I am so excited about these! I have been thinking about hosting sessions like this for a while now, and so excited to see it all coming together. Keep reading for more details!

When & Where?

I will be using a friend’s beautiful, light-filled home in Homewood, AL to create a studio-type setting. As much as I love shooting outside, we all know how intense the summer heat in Alabama can be! Several slots are still open for June 23rd and June 24th.

What will the set up be like?

A hand-painted backdrop, professional flower arrangements, and various simple props (baskets, stools, etc.) will make this a very unique set up that you don't want to miss.

Who are these for?

Perfect for motherhood, maternity, milestone, you name it!

How long will the sessions be? How many pictures are included?

Each session will be 20 minutes, in a 30 minute time slot. You will receive 25 + images in an online gallery with print and download release!

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Summary:

-June 23 and 24 in Homewood, AL

-2o minute session

-25 images in an online gallery with download and print release 

-$325

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Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions at all!

Rachel

I always forget how stressful family pictures can be until I’m the one in front of the camera. You book your favorite photographer months in advance, buy new outfits for the family, and pray no gets sick or gets a black eye the week of your shoot. While so many things are out of control (weather, sickness, etc) there are few things that can help it be an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

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Tip #1: Choose your outfit first, ladies. Find an outfit you feel beautiful in. I wore cut-off jean shorts and a big sweater at a shoot one time and I felt like me. … and guess what? I love the pictures!

Tip #2: Set out everyone’s clothes DAYS before the shoot. I know this sounds extreme, but trust me! A few days before get EVERYTHING out that you need even socks, bows, bloomers, etc. Go ahead and iron what needs it and tuck it away somewhere safe. The day of the shoot, no one will be frantically running around getting dressed and asking you questions on what to wear. If you have an opinionated toddler, give them an option (even if it’s just the choice between two bows!).

Tip #3: Have a “reward” or something to look forward to after the session. This can be everyone going out for ice cream, a yummy dinner, or even a little wrapped present for your kids in the backseat for afterwards.

Tip #4: This sounds silly, but…. have fun! Seriously! If you are having fun, your kids are going to feed off that energy and be more willing to buy into whatever you want them to do. Tell your kids “we are going to have fun, explore, and play games while someone takes our photos” — if they think they are going to have to pose and smile for an hour that is a lot of pressure! They will be much more willing if they know they’ll get to run around an explore some.

Tip #5: Remember the season you’re in. Maybe your toddler refuses to drop the stick he found on the ground, or your baby is teething and drooling everywhere. What is the point of pictures if not to remember that fleeting season of life you’re in right now, stick and drool included?

We had our family pictures taken last Spring by my friend Mallory and I can honestly say we had SO much fun. I made a conscious decision to take deep breaths, go with the flow, and just enjoy my precious family. It’s not often, if ever, that we have an entire hour to literally just love on each other, snuggle, and play! I hope you find these tips helpful and they help you have an enjoyable session!

Photos by Mallory Bell of Huntsville, AL

This is definitely one of my favorite sessions as of late! Everything came together so nicely and we had a gorgeous evening with the most beautiful light! Ashton had such an inspiring vision for these photos and I loved creating these with her and her precious little girl.

Shot with Contax 645 Zeiss 80mm and Canon Mark IV 50mm