Hi! I’m Laura. This is my family. I can’t wait to get to know you and your family and capture the connection you all have with each other.
I believe photo sessions should be fun, loving and stress free so I’ve put together this guide to help you prepare and have an excellent experience.
Haven’t booked your Birmingham Family Photography session? Inquire here.
Session Timeline in a Nutshell
- Choose your session location
- Start planning your wardrobe when you make your session appointment. You don’t want to be scrambling to do that last minute.
- Make hair and makeup appointments as soon as possible, as well. I love Glow.
- Enjoy your sesssion
- Receive your images within 2 weeks.
Simple Wardrobe Tips
More times than not, if you don’t love your photography session it’s because you don’t love your chosen wardrobe. Maybe your choices didn’t blend well together or with the background, lay right, or weren’t the right shape for your body type. That’s where I come in. Years of experience photographing families with young children has taught me what works best.
Coordination That Works
- Choose 2-4 colors that coordinate well together and with your chosen location. Think white and tan for Spring, along with light pastel or dusty blues, greens and pinks
- Dress for comfort. Think long, flowy dresses and untucked shirts.
- Add dainty prints / simple patterns and textures
- All full sessions, with me, have access to wardrobe for use during your sessions. Women’s wardrobe can be found here. Try on appointments can be made to try on dresses. Those appointments should be made at least a month before your session so you have time to order something if you don’t find something you like.
What to Skip
- Neon and other bright colors (they can cast odd skin tones)
- Dark colors (these don’t photograph well with the light and airy style I offer)
- Logos and big graphics
- Multiple patterns. It’s hard to combine patterns and do it well. I suggest choosing 1 pattern for 1 person or matching patterns for a couple people and sticking with solids for the rest. You can always add textures and accessories to add a little flair
- waffled, plaid and small checkered/striped patterns (these can produce a moire effect in digital images)
- Shirts with text
- Outfits that feel stiff
Accessories That Add Flair
- Simple jewelry that won’t distract
- Small hair bows that won’t fall out. I don’t suggest headbands. These fall off, often.
- Scarves add color and texture in cooler months
- Remember to plan outfits at least a month before your session. This gives you time to make sure everything fits and looks good together. When you all feel good, your photos will catch those real smiles!
Wardrobe Inspiration (click the image to shop)
Girls
My best tips for girls:
- Bloomers are necessary when wearing dresses. Many gorgeous images have been ruined by diapers/undies showing.
- Headbands are cute but they fall off frequently.
- Dainty bows are best. Please secure them well to avoid having to re-attach often.
- comfortable rompers, sets and dresses are great for girls
- sweater knits, linens, and muslins photograph well
2026 Girls Spring Selections
Boys
My best tips for boys:
- Choose shirts that don’t need to stay tucked in. You’ll waste precious session time re-tucking ever time they move
- Light colored chinos will look great with everything.
- Skip the generic polo. Choose an untucked button up, henley, sweater, or simple/quality t-shirt. All of these photograph well.
- Don’t overthink it. Simple and solid is best for a clean look that will stand the test of time.
- Don’t feel like you have to have a pattern. Patterns can be distracting if not done well. Texture, however, is a great way to add character.
- Solids photograph better than large/closely spaced stripes, checks and plaids. Dainty stripes that aren’t really close together are ok. Feel free to reach out if you’re concerned.
Shop Here: boys
Women
My best tips for women:
- Flowy mid length or longer dresses photograph best
- Dainty patterns add character to your wardrobe without drawing all of the attention to you
- Cover what you are self-conscious about
Men
Do:
- choose solids and light colors like tans, creams and muted versions of your favorite fall colors
- choose pants over shorts
- choose close-toed footwear that blends with your pants
Don’t:
- Choose stripes, checks or plaids. These do not photograph well.
- Wear a dark belt with light pants. It will become a star of the show.
Client Inspiration
Laura Cardan offers timeless, joyful and connection filled photography session within the Birmingham, Alabama area. Inquire here to book!
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