Family Session Welcome Guide
Welcome!
I am always humbled by each and every client who chooses me to help tell the story of their life through photography.
It is true that a photograph remembers everything. The emotions and the nuances of the moment that it captured. Things that our busy minds often forget as time goes on. Photography should be a reflection of all of the little details that make up your existence. A real moment in your life. The images we capture will garner an incredible sense of variety and beauty that perfectly portrays your family.
My style of photography is symbolic of the authenticity found when your family is casually laughing, playing and having fun. I want to capture your story with truth and make it come alive, complete with all of the emotions and details as they really happened. From maternity and newborn sessions, to high school senior and family photography, I am honored to have a place in documenting the story of your life.
My Story
Hi, I’m Brandy — a natural light portrait photographer based in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley, serving families from Aspen to Glenwood Springs and beyond. I specialize in capturing genuine, joy-filled moments through family, maternity, newborn, and child photography.
In addition to photography, I’m also an 8th grade science teacher at Aspen Middle School, a wife, and a mom of two — roles that keep me grounded, inspired, and always smiling.
I can’t wait to meet you and create timeless images that reflect your family just as they are in this special season.
Brandy Keleher
Your Family Session
from start to finish.
Booking Process
Let’s get you scheduled! During our initial communications, we will set a date and time for the shoot. Shortly after, an online booking link will be sent your way, and from this link you will view and sign the contract. Payment in full is required up front to secure your date and time. As your session date approaches you will be sent more information via email on how to prepare for your session, along with other tips and tricks. In the case of inclement weather, we will reschedule.
Before Your Session
Prior to your session, we will discuss details and items of importance to you and your family for us to concentrate on. Examples of this would be “we want the main focus to be on the children but we will pop in for a few”. Expect your session to be reflective to what you see on my website, social media and this guide. My sessions are interactive and full of movement. Although my sessions revolve around emotion and play, I always make time for that traditional posed portrait.
Finishing Touches
Your session images will be ready within two weeks of the session. You will receive an email that holds the gallery link along with detailed instructions on how to place any orders and how to redeem the digital files that come with your session.
Session Tips and Tricks
Starting Off on the right foot
Let me get my calendar
Family sessions are best booked on a day and at a time where everyone looks and feels refreshed. The last thing that we want is to schedule your family session after you’ve had a long day at work or at home with the kids. And the same goes for the kids. Scheduling their session for later in the afternoon, or after school, can lead to some tired and moody children. We want to preserve good memories, not forced smiles.
Hunger Games
Going into a little bit more detail when it comes to scheduling - make sure that your family has eaten a good meal before your session. Not a huge meal, but a good meal. Everyone gets crabby when they are hungry, kids and adults alike. So avoid the grouchies by eating beforehand and by bringing a quick, healthy snack for everyone - just in case.
Expect the Unexpected
This is my number one tip for you. Kids are unpredictable by nature. They don’t have the same sense of time or structure that we do as adults - even when they are in their teens. If you little one wants to run around for a bit to get all of the wiggles out, you may see me running right behind. The last thing that we want is for the kids to feel that they are letting mom and dad down by not sitting still and smiling for the camera. So, don’t feel that you need to apologize for your child’s behavior. Your child will be at their best when allowed to just be themselves.
Customizing Your Family Session
Wardrobe Selection
Wear something you can move in! The best shooting locations rarely have level ground, so plan accordingly. If everyone is wearing the exact same thing, that can look boring and doesn’t exactly show your individual personalities. If everyone is wearing clashing colors and bold patterns, the image will appear chaotic and focus will be taken off of your family. My advice is to try to come up with a general color scheme - as in earth tones, black/white/grey, bold color, etc. Whatever you decide, don’t dress identically, or too busy.
In Preparation
The day before your session, make sure that clothes are ironed, shoes are clean , and accessories or props are put together and ready to go. If you have younger children, bring a few of their favorite things along. This can help them feel comforted if needed and can also be used to get them to laugh. If you are bringing your dog, don’t forget the dog treats! The can help your furry family member be on his/her best behavior.
Props and Accessories
If you have anything in particular you would like to bring with you, please do! That rustic wagon in your garage, a wooden chair, or an heirloom can add just the right touch . Whatever your family enjoys together can be woven into the session . It’s the little touches like these that make your portraits just as unique as your family.
Getting to Know You
Don’t be surprised if your session begins with me taking time to introduce myself to your little ones. It is during this time that I love to laugh with and play with your child. While it might seem like I am wasting time, I am really trying to build a great relationship with them so we can be sure to get wonderful, and genuine, smiles out of them. Embrace your inner goofball. That means you, too, mom and dad! The more relaxed, carefree and goofy you can be, the more fun we will all have during the session. You’ll see that the kids will actually enjoy themselves if they see you having fun - and that makes for GREAT pictures. Be yourself. My main goal is to capture you and your family authentically. Kick back, relax adn have FUN! Interaction is the core of a successful session.
Kids and Pets
I encourage you to include whoever completes your family, even Fido. Keep in mind that kids and pets don’t typically like to sit still for long periods of time, so in order for us to have a successful session we need to ditch the idea that the session must go a certain way. Whenever it comes to kids and pets, my philosophy is to always expect the unexpected and just go with the flow.
be yourself
My main goal is to capture you and your family authentically. Kick back, relax and have FUN! Interaction is the core of a successful session.
posing vs candids
While the majority of the session will be focused on interaction, I always strive to get a great set of core posed images with everyone looking at the camera!
Get closer
You are going to hear me say this a lot during the session. I’m not kidding when I say that there will be hugging, laughing, and fun going on! You are going to have to squish together and snuggle for some shots - so be prepared.
Enjoy the Experience
Rest assured that we will get a great set of images for you and your family! My style thrives on being authentic and real. Leave your stress at the door and concentrate on having fun!
The End Result
There are so many different ways that you can display and share images from your family session. You can hang canvasses in an arrangement in your family room or hallway, create an album, or make prints to send to extended family, just to name a few. If you have a certain goal in mind, please let me know. Additionally, if you’d like to see the majority of your images in black and white or in color, this kind of information can help me plan our session to ensure that you are thrilled with the end result.
Next Steps
After your session, I’ll carefully hand-edit your images to bring out their full beauty and emotion. Within two weeks, you’ll receive a private online gallery with 50+ fully edited, high-resolution digital images — ready for you to download, share, and treasure. From there, you’ll also have access to heirloom-quality prints, albums, and keepsakes to turn your memories into lasting art.
My belief is that every person should be framed in the moments they’ve felt the most loved and cared for.
FAQ
What is included with the session fee?
Your session fee includes our time together capturing beautiful moments, professional editing and retouching, and a private online gallery featuring 50+ fully edited, high-resolution digital images — all available for instant download. Looking to turn your memories into tangible keepsakes? A curated selection of prints, albums, and custom products will be available for purchase directly through your gallery.
Where does the session take place?
As a natural light photographer, my favorite studio to use is the outdoors. The Roaring Fork Valley offers so many beautiful locations that it can be hard to choose just one for your photo shoot. My studio is any location that is special to you. Don’t know where you want to go? I have suggestions for that, too. Check out examples from my favorite locations.
How long does a session take?
My photography sessions vary and really depend on the goal of the session. Average sessions run about an hour. I allot time for wardrobe changes and location changes. Please do not feel rushed. As a professional, I will give you my honest opinion as to how much time we are going to need and I will schedule accordingly. I ask that you also schedule accordingly and not allow our session to be rushed. Our ultimate goal is to capture amazing images for you and your family.
AM I ALLOWED TO TAKE MY OWN PHOTOS DURING THE SESSION?
Out of respect for me, as a professional artist, I ask that you refrain from taking any pictures during our session. After all, you are hiring me to be the photographer and I need to have complete focus for myself and the subject I am photographing.
What if the weather is bad for our session?
Weather is hard to predict and if necessary, we will reschedule for another day. Keep in mind that just because it isn’t sunny doesn’t mean you will not end up with amazing pictures. Clouds and storms add depth and emotion to the sky and make for beautiful sunsets.
We have some ideas of our own. Can we try them?
Of course! I love having a client’s style show through in my images. Feel free to create a Pinterest board or email over any ideas that you would like to incorporate into our session and I will do my best to make sure those images are included in your gallery.
CAN I SHARE IMAGES FROM THE ONLINE GALLERY?
The password protected online gallery can be shared with your friends and family simply by providing them the information that I give you to access the gallery. However, please do not download or screenshot any images without my permission or without purchasing digital images through your session fee. I will gladly allow you to tag yourself and use the image(s) (complete with my logo and/or watermark) on your social media accounts. Any alteration of the images from your gallery is considered to be in violation of copyright laws.
