September 26, 2024
Making the Most of Your Family Maternity Session: Tips for Including Older Siblings
- Families ·
- Maternity ·
- Children
Chattanooga Lifestyle Photographer
Why choose a lifestyle photo session with me?
Every family's story is unique, just like every family's photos should accurately reflect all the details that represent your family! Whatever your reasons for looking for a Chattanooga lifestyle photographer, I’m refreshingly different! With an emphasis on storytelling, I create personalized photo experiences that are designed to be fun and interactive so that everyone is engaged and you walk away from our session with the confidence that you'll receive stunning images to share with loved ones and proudly display in your home.
My aim is to keep things stress-free and fun and I'm very patient and experienced with children. So don't worry! I've got some tricks up my sleeve for any shy or uninterested children. (My tricks work on dads too!) With a lifestyle photography approach that incorporates candid moments alongside posed shots, I will come prepared with ideas and prompts to get those genuine, natural smiles from everyone. You can expect lifestyle family photos full of laughter and fun!
Lifestyle Family Portfolio
A small collection of some of my favorite lifestyle family images.
Christian Michelle PHotography is featured in
Client Testimonials
Whitney Grant
“I love the romantic tones she used in our photos! I have been told by numerous people they are captivating and I couldn't have put it better myself! Thank you Christian for the time you put into these! Just magic!”
How does your lifestyle photo session work?
Before the Session
The Pre-Session Consultation
We will schedule a quick phone call to discuss exactly what you want from your lifestyle photo session. In this call, we will discuss location options and I will send you an invoice so that you can pay your session fee. I am primarily a Chattanooga lifestyle photographer and also serve the immediate surrounding areas. We can plan your family photo session at a location special to you or I'm happy to recommend the perfect Chattanooga location to fit your family's style.
The Client Experience Prep Guide
One of the ways I make your experience easy and stress-free is by providing a Client Experience Prep Guide that includes styling tips for what to wear, tips on how to get your children excited for the session, and even a sample checklist! I also send you a Session Planning Questionnaire that helps me plan and prepare for your session so that I can ensure your family gets the most out of our time together. Your time is precious and as a mom myself, I can totally relate. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare helps to make your experience easy and stress-free!
The Client Closet
All photo sessions with me include complimentary access to my Client Closet so that you don't have to stress about what to wear! Want to wear something special but don't want to buy a dress you might only wear for photos? The Client Closet is the perfect solution! If you choose to use any pieces from my closet, we will schedule a time for you to come over and try on some options! I have clothing items available for girls of all ages.
At the Session and Beyond
During your lifestyle photography session, we will focus on having fun and exploring the location you've chosen. We will play games and enjoy lots of natural smiles! After your session, I will edit all the best images from your session and in 2-3 weeks when they are ready, you will get to view a gallery of fully edited images from which to choose your favorites. You will choose which image package to purchase directly from your gallery and this way you see exactly what you're getting and only pay for the images you love! Plus, each collection comes with a print store credit for you to spend on whatever products from the print store are most important to you. This includes prints, wall art, and albums from a professional print lab mailed directly to you!
What does it cost?
The session fee for family sessions is $250 and image collections start at $750. Your image collection is selected only after you see your fully edited photos in an online gallery 2-3 weeks after your session. My clients plan to spend a minimum of $1000+ on their photo session after the final images are selected. Most spend $1250+
Looking for an extended lifestyle family session that includes additional family members?
Personal styling for the whole family!
"What do we wear for photos?" - This is probably my most asked question and the good news is that I can help! I include a What to Wear Guide as part of my Client Experience Prep Guide but I can also help fully style your entire family as part of complimentary access to my Client Closet.
My client closet includes dresses, tops and skirts for women and girls from newborn to ninety with inclusive sizing for all shapes and sizes, including plus and maternity! I don't have any pieces for men at this time but will help you style the guys in your life from existing options in your own closet or even provide links to purchase the perfect pieces that will bring together your family's outfits in perfect harmony.
Check out these blog posts about lifestyle photography!
Lifestyle Family Session FAQ
What does a family session cost?
Each session includes multiple poses and groupings as well as individuals of each family member and even some of just mom and dad together. Family sessions start with a $250 session fee and you choose which images to purchase only after they've been edited. Digital image collections start at $750. My average client plans to invest between $1000-$1550 total for their session and images.
What do I wear?
I go over styling tips in general as well as specific tips for each season in my Client Experience Guide that I send to each client after they book. You’re also welcome to text me photos of your family’s outfits and I’m more than happy to offer my opinion or make suggestions. I also offer a client closet and full family styling complimentary.
What if it rains?
I keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will let you know if we need to reschedule. Rescheduling due to weather is no problem and if it happens we will look at the calendar together and decide on a new date for your session!
Can we bring our dog?
In general, the answer is yes! I love meeting your furry family members and they deserve to be in photos too! However, some locations are better than others when it comes to including pets. Let me know if you would like to include your pet and we will make sure to choose a location that is best!
What if my kids won't cooperate?
It certainly wouldn't be the first time I've worked with kids who weren't interested in having their photos taken on a particular day. But don't worry, I've got some tricks up my sleeve when it comes to working with children and am very patient and understanding. If you've got specific concerns unique to your children, let's talk! I'm sure we can work something out.
What are some good locations?
I have a long list and I’m always looking for more locations that are beautiful, just like my clients! During our consultation and planning call, I will ask you questions about your style and can make suggestions for locations that will be the best fit to highlight your family!
How many images will I get?
It kinda just depends on how photogenic you are and how long we shoot. Most galleries are 50+ images and you'll get to choose which of your favorites you want to keep after they've been fully hand-edited by me.
When is the best time to get family photos?
Anytime! Each season is beautiful in its own way but Spring and Fall are particularly busy seasons so it's best to go ahead and book early if you'd like photos at a specific time of year.
How many people can be included in my family session?
Each family session is designed for immediate family only. This means Mom, Dad, and children, plus pets if you want to include them. If you want photos with additional family members, like grandparents, I offer an Extended Family Session that is designed for a larger group.
Do you do large groups of multiple families?
Yes! I come from a large family myself and love seeing other families get together. I've photographed many multi-family groups and can build a session to meet your specific needs. I included a link to my extended family session info page below or you can message me to discuss your extended family session.
I still have questions.
No worries! Message me your question and I’ll get right back to you.
Ready to start planning your lifestyle family session?
Whether you're ready to book or want to gather more information, let's schedule a free consultation call to discuss your perfect lifestyle family photo session! Message me now to get started!
