How to prepare for your family photo session?

Your session is coming up? Don't panic: you don't need to know how to pose, your children don't need to be perfectly well-behaved, and no one needs to practice their smile in front of the mirror!

Our goal is to photograph your family as it truly is: natural, close, and full of life. Here are our tips for arriving relaxed and fully enjoying this special moment together.

Where is the session taking place?

Your family session can take place in the studio or outdoors.

At the studio

Our studio is located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, on the first floor of the Villa Rudy Fournier. The building has an elevator and there is ample parking directly opposite.

When you arrive, go around the building and then ring the bell at Mademoiselle Hirondelle's house.

The studio is heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer. Sessions are generally conducted barefoot, for a more natural look.

Outdoors

Our outdoor sessions usually take place around Andrézieux-Bouthéon and Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert.

We choose the location based on the season, the light, and the state of the vegetation. You will receive all the information approximately one week before your session.

If the weather decides to act up, we'll choose another date together.

How long does a family session last?

A session typically lasts between 45 minutes and one hour.

We move at the children's pace, without asking them to smile for a whole hour — luckily for them, and for you!

We alternate photos of the whole family, children alone, parents with children and different combinations depending on the composition of your family.

What outfits should I choose?

Opt for simple, comfortable clothing in light or natural colors:

• white ;

• ecru;

• beige;

• camel;

• terracotta;

• soft persimmon;

• powder pink;

• light blue.

The idea is not for everyone to be dressed exactly the same, but for the outfits to work well together.

For example, you can choose two or three colours and distribute them among the family members.

Avoid large patterns, lettering, highly visible logos, and fluorescent colors as much as possible. For trousers, beige or light-colored chinos will generally give a softer look than classic blue jeans.

The most important thing is to wear clothes you feel good in. If your child hates their nice shirt so much they declare world war before leaving, choose another outfit 😄

Can we change our outfits?

You can bring a second outfit if you wish. We will help you choose the one that best suits the setting and atmosphere of the session.

In the studio, we also have a small dressing room containing about thirty items for babies, children and some mothers.

The clothes from the wardrobe are loaned only for sessions held in the studio.

How to prepare on the day of the session?

For your beauty routine, we recommend something natural:

• a rather matte complexion;

• a little mascara;

• a neutral or colored lipstick depending on your habits;

• loose or nicely styled hair;

• neat hands and nails.

You can also plan for a few small, discreet accessories such as a hair clip, a pretty headband or a flower crown.

We offer a makeover option for €80. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

How to prepare children for the session?

A few days before the session, simply tell them about Maureen and Elsa, the photographers . Explain that one of us will be there to greet them and take the photos.

You can show them a photo of us from our website or social media, then naturally use our first name when talking about the session:

"On Saturday, we're going to see Maureen or Elsa. We're going to take photos, play games, and spend some time together."

So, when your child meets us, our faces and names will already be familiar. They'll feel a bit like they're meeting someone they've heard of before, rather than walking into a complete stranger with a big camera 😄

Avoid asking him to be good, smile properly, or take great photos. Instead, present the session as a family moment during which we will play, laugh, and take some pictures.

Your child will be able to take the time to observe us, stay in your arms, or explore the place at their own pace. We will follow their rhythm, without forcing them to participate immediately.

Pack a small snack and some water, especially for the younger children. Just avoid foods that stain or stick right before the photos: chocolate applesauce on a white shirt is rarely the artistic detail we're looking for!

Also, try to respect their sleep and meal schedule as much as possible.

The mini FAQ for your family session

My child is shy: is that a problem?

Not at all. We take the time to get to know him and we never force him to pose immediately. He can observe, explore the studio, or stay in your arms for a while.

What if he doesn't want to smile?

That's okay! We're not just looking for big smiles for the camera. A glance, a hug, a burst of laughter, or a quiet moment can make for equally beautiful photos.

My child is sick or has injured their face, what should I do?

Send us a message as soon as possible. We will then decide together whether it is best to keep or postpone the session.

It's better to postpone than to ask a child who isn't feeling well to participate in a photo shoot.

What happens if it rains?

For an outdoor session, we monitor the weather a few days before the appointment.

A light cloud cover is no problem at all—it often even provides very pretty light. However, in case of heavy rain, strong winds, or unsuitable temperatures, we will postpone the session.

Can we bring our pet?

Please ask us before the session so we can check that the chosen location is suitable. When conditions allow, your pet can of course participate in some photos: they are part of the family too!

We're not comfortable in front of the camera, is that a problem?

Absolutely not. In fact, that's the case for the majority of our clients!

We'll guide you throughout the session with very simple instructions. You won't have to figure out what to do with your hands on your own—that big existential question will be taken care of 😄

How many photos are included?

Your session includes three high-definition digital photos, to be chosen from your gallery.

You can also order additional photos or choose the complete gallery. If you want all the photos, the Full HD option is more advantageous when selected before the gallery is published online.

How will we retrieve the photos?

After the session, you will receive a private online gallery. You can browse your images at your leisure and select your favorite photos from the comfort of your home.

How can I contact you before the session?

Send us a text message, a WhatsApp message or even a voice message to 07 87 25 57 49.

When we are in a session, we cannot answer the phone and unfortunately miss many calls. Therefore, a message is the easiest and quickest way to reach us.

One last thing…

Don't strive for everything to be perfect.

Your child might need a hug, want to run, be shy, or decide it's really not the day to show their best smile. All of this is part of real family life—and it's precisely what we love to photograph.

Come as you are, enjoy each other's company and let us take care of the rest.

We look forward to sharing this moment with you!