Keeping you safe during your Outdoor Family Sessions amidst COVID-19

For those who have an Outdoor Family Session coming up in April and beyond….

As we all know this pandemic has invaded just about every aspect of our lives! It’s happened with lightening speed and has been difficult digesting all of the changes thrown at us at once. Currently, I am confident that my Outdoor Sunset Sessions will be unaffected by the recent, measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. In fact, being outdoors with my family is one way we are planing to cope! Below are some guidelines I will be following to ensure all of us are doing our best at keeping one another healthy during your family sessions.

Most importantly: Reschedule if you are sick

I am 100% ok with rescheduling your sessions!!! In fact, I only schedule two sessions a week to accommodate for weather or illness already… because let’s be honest, kids always get sick! So I’ve already got you covered! The most responsible thing we can all do is follow the CDC’s Prevention advice and stay home and away from others if we are showing any symptoms. So PLEASE contact me ASAP if you need to reschedule your session.

Limited Contact During your Session

If you have had a session with me before you will know that I am usually very hands on and am known to most kids as “auntie Brigette”. As much as I will want to scoop your little ones up and run around with them, I will follow the advice at hand and maintain a safe distance from you and your family members. Not to worry, I can still give plenty of direction and conduct entertaining puppet shows for your toddlers from 6 feet away. I am certain we can make this work, just as we are having to adapt to so many other things during this unprecedented time.

Connecting with Nature is Therapeutic

One of my favorite aspects of being a Family Photographer is the ability to work in the great outdoors and be surrounded by Mother Nature! My sessions have been described as “Playdates” that I just happen to take my camera to. I think now more than ever it’s going to be necessary, and even therapeutic, to get outside! Luckily most of my favorite locations are quiet and secluded, perfect for social distancing and having time to just relax and play with your family.

Normalizing things for you family

During emergencies like this, it’s even more important to preserve some of the normal aspects of life like family dinners around the table, outdoor playtime, and yes even having a photo-shoot! Giving your family an hour or two of FUN during a stressful time is the least I can do. My hope is to give you a little joy while looking through your session’s images during a time when we could all use a little more :) So, in conclusion, I look forward to seeing all of my families that have already booked sessions this year, and will take every precaution needed. If you have ANY questions I’m here!

5 Tips on What To Wear to your Portrait Session

One of the most common questions I get from the families I photograph is, “what should I wear?” I most definitely want my families to be themselves and wear something that makes them feel confident and comfortable, but the truth of the matter is, what you wear can make or break your session. Luckily, I’ve got you! All of my Penguin Pictures families have the luxury of using my amazing online styling tool, Style and Select. When you book a session you immediately receive my access code and will be able to shop for proven pieces that coordinate and photograph beautifully… and best of all, right from home!

BUT… even without this service there are some important things you can do when putting together your session’s wardrobe…

1. Pick a color pallet that works with your location

Pay close attention to the colors that your surroundings will be, as well as the season you have chosen (locations can change drastically depending on the time of year). Think of your location as your wardrobe’s color pallet. I typically suggest picking at least two colors, and sometimes a 3rd pop of color, that are complimentary to the area you choose. For example, the family pictured below knocked it out of the park with shades of blues and tans that were found naturally at their Seattle area Pacific Northwest beach location.

2. Choose clothing with movement

Nothing adds more interest to an image better than movement! Try to imagine the photo below if this beautiful mom was wearing tight fitted, neutral colored pencil skirt. Your clothing can absolutely help tell your story! This wardrobe helps portray how fun and in love this couple is!

3. Mix Textures and Patterns

Gone are the days of wearing matching white shirts with jeans. Mixing it up will add interest and dimension to your look making your image fun!

4. Accessorize

Add a hat, some suspenders, a scarf, jewelry … again it will add interest and polish your look.

5. Don’t forget about the shoes!

One of the MOST important details that is often overlooked!!! The right shoes will pull together the entire outfit, so don’t forget about the shoes.