by WPI Founder, Jessica Mae

Let me introduce you to Jen Martodam. She’s an observer, a dreamer, a seeker of light, and a lover of the Earth. She teaches DSLR Photography and enjoys serving others with heartfelt imagery, films, and valuable content. I love her business and mission so much that I wanted to share it with you.

Emerald Rue is a WarPaint International preferred vendor.

Introducing Jen Martodam

Hello! I’m Jen, from Emerald Rue. I’m a family filmmaker and lifestyle photographer who specializes in archiving honest, real-life, heartfelt moments for busy parents who long to remember everyday life. I’m a sucker for nostalgia, a big fan of Kevin Bacon, and will likely want to hug you when we first meet.

Moms, you know the stress of family photos will fall on you. I wanted to share my top 4 tips, learned through my fifteen years of photographing, to assist you in preparing. 

All of these tips and more can be found in the blog section of my Emerald Rue website.

Emerald Rue Tips

Tip #1: Mindset

Start with your husband/significant other. Acknowledge that you’re aware it’s not high on his/her list but ask him/her to show up with a good attitude for you. Express how much you’ll cherish having something to show the kids down the road.

Next, let’s focus on the kids. Give a few reminders the week that you’re going to spend some time as a family taking photos. Explain the result you hope to get, i.e., mom needs you to listen closely for XX minutes so we can get a new picture of the family smiling (or insert your desired result.) Not that I’m promoting bribery, but it doesn’t hurt to have a reward waiting at the end (or snacks for the in-between!).

Most importantly, let’s focus on you, mom. If you have high expectations for how the family will show up, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. I have enough experience to know it NEVER goes as you’ve pictured.

If you take one thing from this article it’s this; throw ANY expectation out the window. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I will let it go and be present instead of upset at my photo session!” What a gift to give your family, being present!

If you’ve hired an experienced photographer, let them run the show and let it go. Ninety-nine percent of the time, there are amazing moments being captured that you don’t see.

Remember that kids feed off your energy, so show up as the best you!

Tip #2: Clothing

Get ready to cheer, moms: you come first. YES! Choose an outfit you love that you’ll feel fantastic in. Remember all that mindset stuff we just discussed? If you feel your best, you’ll show up that way!

From there, choose clothing for the rest of the family that coordinates. Avoid overmatching, neon, logos and characters. Use layers, jewelry, hats, scarves, etc. to add dimension & flair.

How to Coordinate: Adobe color wheel. Find the main color of your outfit. The colors straight across from it are complimentary colors. Choose family member outfits in these hues for photos that will pop! The colors on either side of your main color are analogous colors. Choose outfits of these tones to give your photos a more harmonious feel.

Mom, it’s your time to shine. Pamper yourself with professional hair & make-up services from War Paint International! They’ll even come right to you!

Tip #3: Communication

Take a moment to really think about what you want out of your photo session. Are you hoping for posed, smiling portraits or documentary/lifestyle images? Perhaps both?  

Choose a photographer whose work mirrors your expectations. Prior to booking, share those preferences. Don’t expect the photographer to read your mind – be open with what you’d like the final product to be! 

Beware of a photographer who won’t take the time to speak with you. How will it be if there’s an issue that arises later?

While everyone has a different budget, spending a bit more will likely warrant a better result. These photographers likely double up on experience – meaning they have more years invested in their craft AND they’ll provide you with a pleasant, supported experience throughout.

Tip #4: Celebrate!

Don’t forget to shower your family with gratitude after your session, no matter how you feel it went. Plan a fun activity together to celebrate (plus you look sharp, so why waste it, right?!) 

I truly hope you found some nuggets of wisdom to use the next time you book a photo session.

All of these tips, examples of my work, and booking information can be found on my website.

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