Session Prep
Session Preparation
Thank you for choosing Angela Nebinger Photography for your custom portrait session! This section of my website is designed to help you prepare for your session. I hope that you find the below ideas and tips helpful! Click the appropriate tab to read the information pertaining to your scheduled session. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 719-964-0843 or email anytime!
Preparing for Your Newborn Portrait Session
Newborn portraits sessions are generally penciled in based on your due date and altered if necessary. The goal is for the session to occur within the first 2 weeks of their birth. Newborn portrait sessions can last longer than regular sessions as we have no idea how they will be feeling that day.. so be prepared to spend anywhere from 1-4 hours at your session. I will never rush these sessions, I clear my schedule to allow for the feedings, and diaper changes, and mood swings that can occur. As a mother of two I know how this stage doesn’t last long enough and we want to take our time to make sure we capture it!
Preparing Yourself
Taking care of yourself can be difficult when a new baby arrives a few things I recommend is to take care of those hands first a gentle scrub, some nice lotion up the arms and a fresh clear coat if you have time.. for daddy clean hands, nails and lotion those arms and chest area.. I like to use those body parts in with photos of the baby and we want them clean and soft.
Keep clothing loose including but not limited to, socks, undergarments, diapers, watches as those can leave marks on the skin that we don’t want to show up in your portraits.
Preparing your baby
Babies do best when well fed and warm. Sleeping babies is always a plus so if your little one is napping when I am due to arrive let him/her sleep and we’ll get those sleepy shots first..
For newborn sessions the least amount of clothing is best. We want to see all those cute little body parts while being mindful of their modest areas. If you do have a special outfit I recommend keeping it to just one as babies tend to get cranky during outfit changes.
Somethings to keep handy: a favorite blanket, baby wipes, diapers, a pacifier if your baby uses one, burp rags and if you’ll most likely need to take a moment or two for breast/bottle feeding which is expected as well .
Preparing your home
Please adjust your thermostat to 85 degrees before I arrive. I know that’s warm, but when removing blankets and clothing from babies, they will get fussy if it’s not warm in the room. You can turn it back down when we’re finished.
Since your home is the primary background for your photos I recommend making it as tidy and clutter free as possible. I know this can be hard with a newborn but we don’t want any clutter distracting our portraits. I will most likely be utilizing the living or family room, the nursery and parents bedroom for our session. I may walk though and move a few things with your permission as well.
Clothing
Clothing for parents should be simple black long sleeve shirts for both mom or dad are a must as is a tank top for mom. Jeans and solid color tops work best to not take attention away from the little one.
I will provide a few possible fabric options to drape over you for those images where we need your clothing to disappear from the image.
Preparing for your Family Portrait Session
Make sure your family is well rested, well (but not over) fed, and dressed in a way that is both comfortable to their style but keeps in mind the portrait your looking to create.
Try not to dress your family all the same but try coordinating colors instead. Simple is best when it comes to clothing, makeup and hair styles.
Clean and moisturized faces, hands and feet (as shoes are optional), a fresh coat of light or clear polish can go along way as well.
These sessions last anywhere from 1-2 hours and are a time for you to relax and enjoy each other while I capture you connecting as a family.
Preparing for your High School Senior Portrait Session
Many High Schools have specific guidelines about the portraits submitted for the yearbook. Find out in advance what your school requires as far as the size, composition, and any other aspects of the portrait to be submitted. Then be sure to let me know!
Get plenty of sleep the night before. Unless dark circles and baggie eyes are the look your going for 
Plan your outfits in advance and remove any unwanted clothing wrinkles.
Bring lots of clothing options. Casual, formal (prom dresses, suits), sports uniforms. Dress in colors you feel you look best in and that represent your style. Coordinate your outfits from head to toe, hats, belts, scarves, jewelery.
Makeup and hair should be worn as you normally wear it. Lipstick is recommended. Be sure to blend makeup as best as possible to avoid sharp lines along the jawline and eye areas.
You are encouraged to bring any props (instruments, sports jackets, pets, etc).
Parents are welcome to attend the sessions. However, in some instances, your child will feel more comfortable to be themselves if the parent is not close by at the time of shooting. Please discuss this with your child. We want your child’s senior pictures to be something they cherish for life, and this requires that they be comfortable.
These sessions can last up to 3 hours depending on how many locations and clothing options you choose so be sure to eat a light meal before you come and bring any necessary items to freshen up with.
Preparing for your Engagement / Couples Session
There are many factors to consider when you’re getting ready for your engagement session. Remember, this information is intended to be helpful and should not be considered as requirements for your session. Regardless of what you wear or how you prepare, I’ll confident we’ll capture great photographs you’ll cherish forever!
Think about bringing at least one alternative outfit for each of you.
If possible, only you and your fiancé should attend the engagement session. The more people that come along the more distractions we will have with our session.
Avoid selecting wardrobe items that feature strong patterns, bright colors, busy prints, or logos. Apparel featuring those characteristics can sometimes draw attention away from your face, the most important area of your photos. More information on wardrobe will be provided in the client welcome brochure and if you have questions on certain items just email me prior to your session.
To make sure your wardrobe is presented in the best possible light, you should first make sure it’s pressed and clean. An insignificant wrinkle can sometimes ruin an otherwise great photo. You should also ensure your undergarments aren’t visible through your outer layers of clothing. Bras and bra straps are notorious for causing problems in photos. And if you’re wearing white or semi-transparent items, try to remove tags from your garments. Under certain lighting conditions, these tags can sometimes be visible in your photographs.
Don’t forget your bring all of your accessories like shoes, socks, belts, necklaces, and earrings. You should also avoid wearing distracting jewelry including watches, large rings and earrings, and prominent necklaces. Jewelry should be kept at a minimum as these items can distract from your face in the finished photo.
Both men and women should pay particular attention to facial hair. Women should take a close look at their eyebrows and upper lips before the session. Even if your facial hair is masked by makeup, it can still appear in photos. For men, although it might prove difficult, I recommend you carefully shave a few hours before the photo session. This is a good practice because evidence of facial hair can often appear right away. Trimming your beard, goatee, mustache, and/or sideburns is also strongly recommended.
Finally, try and use hand moisturizer immediately before our engagement session. It’s quite possible that I’ll feature your hands in some photos. A manicure a few days before is also highly recommended, even for gentlemen. Pedicures are optional, but they often offer me additional photographic opportunities, especially for barefoot shots or if you intend to wear open toed shoes.