thank you for choosing kelli barnette photography!
I strive to provide you with a stress-free photography experience and timeless photos.
I fell in love with family photography because I cherish the raw and organic emotion. My style is more relaxed and focuses less on props & set-ups, and more on authentic moments/interactions. I will do everything I can to provide you with a unique experience from start to finish.
Please be sure to read through this welcome guide thoroughly & contact me with any questions that arise!
what to expect
Here’s what you can expect from a mini session with me.
plan to arrive early : mini sessions go QUICK! They are booked back-to-back without wiggle room in between. When you arrive early we can start our session according to schedule and maximize the time we have together! These sessions are designed to get a couple formal shots and a couple of more candid/natural shots. These are great for families who like to get photos taken a couple of times a year—or for a Christmas card photo!
calm & collected : please do not worry if you child seems less than happy; some of the best photos come from encouraging little ones to play & interact with you as you would if you were at home!
be ready to play : playing with your littles creates the most authentic moments and genuine smiles. Have some songs in mind that they love to sing or anything special they do with you! (for example—high fives & Eskimo kisses)
formal portraits : as soon as your family is warmed up we will of course get the formal family shots (the ones you send to family or may use on a Christmas card) all while having fun in the process. I find that showing them a few photos on the back of my camera sometimes helps them see how much fun they’re having ;)
your proof gallery : within 2-3 weeks of your session you will receive your digital gallery for viewing & selecting your favorite images. Mini sessions include 8 images from a proof gallery; however, you are always welcome to purchase additional images!
how to prepare
pack a bag of essentials : changes of clothes for the little, wipes, snacks, a favorite toy—anything that could be a life saving item during our session ;)
added guests : Mini sessions are for immediate family only (parents, children, siblings—no cousins, aunts, uncles etc.). These sessions are short & sweet & are best for families up to 5 persons.
avoid ouchies : Try to avoid bumps, bruises, and scratches leading up to your session. I understand accidents happen, so if your little one gets hurt please don’t hesitate to reach out & we can talk it over beforehand.
drive time : be sure to allow plenty of time for the commute to our selected location. Outdoor sessions are all about the light & with mini sessions there is no leeway time built into the schedule. Unfortunately if you are late it takes away from the session duration. If you have any questions about the directions to our location, feel free to shoot me an e-mail or give me a call & we’ll discuss!
preparing the littles : Getting your kiddos excited beforehand is so important! Assure them that Mrs. Kelli just wants to have fun while taking some photos—they may even hear me make a few funny noises, play peek-a-boo, or attempt to sing a song.
relax : Sometimes as parents we get frustrated when the littles don’t participate as we hope. It will happen that they may not want to sit/stand with their hands down & the perfect smile, and it is OK! If they want to dance, let them—sing & pick wildflowers? Perfect! Consider joining them ;) I promise sometimes these are the best photos I capture because we are documenting your child exactly who they are at this stage. (& it’s much better than red noses & teary eyes… am I right?!)
rainy days : There are times where outdoor sessions have to be rescheduled due to weather (rain, freezing rain, hail). This will be at my discretion, but will be called with enough advance time so that you aren’t turning around mid commute. The rainy day plan for your session is stated on your contract - take a look there!
what to wear
Here are a few wardrobe tips to consider when styling your family session:
basics : Think about coordinating your family vs. being matchy-matchy. Wear colors that flatter your skin & hair color. I was given the tip once “select moms outfit first & coordinate dad & the littles with her”. Often times mamas put themselves last, but are often the hardest on themselves. Kiddos are confident & happy in most anything, so consider selecting your outfit first & coordinating everyone else to you!
colors : When selecting your outfit colors, think about muted colors vs. bright/vibrant colors. Examples of this would be maroon vs. red, burnt orange vs. bright orange, ivory vs. white, or baby pink vs. hot pink! Often times these bright colors reflect color casts onto the skin. Another trick is to think about your location when planning your outfits; if your session is in a field of colorful wildflowers, neutrals would compliment this location beautifully! A simple wheat field in the fall might be best complimented with the fall wardrobe colors you think of :)
maternity : We want to accentuate & highlight your baby bump. Fitted, flow-y maxi dresses are absolutely gorgeous for this reason.
body type : Don’t be afraid to accentuate your shape (mamas & daddy’s!). Flow-y, fitted fabrics always look fantastic! When buying outfits for children, select well-fitting clothes vs. something that they will grow into.
comfort : Please never wear something you are not 100% comfortable & confident in. If you have doubts, it will show in your photos. If you love wearing maxi dresses, wear it! If jeans & a stylish top are more your jam—go for it! You all will shine brighter in your photos if you feel good about what you are in!
barefoot : Something about being barefoot seems more relaxed & natural. If this is natural for your family, and works with our location—I have no problem with bare feet!
stylish : Last tip, (I promise!). Dress a little extra special. I’m notorious for being in leggings & a long shirt in my day-to-day life. However, for your photo session, consider selecting an outfit for you and each family member that is just a little step up from what you all would wear during everyday life. Think about jewelry, shoes, and other accessories to help make your session special.
distractions: Last tip, (I promise!). Men/Dads in particular, please keep phones & wallets out of pockets for our session. Women/Girls: Be sure that when selecting an outfit that you have a bra that works well and won’t be seen (such as straps particularly in the summer) as these images will have to be sent off for retouching for a small fee if you want them removed. For Kids: Remove any temporary tattoos/stickers etc.
outfit changes: Unfortunately, the length of mini sessions just doesn’t allot for changing clothes.