toddler photo session — blog-Antonia Steinmiller Photography

The above colors are so hard to edit with skin tones. They have a reflective nature. Pink and red are especially difficult if you are fair skinned. If the sun is robust, those colors will reflect on your skin and you’ll look more pink/red. Green acts the same way in the sun as it reflects a sickly green color on your skin. Not to mention all the green in the background. It’s like a super sad version of camouflage. Our goal is creamy, even skin tones that have a beautiful reflection of natural light.

Some photographers will tell you not to wear patterns as they are distracting. I agree with this in some capacity. However, I feel like if the pattern is not distracting (like a beautiful floral) I don’t mind patterns. Additionally, only one person should be in a print. If polka dots are tiny little specks, I’m down for that print, too. Also, just make the statement print the last piece of the outfit puzzle. For example if everyone was wearing solid colors and your little girl wore a cute and soft floral print dress (like in the photos above) it will totally work!

I always recommend that mom pick her outfit first. Then you can build other outfits to compliment mom’s outfit. You want to think cohesive to each other, not matchy matchy!

Start with a color palette you want to work with. I LOVE pastels in the spring and summer. Creams, neutrals, pastel pinks and mauves, chambray blues, and sage greens are my favorite summer hues. Fall hues include camel, browns, tans, neutrals, navy, dark greens, and creams. I would go as far as saying burgundy looks great in the fall and is ok with me as long as it’s paired with a cream or light color for contrast.

Add texture! Add layers! Make it interesting in some way. You can do fun jewelry or a fun shoe! Consider adding a hair piece. In the fall, you can layer with different colors, patterns and prints. listen, I love a good jacket, too.

Black and white are staple colors. Some photographers might recommend to steer clear from black and white because of the contrast. But, I shall not ever steer you away from black. It’s my favorite color and I own mostly black clothes. It’s classy, timeless and empowering. If you want to rock black at your session, I’m going to one million percent approve.

Choosing the BEST time for your photo session!

When is the BEST time for your photo session?

I want to share some perspective with you as a new client or as a family i’ve grown fond of over the last several years.

I have been asked time and time again, “when is the best time for our photo session?” The answer depends on a few different variables, so let’s get into it.

The first question I’ll ask you is what kind of session are you looking to book?

If you’re booking a family session and have children under the age of five, I would highly recommend one of my glowy morning sessions. This year, I have seen more families with littles in the morning and they are just so much happier and willing to participate the way you’d want them to! We all know that bribes help, but I’m talking about genuine happiness! I’m sure this tip will vary for every family, but if you haven’t tried a morning session yet, please consider booking one next year! The sun is beautiful in the morning with the softest glow. If you have a little bit older mini humans like, say, ages five and up, evening sessions are just fine! You can enjoy that nice sunset session!

Ok, so you have a baby-on-the-way and you’re starting to look into maternity or lifestyle newborn pictures. I always suggest mama’s have their photos taken between 30 and 34 weeks. Booking anything after 36 weeks can get dicey with your due date so we don’t want to push it. See what I did there? Also, I’ve heard those last few weeks of pregnancy can be uncomfortable and I want you to feel beautiful and awesome during your session! Plus, we might be walking a bit and we definitely do not want those “dogs to bark!”

Lifestyle newborns are a little more flexible than your typical studio newborn with all the props and poses. Those very intricate sessions are usually completed within the baby’s first 12 days of life. Some photographers extended it to 14 days, but it will just vary.

With an in-home lifestyle session, I do like to be in that 12-14 day window, however, if you wanted to wait 3-4 weeks we could do that too. The baby is just more apt to being awake and/or more alert during that time. Which could also mean more tears and crankiness. this little guy below was 18 days old and a perfect, sweet baby angel. he was warm, fed, and comfortable and that’s what we’ll strive for!

Senior sessions can be booked year round, however, since I shoot mostly outdoors, clothing and outfits are of the utmost importance! Spring senior sessions typically start around May 1 for me. I’ll continue to shoot seniors through the end of November. However, a few years back, I shot a senior session in the snow (in January!) and it was simply AMAZING! But, those are few and far between. It really depends on the vibe of your senior and what style of clothing they want to wear. I do most of my senior sessions in the summer which will offer the most flexibility with scheduling (sunset sessions, hello!) and wardrobe selections for the ladies.

FALL SENIOR SESSIONS ARE GORGEOUS TOO AND DEFINITELY A VIBE IF YOUR TEEN IS INTO MORE CASUAL CLOTHING OPTIONS.

Once you’re ready to book your next session, send me a message and let’s chat about the best time to book your session. I can’t wait to see you in 2025!

family photographyAntonia SteinmillerDecember 2, 2024photography, photographer, family photos, family photo session, chicagoland photographer, morning photos, morning pictures, senior photographer, senior photos, senior photo session, toddler photos, toddler photo session, milestone photos, photographer near me

Choosing your family photo session outfits is as easy as 1,2,3!

June 11, 2024

I often wonder what holds families back from scheduling photo sessions. I know there are a ton of factors, but the biggest drawback I hear most often is “we don’t have outfits!” or “what do we even wear for family photos?”

it’s 2024 and everyone is just doin’ their own thing. There are no rules! Wear what you want and what makes you feel great.

Try to avoid the following colors in the spring, summer and fall:

Bright green

Bright red

Hot pink

I always recommend that mom pick her outfit first. Then you can build other outfits to compliment mom’s outfit. You want to think cohesive to each other, not matchy matchy!

Add texture! Add layers! Make it interesting in some way. You can do fun jewelry or a fun shoe! Consider adding a hair piece. In the fall, you can layer with different colors, patterns and prints. listen, I love a good jacket, too.

And just a side note, I love mixing black with browns, creams, and neutrals.

My last tip of wisdom for this post is be sure to look in your closet for what you already have hanging on a hanger. Do you have staple pants or a top? Perhaps, you can supplement your pre-owned piece with something new. I do this all the time! I know It’s easier said than done.

Remember, whatever you decide to wear, you should be comfortable sitting, standing and doing all the things. who knows, you might be chasing your toddler down the parkway or jumping up and down!

When you book a session with me, we’ll chat about outfits, hair, make up and all the things. i am always happy to assist in your family’s styling needs. Please do not ever stress about outfits. We got this!

I hope to see you soon!

xo,

ams