I’m so excited you here and thrilled that you’ve chosen to give yourself this gift.
If there is one word I hope defines my images, its TRUTH.
We are constantly bombarded with controversy, comparison, glorified hustle, and so much noise.
It’s never been so easy to lose yourself. To feel less than. To feel defeated.
When you look at the pictures from our time together, I hope you’ll see yourself, REALLY see yourself.
Your story.
Your truth.
The truth that you’re too close, too consumed with the day-to-day, too caught up in the hustle to see.
That you’re beautiful. Loved. Powerful. And freaking killing it!
I want you to SEE you…
..and the beauty of exactly who you are and where you are in this chapter.
xo
maren
“It’s one thing to take a picture of what someone looks like, it’s another thing Entirely to take a portrait of who they are.”
– Paul Caponigro
There’s a lot that goes into planning your session and setting yourself up for success. To make it easy and help you keep track this guide will walk you through the following:
I know it’s a lot of information, but I ask you to take the time to read every word. I promise the investment will be returned x100.
Let’s dive in!
“Our pictures were so beautiful I cried. I will cherish them forever!”
– Abby K.
“Our pictures were so beautiful I cried. I will cherish them forever!”
– Abby K.
I’m Maren. Wife to Matt, mama to Emi, Harry Potter nerd, lover of jigsaw puzzles and cozy blankets, recovering perfectionist, and photography junkie.
See that picture over there? That’s baby me from sooooo many years ago… more importantly that’s the picture that started it all.
Growing up I was sure of one thing, I was fat… which was the same as ugly. That was how I saw myself… that is until this picture.
This was one of my senior portraits and when I saw it, for the first time I saw someone beautiful. It started me on a journey to self-love and acceptance. These pictures showed me a crucial and important truth I had been unable to see on my own.
Mama, my mission is to take photographs that will show you the crucial and important truths that are so easy to lose sight of as a mom.
Your truth.
Your story.
Photographs that will remind you who you are and help you reconnect with your people and purpose.
I can’t wait to go on this journey with you.
“One day, all your children will have are pictures. Make sure you’re in them. No matter what your hair looks like, your makeup, your body. They won’t care about any of that. They’ll just want to see you.”
– Unknown
1. BOOK YOUR SESSION
Check! If you’re reading this it means you’ve already successfully completed this step. Your session is on my calendar and its time to dive in and plan the details of your session.
2. THE ART OF LOCATION SELECTION & STYLING
Review the welcome and style guides to learn about the art of location selection and styling, then head on over to the exculive client area on my website to review the location menu and peruse my client closet. No decisions need to be made until the consultation. Please, check in with me before making any wardrobe purchases.
3. PRE-SESSION CONSULTATION
4-6 weeks before your session we’ll meet for a pre-session consultation where we’ll decide on a location, styling, and get to know each other. This can be a phone/zoom call or in-person if you’d like to try on anything from the closet. Keep your eye out for an email to schedule.
4. YOUR SESSION
My sessions are not about perfection. They’re about love, connection, emotion, storytelling, and TRUTH. Please trust me to help you look and feel your best as we have fun and create a memory.
5. BEHIND THE SCENES MAGIC
This is the part where I carefully select the best images from your session, retouch, fine-tune, and adjust until they’re perfect and ready for your eyes!
6. SESSION DELIVERY
No more than 28 business days from your session you’ll receive a link to your online gallery. I hope you’ll pause to gather your family and click through your images for the first time together. Not going to lie… I hope you cry. 😉 Download your digital images, order artwork for your home, share with family and friends, and cherish for years to come.
1. BOOK YOUR SESSION
Check! If you’re reading this it means you’ve already successfully completed this step. Your session is on my calendar and its time to dive in and plan the details of your session.
2. THE ART OF LOCATION SELECTION & STYLING
Review the welcome and style guides to learn about the art of location selection and styling, then head on over to the exculive client area on my website to review the location menu and peruse my client closet. No decisions need to be made until the consultation. Please, check in with me before making any wardrobe purchases.
3. PRE-SESSION CONSULTATION
4-6 weeks before your session we’ll meet for a pre-session consultation where we’ll decide on a location, styling, and get to know each other. This can be a phone/zoom call or in-person if you’d like to try on anything from the closet. Keep your eye out for an email to schedule.
4. YOUR SESSION
My sessions are not about perfection. They’re about love, connection, emotion, storytelling, and TRUTH. Please trust me to help you look and feel your best as we have fun and create a memory.
5. BEHIND THE SCENES MAGIC
This is the part where I carefully select the best images from your session, retouch, fine-tune, and adjust until they’re perfect and ready for your eyes!
6. SESSION DELIVERY
No more than 28 business days from your session you’ll receive a link to your online gallery. I hope you’ll pause to gather your family and click through your images for the first time together. Not going to lie… I hope you cry. 😉 Download your digital images, order artwork for your home, share with family and friends, and cherish for years to come.
“I never thought family pictures could be like this.It was a truly magical experience!”
– Maile K.
The first thing we’ll finalize during the consultation is location as it directly influences everything else. The exact start time, the colors and styles you wear, the way your session will feel and what you’ll be doing, it all starts with location.
I’ve made it easy to see what’s available with my AZ Location Menu. You can find it in the exclusive client area on my website.
Feel free to start browsing now so you have some ideas when we meet for your consultation.
Want to try somewhere not on the menu? I’m always up for exploring new places. Let me know where you’re thinking and I’ll start researching.
Please note that I do NOT shoot in urban locations, including gardens. Wide-open wild spaces are my preference and work best for my photography style. The one exception to this rule is private land that is meaningful to my clients (e.g. family farm, orchard, cabin, etc.).
“We make photographs to understand what our lives mean to us.”
– Ralph Hattersley
There is so much so say about styling that it gets it’s own guide. Please, please, pelase take the time to read it! I’ll go over some basic pricinples here but there’s so much more to it!
What you wear is about more than looking pretty or finding the “right” dress. It’s a crucial component of the art we’re creating. It effects mood, emotion, attitude, connection and movement.
That’s a lot of pressure to put on clothes… and I know it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! I’m here to help. I’ll walk you through every step of this process to make it easy, stress free, and feel 100% true to you, your family, and your story. Oh! And you’ll look great too!!!
CLIENT CLOSET:
I love being able to offer my clients wardrobe from my client closet. I work hard to curate pieces that flatter and fit any body and am constantly adding to my collection. These are items that best represent my style and photograph well.
I have dresses for women and many options for kids and babies. You can view an up to date list under “Client Closet” in the exclusive client area on my website.
HAIR & MAKEUP:
Trust me! Get rid of the stress out by entrusting it to the experts! Not only will you look great, you’ll FEEL great and that confidence will shine through in your pictures.
I’ve partnered with Taryn at Infinite Artistry to get my clients $30 off. Reach out to her directly and mention you’re my client, or let me know you’re interested and I’ll give her your name and contact info.
STYLING SERVICE:
I also pay to get you access to an amazing tool called Style & Select, which allows you to coordinate wardrobe for everyone in one place. It’s a great place to start for inspiration and if you like what you see, it will even give you direct shopping links!
TIPS & TRICKS:
There are certain elements that help achieve my signature romantic storytelling vibe, I’ll break those down in the next few pages to help get you started, but first, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Mom comes first. Decide what you’re wearing, then build out from there. (I recommend a flowy maxi dress/skirt.)
2. Comfort is key both for movement and aesthetics. No one looks comfortable or casual if their shirt is tucked in.
3. We might get wet & a little dirty. Embrace it. Let your kids kick up dust. If there’s water, we’re playing in it. Pack some towels and a change of clothes for the ride home.
There is so much so say about styling that it gets it’s own guide. Please, please, pelase take the time to read it! I’ll go over some basic pricinples here but there’s so much more to it!
What you wear is about more than looking pretty or finding the “right” dress. It’s a crucial component of the art we’re creating. It effects mood, emotion, attitude, connection and movement.
That’s a lot of pressure to put on clothes… and I know it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! I’m here to help. I’ll walk you through every step of this process to make it easy, stress free, and feel 100% true to you, your family, and your story. Oh! And you’ll look great too!!!
CLIENT CLOSET:
I love being able to offer my clients wardrobe from my client closet. I work hard to curate pieces that flatter and fit any body and am constantly adding to my collection. These are items that best represent my style and photograph well.
I have dresses for women and many options for kids and babies. You can view an up to date list under “Client Closet” in the exclusive client area on my website.
STYLE & SELECT:
I also pay to get you access to an amazing tool called Style & Select, which allows you to coordinate wardrobe for everyone in one place. It’s a great place to start for inspiration and if you like what you see, it will even give you direct shopping links!
TIPS & TRICKS:
There are certain elements that help achieve my signature romantic storytelling vibe, I’ll break those down in the next few pages to help get you started, but first, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Mom comes first. Decide what you’re wearing, then build out from there. (I recommend a flowy maxi dress/skirt.)
2. Comfort is key both for movement and aesthetics. No one looks comfortable or casual if their shirt is tucked in.
3. We might get wet & a little dirty. Embrace it. Let your kids kick up dust. If there’s water, we’re playing in it. Pack some towels and a change of clothes for the ride home.
1. COLOR
You want the colors you wear to both help you stand out and blend with the environment, that’s why we start with location. In general think warm, neutral, earthy, rich, and vibrant.
NO TWO PEOPLE SHOULD WEAR THE SAME COLOR. Instead, choose colors that complement each other rather than match exactly. Including lots of neutrals will help prevent a color overload.
The colors you chose will also affect the way my editing style reads on your images, best to stick with similar colors as in my Instagram feed, since those are probably what drew you to me in the first place. Limit cool tones like certain blues and greens, and avoid light grey at all costs.
2. TEXTURE & PATTERNS
Textures and patterns help add movement, dimension, and visual interest to your images.
Examples of different textures include chunky sweaters/cardigans, long flowy dresses (if they’re translucent, even better!), linens/gauze, velvet, fringe, statement jewelry (especially earrings, bracelets, or rings), etc. Mix and match a variety of textures both within each outfit and across your whole family.
Patterns are another great way to add more visual interest to your images, As a general rule, one in every three people should be in a pattern. Go for medium-sized patterns. Stripes and florals are my favorites! No buffalo plaid or super thin stripes/ tiny patterns, please.
3. LAYERS
Besides adding even more depth and visual interest, adding layers to your wardrobe gives your images an immediate sense of coziness, cuddles, and warmth.
Cardigans and even blankets look great worn off the shoulder. Open work-shirts, jackets, overalls, and vests are an especially great way to layer the men in the family.
4. SKIN
Remember how I said layers make your pictures feel cozy? Well, skin makes them feel intimate.
Feel free to show as much skin as you’re comfortable with while keeping it classy. For girls think crop tops, off the shoulder, slits, high low hemlines, and showing cleavage. For boys think shirtless or tank tops (NO SHORTS except on toddlers).
From someone who tends to show almost no skin, please only do what will make you feel comfortable and confident.
5. CONTRAST
Contrast is the styling principle that will keep you from looking like one monochromatic blob.
Simply put, contrast says put each of your family members in different values so they stand out from each other.
Here’s what it looks like: Let’s pretend I’m shooting a couple and they both wear black. When I edit their pictures, their black clothes blend together making it hard to tell where one person ends and the other begins. But if she wore black and he wore white they’d have contrast and stand out from each other. (Though I don’t typically recommend black and white it helps explain the principle.)
So if mama wants to wear a dark dress, dad should be in a lighter shade and baby in a medium tone. Or if someone is dark on bottom and light on top, then whoever they’re most likely to stand next to should be light on bottom and dark on top.
Contrast.
5. CONTRAST
Contrast is the styling principle that will keep you from looking like one monochromatic blob.
Simply put, contrast says put each of your family members in different values so they stand out from each other.
Here’s what it looks like: Let’s pretend I’m shooting a couple and they both wear black. When I edit their pictures, their black clothes blend together making it hard to tell where one person ends and the other begins. But if she wore black and he wore white they’d have contrast and stand out from each other. (Though I don’t typically recommend black and white it helps explain the principle.)
So if mama wants to wear a dark dress, dad should be in a lighter shade and baby in a medium tone. Or if someone is dark on bottom and light on top, then whoever they’re most likely to stand next to should be light on bottom and dark on top.
Contrast.
“Maren captured all the wonderful feelings of family and my growing daughter. She blew my socks off, which truthfully isn’t easy.”
– Emily B.
About 6 weeks before your session you will receive an email asking you to make an appointment for your pre-session consultation. It’s time to turn all these ideas into plans.
The pre-session consultation can be over the phone/ zoom or in-person. If you’re planning on using anything from my client closet, I recommend an in-person meeting.
During the consultation, we’ll finalize the location, get a clear direction for styling, and get to know each other.
My hope is these images will tell your truth. To accomplish that, I would be honored if you would trust me enough to be vulnerable and give me a peek into this chapter of your story.
Leading up to your consultation, I hope you’ll ponder these questions:
As you ponder remember; the beauty of your story is in the struggle as much as the joy.
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”
– Dorothea Lange
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.”
– Dorothea Lange
Mama… I give you permission to let go. Let go of the idea of “perfect” pictures. Let go of the idea of the “perfect” photo session. Let go of the idea of “perfect” smiles, unwrinkled clothes, and “perfect” poses. Let It. Go.
Give yourself and your family permission to embrace the chaos and imperfection of REAL. Give yourself permission to relax, have fun, and truly be together while taking family pictures. Literally… please go tell them.
A few other tips for mama:
1. Prioritize yourself. One of my hard and fast styling rules is mama chooses her outfit first, NO EXCEPTIONS. I guarantee you care the most, you’re the pickiest, and you’ll be the hardest to style. So prioritize yourself. A week or so before your session, get your hair, lashes, brows, and nails touched up (whichever ones apply to you), and hire a professional hair and makeup artist to help you look your best the day of. Whatever will help you feel amazing with the least amount of stress is a good investment.
2. Trust me. Please trust me. You’ve come to me for a reason. You’ve seen what I do and want it! It doesn’t just happen and goes beyond what I do with my camera and editing. Everything I’ve been going over in this guide contributes to that final work of art. I promise I will do my absolute best to help you feel comfortable and look amazing, even if you don’t feel like it.
Unless you’re extremely lucky, chances are your man doesn’t love family pictures. Most dads don’t show up to sessions thrilled to be there… But! many have thanked me after their session because they had so much fun.
Listen… I don’t know if anything will take him all the way too excited… but here are some things that can help.
1. Don’t leave him in the dark. Explain why you chose me, why you like my style and what it is (unposed), show him my Instagram and website, and tell him how important these pictures are to you.
2. Let him have a say. Include him in the conversation when narrowing down locations. Give him a few outfit options and let him choose his favorite. The more you can include him in the planning, the more he’ll buy-in.
3. Bribery. It isn’t just for the kids. Show him you appreciate his cooperation and a good attitude and reward him for it.
4. Help him loosen up. Bring a cooler with his favorite beverages.
In the weeks leading up to your session tell your kids about the fun family adventure you’re going. Tell them about mommy’s friend Maren who’s coming too and will be taking pictures.
Remind them every night at dinner. Talk up how fun it will be and tell them what you expect of them, but keep it light and fun. Help set the mood so they’ll be eager to explore and cuddle.
Tell them about the awesome treat or toy they’re going to get afterward (bribery again). But please, don’t threaten you’ll take it away, especially during the session, the goal is to keep them happy, not afraid, and make pictures a positive experience.
1. Don’t practice smiles or tell them to look at the camera. Remember, this is unposed & natural. If I want them to look, I’ll ask.
2. Let them be kids! It’s okay if they don’t do exactly what I say. Most of my guidance is more like suggestions. If your kids have other ideas, I’d rather go with theirs. If we let them be themselves, eventually they’ll warm up and be willing to go along.
3. Have zero expectations. Embrace what comes – the wind, the rain, the laughter and chaos. We have no set shot list on the day of the session. It’s all about capturing your life exactly how it is on that day, not mimic the shiny perfect families on your feed.
In the weeks leading up to your session tell your kids about the fun family adventure you’re going. Tell them about mommy’s friend Maren who’s coming too and will be taking pictures.
Remind them every night at dinner. Talk up how fun it will be and tell them what you expect of them, but keep it light and fun. Help set the mood so they’ll be eager to explore and cuddle.
Tell them about the awesome treat or toy they’re going to get afterward (bribery again). But please, don’t threaten you’ll take it away, especially during the session, the goal is to keep them happy, not afraid, and make pictures a positive experience.
1. Don’t practice smiles or tell them to look at the camera. Remember, this is unposed & natural. If I want them to look, I’ll ask.
2. Let them be kids! It’s okay if they don’t do exactly what I say. Most of my guidance is more like suggestions. If your kids have other ideas, I’d rather go with theirs. If we let them be themselves, eventually they’ll warm up and be willing to go along.
3. Have zero expectations. Embrace what comes – the wind, the rain, the laughter and chaos. We have no set shot list on the day of the session. It’s all about capturing your life exactly how it is on that day, not mimic the shiny perfect families on your feed.
“Maren always manages to make BOTH of us cry! We feel so blessed to know her and grateful for her ability to capture these moments for our family!” -Hannah B.
“Poetry is truth dwelling in beauty.”
– Robert Gilfillan
“POETRY IS TRUTH DWELLING IN BEAUTY.”
– ROBERT GILFILLAN
THANK YOU for reading to the end. I know it was a lot of information but hopefully you’re feeling confident in what’s coming and how we’re going to make your session MAGIC!
Remember to head over and read the style guide next. Talk soon!
xo
maren
P.S. If you have questions or needANYTHING, I’m here for you! Just shoot me a message.
(801) 367-1451
info@marenelizabethphotography.com
HOME | INSTAGRAM | STYLE GUIDE
THANK YOU for reading to the end. I know it was a lot of information but hopefully you’re feeling confident in what’s coming and how we’re going to make your session MAGIC!
Remember to head over and read the style guide next. Talk soon!
xo
maren
P.S. If you have questions or needANYTHING, I’m here for you! Just shoot me a message.
(801) 367-1451
info@marenelizabethphotography.com
HOME | INSTAGRAM | STYLE GUIDE
