closeWelcome to the
Your step-by-step guide to your portrait session
Thank you for choosing to work with us. We are so excited to get started on your portrait session!
We want to make this experience helpful and stress-free so we have created a step-by-step guide to plan your perfect portrait session. Simply follow each step below to get started.
We've focused here on Engagement Sessions but this can easily be used for Family and Senior Sessions too!
Our Guide for Bridal Sessions can be found in our Wedding Book provided to each of our clients. Our Wedding Book goes into more detail with tips, checklists and answers to questions that often come up along the photo and video wedding journey!
Step one
When selecting a location for your portrait session consider the season and style of images you want. Park images during the winter months will look very different than park images during the summer. There is no right or wrong; just be mindful of what type of images you want to have.
Downtown Locations
Areas with shabby rundown architecture
Sidewalks, street life, graffiti
Downtown locations in old small towns
Fort Worth Botanical or Japanese Gardens
Trinity Park
An open field of grass
Walk along train tracks (discussion about this first)
Let's get wet in the lake! Perhaps a canoe?
Stockyards Hotel
Stockyards Grounds
Stockyards Cattle Shoot
Horse or Cattle Ranch
Movie Theater
Coffee Shop, Restaurant or Ice-cream shop
Stadiums
Carwash - Gets some suds on!
Movie Recreation (Star Trek, Star Wars, Video Games, Etc)
***May cost extra by Owner
Step two
What kind of style fits you? Look for outfits that are similar to these tones and styles. Consider looking for what looks good with your skin tones. You do not need to be "matchy matchy" but complementary with those in your photos. Also consider not going too trendy. Trends will date your photos much faster than just going with more classic neutral fabrics and styles. It's really a good idea to stay with solids and away from heavy prints and patterns.
Step three
Getting ready for your portrait session doesn't have to be stressful. Here are some simple tips to have a stress-free and fun portrait session.
Select an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful. When it comes to your portraits, your attitude will reflect greater than your actual outfit. When you feel beautiful and confident in your own skin, style details will all fall into place.
Don't get overly stressed about your outfit selection. Go with what what you feel like you! Bring a couple different options and change during the session so you will have options too! If you notice in these great photos on this section of our page ... the ladies aren't in overly dressy clothes. The focus is on them, not their clothes. That's why the photos are great. The ladies are beautiful and happy. They feel good and it shows. Here are some general tips for getting ready:
If you're hiring a hair & makeup artist for your wedding then consider doing a trial run for your engagement session. This is a great opportunity to test if you like a specific style of makeup or preference of hairstyle.
Clean your ring or jewelry
Get a manicure or take nail polish completely off
If we are walking in the park, considering bringing some slip-on shoes in between sites if you are wearing heels. We don't want twisted ankles!
Think about the length of your skirt if you want your partner to pick you up or carry you. A micro-mini might be a challenge. We've seen it all but we'd rather not see it all!
Consider word props such as "Save the Date" "Thank You" "Merry Christmas" "Family" or physical props such as chairs, hammocks, other items that are special to you.
If you're like most guys, then you dread taking photos. We challenge you to throw out all your doubts, insecurities, and frustrations toward taking photos because this is NOT your average portrait session. We are a family team so we know how to make this session fun for both of you.
If you promise to have an open mind, we promise that we will do everything in our power to make you feel comfortable and excited during your portrait session.
Trim your beard or facial hair
Bring Bug Spray
Suntan lotion
Water Bottles (or several if its hot outside)
Extra shoes if were are going anywhere they are needed
Umbrella for heat, if needed
Accessories for change of clothes such as belts, proper undergarments, etc.
Hairbrush, Hair Gel, etc.
Relax, just be yourself
Clean your ring or jewelry
Trim your nails
Step three
Personalizing your session is how you make your images feel unique to you. We welcome and encourage you to bring items and props that feel like you. If you're not sure what to bring just ask, we can provide some ideas.
Do you have a furry pet that feels like family? Feel free to bring your pets along to your portrait session.
Please note: some locations work better for pets. Please notify us that you will bring your animal so we can pick an appropriate session location.
Are you the snuggle up and get cozy type? Bring your favorite blanket and comfort items with you. Cuddling up next to each other with your favorite items will put you both at ease and make for some amazing photos.
Let the sparks fly! Consider bringing fun props to your portrait session. Sparklers, bubbles, ice cream, smoke bombs ...whatever your ideas are, we welcome them! We seriously like to be challenged.
