This year, after 12 years as an in-home and on-location photographer, I decided to get a studio! It’s a beautiful all-white studio with white walls, floor and ceiling, and a great wall of curtains for kids to play peek-a-boo in. Located in Sausalito, it’s quick to get to from San Francisco or Marin for a family, newborn or kids portrait shoot, and parking is easy peasy!

Every location in photography, whether that be in-home, in a field, at a beach, or in a studio, come with different things to think about and prep for. Below are my top tips on how to prepare for a studio photoshoot.

Top 3 Studio Photoshoot Tips

• Arrive early- Most photographers run their studios on tight schedules, which means, unless it’s been otherwise communicated, there will be someone coming before and after you. Leave plenty of time for any last minute mishaps that may happen and still be able to arrive early. My Sausalito studio has a lobby where you can comfortably wait with your family before your shoot.

• Change at the location- With studio shoots, especially kids portraits, you want to make sure all of your clothes are in tip-top shape. Studio is amazing because it has such a classic look, but without other environmental things to draw the eye, wrinkles and spots will show more easily. Check with your photographer before you go, but most studios will have a spot to change. I recommend coming with your clothes in a garment bag, that way kids won’t get spills or drool on them on the way over and your outfits won’t have a chance to wrinkle. If you aren’t big on ironing, Downy Wrinkle Release will be your best friend!

• Wear layers- Since studios have less variety in backdrop, you can create variety beyond the different poses your photographer will get by shedding layers. My studio sessions are all minis, which means you won’t have time to do a full change, but you can have a dress under a jean jacket and take that off for a fall to summer look. You can also switch from shoes to barefoot for a little variety as well. One note about this tip- I would not recommend this for kids under 2. Toddlers and babies are notorious for not wanting to change/adjust clothes and get grumpy when doing so, so keep this tip for kids ages 3 and up.

If you are interested in a studio session but want to see more images or hear more about what those entail, you can click below. I offer family, maternity and newborn minis, as well as short kids portraits and seasonal specials.