Most of the portraits that I shoot focus more on the connection between people rather than props but I do recommend bringing one or two personal items to make your session unique and fun. It doesn't have to be big and elaborate to make amazing photos (but if you have a beautiful armchair briiiing it!!)
Couples/Engagement Photography
Chalkboard
Save the Date
Rings
Pillows, blankets
Candles
Flowers
Flower Crown
Beautiful Dress
Uniform
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Matching item ex baseball caps or jerseys
Balloons
Hammock
A bicycle
Large balloon or half a dozen small ones (helium)
Umbrella
Signs
Old Pick-up truck or car
Row boat
Coffee
Hat
Maternity Photography
Book
Ultrasound Photo
Baby Shoes
Sign
Chalkboard
Letters Spelling Babies Name
Flowers
Floral Crown
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Balloons
Pickles and Ice Cream!
Significant or cherished item
Chalk
Lace dress, a flowing dress
Fur baby and sign to announce pregnancy
Tiny crown
Baby Daddy!! siblings.
Sun hat
Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)
Large piece of sheer fabric
Wedding Rings
Tulle Skirt and Bralette
Senior Photography
Letterman Jacket
Sports Paraphernalia
Your best friend or close family member so you are more relaxed
Medals or Awards that you are proud of
Sports uniforms
Instruments
College Swag
Several Outfits
A fun hat
Sunglasses
Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)
Flowers
Floral Crown
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Balloons
Book
Sign
Graduation year numbers
Globe
Flag
Significant Necklace or Bracelent
Class Ring
Props that elude to your future career (stethoscope for doctor etc)
The best prop you can bring is confidence and a genuine smile!
Family Photography
Pillows and Blanket
Tent, Campfire, s'mores
Chalkboard
Family Pet
Bicycles
Kayaks
Hiking boots and a gorgeous view!
Signs
Bubbles
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Old Pick-up truck or car
Tee-Pee
Children's Photography
Watermelon
Lemonade stand
Kissing booth
Old Pick-up truck or car
Signs
Bubbles
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Tee-Pee
Bicycle or Tricycle
Umbrella
Balloons
Child-sized chairs
Headbands
Bow Ties
Cakes or cupcakes
Lollipop
Swing
Vintage Suitcases
Chalk
Lifestyle Photography
Game or activity
Books
Baking
Ice cream
Pillow Fight
Fort
Sprinkler
Water balloons
Tea/coffee
Couch
Bed
Wagon
Bicycle or Tricycle
Popsicles
Trampoline
Hike
Tent, campfire, s'mores
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Hello friends! So you're getting your picture taken! Let's talk about a few things to get you ready for our session!
Although we can schedule your session any time during the day, we try to schedule to take advantage of the best natural light. The hours after sunrise and before sunset are 'golden' times and have ideal lighting. The golden light of these hours are soft, flattering and BEAUTIFUL! Please make sure you specify one of these time slots if you are interested.
ASK QUESTIONS! We strive to create a custom experience for each of our clients. Feel free to ask questions including location advice, wardrobe, style, props and more! Below are a few guidelines to get you started.
Clothing
Keep the attire simple, but coordinate colors for groups.
Solid colors are best... try to avoid large bold patterns and neon colors as they can take attention away from your face. If you do select an outfit with a pattern try to match that pattern to solid colors for the clothing of the other parties in the portrait.
When selecting your wardrobe consider the location of your portrait session and match accordingly. For example, soft colors look great at the beach and avoid green in the forest so you don't blend in!
If you plan to hang a large print or canvas of your images consider the colors of your home when selecting your wardrobe.
Darker, solid colors appear more slimming than lighter colors.
Dress weather appropriate so you aren't too hot or cold.
Be sure to include the appropriate shoes, socks and stockings for your outfit. Plan your wardrobe from head to toe as full length poses are a part of your portrait session.
Bring an outfit change(s) to add variety to your sitting.
Wear clothing you are uncomfortable in. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your face and will be harder to relax and enjoy yourself.
Avoid baggy clothing as it can make you look big/boxy.
Eyeglasses can create glare that hides your eyes. We recommend wearing contacts if you have them or asking your optician if you can borrow a similar frame without lenses.
Remember to empty your pockets of cellphones, keys, chapstick etc so there aren't visible outlines.
Ladies!!! Take your hairbands off your wrists.
Feel free to bring a few props with you to add a unique touch to your portraits.
Bring a portable speaker and your favorite tunes! Music can create some great vibes and help you relax.
Hair/Make-up
We highly recommend getting your hair and make-up done as professional stylists know how to apply makeup to best bring out your natural beauty! Besides, knowing you look fabulous and FEELING fabulous will help you be more relaxed and happy. Those natural smiles and real laughter are always my fave!
There are many talented Hair and Makeup artists in the area, if you'd like suggestions please contact one of the artists on our Wedding Resource Guide.
Kids
Bring snacks to avoid hangry 'tudes. Also good for bribery.
Bring a comfort item - stuffed animal, pacifier, blankey etc.
Make sure parents AND kids are both rested. You may be so focused on making sure your child is well rested that you forget about yourself. Children are very sensitive to their parents emotions and even the slightest bit of grump or frustration can affect their behavior. Bottom line, if you are happy and relaxed your kids will be too!
Allow for extra time to get to the location and prepare for your session. The events leading up to your session can set the tone of the day. Extra time = no stress about being late and time for your munchkins to look around and acclimate to the location.
Don't force them to smile! That's my job! Kids are much more relaxed and natural when you aren't telling them what to do and what not to do. Relax and have fun with them, your smiles and laughter will relax them and then their smiles will come naturally. I'll say it again - when you are stressed they are stressed, when you are relaxed they are relaxed!
Bring baby wipes! Cause boogers.
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
On a beautiful, sunny September afternoon I met Abigail, her mom Jen and her little sister Sidney at Pioneer Park in Tumwater, Washington. Abigail is fun, creative, goal-orientated and sweet as pie! I had a blast chatting with her and her family. Abigail plans to join the military when she graduates and then continue her education. She is making things happen!
Abigail and her sister, Sidney, are the best of friends. Their light-hearted banter kept me laughing and smiling. I can only hope that my kids have a similar relationship and have a friendship on top of being siblings! So cool!
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
