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Photographing Families | Oconee County, GA

There are many things that go into photographing families – before, during and after every session. Let me take you behind the scenes a bit into a family portrait session!

The planning process of photographing families.

When you book a session with Yvonne Niemann Photography, I will send you a questionnaire to help me customize your portrait session for you.

This mom stated that she wanted updated family portraits in a natural setting with flowers. Either blossoming trees or wildflowers. Preferably a field and nothing overly manicured. She also mentioned that she wanted assistance with her family’s wardrobe.

Once I had all the information from her and what she was envisioning, I was able to start thinking of locations and what type of outfits to suggest. I knew, from the questionnaire, that where she would be displaying her images, those rooms had a lot of light gray and other neutral colors. With all of that in mind, I put together an inspiration mood board, which you can see below.

Family portrait inspiration mood board

The mood board included links to where she could find the outfits in the correct sizes of each family member. She ended up purchasing some of the exact items for her family and used the other pictures as inspiration when shopping. The peach dress her youngest daughter ended wearing is one they borrowed from the Yvonne Niemann Photography closet.

Photos of a family in a Spring field of wild flowers in Watkinsville, GA.

Location Scouting.

Location scouting is one of my favorite things when planning a photo session for my clients. Nothing like being in nature trying to find the perfect spot for what a client is envisioning.

I did a lot of location scouting for this family’s portrait session. We were trying to get a location with either blossoming trees or a field of wildflowers. When the cherry trees and Bradford Pear trees were in bloom, they had other commitments with their daughter’s gymnastics. Luckily, after competition season was over, this field of wildflowers was in full bloom and the weather was perfect too. The fresh green grass and trees along with thee purple and yellow flowers made for the perfect setting. Their outfits would work with the the blossoming trees just as much as this particular field, so we were all set regardless of what was in bloom during the time of their session. Win!

Sibling photos in a field near Athens, GA.Teen boy photos in a field in Oconee County, GA.Tween girl photos in a field of flowers in Watkinsville, GA.Photos of a little girl in a field of wild flowers in Oconee County, GA.Showing the bond between sisters is important when photographing families.

Session Day.

The day of a photo session, I review everything my client and I discussed regarding their session.

I make sure my batteries are charged, I have film and SD cards and all my gear is in working order and packed in my camera bag.

Packing treats and sometimes even little puppets to get the attention from little ones are also a great idea. For this family, the puppets were not necessary due to their ages, so I left those behind.

I did bring a little emergency kit that contains things like bug spray, nail polish remover, a small brush, safety pins, hair spray, clear hair ties, bobby pins, wipes, lotion, etc…

A tiny step ladder is a must for me since I am only 5’2″ and need extra height many times during a session.

Photos of a dad with his children in a Spring wildflower field near Athens, GA.

The day before, I sent an email confirming our meeting location and time that also included a map that was marked showing where we would be meeting and the field that we would be photographing.

When everyone arrived, we chatted for a bit and I gave them a game plan of what we would be doing. I do give direction to ensure everyone looks their best, but there is also a lot of play and and fun during the session too! Prompts and activities for family members to do are helpful to ensure we are getting natural and meaningful images.

When photographing families, getting images of dad with the children is important.

If possible, I like to get images of mom and dad alone together. For many couples, the last time they had professional images taken together was on their wedding day. Your love is worth documenting and celebrating all along the way!

When photographing families, make sure to get portraits of the parents alone.Portraits of a mom in a field of wildflowers in Oconee County, GA.family photos in a Spring field of wildflowers in Watkinsville, GA.

I always try to get as much variety as I can during a session, so even if we aren’t moving around a lot, there are plenty of images to choose from and will tell a family’s story. This tree was within the field we were shooting, so we utilized this area just a few yards away to change things up a bit and give a different feel to some of their images.

What to wear for Spring and Summer family portraits.Sibling portraits in Spring Oconee County, GA field.what to wear for your Spring and Summer motherhood photo session in Georgia.Spring family portraits in a field in Oconee County, GA.

After the session.

As soon as I get home from photographing families, I always make sure to download and back up all images from my SD cards. Cannot risk losing these precious images.

The next work day, I begin culling, processing and fine tuning images.  When all the images are complete, I upload images to an online gallery and shopping cart. I then send directions to my client on how to access everything and help them with the ordering process.

This family chose to purchase an heirloom album containing all the images from their session. I helped them select fabric for their cover, debossing choices and got a list of their absolute favorites to help me in designing the pages of their album. Once the album was designed, I sent a proof over for review and approval. I then sent the design to my vendor.

Enlargements and framed pieces were also ordered for their walls. Once all orders came back to me, I looked everything over for quality control and once I was satisfied, I packaged it all up and scheduled delivery, which was hand delivered that very next day. They ended up getting a 12″x12″ heirloom album, which you can see images of below.

Heirloom album from a family portrait session in Oconee County, GA.

I hope these details on how I go about photographing families is helpful for you. I really try hard to make the experience a fun and smooth. I know that there is a lot of things that my clients do to get ready for their portrait sessions and while I cannot take all the stress away, I sure hope I can ease some of it and help out with as much as I can.

If you would like to book a portrait session, contact Yvonne Niemann Photography today to reserve your spot on the calendar. The session above was a Signature Session. Shorter Simplicity Sessions are also available. Inquire for details. info@yvonneniemannphoography.com  |  706.713.0676

Athens, Georgia | info@yvonneniemannphotography.com

706.713.0676

When it is hot out, head to the shoals to cool off for your portraits! That is exactly what we did for this mama's maternity photography session. 

This is a location that I scout out often to ensure it is safe before sessions. If the water is too high and flowing too fast it is a no go. Luckily, it was pure perfection last night. Enough dry areas and plenty of water flow to make it dream worthy and a safe place for mom and her family. 

A few tips for sessions at this location:
1. Spray on some bug spray. 
2. Bring shoes easy to take off for when you get to the water.
3. Have a towel handy for drying off your feet after the session.
4. If you are heading somewhere after your portraits, bring a change of clothes as you will most likely get a tad wet. 
5. I will make sure to pick areas that aren't too slippery, but go slow and shuffle your feet as you walk in the water.

If would like a session on the shoals, just let me know. We have a few places in the Oconee County and Athens areas to choose from. I will pick the location that is most perfect for your portraits. 
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#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #oconeecountygamaternityphotographer #athensgamaternityphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #theartofbeingamother #motherhoodsimplified #motherhoodphotography #theartofmotherhood #motherhoodrising #documentyourdays #livemoremagic 
Athens, GA maternity photography
photographer for maternity photos in Athens, GA
outdoor family maternity photos in Oconee County, GA
Outdoor maternity photos
Happy Independence Day! Hope you are having a relaxing and fun day with loved ones. 
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#yvonneniemannphotography #photographer #photography #photog #photographycommunity #photolovers #photographerlife #photographybusiness #photographyart #photographerforhire #photographylover #photographyisart #photographeroftheday #photographygear #photographyworld #photographeveryday #photographyaddict #photographersofinstagram #photographerdreams #savannah #fourthofJuly
Independence Day
4th of July 
Savannah historic district
One of the many pleasures that I get to do as a photographer is documenting childhood and relationships of all ages. 

Big milestones are such a privilege to photograph for families and especially ones where I know the artwork will be displayed for generations to come. 

I think that is one of the reasons why I adore heirloom sessions so much. They are classic pieces that will never go out of style. 

Looking at this image, it reminds me of a sibling image of my mom with her brother and sisters back in the 50s. Love that families continue the tradition of heirloom portraiture. 

My favorite way to display images like this is on a canvas and framed in an ornate frame on the wall alongside past generations portraits. 

You can book heirloom portrait sessions any time with Yvonne Niemann Photography, but if you want a shorter session, you may want to consider booking one of the heirloom portrait event spots. They are offered each season of the year. The Summer event takes place on July 14. There are still spots available, so if you would like to be added to the calendar, don't hesitate to contact me. Simply send me a message or book online using the link in the bio.
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#yvonneniemannphotography #HeirloomPortraits #southernheirloomportraits #heirloomportrait #heirloomphotography #southernstyle #classic #smockedclothing #childrenportraits #atlantaheirloomphotographer #athensgaheirloomphotographer #oconeecountygaheirloomportraitphotographer #oconeecountyheirloomphotographer #westcott #classicportrait #studiophotoshoot #photostudio 
Atlanta heirloom photography
Heirloom photographer
�Heirloom Athens
Heirloom portraits
Summer flowers to end the session and to take home to place in a vase. Simple pleasures mean so much!
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#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #athensgachildphotographer #oconeecountygachildphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #childphotography #atlantaphotographer #atlantachildphotographer #childhood #runwildmychild #childportrait #stlouisphotographer #stlouischildphotographer #kidphotographer #lifestyleportraits
Ringing the UGA bell for one last time to celebrate graduating is a great feeling! Can you feel it?! I sure can. When thinking of locations for your graduation portraits, think of those places that meant a lot to you while you were in school. Could be on or off campus. Make a list and we will make sure to document you in those sentimental areas for you! 
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#portrait #yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #UGA #UGAgradportraits #UGAseniorphotos #UGAnorthcampus #seniorportraits #seniorportraitsession #athensgaseniorphotographer #UGAbell
#seniorportraitsphotographer #athensgaseniorportraitsphotographer #seniorportraits2025 #classof2025 
uga graduation photographers
georgia senior photographer
uga grad pics
Jekyll Island was divine this year during my time there for portrait sessions. Weather was perfect. No worries about scheduling around rain this time and the ocean's tides were even cooperative for those beach sessions. Wind was only super strong on one evening, but a quick change of location and we were just fine. Yes. These are all things I worry about as a photographer at beaches. So many elements to think about and to pull together. Happy dances all around when things all come together and work in our favor!!!

LOVE the light coming through the Live Oak Trees and Spanish Moss in this image. 
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#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #jekyllislandphotographer #jekyllislandchildphotographer #athensgachildphotographer #oconeecountygachildphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #jekyllislandfamilyphotographer #childphotography #atlantaphotographer #atlantachildphotographer #lookslikefilmkids #theoutdoorchild #candidchildhood #candidchildhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged 
professional childrens portraits
Jekyll Island photography
Jekyll Island Historic District
Summer storms give pretty sunsets and skies. Don't you agree?!

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#jekyllisland #portrait #yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountyphotographer #OCHS #highschoolsenior #seniorportraits #seniorportraitsession #athensgaseniorphotographer #oconeecountyseniorphotographer #seniorportraitsphotographer #oconeecountyseniorportraitsphotographer #athensgaseniorportraitsphotographer #jekyllislandfamilyphotographer #jekyllislandseniorphotographer #marshlife
Jekyll Island Pictures
Jekyll Island Portraits