Children, Family and Pet Portraits FAQ

How should I prepare my family for our portrait session?

A little preparation can make your portrait session much more relaxed and enjoyable. Before your session, check everyone’s clothing and accessories and make sure everything is clean, pressed, and ready to go. Pay attention to the little things, too—shoes, socks, belts, jewelry, and anything else that will be visible in the photographs.

If children will be photographed, feel free to bring an extra outfit or two, along with favorite toys, snacks, or other familiar items that may help them feel comfortable. It’s also a good idea to check for temporary tattoos, marker artwork, or anything else you may want to remove before the session.

And don’t worry about bringing too much. I’d rather have something available and not need it than discover during the session that we wish we’d brought it. If you’re unsure about clothing or accessories, you’re welcome to bring your options to your pre-session consultation, and we’ll go through them together.

What type of clothing should we wear?

Clothing should complement the people in the portrait rather than compete for attention. In general, simple, coordinated clothing in solid colors or subtle patterns photographs well. You don’t need to dress everyone alike—in fact, coordinating colors and styles usually looks more natural than matching outfits.

Try to avoid large logos, lettering, very bold patterns, or anything else that may draw attention away from faces. Think about where the finished portrait will be displayed, too; clothing colors that work well with your home and décor can help create a portrait that feels especially at home on your wall.

We’ll talk about clothing during your pre-session consultation, so don’t worry about figuring everything out on your own. You’re welcome to bring several possibilities, and I can help you decide what will photograph best.

Will you pose us during the portrait session?

Absolutely. I’ll guide you throughout the session so you never have to wonder what to do in front of the camera. With adults, I’ll help create relaxed, natural poses that are flattering while still looking like you.

With children, I usually allow more freedom and spontaneity. Some of the best expressions happen when children are interacting naturally with a parent, sibling, or even just being themselves. Rather than expecting young children to hold a perfect pose, I’ll give them opportunities to play, move, laugh, and engage with the people around them.

For family portraits, I’ll create both more traditional groupings and relaxed moments that show the relationships between family members. The goal is a portrait that feels natural while still being carefully composed and beautifully photographed.

What is the best time of day for an outdoor portrait session?

Outdoor portrait sessions are generally scheduled for early morning or later in the afternoon, when the natural light is softer and more flattering. The exact time will depend on the season, the location, and the type of portraits we’re creating.

When young children are involved, though, good light isn’t the only consideration. We’ll also choose a time when your children are normally rested, fed, and at their best. A beautiful setting won’t matter much if we’ve scheduled the session right in the middle of someone’s usual nap.

We’ll work out the best combination of light, location, and your family’s schedule during your pre-session consultation.

Where will our portrait session take place?

We’ll choose the location for your portrait session during our pre-session consultation. The right location depends on the type of portraits we’re creating, the people being photographed, and the overall look you’d like for your finished portraits.

For outdoor sessions, I look for locations that offer attractive backgrounds as well as good natural light. Areas with open shade, trees, interesting architecture, or a variety of settings nearby can give us several different looks without spending much of the session moving from place to place.

I photograph throughout the Richmond area and can recommend locations that work especially well for family and children’s portraits. If you already have a place that’s meaningful to your family—such as your home or another favorite location—we can discuss whether it would be a good setting for your session.

How long will our portrait session last, and how many images will you take?

Most family portrait sessions last about one to one and a half hours. I don’t rush through a session, especially when children or pets are involved. I’ll give everyone time to become comfortable with me and the camera so we can create relaxed, natural portraits rather than watching the clock.

Every family is different, so some sessions may take a little more time, particularly with larger groups, multiple children, clothing changes, or different backgrounds and settings.

During the session I’ll photograph a variety of expressions, groupings, and moments. Rather than concentrating on a specific number of photographs, my goal is to create a strong selection of images that gives you meaningful choices when it’s time to select your favorites.

When are payments due?

An initial payment is due when you book your portrait session and reserves your session date and time. Because time is set aside specifically for your session and preparation begins in advance, this payment is non-refundable.

Payment for portraits and other products is due when your order is placed. Once you’ve seen your photographs and selected your favorites, I’ll help you with the ordering process and answer any questions about the available options.

What happens after our portrait session?

After your portrait session, I’ll carefully review and prepare your images for you to see. Once they’re ready, you’ll have an opportunity to review the photographs, select your favorites, and decide which portraits and products you’d like to order.

I’ll guide you through the selection process and help you choose the images and products that best fit your needs. Once your order has been placed, production time will vary depending on what you’ve selected. Prints generally require less time than larger wall portraits or specialty products.

If you need your finished portraits by a particular date—for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or another special occasion—please let me know as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.

Who owns the photographs and digital image files?

Dan Iott Photography retains the copyright to the photographs created during your session. If you purchase high-resolution digital images, you’ll receive personal-use rights that allow you to print and enjoy those photographs for your own use.

Copyright ownership and printing rights are not quite the same thing. Purchasing digital images does not transfer the copyright, but your personal-use license allows you to make prints and copies for yourself, your family, and other personal purposes.

Any use of your photographs by Dan Iott Photography for portfolio, website, advertising, or promotional purposes will be handled according to the permissions and agreements associated with your session.