Session Prep
Welcome in, Friend!
This area of my website is just for you. It is everything you need in one convenient space. Whether you are a new or returning part of the My Four Hens Family, my goal first and foremost as your photographer is to always make this process as smooth as I can so you can be your best most authentic self. My sessions are intended to be easy and laid back. This means I can capture your true and genuine moments. Your real emotion. Your true connection. The beauty that is unique to you and your family.
I have been a photographer for over 20 years so I know what works well and what maybe doesn't. I know how to put my families at ease when we are in front of the camera. I have developed my own process to create not only a fun but meaningful experience for those that work with me. Below I will be sharing a lot of information on what to expect, how to prepare, how to style your session and more.
In addition I am here to help, but I wanted to give you a one stop place you can refer back to easily whenever you are planning your session or have my most frequently asked questions. Your time is precious to me. Trust and communication is the foundation of our session, so please know I am here for you always. You can lean on me, ask as many questions as you need or just check in to say hi. I love to get to know the people I work with.
And by the way, I just finished googling a better word for "client" and no luck. I pretty much loathe that term because you really are so much more to me, so I will be using the word friend instead. Besides, if you are here, I am hoping in some capacity you'll see me that way. :)
HELPING TO CRAFT AN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSCENDS INTO THE IMAGES YOU ARE DREAMING OF
Communication is Key
Before we begin below, I am slapping this button right up top where it is easy to find and access. This is my contact button and you are welcome to use it to message me anytime you get stuck, need my assistance, want an opinion on clothing or anything else. Think of it as your easy button. Once you do reach out we will have an e-mail thread between us so you don't have to keep referring back to this button, but it's a good place to get started. I respond to my emails within 24-48 hours but I try to be fast!
HOW DO I GET THE VERY MOST OUT OF MY SESSION?
This honestly depends on your personality and what you are envisioning. It also really hinges on where you feel most comfortable. Let me explain.
The planning process won't be the same for all.
Some of my friends like to plan things extensively. I don't mind that one bit. These friends typically get a head start, like to really hone in on clothing early and pay attention to detail in their questionnaire.
Then, there are others that show up late to the party and just want to dig in and don't need to be so hands on. They are in it solely for the experience and the pretty photos. They may choose clothing last minute or prefer to get really responsive closer to their session date. Either way works. I am somehow both Type A and Type B. I get it
We handle most communication through e-mail so I can better remember everything. You will also get a client questionnaire from me to help plan closer to our date.
With that being said, the more intention we put into your time with me, the better the images. This doesn't just mean the clothes you wear or the location we use. This means how much we can personalize your session around you. We are a team and we will collaborate together on making this as meaningful and as magic as we can.
EXAMPLE:
Your kids really love to be outdoors and are a big fan of water. Going with a river session is going to give your children the best experience which in turn is going to create more authentic moments and images because there will be a lot of play. But let's go deeper. Finding the right outfits that make them comfy and fit the environment adds to the storytelling component of this. The more attention you give, the more results you get. The time of year you decide to have this session also matters as the river may be more or less cold or more safe to get into to. That's where I come in. I am here to help with all of that.
When will you hear from me?
Just a quick understanding of our standard communication.
To make life easier and to stay organized, I use software to automate things for me. This includes the info specific to you for your session with me. These e-mails tend to be straightforward and give pertinent details about our time together.
If you booked far out, you won't get an e-mail until about 4 weeks prior to your session. I don't want to overwhelm you with info + sometimes things change. You will also get a follow up e-mail about 48 hours before our session to confirm. You can message anytime!
Choosing the Right Locations
Session locations tend to be an area where people get overwhelmed because there are so many amazing places to chose from. I mean it's Colorado. I get it. Everything is pretty epic here. Your location does really set the tone and vibe of your session so it deserves some thought. It isn't everything though, I promise. In fact right in your own home may be the best place for your session so try not to get hung up on this. You and your people are always the art. Not where you are. All of that is honestly just an elaborate prop. Your moments are what matters most.
I am going to share a few images of where we can host your sessions below with a small blurb underneath, but there is something I want you to consider before going with the location for your session. There is no perfect spot. Being flexible will be your best bet because the location should revolve not just on how it look but how your session feels.
Locations will also be a bit different depending on the season and the weather. If you have you heart on the Mountains, for example, you want to keep in mind that it can snow early into June up there and the rivers tend to be too high to get into before mid July if that is something you are wanting. You may need to plan your session around your location if you have something in mind and that can add to the stress. Being open minded will always give you the best results. There will always be some things planned, but spontaneity really encourages magic.
A Few Locations
Magical Greenhouse
This space is whimsical, beautiful and available to rent anytime. It includes an adorable green house, chickens and animals, a clothes line if you'd like to do something more themed and open space for your children to run!
Perfect Year Round
In Home
Your backyard or front yard or living room or any space you reside is perfect for these. You do not need a model home or a perfect space. These are great for those with a strong sense of nostalgia that don't want to forget anything about this season of life with their family. It also creates a really cozy environment with kids so they tend to feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Perfect year round
Foothills
These locations create the most gorgeous skies many times. They can be more private and easier to access. There are a multitude of landscapes to choose from and are some of my most popular options. These don't have big mountains but make up in whimsy, color and adventure.
great from april-october
Any fun place of your choice
We can grab ice cream or go to the local put-put. We can head downtown for something more urban. The sky is the limit. These are the ultimate storytelling sessions and the quickest way to earn brownie points with your kids.
Depending on the vibe these can be held all year round.
The Mountains
These sessions are typically held in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes. They are gorgeous and feature some of Colorado's most striking nature. We can play in the river or explore the meadows. The possibilities are endless.
Best from late June-October. Can be earlier but may have snow.
styling your session
what to wear
the art of personilization
ALL YOU NEED TO STYLE YOUR SESSION
For some, picking out clothing is the single one aspect of planning their session that can be the most overwhelming. I absolutely get it and I am here to help and reassure you as much as you need me to, but if I could give one piece of advice as a fellow equally overstimulated human that has to dress her own family, the most important thing is you are comfortable and feel the most like yourself as possible. Your styling should scream "THIS IS US."
This means if you have never worn a dress in your life, your session day isn't the day to do so. If you love make up, do a full beat but if you never wear it, maybe scheduling a make up artist isn't a good idea. Of course I want you to invest in yourself and feel your best. There are some things aesthetically that will help your session reach its full potential but you wearing something you wouldn't imagine to appease me is not one of them. My sessions are about remembering who you were in this season of life. In honoring both your individuality and your family as a whole. This takes authenticity. If wearing something flowing and long makes you feel special, let's go there. If you are extra, let's be extra. If you prefer pants, pants it is. The point is this is your experience is special and we are going to honor that in every way possible.
Where do I begin?
My very best tip is to start with your own outfit! This can honestly be the hardest part because you are looking for something that makes you feel beautiful. It goes so far beyond just how you look. I really want you to feel special and amazing on the day of our session. If you choose any clothing with patterns, accessories or various colors-- you can always use those as a guide for anyone else in your images. This will also help you to keep things cohesive.
I also recommend not finding dresses or clothing for yourself that is too tight or short. You want to think of the way your body moves and know that we are going to capturing your authentic moments, so you want to feel comfortable and not worry about feeling self conscious.
styling Tips
Things to Consider
session type
First, consider the type of session you booked. Is it maternity, couples, family or an in-home lifestyle session? You are going to need something different depending on which session you book. If you booked a maternity session, for example, you may want to choose something that showcases your beautiful belly. You also want to consider the season your session is in and the weather in particular. Making sure you are comfortable is always the first priority.
personality
These images are meant to be a strong reflection of your personality. You need to feel comfortable in your own skin. I want you to feel amazing on your day. Wearing something wildly outside of your normal style, may not always be the way to go, as it can make you feel uncomfortable and camera shy. Help you, help yourself. It's okay to be extra and daring too, but make sure that you are honoring your own unique sense of style as well. The biggest importance is you feel great in whatever you are wearing.
location + season
There needs to be harmony. For example, if you are shooting with a mountain landscape, pulling some of the color from that will create a flow in your images and keep the focus on your family. Colors you'd see are earth toned or rich such as hunter green, browns & creams, mustard yellow, rich maroons or burnt oranges. You can wear colors outside of this, but anything distracting will take away from the intention of your images by pulling focus away from your moments (think neon tones.)
Keep In Mind
Comfort- I can't stress this one enough, especially when it comes to kids! Make sure to avoid anything itchy or things they really dislike. By doing this you are also giving them a fun session experience and they will be more excited to participate. One of the most effective things I have found is allowing them to choose an accessory for themself-- or to give them some say or choice in what they wear (usually just by you pre-picking options but giving them some space to help) Also make sure Dad is comfortable too so sitting is not completely uncomfortable for him. Avoid itchy laces or clothing not appropriate for the weather when dressing children.
Accessorize- I love, love detail shots in my galleries-- and accessories bring such a sweet touch and emphasis to these moments. They can also add a playful or dramatic element to your photographs. Headbands (especially for children), hats, rings, necklaces, bracelets, floral crowns and even scarves can all work to do this! If you also have a baby and baby wear, please feel free to bring your wrap or sling!
Texture & Layers — Just like patterns, textures can also help bring interest into your photographs. Think of clothing that has knitting, lace, linen, corduroy, flow-y materials or even velvet. You can even try layering as well. Layering accessories in can also really pull your outfits together!
Patterns- Don't be afraid of patterns or to mix patterns! Just make sure that you have plenty of solids to break them up.
Color and Flow- The goal is to create cohesion without over matching. Things to usually avoid all wearing the same color shirt or matching outfits (literally matching!) There are some exception to this rule, but you really want everyone to show their unique personality somehow in their outfit. You do not want to show up and feel like you are all wearing a uniform!
Places to shop
FOR WOMEN + MEN
Target (usually my go to for guys!), H&M, Zara, Etsy, Amazon, Free People, Christy Dawn, Anthropologie, Spell the Gypsy, Jen's Pirate Booty, Morning Lavender, Vici Collection (Vici Dolls), Urban Outfitters, Lucy Avenue Boutique, Joyfolie, American Eagle, Lulus, Asos.com, Showpo, Baltic Born, Pink Lily, Shein, Torrid, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, Shop Doen (pricy but beautiful), Revolve, Faithful The Brand, Lulus, Hello Molly, Shop Bohme, American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, Baltic Born Clothing, Petal and Pup, Shein, Able
the littlest details
The warm colors and little painted fingernails really make this image extra special. Accessorizing is a fantastic way to make your session your own and call attention to the sweetest things you don't want to forget. It just adds to the story you are telling. Having colors that flow is also a big bonus. The more intention you add, the more intention your images will have.
dressing for personality
Bringing your personal style into the way you style your session makes a huge difference in how authentic everything feels. Since we are preserving memories this is the best way to someday remember not just who you were, but how you were. If you have booked a family session, it is also important to let your kids choose elements of their clothing even if it's just an accessory or a beloved brand they typically wear. I am not usually a fan of huge logos or branding but somethings are timeless or worth making exceptions for.
Color is Welcome
I am a big fan of bringing Color into your clothing choices. You just want to make sure there is a flow with the environment + landscape and between one another. You don't want to appear to be wearing a family uniform. Matching is cute, but you don't want to lose your personalities. You also want to think about how you will all look standing next to one another outside of a group of people if you are a family. This makes a difference. Muted, jewel tones, earth tones, neutrals and bolder colors do work. The only colors to avoid would be stark white, neons and saturated primary colors if they are distracting. We want that spotlight of focus on you and your loved ones.
Your Session Day
I always try to arrive early. Some locations have better reception than others so we work around that the best we can.
Once I meet you at your car, I will introduce myself and give you a quick reminder of what you can expect and how things will unfold. I know you may be nervous and that is absolutely natural! I promise my sessions are a safe space though and I will go out of my way to make you and your person/people feel at home with me. By the end of the session, my goal is for you to come away feeling like you didn't have to work hard for your images.
I take a very natural approach. There will be moments of direction where I get you set up and help you to connect naturally together. I also am not afraid to let you go. I notice the big and small things. I also will have your questionnaire in mind, but if there is an image that you are really hoping for, we will do everything we can to make that happen for you.
While I am not a traditional, posed photographer we will get a couple of smiling at the camera photos if you'd like those because I know Grandmas + Grandpas love that kind of thing.
happy helpers
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND | MAKE YOUR SESSION EVEN MORE AWESOME
The more physically comfortable you are, the better your session will go. I always recommend bringing "clean" snacks like fruit snacks, graham crackers etc for kids, bug spray, water in case there is a bit of walking, sun screen and appropriate layers or shoes depending on our weather. I also recommend bringing a change of clothes for the way home in case you get wet or dirty. You're more likely to adventure if you're prepared.
Personalizing your session with family heirlooms, child's lovies, vintage elements (such a blanket or quilt you love), a playlist of music you love or clothes that were handed down are absolutely welcome. You can also bring fun activities such as bubbles, paint or musical instruments along if you want a lifestyle feel. We can even plan a picnic or do an activity you already like to do to record a memory.
It's okay for things to slide sideways. Kids have have meltdowns. Parents get lost. People fall down or bump into one another. Imperfection is normal and I am always ready to go with the flow. I don't judge. I have nine children. I promise your family will not do anything I prob haven't witnessed myself. The more at ease you are, the better the photos so roll with the punches.
Connection is key. Your natural affection, your sense of playfulness, your willingness to be vulnerable or even awkward will make for the most magical of images. Your imperfection is art. This isn't a performance, this is a collaboration between your heart and my mind.
moments over poses
In Home Sessions
These are very intimate and cozy in nature but I am still happy to offer some guidance during my time with you. With that being said, I will heavily be influenced by the things you already do that mean so much to you.
We will plan activities and make sure to allot enough time to capture your family in an authentic and genuine way. The goal is real + honest images that capture this season in your life.
For Example:
If we are planning our session for the winter months, that could include playing in the snow, baking or making a meal together, a special tradition you have around bedtime, cuddling up on the sofa or even just creating art together.
The sky is the limit.
Summer could be fun in the front or backyard, taking a stroll around the neighborhood, doing all the above for winter (minus the snow) and on. Creating a blanket fort or putting on a puppet show. It could be dress up in Mom's clothes or simply part of your daily routine.
Imagine a really beautiful day in your life you want to preserve that may look differently in a year or two--that's the good stuff we aim to capture.
after the session
Gallery Delivery
Once our session is over and your images are ready to make their way to you, they are added to a beautiful online gallery in full resolution. That gallery will be live for a few weeks to give you time to download and back them up. You will be able to print these to your heart's content as big as you'd like. I also have a print shop linked right in your gallery if you would like to get your prints from me. I have a professional lab that will drop ship your images right to you at an amazing rate.
FAQ
How Long will my Session Be?
It depends on the package and location we choose. We may end early or not need all of the time, but I like to be prepared. Mountain sessions can run longer because of the light or if you have a bigger family we may need more time.
Do you do sneak peeks?
I don't for good reason. I always edit in the order I take each session and put a lot of time and attention (plus intention) into your images. Every single image is hand-edited and loved on by me. In order to get your images back in a timely manner I typically post them on social media when the gallery is close to be delivered if I do post them. The busier I get, however, the quieter I can get on social media.
What if the weather isn't great?
I always ask my families to try not to stalk the forecast as hard as it is before time because our forecast is always changing and we can usually work around anything. I always have a back up plan for my back up plan. With that being said, I ask that you commit the entire day to your session if possible but especially if you are coming out of state so we can move things around if we need to.
What if I need to reschdule?
I am always happy to work with you and understand emergencies happen! I do allow up to two reschedules with no fees at all for this reason. I can't however promise I will get you immediately back on the schedule if it's busy season so that is something to keep in mind.
Just a Small way to say thank you
Exclusive for my Returning Families
If you have made it to this space, you are a returning client. If you refer my business to a friend you will both get your choice of either 20% off your next session or a half priced Mom & Me session. Just tell them to give me your name when they inquire.