As a photographer known for her beautifully natural family photos, I have a little secret! You do not need to know how to pose yourself or your family for your Ottawa family photos. An imperative part of my role is empowering mothers to feel beautiful & confident in front of my camera, as well as having tips and tricks to ensure their little ones are happy & content.
Get ready for your Ottawa family photos — plan ahead and arrive early!
I am a strategic planner & regardless of how much you may have until your session, it is never too early to begin planning. Immediately upon booking your Ottawa family photos, we will dive into all aspects of wardrobe planning. Select your colour palette and textures, coordinate outfits (no matching — more on that later), and ensure everyone dresses to complement the surrounding environment. I leave no stone unturned. Your main priority is to get ready for their portraiture session & arrive on time.
As a natural light photographer, I schedule my Ottawa family photos during the hours that I believe to have the best lighting of the day, which means it is very important for you to arrive to your session on time. Inevitably, things happen outside of our control. Whether it be traffic, rest stops or sparse parking – it is always best to arrive a little earlier and eliminate the risk of cutting into your prime light, portraiture time.
Dress for success
It can feel intimidating to make sure your wardrobe complements your aesthetic, the surrounding environment, and your loved ones in the photos. Whether I am preserving your final weeks of bump-life, the wildly beautiful first days with a newborn or updating your Ottawa family photos, I provide all of my mothers with access to my curated client closet. I hand-selected each dress to ensure it photographs beautifully, highlights your feminine side, and celebrates your body. I also provide swaddles for your little bundle of joy, as newborns often fit better in cozy wraps than in regular clothing
When it comes to wardrobe for the rest of your family, think “complement” as oppose to “match”. I will provide you with on-going support with pulling patterns, textures and hues from your closet to match your colour palette, as well as wardrobe tips and tricks. For example, refrain from clothing that can create distractions, such as logos, and neon colours as they result in “colour casting” on skin tones – this is where the colour of the clothing reflects on the skin, causing the skin tone to appear unnatural and discoloured.
If in doubt, do not feel afraid to dress up! A beautiful flowy dress is flattering on all mothers, as well as their sweet daughters. Fathers and sons look fantastic in polos, button-up shirts (either long sleeve or t-shirts depending on the season), and cardigans. I promise, you will not regret the timeless aesthetic while adoring your love-filled imagery for years and decades to come!
Select a meaningful location for your Ottawa family photos
The memories I will preserve for you will live long after our physical time together. I wholeheartedly believe that the location of your session plays a key role in the experience I provide you. Why? Because the best places to preserve memories are meaningful to you.
In-home sessions create a sense of comfort and peace, which truly allows everyone to feel at home. However, the outdoor locations surrounding Ottawa/Gatineau are endless for Ottawa family photos. Similarly to the comfort & familiarity of an in-home session, opting for a meaningful location outdoors truly helps to illustrate your story all while bringing a sense of ease while away from home.
Unsure of a suitable, outdoor location that meets your aesthetic? I will happily provide you with a list of my favourite places! The Ornamental Gardens, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Dominion Arboretum are three of my go-to locations. Otherwise, ignore my camera (unless I ask you otherwise) & enjoy the experience! The images that your heart will hold very near and dear are the organic, in-between moments.
Let children be children during your Ottawa family photos
From my experience as a photographer, I know family photos may bring some uncertainty. You might worry about your child following directions, getting their outfit dirty, or how a golden-hour session might affect bedtime. My advice? Let children be children! Make sure they’re well-rested and well-fed before the session. Dress them upon arrival to avoid wardrobe worries and adjust their nap schedule slightly that day. Once you’re at your Ottawa family photos, your kids will relax in front of the camera. If they need help, I have plenty of tips and tricks to make it easier. I promise your children will laugh, play, and feel your love!
Do you have questions or wish to learn more about the Brooke Lacombe Photography portraiture experience? Send Brooke a message here to book your Ottawa family photos.
