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Your Family Photographic Experience

A Guide to Your Session

We are so excited to welcome your family to Noran Shine Studio. Thank you for trusting us to capture the love, connection, and personality that make your family unique. This experience is more than just a photo session—it's a chance to slow down, celebrate your bond, and create meaningful portraits that will be cherished for years to come.

Whether your children are little, nearly grown, or somewhere in between, this is about honoring your journey together—the joy, the laughter, the deep connections, and the beauty of your everyday love.

Our studio is a calm and welcoming space where each family member can feel comfortable and seen. We've put together this guide to help you feel confident, relaxed, and fully prepared for your special day.

Family portrait session at Noran Shine Studio

How to Prepare in Advance

Reflect on What This Session Means to You

What do you want to remember about this season of your family's life? Is it the way your child reaches for your hand? The laughter you share? The sense of pride as your family grows? Think about the moments and emotions you'd love to preserve—that's what we'll aim to capture.

What to Bring

Clothing & Style

We'll provide a detailed Outfit Guide, but here are a few key tips:

  • Choose 2–3 coordinated outfits for the family that feel authentic and timeless
  • Try all outfits on in advance to ensure everything fits well and feels comfortable—especially for the kids
  • Bring a backup outfit in case of spills or accidents (especially with little ones)
  • Avoid busy patterns, logos, or neon colors
  • Comfortable shoes are a must if we're shooting outdoors

Optional professional hair & makeup services are available for one or more family members and can be added to elevate your session experience.

Family portrait experience at Noran Shine Studio

Personal & Sentimental Items

Feel free to bring anything that tells your family's story—this could be a favorite book you read together, a cherished stuffed animal, or a handmade item. These little touches can add layers of meaning and authenticity to your portraits.

Children are welcome to bring their favorite toys—something familiar can help them feel more comfortable in a new environment. For younger children or toddlers, we also encourage you to bring a small squeaky or sound-making toy to help attract their attention and keep them engaged during the session.

Skincare & Grooming Tips

  • Encourage everyone to moisturize the night before for a natural, healthy glow
  • Trim or clean nails—simple, natural nails (even without polish) photograph beautifully
  • Haircuts or trims should be done at least a week in advance so they have time to settle
  • If anyone wears makeup, keep it light and natural, unless you've opted for our professional service

Soft curls photograph beautifully, so if that's a look you love, feel free to style your hair that way. Don't forget to bring a hairbrush for touch-ups during the session. If you or your children are prone to flyaways, bring a small amount of gel or styling product to help smooth hair when needed.

Family styling and grooming inspiration

The Day Before Your Session

  • Review your outfit selections and make sure everything is packed
  • Iron or steam your outfits—wrinkles can show up clearly in photos and take away from the polished look
  • Talk to your kids about the session in a fun, positive way (we'll help keep things easy and enjoyable!)
  • Make sure everyone gets a good night's rest

The Day of Your Session

Arrive on Time & Come Ready to Celebrate

Our goal is to make this experience joyful, smooth, and stress-free. We'll take care of all the details—you just bring your beautiful family on time and let us guide you from there.

What to Wear to the Studio

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid skin marks
  • If you're having hair & makeup, arrive with clean, dry hair and a moisturized face
  • Bring your outfits ironed on hangers

Energy & Mindset

Let go of expectations for "perfect" and embrace the real connection your family shares. We'll guide you through natural moments and interactions to help your portraits reflect who you truly are together. This is your time to relax, enjoy, and celebrate everything you love about your family.

Day of your family portrait session

Time Commitment

Depending on your session structure, here's what to expect:

  • Without hair & makeup: Plan for up to 4 hours in the studio
  • With hair & makeup: Allow up to 5 hours for the full experience

Your session includes:

  • Time to settle in and feel comfortable
  • Your guided portrait session
  • A cinematic presentation of your best images
  • A personalized ordering & design consultation to select your favorite portraits and create custom artwork

We'll have snacks, drinks, and small comforts to help keep everyone happy and relaxed.

Same-Day Ordering

Your photo reveal and ordering appointment will happen right after your session. We'll help you design beautiful keepsakes like wall art, treasure boxes, and gifts.

Your order will be placed and paid for the same day.

Studio Location

Our studio is located in a private residential home in Lithia, FL, fully dedicated to photographic experiences. The space is cozy, welcoming, and designed to help you feel at ease. There's plenty of parking right outside, so arriving is easy and stress-free.

14627 Gallop Run Dr
Lithia, FL 33547

Welcome to Noran Shine Studio

Who Can Come

We kindly ask that you let us know in advance who will be photographed so we can plan accordingly. If you'd like to include grandparents or extended family, we're happy to design a custom session tailored to your vision—just reach out in advance.

Family members, friends, or babysitters are always welcome to accompany you to the session—please let us know ahead of time so we can prepare the space appropriately.

Pets are also welcome! Just give us a heads-up so we're ready to accommodate them.

Your Session Checklist

Before Your Session

  • Reflect on what this session means to your family—what season of life are you celebrating?
  • Choose 2–3 coordinated family outfits that feel timeless and authentic
  • Try outfits on in advance to ensure they fit well and are comfortable
  • Pack an extra outfit for the kids, just in case of spills or surprises
  • Iron or steam your outfits—wrinkles are very noticeable in portraits
  • Pack any sentimental or meaningful items (a favorite book, stuffed animal, or handmade item)
  • Young kids can bring favorite toys for comfort; squeaky toys help attract their attention

Grooming & Self-Care

  • Moisturize the night before for soft, glowing skin
  • Trim or clean everyone's nails—natural or lightly polished is perfect
  • Get haircuts or trims at least one week before the session
  • Soft curls photograph beautifully—style ahead of time if you like that look
  • Bring a hairbrush and a small amount of gel or styling product for flyaways

Day Before

  • Review all clothing and personal items
  • Stay hydrated and rest well
  • Bring outfits on hangers for easy organization

Day Of

  • Eat a light meal and drink water before arriving
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes to the studio to avoid skin marks
  • If receiving hair & makeup: arrive with clean, dry hair and moisturized face
  • Let us know in advance who will be photographed
  • Plan for 4–5 hours at the studio, depending on whether you've booked hair & makeup
  • Arrive on time and ready to connect—we're here to make this meaningful and fun

We can't wait to meet your family and create something beautiful together. If you have any questions before your session, please don't hesitate to reach out.

With warmth,
Olga, Noran Shine Studio

Noran Shine Studio

Noran Shine Studio is a photographic art studio in Lithia, Florida, dedicated to creating intentional portraits for families, individuals, and professionals.

Quick Links

Studio Information

14627 Gallop Run Dr, Lithia, FL 33547

(813) 773-0180

olga@noran-shine.com

By appointment only

Certified Professional Photographer - Professional Photographers of America

Certified Professional Photographer

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