What to Expect When I am Your Virginia Family Photographer

As a Virginia family photographer who specializes in timeless, light-filled images, I am so fortunate to have worked with many families over the years to help them document precious moments in their season of life. My focus is always similar: to capture beautiful images that my clients will love, while providing an experience that they love just as much.

Whether you are a family looking for a professional photographer for the first time, or one who has had several experiences with professional family photos over the years, I understand that you want to know what a session with me with look like. My hope is that this blog post will provide insight into an experience with Ashley Brickner Photography as your Virginia family photographer, from start to finish.

Are you looking for insight into what the experience of working with a Virginia family photographer looks like?

Sharing below:

The Inquiry –

If you are thinking of booking a family session, a great place to start is on my contact page here. I love hearing details such as: the timing you are hoping for, who will be in the photos, how you heard about my business, and the overall vision you have for your session! I also want you to know that it’s ok if you have no vision at all yet. We can work together to create a session that feels like you and your family and that will result in photos that you love!

Booking the Session –

Once you are ready to move forward, I will create a booking link for you and email or text it over. This will include details such as the date/time of your session, and the kind of session that you will be booking! Once you click through and book, your spot will officially be secured on my calendar (yay!) and you will receive my Session Prep Guide and other resources for planning, as well as an option to book a Prep + Planning call with me.

Planning for the Session –

One of my favorite parts of the process is the planning and I LOVE to help with this! The Session Prep Guide that you receive will include information on what to expect before, during and after your session, location recommendations, how to prepare the kids (if applicable!), and wardrobe tips for the whole family. It’s important to me that you know what to expect and that you feel comfortable the day of our session, and that’s why I spent so much time creating a Session Prep Guide and supporting resources to provide you with that information.

Before I was a Virginia family photographer, I was a Fashion Marketing teacher and I love helping with the styling! The wardrobe choices you make absolutely affect your final photos and I always offer insight on what pieces will photograph best, with both access to reach out to me and the styling guide/pinterest board that I provide.

I also always encourage my clients to book the Prep + Planning call or at a minimum, to text and make sure that we communicate before your session!

The Day of the Session –

The day of your session (best day!), my full session clients will always receive a text the morning of to confirm the time/location of the session. As your Virginia photographer, I will arrive about ten minutes early to make sure I am ready for you and your family! Once the session begins, I’ve got you! All you have to do is show up ready to love on your people and I will take care of the rest. I will guide you through poses with prompts (and sometimes games!) – and if there are kid meltdowns or tough moments, we will work through them. 😉 I am a mom of four myself and absolutely get it, we will make it work!

Gallery Delivery Day –

Within two to three weeks after your session, you will receive a link to your gallery. The photos are easy to download (through a computer or phone!) and the link can easily be shared with family and friends. Additionally, all full session clients will be able to save, print and share their high-resolution images as they would like!

My gallery site also includes a “store” where you can order prints, canvases, or albums. I always highly encourage clients to PRINT your photos, they deserve to live beyond your phone!

The process of family photos shouldn’t be hard – and it’s my job as your photographer to make sure that it isn’t. I hope that by providing this information on what a session with me will look like from beginning to end, that it helps make it seem achievable and fun (because it absolutely is!). If you have been thinking about a Virginia family photo session, I would love to chat! You can inquire here or email me at ashleybricknerphotography@gmail.com.

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy these posts also focused on family sessions below:

What Time of Day is Best for Photos?

Tips for Family Photos with Kids