1. FIRST THING IS FIRST:
forget ANY PRECONCEPTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT BEING PHOTOGRAPHED

Almost everyone I’ve photographed has told me that they’re nervous and uncomfortable in front of the camera. If you are too, no worries - you’re human. It’s normal to feel that way. My intention is to make your photos look candid and natural. I’ll be guiding you the whole time in order to create a lot of natural movement - I’ve gotchu!

2. Choose a meaningful location or trust me to choose one

Choose a setting that is sentimental or exciting to you. Whether you're at home, in the city, outdoors, at an airbnb - what matters is that you resonate with the place we’re going to, even if you’ve never been there before.
Chances are, I see light and locations in a different way than you do. If you’re open to it, I encourage you to trust me on choosing the location! I’ll make sure it fits your vibes and has great lighting.

3. wear what you want

If you're feeling stuck on outfit options feel free to bring several different outfits and we can go through them together.

Neutral and earthtone colours are best (such as shades of beige, taupe, ivory, eggplant, forest green, navy and grey).
Avoid wearing fluorescent colours or anything with crazy patterns and logos on it because they'll draw attention to the clothing. The photos should be about the love between you two, not about the clothes you're wearing.  
Don't feel like you need to dress up - wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If that's ripped jeans and a tshirt, wear that! 
Make sure your clothing is easy to move in and wrinkle-free. Iron your clothing beforehand - this will make a HUGE difference!
I suggest wearing one outfit and bringing a second one either as backup or to have more variety in your photos.

4.  BE YOURSELVES

I want your photos to look natural and reflect who you all are in this chapter of your lives. For example - if you have kids and they’re part of the shoot - don’t feel like they need to pose for the camera. If they’re being wild or hyper - let them run around!

 5. arrive ON TIME

Most of my outdoor sessions start 1.5 hours before sunset. Working with natural light, this isn't a coincidence. It's scheduled this way so that we have the best lighting for your photos. Please make proper considerations for transport time. If we start late, we won't end late. We'll be shooting right through sunset and the timing ensures that we can take advantage of the best lighting to give you the best results!

6. Make a day out of it!

You're not going to be your most relaxed and optimal self at the end of a busy and stressful work/school day - so consider playing hooky and taking it easy as a family! By the time we meet, you'll be filled with much more love and excitement as opposed to checking something off your to do list. Let me capture you on your best day!

7. NUDITY

I absolutely LOVE photographing skin - it creates a sense of intimacy in my work that I find honest and beautiful. My maternity and newborn sessions that show skin are tasteful and are completely in your control in terms of what you wear or don’t wear.

8. leave everything in your car for mobility

Freeing yourself up from carrying stuff will allow me to photograph more in-between, candid moments. Leave purses, bags and phones in your car! I can carry your keys :)

9. sentimental props & pets

I prefer focusing on interactions, body language and documenting you in your environment in the most natural way possible. 
A majority of people don’t bring any props but if you’re called to bring something sentimental that you’d like to incorporate - feel free to. A lot of people want to include their pets - you’re welcome to do the same. I love all animals!

10. EMBRACE things as they are

Let go of the notion that your photos have to look “perfect.”

About "bad" weather: my favourite time to shoot is when it's cloudy or raining. The lighting is perfect for photos.
If there's a torrential downpour we can always reschedule.

Don’t worry about making sure your smiling perfectly or that your hair is completely straight. Be present and enjoy the session.

My goal is to create photos with emotion: photos that capture the mood, how you feel and how things naturally unfold.

I hope these tips are helpful when planning your session, but it’s by no means a rule book.
This is ultimately your session and you should do what’s right for you!
Add your own personal flavour to our session and don’t forget to have fun :)

See you soon!

- Liat