It's Official!
We are all set for your upcoming photo session! I’m excited, I hope you are, too!
As you scroll down, you will find a list of information and suggestions to help you be as prepared as possible for a successful family portrait session.
I understand planning for and investing in a portrait session is a special service that not everyone chooses. I want you to know I appreciate you choosing and trusting me to provide you with images you will love for years to come. I promise to provide you with my best efforts and care to ensure you will truly enjoy this experience!
Please peruse the information and let me know if you have any questions. You can email, call or even text me anytime! (Text is easiest for me to respond as quickly as possible.)
I’m excited!
— Liz
Session Success
A Few Simple Tips for a Successful Family Portrait Session
When You Arrive
Before Your Session: Please arrive photo-ready! Due to the formatting of these sessions, we are not able to accommodate preparation time in the studio. If you want to dress your children after you arrive, please ensure you do so in your vehicle.
turn it up a notch
I always say it’s OK to turn up your snuggles, giggles and smiles. Just like wearing make-up for the camera, it may seem like you’ve got a little too much going on, but it comes across as the perfect amount in-camera!
relax, relax, relax
If you are anxious, the kids may be anxious, too. If everyone looks at the camera and smiles big on the first try - great! If you have one or two littles who refuse to look at the camera - NO worries. This means we can have a bit more fun and variety in your portraits!
bring treats
Don’t be afraid to bring along quick, mess-free treats, like mini marshmallows, if you think it will help your child “brighten up” for a few minutes during the session. (Consider non-food treats as well, like Bubbles!)
really, let’s have fun!
You may not be used to playing, snuggling, laughing or walking around during a portrait session, but acting naturally really makes for the best, most timeless pictures. (That you will love more and more as time passes!)
trust me
Don’t worry about the posing or smiling of others, I got this! If you feel uncomfortable with something, tell me. You paid a professional so you can relax (but also mention a concern to me if you feel the need)!
A Guide for Parents
Suggestions for the Best Smiles
One of the things I love most about my clients is how invested you are in creating meaningful portraits—especially when it comes to your children. During pictures with kids, I know it’s only natural to want to help. And while I truly appreciate the enthusiasm, sometimes all the excitement (think: big noises, wild gestures, or lots of pressure) can actually overwhelm little ones.
To help make your child’s portrait experience as joyful and relaxed as possible, here are a few gentle suggestions that tend to work beautifully:
Show your child I’m a friend.
From the moment you arrive, your child is watching how you interact with me. A cheerful hello or a warm hug (if you’re comfortable!) goes a long way in showing them I’m a trusted friend. I’ll be mindful not to rush in or overwhelm them at the start—that’s on purpose. Often, when I quietly hang back, your child’s curiosity kicks in, and that’s when the magic happens.
Help me prepare.
Before we begin, tell me a bit about your child—what they love, their favorite toys or characters, or anything that helps them feel comfortable. (You can text me this info the day of your session.) If they have a favorite lovey or rattle, bring it along! Sometimes I’ll even hold it myself to build trust and ease.
Let go of the pressure.
I know it’s tempting to ask your child to smile or look at the camera, but resist the urge. Let them connect with me at their own pace. When they do, quietly take a step back and let us find our rhythm together. It’s in those unscripted moments that their true personality shines.
Feel free to speak up.
If you think your child has more smiles in them and just needs a moment, let me know! Or if you have a tried-and-true trick for getting a giggle, I’m all ears—just show me and then step back so I can give it a try. I may invite you to help again later, but otherwise, I’ll gently lead.
What To Wear
Suggestions and Inspiration
Choosing your session clothing is one of the key elements to creating great images, and I want to do everything I can to help guide you in this process. Below are a few do’s and don’ts to help you feel confident, comfortable, and beautifully timeless in your images.
✅ Do:
Choose a neutral palette. Soft tones like cream, gray, blush, or oatmeal are always camera-friendly. For outdoor sessions, these colors complement the natural setting beautifully. For studio sessions, you can lean into darker neutrals like navy, hunter green, or burgundy for a more refined look.
Layer your clothing. Layers add depth and texture! Think knits, linens, cardigans, shawls, or even a bit of lace. These touches bring a timeless, elegant feel to your portraits.
Keep it classic for the guys. Fitted button-ups, henleys, or knit tops in coordinating colors work wonderfully. Pair with jeans or khaki pants for a simple, flattering look.
Stick to soft, subtle patterns. Small polka dots, plaid, or thin stripes are fine—just keep them minimal. Solids are always a safe and lovely choice.
🚫 Don’t:
Avoid wearing solid black or solid white tops. These colors can feel stark and create too much contrast in photos. Especially avoid pairing them together—they tend to look dated and rarely photograph well.
Skip the brights. Bold colors like bright red or orange can reflect unnatural tones onto skin and faces, which can be hard to edit and distracting in the final image.
Say no to logos and words. They pull attention away from your faces and interrupt the clean, classic look we’re going for.
Pass on polo shirts. They often don’t flatter in photos—opt for a more tailored knit or button-up instead.
Favorite places to shop:
Remember!
You don’t need to stress or overthink it! I’m here to help you every step of the way. When you feel great in what you're wearing, it always shines through in the final image. Let’s create something beautiful together. 🤍
Studio Policies
The following policies will be followed during our 2025 Portrait Season
rescheduling for illness
If you need to reschedule due to a sick family member who would otherwise be present in your final pictures, there is small administrative fee of $10. Please try to let me know within at least 12hrs, if not 24hrs, of your session time. We will discuss the details of your particular situation and come to an agreement before settling on a rescheduled date.
rescheduling for weather
At this time, our policy is to wait until about 2 hours prior to your session time before discussing rescheduling or canceling your session due to the weather.
If the forecast is undesirable for your session, we will select and secure a new date before deciding to move forward with rescheduling. We will avoid rescheduling if we are unable to find a new date and time that works for both parties.
cancellations
You may cancel your session at any time before your session date, however no refunds will be issued. You are welcome to transfer your credit in full to another type of session(s) or to another person within two years of your session date. There is a $10 administrative fee for this.
print release & copyrights
All images are copyright of Liz Cook and Liz Cook Photography. While packages include full resolution digital images, copyright is maintained by Liz Cook and Liz Cook Photography.
A Limited Print Release is provided to you with your order for printing purposes. It is, however, unlawful and illegal to scan, alter or edit the images. I take great care in editing each individual image and the quality is important to me. Scanning or altering an image depreciates its value, and along with it, my reputation. Thank you for valuing my passion, my art and my copyright.
communication
Feel free to contact me through email at liz@liz-cook.com or text me (540) 455-1795. I will respond within 48 hours between the hours of 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. If you have booked a Full Family Session or added on use of the Studio Wardrobe, schedule a complimentary Wardrobe Consultation to meet with me in person at the studio to talk more about your session.
payments
Your final balance is due 1 week prior to your session. No sneak peeks or images can be shared until your balance is paid in full.
image delivery
Your final images will be delivered via an online gallery. You are able to download and save your images to an unlimited number of devices. Galleries are typically delivered within 3-6 weeks of your session date.
sharing images
Feel free to share your photos on social media! It's greatly appreciated if you credit Liz Cook Photography (@lizcookphoto) when posting as that's one of the main ways people hear about my business and your friends trust your opinion! However, please avoid altering the images or adding filters.
prints & canvases
You have the option to order both prints and canvases directly through your online gallery. Trust me, you won't want to risk your investment on a less-than-professional, low-quality print lab. I've seen the comparisons, and nothing compares to the quality my print lab offers. I wholeheartedly recommend ordering your prints from this gallery to preserve that fantastic color and quality!
additional edits
The photos delivered in your gallery are the final versions, but if you find you are needing further edits, your session includes five additional image edits. If you need more than five edited, it's possible at a rate of $35 per image, with an additional 2-3 weeks turnaround time.
Questions?
Concerns?
please reach out!
email: liz@liz-cook.com
cell: 540-455-1795