to have holiday cards printed and shared in December, so they pushed their cards out to either celebrate the new year or Valentine’s Day, which is always a really cute option as well. 
 
If you are scheduling a shoot that has a special announcement, like a pregnancy or gender reveal and you need the photos faster than the designated turnaround time, please let me know and I will see if I can accommodate you. 


holiday cards

or Announcements

Outfits

TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST

When picking outfits, it’s really important that you choose something that you are completely confident in. There is a saying in sports, “Look good, feel good, play good.” It applies to photoshoots as well. If you’re confident in your outfit and think you look good, you'll feel good, and photograph great!
 
Also, I recommend keeping in mind it is best to coordinate with anyone else in your shoot, rather than match completely. For example, if you are shooting as a family and your partner is going to wear a colored shirt or sweater, you might want to wear a more neutral shirt or sweater with the kids in a complimentary color palette or white, but all of you do not have to wear the exact same color. However, you do want to be in similar fabric styles. For example, if your partner is in a sweater, you will want to be in a thicker material as well instead of wearing something that is lightweight, like linen.
 
Another tip would be for you to think about the color palette of the location you have chosen. The more neutral the location, the more you might be able to play with color. If your chosen location has a lot of possible backdrops to choose from, with various and unpredictable colors, you may want to stick to a more neutral or monochromatic palette. 
 
Another tip, try to avoid any crazy patterns and unusual or oversized logos that might draw your attention away from you and anyone else that is in your shoot.
 
Depending on the type of shoot you are doing, an outfit change might be involved. If you are doing more than one look, I alway recommend one look that is more formal and another look that is more casual. If you aren’t sure about a certain piece of your outfit before seeing the location, it is always a safe bet to bring an extra outfit or top just in case.
 
Coordinating outfits with your location beforehand will reduce the stress of planning, and will also help determine exactly where we decide to shoot to make sure we are moving as efficiently as possible. 
 
As far as accessories go, something that completes your look without being a distraction is usually the way to go. You can never go wrong with thin hoops, classic pearls or diamond studs, silver or gold timeless bracelets and/or necklaces that will add the perfect finishing touch. And don’t forget to get your engagement ring cleaned if applicable.

FOR THE LADIES

FOR THE gENTS

on to the next

Heels lengthen legs, but if your heels aren’t comfortable to walk in, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots. I also, always suggest wearing something with a little bit of movement because when there’s wind, it creates magic.

I am a huge fan of midi skirts or dresses. There are very few limitations when it comes to posing in a garment with length. You can sit easily or twirl around with your partner without worry.

Another thing I like to mention when choosing their outfits is to be mindful of patterns. Patterns can easily make your photo look a little too busy if they are too small and become the focal point of the entire image if too large. If you’re thinking of choosing a pattern, take a few at home test shots to see how it might look in the photos.

Softer, pastel colors also tend to photograph better than bright colors. I love bright dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion. Also, the color orange specifically can affect the color of your skin tones in the photos as well.

Wardrobe Tips

for the ladies

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ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

Styling plays an important role in the overall look of your photos and it is important that you wear something that 100% reflects your personal style. Jewelry is a great way to add that extra touch to your outfit, and accessories tend to be very personal.

For example, if you are the type of person to take risks in fashion and follow the latest trends, your accessories might be the place to make a statement. 

Other accessories that could be really cool are hats and scarves if the time of year and location calls for it. Especially considering that hats and scarves can be taken on and off really easily if you wanted to try them even for a couple of shots.

Choose your outfit(s) and accessories that you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!



Accessories

for the ladies

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ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

Shops:
Intermix
Net-a-Porter
Moda Operandi
ShopBop
Nordstrom
Revolve
Farfetch
Rent the Runway

Favorite Shops

Brands :
Zimmermann
Marchesa Notte
Ulla Johnson
Alice + Olivia
Self Portrait
For Love & Lemons
Joie
Vince

for the ladies

Here are my favorite shops and brands that will hopefully give you an idea when it comes to shopping for your portrait session outfits. There are so many great places to shop. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I also have a few personal styling and shopping contacts that I would be happy to pass along if you would like even more help.

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ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

Shops

Intermix
Net-a-Porter
Moda Operandi
ShopBop
Nordstrom
Revolve
Farfetch
Rent the Runway

Zimmermann
Marchesa Notte
Ulla Johnson
Alice + Olivia
Self Portrait
For Love & Lemons
Joie
Vince

Brands

Depending on how comfortable you are doing your own hair and makeup, your portrait session could be the perfect time to pamper yourself and feel extra special for the day by hiring a professional. 

Professionally done hair and makeup tends to hold up longer in the humidity and wind, and depending on the type of shoot you are doing, this might be important to you. 

However, in order for these photos to look the best they possibly can, it is important that you look and feel at your best too, so do whatever will make you feel the most confident!


Hair & Makeup

for the ladies

indy hair & makeup Artists

Kate Shaw (Makeup Only)
Andrew Elliot (Hair & Makeup)
Christine Rohrman (Makeup Only)

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ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

I really love trying to include a few detail shots in each of my galleries that might feature your hands running through your hair, holding the hands of your child or partner, etc. Which means, it might be a great idea to clean up your nails before your session. This applies to guys too! 

Plain nail polish without any bold or bright designs always photograph the best because it doesn’t distract from the emotion behind the shot. I usually recommend a neutral nail color for photoshoots, but depending on the time of year you could wear something darker.

Manicure

for the ladies

*If you are looking for a pale pink color, one of my favorite nail polish combinations for shoots is one layer of OPI Funny Bunny and two top layers of OPI Bubble Bath for the perfect light pink. Great for the spring and summer especially.

*During the winter time, you can get away with darker colors, but it depends on your style and the type of shoot you are going for. If you want something edgy, OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark is a favorite of mine, but if you are wanting something romantic, then I would opt for something lighter. 

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ACCESSORIES

WHERE TO SHOP

HAIR & MAKEUP

MANICURE

Outfits

find it fast

Depending on the type of shoot you are doing and how formal a look you are going for, you can never go wrong with a timeless suit with a simple dress shirt underneath. Another great option is to wear khakis with a nice button down or even jeans with a fun blazer or classic t-shirt with a cool jacket for something sportier. 

If you’re doing a casual look, a nice pair of jeans with either a button down and nice shoes, or a plain but elevated t-shirt and boots could be the way to go. If you are shooting with your family or partner, make sure that y’all are coordinating to create a cohesive look.

Just like our girls, be careful when choosing a pattern or a bold logo. It may accidentally make your photos look a little too busy. Softer, neutral colors tend to photograph better than bright colors that could reflect on your skin. And, if you decide to go for a sportier look, try to stay clear of pieces with logos. Large logos can be very distracting in an image.

Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months as well. Again, think coordinating rather than matching.



Wardrobe

WHERE TO SHOP

Outfits

for the gents

Nordstrom
The Black Tux
Saks
J. Crew
ASOS
Zara

Wardrobe

for the gents

find it fast

WHERE TO SHOP

Outfits

*If you are in need of something custom, I know of a few places that could help create what you're looking for. Just know that time might not be on our side for something custom.

*I also have a personal shopping and stylist contact that is available to shop and/or style the guys also if you are in need of additional help.

Locations

Locations around indianapolis

Choosing a location that is special to you can bring an added layer of significance to your shoot. This can be where you are currently living in this stage of life, the park where you spend time walking as a family, or your favorite date night spot.
 
I would love to talk through any potential location ideas that might represent something special to you, and I am also happy to make recommendations that I know will look good on camera. There are so many great options to choose from in and around Indianapolis, but picking a location that will help create the vision for your shoot is the most important!


downtown feel & Architecture

Monument Circle
Indiana World War Memorial
Canal Walk with the Indy Skyline
Bottleworks

Coxhall Gardens
Flowing Well Park
Holliday Park
Eagle Creek Park
Newfields 
White River State Park

Open outdoor areas

Newfields Lilly House
Stuckey Farm Apple Orchard
Spencer Farm 

requires appointment & possible Fee

The above locations are all beautiful but we also love exploring meaningful locations with our clients & couples!

(outside of the official grounds)

Lockerbie Square Historic District
Downtown Zionsville
The Village of West Clay in Carmel

suburban areas

(need to inquire about access to the sunflower field)

Coxhall Gardens
Holliday Park
Eagle Creek Park
Newfields 

White River State Park

Inclement Weather

what to do if it rains, snows, etc.

For the seasons that experience the most weather or a destination shoot, we always schedule two dates in case of inclement weather. One primary date, and a backup rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos will happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tricky but it ensures that we will be able to give you the look you envisioned. 
 
I am constantly checking the forecast and will keep in touch if the weather starts to become a concern to go over all of our options. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for your portrait session and will do everything I can to avoid you, your partner and or family getting dressed up for your session, only to have it rained out or worse.
 
With that being said, if you wish to brave the elements and the conditions aren’t bad enough to damage my gear, we can grab a couple of clear umbrellas, choose a strategic location and keep our original date. 
 
Keeping an open line of communication will help make this process as simple and easy as possible for all of us. 


including kids

Tip #1: Let’s work together to plan the shoot around nap times if necessary. While shooting during a particular time of day is important for lighting, it is more important that the main subjects of the shoot are happy and excited to be there. Once we have our date picked out, we will work together to find a time that is ideal for all of us that will have great lighting and also be ideal for participating children.

Tip #2: If your kids are super active, get comfortable with the idea of a more candid style of shoot. Personally, I love when kids get to be themselves during your session because it will accurately capture your family, but we will discuss your goals for the shoot before the day arrives. I always try to get a few formal portraits in varying locations, but these can be challenging at times.

Family portrait sessions are extremely common and I have had a lot of experience running around with young and active kids over the years. Here are a few of my tips to make sure that we are setting ourselves up for success.

Tip #3: If you have an extra person that your kid(s) really love and smile at regularly, it might be a good idea to have them tag along to help grab their attention. In the past, some kids have been scared or nervous about someone they don’t know following them around with a camera (completely understandable). Having someone they trust or recognize that is not involved with the shoot can help them relax and be more themselves.
 
Tip #4: If having an extra set of hands at the shoot is not possible, we can work together to find a toy or object that will grab their attention and hopefully make them smile. Bringing your kid’s favorite toy could be an option, but we try to avoid them reaching for the toy and covering their face throughout the shoot. Also, once they grab the toy, I don’t want to upset them while trying to take it away so that it’s not in the photos. 

In the past, having snacks that help keep kids calm has worked, and I have also brought a tambourine before to help grab their attention with noise. Once we are close to the shoot, we can coordinate the best plan for grabbing their attention during the shoot so that we can set ourselves up for success.


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I understand how much your pets mean to you, which is why I love when people choose to incorporate their pets into their portrait sessions. However, there are special considerations and logistics that must be planned for, like choosing at least one pet friendly location. 
 
For those who do choose to include pets, I recommend one location including them, and a secondary location without them. While having pets included in the shoot is a fun feature, they will not be in every photo. Having an extra set of hands to help hold your pet in between shots, or take them home as we are about to leave the first location will ensure their safety. 
 
Consider letting them run around a little bit before the session so they are slightly worn out and not as interested in running off. Also, bringing along treats and toys will hopefully make it easier for us to get their attention. Another thing to consider is your pet’s fur type. It might be a good idea to have them groomed before the shoot, and an even better idea to bring along a lint roller just in case!


Pets

Props

champagne is always a good idea

If you’re planning on bringing or incorporating props into your portrait session, you should only include them if they’re meaningful to you and your partner and coordinate with your location. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met. However, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not part of your relationship may come off unnatural and in turn, the photos won’t be as meaningful to you down the road.
 
Props can be as elaborate or simple as you would like, but this is definitely something we should discuss when planning your session so we can incorporate them in a timeless and chic way!


When it comes to posing during your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! We will talk before the start of the session and walk through the flow of the session, which includes how the posing will work.
 
Most of the poses or prompts I will have you do are meant to bring out emotions, the sweetness of your relationship, or put you in a position with your family to completely be yourselves. 
 
All of the poses and prompts are only there to be used as a guideline, so you can feel at ease and fall naturally into any position. However, if I tell y’all to do something silly, it’s probably because to make you laugh, and that’s the photo that I’m actually going for.
 
Throughout your session, I will also keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits that make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your experience with me!
 


"What do I do with
 my hands"?

"What do I do
 with my hands"?

POSING

If you have any rings that you will be wearing during your portrait session, such as a family heirloom or an engagement ring, if possible, please try to have it professionally cleaned just in case it is in any detail shots, it will look shiny and beautiful.
 
If this is not an option, here is a way you can clean it yourself. To clean your ring at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for 20 to 40 minutes, then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush. If it still looks dirty, rinse and repeat.


Ring Cleaning

Note: When I clean my rings at home it usually air-dries with water spots that are visible from the top. To keep that from happening, I place it on a wash cloth and use my hairdryer.If you use a high heat setting, be careful, your ring will be hot to the touch, so wait a few minutes before putting it back on. 

Date Night

After your portrait session whether this is with your partner, family or solo headshots, this could be the perfect time to schedule a night out on the town afterwards or a nice brunch if you opted for a morning session.
 
If you’re anything like me you only get dressed up every now and then and if you are already in an outfit with full hair and makeup, you might as well turn it into something special. A date night or night out with friends could be the perfect way to end the day and reward yourselves on a job well done!

Immediately following your session, your film will be shipped off to my lab in Oregon. It normally takes them about 14 business days (depending on the time of year) for me to receive the digital files to begin editing. You can expect to receive your images between the designated delivery time. I will deliver you photos in an online gallery where they will be ready for print. At this time I will share any additional details with you that cover custom product and album offerings. 

When to Expect Your Images

You made it!  Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide! I hope it covers any initial questions you have while preparing for your portrait session. 

If you have any additional questions or need other recommendations please feel free to reach out. We’re here to be on your team!

 

THANK YOU!

@2022 Ninety Three Creative

courtney@creativeninetythree.com