Get Ready for Magic: Your Style & Prep Guide for Our Pumpkin Head Minis!

Hey There!
I am Leo,
We are so incredibly excited that you're joining us for our most creative mini session event of the year! These "Pumpkin Head" portraits are all about embracing the fun, whimsical, and cozy side of autumn.
Hi Friend!
And I am Lindsay
To help you feel completely prepared and ready for a fun, stress free adventure, we've put together this complete guide. It’s packed with all our best tips on everything from prepping your pumpkin to choosing the perfect cozy outfit.
Let's get started!
The Star of the Show: Prepping Your Pumpkin Head
Since you'll be bringing your own pumpkin to the session, a little prep work is key to making sure you're comfortable and the photos turn out amazing.
1. Find the Right Size: Look for a pumpkin that is large enough to fit over your head, but not so heavy that it will be uncomfortable to hold up for a few minutes at a time.
2. Carve a BIG Hole: The opening at the bottom of the pumpkin should be wide enough to comfortably slip over your head and rest on your shoulders. Pro-Tip: Measure the width of your shoulders first!
3. Clean it Out (Really, Really Well!): This is the most important step! Make sure you scrape the inside of the pumpkin completely clean and dry it out thoroughly with paper towels. You'll be glad you did, we promise!
4. Carve a Face (Optional): We will primarily be shooting the blank side of the pumpkin for that classic, anonymous look. However, feel free to carve a simple, happy face on the other side! We can grab a few fun shots with that at the end.
What to Wear: Your Cozy Autumn Style Guide
The Perfect Color Palette: Let's complement the beautiful fall colors at Dwight Lydell Park. We recommend building your outfits from a palette of rich, earthy tones. Think of colors like:



Mustard Yellow
#E1AD01
Deep Burgundy
#9A2A2A
Navy Blue
#001F3F



Cream
#F3EFE0
Forest Green
#224229
Rust Orange
#B7410E
Style Tips for the Whole Family
Embrace Textures & Layers: This is the secret to a cozy look! We love incorporating different textures to add depth and warmth to your photos.
Think: Chunky knit sweaters, soft flannel shirts, classic denim, corduroy, and cozy cardigans.
Layers not only look great but also give us more variety in the photos.
For Her
Flowy fabrics that create movement are always a beautiful choice. Think about maxi dresses, soft knit sweaters, or even fitted jeans paired with a stylish top. Layers like a denim jacket or a soft cardigan can add dimension to your look and give us more variety in the photos.
For Him
Simple and classic is always the best approach. Think well fitting chinos or dark wash jeans paired with a casual button down shirt, a simple sweater, or a clean, logo free t shirt. The goal is a look that is comfortable and authentically you.
For the Kids
Comfort is king! We want the little ones to be able to run, play, and be themselves. Simple dresses, rompers, durable pants, and comfortable tops are perfect. Try to avoid anything too stiff or formal that might make them fussy.
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Footwear is Key
We'll be walking in a park and potentially near the rustic railroad tracks, so comfortable and practical footwear is a must. A great pair of boots is the perfect choice!
What to Avoid
Bright Neon Colors
They can create unnatural skin tone reflections and distract from the main subjects, you!
Tiny, Busy Patterns
Very small, tight patterns can sometimes look distorted on camera.
Large Logos & Characters
We want the focus to be on your family's connection, not on brand names or cartoon characters..
What to Bring (Besides Your Head!)
A little preparation goes a long way.
Your Prepped Pumpkin: The star of the show!
A Cozy Blanket: This is a fantastic prop! We can use it for sitting on or wrapping up in for some extra cozy shots. A simple, neutral-colored or plaid blanket works perfectly.
A Great Attitude: Your only job is to come ready to laugh and have fun with us. We'll handle the rest!
After the Final Click: What Happens Next?
Once our fun session is over, the magic continues in our editing studio. Here’s what you can expect:
Culling & Selecting: First, we carefully sort through all the images from your session to select the very best ones that tell your story beautifully.
Editing & Artistry: Each selected image is then professionally hand edited with our signature style to ensure it looks perfect. This is where we bring "Your Vision, Our Craft" full circle.
Gallery Delivery: Within 2-3 weeks, you'll receive an email with a link to your beautiful, private online gallery.
Viewing & Using Your Print Credit: From your gallery, you can view your photos, select your favorites for download.
We truly cannot wait for your session. This is going to be a creative and unforgettable experience, and we're so honored to be capturing it with you!