Hannah lane photography

planning Guide

portrait session tips, guidance,
outfit recommendations & more!

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for your portrait session! I know we are going to capture some beautiful images and I’m so honored you chose to work with me!

Even if you’re familiar with planning a photography session and you’ve done this a million times before OR if this is your first time ever hiring a photographer this guide will give you helpful tips and info that will allow you to make the most out of your session. Having photographed hundreds of portrait sessions over the past 14 years, I tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything from location ideas to outfit suggestions and where to shop to albums and purchasing prints after your session.

Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance leading up to your session!

– Hannah

What To Expect

While I shoot most of my portrait sessions between March and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my clients choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.

A few things to keep in mind during each season:

What to wear

Picking out what to wear for your session isn’t as difficult as you might think. I provide a few tips for colors and what type or patterns to avoid. I also suggest some places to find outfits that will achieve the soft intimate feeling in alot of my portrait sessions. Make sure to check it out before your session.

Working with the kids

STAY FLEXIBLE

Kids can be unpredictable at times, so I find it best to stay flexible and follow the kids’ needs. If they need to run around, I’ll let them run and be silly before being still to capture the shots we need. If they don’t want to stand but will be held, we’ll do that instead. I tend to read each child for cues to capture the best photos we can!

MAKE IT FUN

This one’s a big one! I love interacting with the kids to get the genuine smiles you know and love. This may mean me making crazy noises, or you helping by playing peek-a-boo behind me. Whatever gets those sweet giggles!

BRING BRIBES

When all else fails, bribes usually save the day. Be prepared by bringing some sweet favorites like candy or gummies! We can take quick bribe breaks if we need to throughout your session.

POSING

"What do I do with my hands"?

When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh – and that’s the photo we’re actually looking for.

Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!

Albums

THE PERFECT WAY TO preserve your family photos

One of the best ways to make your preserve your family photos for years to come is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents’ family photos are in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.

I can’t wait for our session together! Hopefully you found this information helpful. If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your session, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My goal is to serve you the best that I can! This is going to be a fun session, so don’t stress. Relax and enjoy making these memories with your family that you’ll get to treasure forever. See you soon!