1. Stick to Neutrals and Earth-Tones


Choose colors that echo our PNW light — stone, sage, charcoal, cream, oat, rust, faded denim, and muted blues or greens. These tones keep your gallery cohesive and timeless.


Cascade 02 loves balance — cool neutrals, soft contrast, and simple palettes photograph beautifully.


2. Texture Over Pattern


Layer knits, linen, denim, or corduroy for dimension. Avoid harsh patterns, bright whites, and anything too saturated — they can throw color in this softer edit.


3. Coordinate, Don’t Match


Pick two or three tones and mix them across everyone’s outfits. A soft flannel with denim, a flowy dress with texture, a neutral sweater over a tee — natural variation keeps the photos real.


4. Comfort is Everything


You’ll sit, walk, maybe chase kids — wear what moves with you. Authentic connection looks best when you’re at ease.


5. For Maternity & Motherhood


Soft knits, flowy dresses, or simple fitted silhouettes all photograph beautifully. Bring a wrap, sweater, or blanket for layering and movement.


6. For Kids


Comfortable fabrics, flexible layers, and neutral shoes. Let them be themselves — I’ll follow their energy.


7. Need Outfit Guidance?


You’re welcome to send me photos or ideas before your session. I love helping clients pull looks together.



1. Before Your Session


Once your $100 retainer and signed contract are in, you’re officially on my calendar. We’ll pick a time and location with soft light — usually golden hour or an overcast day — and I’ll send your prep details before we meet.


2. During the Session


My sessions are relaxed and fluid. I’ll guide you just enough to find good light and movement but will step back so you can simply be. Expect quiet direction, laughter, and plenty of candid moments.


3. If It Rains


The Cascade 02 tones love moody skies. Light rain can look stunning; I bring clear umbrellas. If it’s truly pouring, we’ll reschedule.


4. After Your Session


Sneak peeks arrive within 72 hours, and your full gallery within 2–3 weeks.

Your gallery includes high-resolution downloads and a print shop with tones that match the Cascade 02 color profile.


5. Travel + Timing


Travel within 50 miles of Granite Falls is included; beyond that, add $60 travel.

Most sessions run about an hour (newborn sessions about two).


6. Final Thought


You don’t need perfect outfits or perfect weather — just your people and a willingness to be present. I’ll take care of the rest.


Real connection > perfect posing.

That’s the philosophy behind every family session I photograph.


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1. A RELAXED, NATURAL VIBE




Above all, I strive to keep things natural. I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re posing or acting in a way that doesn’t feel authentic. Instead, my goal is to capture real moments between your family—those spontaneous, genuine interactions that truly reflect the unique connection you share. Leave any thoughts of stiff, forced smiles behind; we’ll embrace the real you and capture the joy that naturally flows between you all!




2. MOVEMENT IS KEY




The best family photos happen when you're not just standing still! Movement is essential for creating dynamic, lively, and engaging images. I encourage you to keep moving throughout the session. The beauty of it is that it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant—small, subtle movements often make the biggest impact. Whether it’s walking hand-in-hand, chasing each other, or just playing together, these little actions add a sense of fun and flow to the photos.




Even when you’re standing still, there’s always room for gentle motion. Shifting your position, interacting with one another, or even just exchanging a playful glance can make all the difference. The more you engage with each other, the more natural and intimate the photos will feel. We want those genuine family moments to shine!




3. TOUCH AND CONNECTION




Touch is one of the most powerful ways to convey love and connection in a photo. Whether it’s a hug, holding hands, or even a tender pat on the back, these small moments of affection create heartfelt images. Throughout the session, I’ll encourage you to interact with each other naturally, ensuring that everyone feels close, comfortable, and at ease. Don’t hold back—those quiet touches and shared glances will speak volumes and make for unforgettable memories!




4. INTERACTIVE PROMPTS




Rather than giving you stiff directions, I offer fun prompts to help everyone relax and create genuine moments. These prompts are designed to bring out each family member’s personality, all while keeping things lighthearted and fun. They help set the mood and spark authentic interactions, ensuring that your session feels natural. The goal is to make the experience relaxed and enjoyable, with moments that capture the heart of your family.




5. FEELING AWKWARD? THAT’S TOTALLY NORMAL




It’s natural to feel a little awkward during a portrait session, especially if it’s your first time having professional portraits taken as a family. That initial feeling of unease is completely normal and often fades quickly once you get into the flow of the session. Embrace the awkwardness—it’s part of the process, and sometimes, these moments lead to the most genuine, authentic photos. As the session goes on, everyone will start to feel more at ease, and I’ll be right there guiding you. Trust me—those first awkward moments will soon turn into memories you’ll cherish!




6. WHAT YOU WEAR MATTERS




What you wear plays an important role in your photos, too. Casual outfits are totally fine—just make sure they match the season and coordinate well with each other. Think about pairing colors and styles that complement everyone, but without being too matchy. The goal is to look cohesive while allowing each individual’s personality to shine through. Make sure everyone feels comfortable in what they wear, and it’ll make all the difference in capturing those beautiful family moments!




Need additional tips? https://www.alexandrialanephotography.com/blog/what-to-wear/




7. YOUR FAMILY’S UNIQUE STORY




Ultimately, this session is all about your family and the unique bond you share. Whether you're laughing over an inside joke, holding hands, or simply sharing a quiet moment together, I’ll be there to capture those intimate connections that make your family so special. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing the love, joy, and authenticity that define your family’s story.




In summary, expect a fun, relaxed, and natural experience. I’m here to guide you through every step, from prompting playful interactions to ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and at ease. Together, we’ll create beautiful photos that reflect the true spirit of your family.





WHAT TO AVOID




A few things that can sneak into photos without meaning to — and end up being a distraction:




    Logos & Graphics – Keep clothing simple and timeless by skipping big logos or busy graphics.

    Neon Colors – Bright neon tones can cast strange colors on skin and don’t photograph well. Soft neutrals or earthy tones always win!

    Full Pockets – Phones, keys, or snacks can create weird shapes. Empty those pockets before we start!

    Visible Band-Aids – If possible, try to remove or cover any noticeable ones ahead of time.

    Chipped Nail Polish – Hands often show up in photos, especially in close-ups. A quick refresh or clean nails look best.

    Hair Ties on Wrists – Easy to forget, but they always show up in photos!

    Sunglasses – Best to leave them off (or at least tuck them away) unless we're intentionally going for that vibe.

    Smart Watches – If you're not using it during the session, consider swapping it for a classic accessory or going without.

    Pet Hair or Lint – Especially if you're bringing your furry friend along! A quick lint roll before the session can go a long way.

    Wrinkled Clothing – Natural fabrics look amazing but can wrinkle fast. Hang items up the night before or steam them if needed.