When I work with clients to plan their photography session, I offer plenty of suggestions—ideal shooting times, locations, wardrobe choices, and more. But often, I get questions like, “Can we do it at this time instead?” or “What if we wear these outfits?” While I’m happy to be flexible, I also believe in educating my clients on why I make these recommendations.
Photography Is Like Baking a Cake
Imagine someone you love asks you to bake their favorite cake for their birthday. You know the key ingredients that make it taste just right. But if you swap some of those ingredients, the cake may still be delicious—but it won’t be quite the same as the one they love.
Photography works the same way. There are key ingredients that create the style and consistency that I (and many other photographers) strive for. If we change some of those ingredients, the final result might be different from what you expected.
The Ingredients of a Great Photo Session
Wardrobe: Neutral tones help achieve the soft, natural, and light style my photography is known for. While one bold or floral pattern can be beautiful. combining bold colors and patterns, or clothing with large logos can distract from the emotion and beauty of the images.
Lighting: The best natural light happens shortly after sunrise or within the last few hours before sunset. Shooting midday, especially on the beach with no shade, creates harsh shadows and makes editing more difficult. If your schedule doesn’t allow for ideal lighting, a studio session might be a great alternative.
Editing Style: Editing is a huge part of the final product. If you book a photographer, it should be because you love their editing style—whether it's light and airy, bold and true to life, or dark and moody. Keep in mind that most photographers don’t drastically change their editing style per session.
Posing & Session Type: If you’re looking for candid, natural interactions, a longer session allows time for those moments to unfold. Mini or petite sessions are great for quick portraits but may not provide as many storytelling moments, especially with children.
These are just a few of the “ingredients” that go into creating beautiful, consistent photos. While I’m always open to collaboration, I want to set realistic expectations—if we adjust some of these elements, the final result may not be exactly what you had in mind. My goal is to guide you toward the best possible outcome while still making sure you love your experience!
