4 Ways to Reverse Engineer Your Photography Session Planning to Reduce Stress with Roseburg, Oregon Photographer

Over the years of working with many families and clients, I’ve found a couple of areas of the session booking and prep process that might bring about some stress. And I completely get it! Even as a photographer myself, I’ve experienced stress when getting ready on the day of my own scheduled family session. The dinner struggle and the getting ready frenzy are real! But there’s good news! With a few tweaks on your planning and a slight mindset shift, it doesn’t have to be stressful!
Today, I wanted to share some reverse engineering hacks to reduce that photo session stress. You’ve likely heard the popular phrases recently of “backwards math” and “mom math”. It’s all relative to reverse engineering!

Are you ready for FOUR ways to reverse engineer your photo session to reduce stress during the planning process? Let’s GO!

  1. Scheduling your session.

    When do you need your session images back and printed out? Schedule for a couple of months before that to accommodate for the process and potential illness rescheduling.
    What season and weather would you prefer? Is there a special milestone you’re celebrating and timing it around?
    Some examples- Is the session for a 1st birthday? Do you need prints framed for the birthday party table? Or is it more important to you to schedule the session when baby is truly standing/walking unassisted, regardless of their birth date?
    Do you need to send special announcements or holiday greeting cards by a specific date? High school seniors- are you wanting those dreamy, summer sunset photos? If so, you’d be needing to schedule your session almost an entire year before actually graduating, in order to have the photos for the yearbook deadlines and announcements.
    Some things to think about.

  2. Budgeting for your session.

    When scheduling your session, you can also consider your budget. Photography is an investment that continues to give back over the years to come. What budget are you working with? If you save a bit longer, would it help you to make the most of the session you’re dreaming of?
    Many photographers offer payment plans (I do!). Some advertise them, and others are happy to work with you on a plan, if you ask them. If your photographer doesn’t have a payment plan option, you could find out what the retainer fee is and pay it to secure the date. Then, divide the remaining balance over the months between now and your session date, and work to set aside a monthly amount over the course of that time. You can also round up, in case you want financial flexibility to allow you to purchase additional images, prints and products after the session is completed.

  3. Session start time.

    Adjust the start time mentally to 15-30min earlier, to give yourself a buffer. Tell the rest of the family members attending to plan for that (new) time. Then work backwards to get out the door on time.
    Adjust meal times and meal prep to accommodate. Tweak your meal plan for the week to aim for leftovers the day of your session, grab and thaw a prepped freezer meal, or plan to grab yummy takeout after your session.
    Mamas- get yourself ready first! Final touches for everyone else are easier when you arrive on-site, if needed. It’s important that you feel your best when trying to prepare everyone else. I often think back to the airplane rule- put your oxygen mask on before trying to help others.

  4. Outfit planning.

    Mamas, consider the location that you’ve chosen, and the colors/tones that you’ll be surrounded by. Choose an outfit that makes you feel your best. Then look at the tones and patterns in your outfit, and build additional outfits off of that. Reverse engineering the color palette! I have many tips and resources for styling, so reach out to me if you want those links! I also include this information for all clients during the scheduling process.
    Reverse engineer the layering too! Plan for both cool and warm weather if possible.
    Example- Here in Roseburg, Oregon, the weather is often pretty moody and many days seem to experience all of the seasons. If you book a session during the fall through spring months, plan to bring sweaters, jackets, umbrellas and shoe options that can coordinate with the warmer options underneath, so that you can remove layers as needed and be comfortable either way. You could even bring a cute, coordinating picnic style throw blanket to wrap up in if needed!

Alright, there you have it! FOUR ways to reverse engineer your photo session to reduce stress. If you have any additional thoughts that you think I should add, have any questions or would like to inquire about scheduling a session, please reach out! I’d love to continue the conversation and help to simplify the session planning process!

How to Choose the Best Season for Family Photos with Roseburg, Oregon Photographer

Do you have a favorite season? Or two seasons that tie for your favorite?

Personally, I am a HUGE fan of fall. I also really like the coziness of winter. Okay, if I’m being honest, I also love the inspiration that I feel as spring hits… and the adventure that awaits for our family in the summer. If you’re resonating with this, do you ever find yourself struggling to choose which season to schedule your annual family photos in? I have struggled with that decision in the past.

BUT! I’m here to tell you that there is good news… they’re all great for family photos!

Yes, even the rainy days of winter. Why? Because, if you really lean into the positives of each season, you can end up with some of the most special photos for your family album… greeting cards… wall art prints… or the 8x10 print update that you like to send the grandparents every now and then.

A family posed during a studio session with Roseburg, Oregon photographer.

Let’s start with winter.

Sure, Oregon weather can be craaaazy Nov-March. Even into June, if we’re being honest. But what do you love to do in the winter? Do you like to sneak up to the snow? Do you hibernate in the house with cozy clothes, warm drinks and board games? Do you spend more time checking out the local museum, wineries, bookstores or coffee shops? Or would you like to take advantage of a studio photo session? These would all make for some of THE coziest family photos! We just have to dodge germ season and build in a little extra flexibility for rescheduling.

A baby picking flowers in a blooming orchard in spring photography session in Roseburg, Oregon.

Spring…ahh, the sweetness of spring.

I adore the spring blooms in the local orchards. They seem to be tricky for planning around the timing each season, and even if you catch them, you could have a random torrential downpour mid-session. So is spring a no-go for family photos? Nah. Aim for indoors as a back up plan with the suggestions above, or try a local nursery with a greenhouse covering (P.S- I’m aiming to host my spring minis at a local nursery This year! If you want first dibs on one of the very few spots, make sure to sign up for the email list below if you haven’t already!). Quick tip: Sports scheduled usually ramp up in the spring, so look ahead to find a few dates that work well for your family and keep a couple of them open as a backup date for any illness/conflict reschedules.

Sweet summertime!

Summer is likely very busy for your family. I get that. It can also be hot and smokey from nearby fires (hello, west coast!). And there are often ticks, bees and mosquitos (my own personal fears). But as I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of adventure! There are dreamy, sun-drenched evenings that can be a relief from some the heat. Or quick day trips to the coast. Summer brings a special magic, especially to childhood. Embrace the late bedtimes for those golden-hour sessions with your favorite people. Even as a toddler mama who tries to protect that bedtime routine and window, I can tell you that pushing it late one evening is so worth it. I promise!

Two sisters in a pear orchard during their fall family session with Roseburg, Oregon photographer.

Okay, last but not least… fall!

Fall is probably the most frequently booked season for family photos. I find that I schedule my own fall photos most years. It truly is my most favorite season because of the changing leaves, fun events, yummy flavors and cozy, earth tone fashion. On the downside, fall can bring some overwhelming feelings as well. There’s a lot going on with school back in session, sports resuming, prepping for those bigger holidays and trying to avoid the returning germs.

So back to the original question- What is the best season to schedule family photos?

They all have their benefits! If you’re struggling to choose between them, I have a few questions for you to consider that will aid in the decision.

  1. What colors do you want to wear or be surrounded by? Or, what colors would you like to see in the photos that you print for your home?

  2. What is a location, activity or theme that would really represent your family in the here and now? Is there an ideal season for it?

  3. Do you have a printed product deadline that you’d need to meet? (Example- Christmas cards, annual calendar ordering, etc.)

  4. Would any of the four seasons line up with a significant milestone? (Examples- a planned proposal, engagement announcement, pregnancy announcement, wedding anniversary, older children leaving the nest for college, etc.)

  5. Is there a special outfit you’ve been dying to wear and would need a specific season for it?

A couple final thoughts for you:

Remember that you can always rotate the seasons each year! It allows you to truly diversify your family photos, experiences and memories made as the years pass.

Photographers often book a couple of months in advance for family sessions. Plan ahead and reach out early to reserve your date! As a bonus, this also helps with budgeting if you’re making a couple of payments on the session package.

Studios can be utilized and enjoyed all year round! If you book a photographer who offers studio sessions, check with them about it being available as a backup option. I love photographing families (smaller groupings due to space) in my tiny studio for a fresh, minimalist look.

If you would like to schedule your family session, email me through the contact tab. It is never to early to inquire about your photo session needs. Also, if you want info on the seasonal mini session events coming up, make sure to sign up via the form below! I am SO stinking excited for these and would hate for you to miss out! If you have questions or would like to go ahead and schedule your session, please email me directly at hello@alyshasanfordphoto.com or via the contact tab in the menu above. I’d love the chance to photograph your family!

2023 Reflections & 2024 Goals from the Heart of a Newborn, Baby & Family Photographer in Roseburg, Oregon

Somehow, we’re wrapping up another year. The festivities are quieting down and I hope that your holidays were filled with comfort and love. I also hope that your winter season is filled with health and rest!

2023 has flown by and it’s been another beautiful year of photographing some of my favorite and some new-to-me faces. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all! Whether you booked a session (or two, or three!), shared my name with a friend, provided feedback on social media, purchased from my new-ish curated baby goods shop, etc… I am grateful! To get to be home with my daughter, alongside photographing and serving growing families and entrepreneurs in our community is a gift.

Being that transparency is important to me, I’ll also add that 2023 has been another year of learning my strengths, as well as learning about some areas that need a bit of extra attention in my role of “mompreneur”. I have a never ending project list when it comes to my work, home and mom-life (as I’m sure you resonate with, too). I’m always seeking to improve my client experience and look forward to implementing a few things in 2024 that I feel will do just that! I’ll share more about those goals below, but before I move on, would you be open to providing a Google review of your experience if we have worked together? It would be so appreciated, and would also help others to know if I am the right fit for them. Here is the Google review link to copy and paste:

https://g.page/r/CfDiTcgKoR9WEBM/review

Okay, back to my business goals moving into 2024…

I am bringing back my seasonal outdoor mini events! If you enjoy family sessions outdoors and want to snag extra savings, make sure to sign up for my email list below! My subscribers will be getting first dibs on bookings for the limited mini sessions. Also, be sure to watch for a blog post in the coming month or two that will help you to decide if a mini session is right for your family!

I’ve also simplified my session package options! You can find them on the “Session Info” page of my website and I’m happy to answer questions if you have any.

Behind the scenes, I’m excited to implement a customer relationship management system and automate a few tasks during the booking process. I am confident that this will cut out a few steps for my clients during the booking process, and serve as an “info hub”, if you will. I’m so excited about this!

I have a handful of additional goals for 2024 and look forward to diving into them when the time is right.

Thank you again for a wonderful year! If you are interested in a session during 2024, please reach out! It’s never too early to start a conversation about your photography needs. I thrive on planning ahead and would love to keep your session goals in mind when I map out my availability for the year. Shoot me an email directly at hello@alyshasanfordphoto.com or reach me here via the contact tab!

Cheers to the New Year!