What you should know before you schedule your photo session!

Here are some suggestions when preparing for your photo session. We like to expect the best from each photo session, but it's inevitable we run into some issues that aren't as perfect as we (and you) would like them to be! These aren't big problems, but we thought we'd share so that you can keep them in mind when planning for your next photo session at Tiny Acorn Portraits.

Newborns and Babies ~

At Tiny Acorn Portraits, newborn photos are one of our specialties.  Here are some suggestions...

• Bring in your newborn while they are still under 7 days old for the best sleeping baby portraits.
• Allow for at least 2 hours for your appointment.
• Feed your baby before your session so that they arrive with a full belly.
• Sleeveless onesies, bloomers or diaper covers, hats and headbands are all great clothing choices for your new baby. At our Edina studio we have many great fabrics, a few hats, bloomers and diaper covers to choose from as well. Less clothing is better as you will want to remember all of your babies little bits and pieces!
• Loosen your baby's diaper for the car ride to avoid diaper imprints.
• Put your baby in a button down onsie for the ride so that we can easily take it off with out pulling it over his/her head.
• Use a wash cloth to clean away flaky skin and eye boogers.
• Book your shoot around your baby’s feeding and nap times, a sleepy baby is the best baby for these photo sessions.
• Bring whatever will make your baby happy. A pacifier, their favorite blanket, bottle of milk etc.
• Parents bring a long sleeve black shirt as we will most likely use you as a 'prop' in some photos.
• If bringing siblings remember that these newborn sessions are much longer than a traditional photo shoot...Bring that ipad to keep them from getting antsy!

See this blog post for more ideas on newborn photos.

Children ~

Tiny Acorn Portraits philosophy is all about letting kids be kids!

• Bring hats, tu tu's, fun outfits and anything to show your childs true personality.
• Let your child express themselves with an outfit of their choice, this way they will be more likely to wear your outfit choice with out a fuss!
• When choosing outfits for groups of kids, bold colors are better than bold patterns as you wouldn't want one child to stand out over the another.
• Shoes are not always necessary, bare feet on kids is always timeless.
• Try to avoid tights if possible, they tend to bunch and sag, and flowing dresses on little girls work better than tight dresses.
• Make sure they are clean. Fresh hair, trimmed nails and clean skin is always best! 
• If your child still takes naps, have them well rested!
• Don't let them have candy or food that will stain their mouth prior to your photo session.
• A wet and warm washcloth can wipe away those pesky boogers.

Maternity ~

Wear something that you feel comfortable in, you will look your best if you are not self conscious.

• A simple tank top always works well. We can even roll it up to expose your belly!
• A bold color is better than a bold pattern when choosing an outfit.
• Moisturize your belly. 

Family Photos ~

Family photo sessions with Tiny Acorn are different for every family because every family is unique! Nothing surprises us and we enjoy a challenge.

• Don't stress, we have reserved plenty of time for your session.
• It's great to coordinate but don't worry about having the whole family match, rather stick to a similar color scheme.
• By mixing colors and textures you add depth to your photographs.
• Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.
• If your portraits are on location, take into consideration the elements and atmosphere of the location.
• Let us know if we can do anything to prepare for your group so that we can make the studio or location an area you feel comfortable in.

See this blog post for more family photo ideas.

Seniors Photos ~

A senior photo session should show off your true personality.

• Try on your favorite outfits with a friend, and have them tell you what you look best in! Bunchy tops or layered dresses sometimes make you look bigger than you are, whereas flowy material such as chiffon or cotton are more flattering.
• No writing or logos! Timeless is better, don't wear anything that you might get sick of or grow out of a few years later.
• Stay away from fads and trends. It's important to remember what is timeless.
• If you're unsure what colors you look best in, ask some opinions or bring some clothing options along with you to your photo shoot and we can help you choose what would look best.
• Prints can be great as well, they can really add some personality to a photo! Mix prints and solids to add dimension to your senior photographs.

See this blog post for more wardrobe ideas for your Senior Photos.

General ideas for every photo shoot ~

• Hair - A fresh cut, color or style is best. Keep your hair looking natural. This isn't the day to try a new hairstyle.
• Hair Accessories - Bring them! You never know when you'll need a bobby pin, bow or hair tie and accessories add a little extra charm.
• Glasses - If you always wear glasses, and people know you best with them, wear them or if possible, wear contacts! 
• Red Eyes - Get a good nights sleep before your portrait session. Drinking the night before a photo session isn't a great plan and may cause your eyes to turn out reddish in the photo!
• Lips - Lip color is always the perfect touch for ladies, but not too dark!
• Teeth - Brush those suckers! A little whitening process a few weeks before never hurts either.
• Make-up - Not too much, not too little. Simplicity is key here; a little blush, and simple eyeliner with mascara looks best on camera.
• Facial hair - Men, a fresh shave is always the best way to go.
• Moisturize! Soft skin is noticeably better looking on camera.
• Nails - You don't need to get an all-out manicure or pedicure for your photo sessions, but make sure you have either a clean coat of polish color or none at all. 
• Undergarments - Bra straps showing tends to be an issue, if needed find a bra that is strapless.
• Tan - Sun burns and tan lines can be avoided with a great spray tan. Not a ridiculously dark one, but a glow looks great on camera and makes you look healthy. Tiny Acorn Portraits is right next door to an amazing professional spray tanning salon, The Glow Lounge, they are simply the best.
• Ironing - Freshly iron or steam your clothes beforehand, wrinkles are not your friend!
• Bring props! Sports equipment, instruments, favorite accessories etc.

Feel free to bring an outfit change ~

Some clients only bring one outfit for their photo session. Feel free to bring more! We love variety, style and different textures because it allows for more creativity and makes each session unique. We enjoy choosing different backdrops and always schedule plenty of time.

Pick up your photos promptly ~ 

We have photos from clients who took their pictures years ago! We hate to think that our time and your money would go to waste; and if you're reading this and think, "that's me!" give us a call, we probably still have them :).