Planning Your Session
A well-planned session ensures your photos turn out beautifully and reflect your personality and style. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through every step to make your experience relaxed, fun, and stress-free.
From choosing the perfect location to selecting outfits, colors, and props, I provide tips and suggestions to help your session run smoothly. I also consider timing and lighting to capture natural, flattering images.
Whether it’s a family, maternity, newborn, children, couples, or lifestyle session, careful planning ensures every moment is captured authentically and timelessly.
Planning for Lifestyle Newborn Session
Getting ready for your newborn session should feel cozy, calm and simple. I am here to capture your real life with your new little love in your home.
Here is what helps your session go smoothly:
1. No Perfect House Needed
You do not need to deep clean for me.
Simply declutter the areas we will likely use such as your bedroom, living room and nursery if you have one.
A quick pickup of nightstands, laundry or random items is all it takes.
The fewer items left out the cleaner and more magazine like your photos will look.
I will also help move small distractions if needed.
2. Find the Natural Light
Natural light is what creates soft, beautiful images.
If possible, open curtains and blinds in the rooms with the brightest windows before I arrive.
I will scout the house when I get there and choose the areas with the best light.
3. Make Things Warm and Cozy
Turning the thermostat up just a little keeps your baby comfortable and relaxed.
Warm and snuggly is perfect.
4. Dress to Feel Good
Choose clothes that are simple and comfortable.
Neutral colors like cream, white, soft pastels and earth tones always photograph beautifully.
Try to avoid bright neon colors or clothing with large logos so the focus stays on your family.
For your baby, a basic onesie, a swaddle or even a diaper only moment is perfect.
If you are not confident in swaddling that is totally okay.
I will happily swaddle your baby for you.
5. Feed and Snuggle First
Try to feed your baby before we begin so they are calm and content.
We can pause anytime during the session for extra feeding or soothing.
Your baby will guide the pace.
6. Add Something Personal
If you have a special blanket, a favorite stuffed animal or a cherished book, have it nearby.
Little items that mean something to your family make your photos feel even more personal.
7. Relax and Enjoy the Time
There is no pressure and no stiff posing.
I will guide you gently and help you settle into natural moments together.
Cuddles, yawns, tiny fingers and quiet glances are exactly what I want to document.
8. Siblings and Pets Are Welcome
Older siblings can join whenever they feel up for it.
They do not need to sit perfectly or smile on command.
Fur babies are absolutely invited too because they are part of the family.
Planning for Cake Smash Session
A little preparation goes a long way to make your child’s Cake Smash session fun, relaxed, and full of memorable moments. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through every detail to ensure your session runs smoothly.
Tips for a Successful Session:
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Timing: Schedule your session close to your child’s first birthday for perfect age-appropriate photos.
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Outfits: Choose simple, comfortable clothing that lets your child move freely. Props and accessories are optional but can add a fun, personal touch.
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Cake: Pick a small, simple cake that your child can enjoy and explore safely. I can provide guidance on size and style.
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Energy & Mood: Make sure your child is well-rested and fed so they can enjoy every moment.
By planning ahead, your Cake Smash session will feel relaxed, playful, and authentic, resulting in timeless, joyful images you will treasure forever.
Planning for Family & Children Session
A little planning makes your family or children’s session relaxed, fun, and full of authentic moments. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through every step so your session is stress-free and enjoyable.
Tips for a Successful Session:
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Timing: Choose a time of day when your children are happiest, often early morning or late afternoon for the best natural light.
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Outfits: Coordinate colors and styles without being overly matching. Comfort is key so kids can move freely.
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Props & Accessories: Optional items like blankets, toys, or sentimental objects can add a personal touch.
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Mood & Energy: Make sure kids are well-rested and fed. Bringing snacks or small breaks can help keep the session joyful.
With thoughtful planning, your session will capture genuine smiles, playful interactions, and the love that makes your family unique. The result is timeless images you’ll cherish forever.
Planning for Maternity Session
Planning ahead ensures your maternity session is relaxed, beautiful, and full of meaningful moments. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through every detail so your experience is effortless and enjoyable.
Tips for a Successful Session:
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Timing: Schedule your session between 28–34 weeks of pregnancy for the best natural curves and comfort.
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Outfits: Choose clothing that highlights your bump and reflects your style. Flowing dresses and soft fabrics photograph beautifully.
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Props & Accessories: Optional items like baby shoes, ultrasound photos, or scarves can add a personal touch.
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Mood & Comfort: Stay hydrated and well-rested. Comfortable shoes and layers are helpful if we’re outdoors.
By planning ahead, your maternity session will feel calm, fun, and authentic, resulting in timeless images that celebrate this incredible chapter in your life.
Planning for Engagement/Couple Session
A little planning ensures your engagement or couples session is relaxed, fun, and full of authentic moments. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through every detail so your session is effortless and enjoyable.
Tips for a Successful Session:
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Timing: Schedule your session during golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—for the most flattering natural light.
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Outfits: Coordinate colors and styles, but avoid overly matching looks. Choose clothing that reflects your personalities and feels comfortable.
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Location & Props: Pick a meaningful location or bring simple props to make the session personal and memorable.
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Mood & Comfort: Relax, have fun, and be yourselves. Bring water, and take breaks if needed to stay comfortable and enjoy the experience.
With thoughtful planning, your session will capture genuine smiles, playful interactions, and the love you share. These images will become timeless memories you’ll cherish forever.
Planning for Wedding & Elopement Sessions
Careful planning ensures your wedding or elopement day is captured beautifully while you enjoy every moment. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through the details so your photography experience is seamless and stress-free.
Tips for a Successful Wedding or Elopement Session:
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Timeline: Build in enough time for portraits and candid moments. Planning your day around lighting, such as golden hour, ensures stunning images.
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Outfits & Details: Dresses, suits, accessories, and personal touches help tell your love story.
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Locations: Choose meaningful or scenic locations for portraits and group shots to create timeless memories.
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Relax & Enjoy: Hiring a professional photographer allows you to focus on celebrating your love while I capture the moments you’ll cherish forever.
Thoughtful planning ensures every look, laugh, and meaningful moment is preserved. Your photos will be timeless memories of one of the most important days of your life.
Planning for Senior Session
A little preparation ensures your senior session is fun, relaxed, and reflects your unique personality. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through every detail so your experience is effortless and enjoyable.
Tips for a Successful Senior Session:
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Timing: Schedule during golden hour—early morning or late afternoon—for the most flattering natural light.
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Outfits: Choose 2–3 outfits that reflect your style and personality. Mix casual and dressy looks for variety.
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Location & Props: Pick locations that resonate with you, and bring meaningful props if desired.
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Mood & Energy: Get plenty of rest, bring water, and come ready to have fun. Relaxing and being yourself always produces the best photos.
Thoughtful planning ensures your senior portraits capture your confidence, personality, and milestones. The result is a collection of timeless images you will treasure for years to come.
Planning for Event Sessions
Planning ahead ensures your event is captured beautifully while you enjoy every moment. At Anabell Dillon Photography, I guide you through the details so your photography experience is seamless and stress-free.
Tips for a Successful Event Session:
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Timeline: Provide an event schedule so I can capture all key moments, from candid interactions to group portraits.
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Location & Setup: Ensure areas for photos are well-lit and accessible. I can suggest spots that photograph well.
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Guests & Activities: Let guests know photos will be taken and coordinate special activities you want documented.
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Relax & Celebrate: Hiring a professional photographer allows you to focus on enjoying your event while I capture the memories.
Thoughtful planning ensures every smile, laugh, and important detail is preserved. Your photos will become timeless memories you and your guests will cherish for years.