bienvenue, welcome!
This is your go-to space for streamlining your growth through the JFP Mentorship Program. Inside, you’ll find curated resources to sharpen your technical skills, (un)pose with confidence, and shoot with consistency—while fully aligning with the brand.
ABOUT JFP
I started JFP 10 years ago—right after getting my green card! I left my native France in 2008 to settle in the DC area with my husband.
My main focus is on families at home, using a documentary approach—which means I let go of control as much as possible. No directing the location, outfits, time of day, or activities. Just honest, natural moments.
MISSION STATEMENT
Through honest and artful imagery, I help families feel seen and celebrated—with empathy, intention, and a commitment to inclusivity.
The Heart of the Brand
At the core of everything I do is a belief in the beauty of real life. I’ve built this business on the idea that family photography can be meaningful, artful, and authentic—not just a series of posed images, but honest storytelling that captures connection, emotion, and the in-between moments. As an associate photographer, you’re not just taking photos—you’re helping families see their everyday as something worthy of being remembered.
My work is deeply rooted in a documentary approach. That means we don’t stage or direct much. Instead, we observe, anticipate, and create space for genuine interactions to unfold. We aim to capture what’s true rather than what’s perfect. It’s slower, more intentional, and incredibly rewarding.
I also care deeply about inclusivity. I serve families of all shapes and structures, and I want every client—regardless of race, gender identity, abilities, or background—to feel seen, safe, and celebrated. You are a direct extension of that commitment when you photograph for me.
Personality is essential. Each session is a collaboration between the family and the photographer, and your artistic eye is welcome—within the framework of this documentary style. I want your images to reflect both the client’s story and your way of seeing it.
What sets this work apart is the why behind it. We’re not here to create generic photos; we’re here to help people remember what love looks like in the middle of their everyday lives.
That’s powerful.
That’s what matters.
MENTORSHIP OVERVIEW
The mentorship has 4 phases that each Associate Candidate will complete before they are ready to book Associate Sessions. Each phase will include 1-2 model call sessions, and we will add more if needed based on the overall session experience, resulting images, client feedback, and the Associate’s readiness to progress. Following each Model Call session, we will review the gallery of images and client feedback together via zoom.
PHASE 1
Juliette is the primary photographer and you will tag along and observe. Use these times to really pay attention to how I interact with clients, how I shoot, and handle situations. This will be a good time to go over the session flow and provide overall session direction. The associate will observe and can do some shooting.
→ Monica: shadow with Amie S. on Sunday, June 1st
→ Kate: Erin G., Friday, June 13th @2:30p
PHASE 2
The Associate will take the lead with the clients, and I will be right by your side, shooting, offering feedback, and overall direction in the moment.
→ June 15th - minis @ The Wharf Waterfront park (2 clients each) Monica+ Kate
→ August: TBD
PHASE 3
The Associate is the primary photographer, and I am there only to observe (no shooting). I will provide feedback immediately following the session, and will only step in to assist upon request.
PHASE 4
The Associate is the primary photographer and will run the shoot Solo. I will not attend the session, but will connect with the clients afterwards to get feedback on the overall experience.
Tools & Gear
As an associate photographer and independent contractor, you are responsible for bringing and maintaining your own gear. It’s important that you come to sessions fully prepared and equipped.
REQUIRED GEAR
A camera body - Full Frame or Mirrorless DSLR camera body
(Examples: Nikon Z6, Canon R6, Sony A7III)
Lenses:
- 24mm (preferred) or 35mm or 24-70mm. Luminous lenses (f/1.2–f/2.0) are ideal.
- 50mm or 85mm for portraits or creamy compression
At least 2 batteries (fully charged)
Multiple memory cards (at least 4 for dual card slots use for backup). 32GB or 64GB is enough.
Always double-check card space and battery level before every session.
GEAR EXPECTATIONS
Your gear must be in full working order and reliable. Please check equipment before each session.
You are responsible for ensuring backups (camera + card) are available on the day of the shoot.
If your gear changes or gets damaged and affects your availability or ability to shoot, let me know as soon as possible. You’ll need to find a replacement asap.
DEFAULT CAMERA SETTINGS
File Type: RAW
Shooting Mode: Manual
Shutter Speed: 1/500s minimum (faster for active kids)
Aperture: f/1.4–4.5
- f/1.4–2.0 for single subjects, small groups (2-3) or close-ups
- f/2.8–4.5 for whole families or layered depthISO: Auto
White Balance: Auto WB
Focus Mode: Continuous (AI-Servo/AF-C) with Eye/Face Detection (if available)
Drive Mode: Continuous Low (to catch micro-moments without overshooting)
Back Button Focusing. Let me know if you need help with that.
Session Prep Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare before every session. It helps keep everything aligned with the experience I promise my clients—relaxed, intentional, and well cared for. You also need to double-check weather conditions 24 hours before the session and plan accordingly. I will probably check the weather too before that and text you if we need to change the date.
1. DAY BEFORE THE SESSION
Review Client Info
Enter the name, phone number, and address of your client in your cell phone. You can also add names of all family members (pets included) if you’re forgetful like me! The day of, I just have to enter their name in Google map. Easy-peasy.
Read through the client questionnaire. There will be 1-2 things they want you to photograph and not miss: this is your priority
Know the names of everyone involved
Be aware of any sensitivities, needs, or special instructions shared in the questionnaire
Location
Review the session location (address, parking, light) and how much time you need to get there
Scout if unfamiliar—or arrive 10 min early to walk the space
Note available light, best backgrounds, distractions, etc.
Gear Check
Fully charge all batteries
Format and test memory cards
Clean lenses and sensor if needed
Pack lenses you want to use
Bring extra cards, batteries, and a clean cloth
Double-check bag includes everything on the gear list
Outfit & Presentation
Dress professionally but comfortably—you may be crouching, running, or getting low! I never wear any dress or skirt as you need to get on your knees or shoot from above, preferably no visible bra straps, no décolletage as you’ll bend over 😜, I usually don’t wear white pants as they get dirty too quickly!
Have shoes you can move in (no flip-flops or crocs)
No chewing gum
Nails done or not but no in-between
Wear layers if shooting outdoors
2. JUST BEFORE THE SESSION
Calm + Center Yourself
Take a moment to breathe and ground yourself—you set the energy
Have your gear ready, camera settings tested for light, ISO, etc.
Client Chat (The “Welcome Speech”)
Greet the family warmly (and by name if possible) and introduce yourself “My name is… and I’m here to take your photos today/ are you ready for today’s shoot?”
Reassure them it’s okay if the kids are shy or wild—you’re here to document them as they are
Give a 30-second rundown of how the session will flow
Example: “I’ll be mostly hands-off and will gently guide you when needed. You don’t need to look at me or pose—just enjoy your time together. I read in your questionnaire that you wanted to do XXX, do you want to start with this?”You’re not expected to entertain, but your energy should make families feel safe and trustful.
Keep in mind if they had any specific things they mentioned in the questionnaire and capture that.
3. DURING THE SESSION
Watch the light and background
Stay observant of connections and emotions
Keep moving, shoot from different angles and distances
Stay engaged and positive—even if chaos unfolds (especially then!)
Capture establishing shots, wide scenes, mid-shots, details, and close-ups
communication and workflow
To keep everything smooth, respectful of your time, and aligned with the level of care I want my clients to experience, here’s how we’ll handle communication and workflow before and after sessions.
Assignments
All inquiries and bookings come through me (Juliette) first. Once a session is confirmed for you, I’ll send you a text message right away so you can tentatively block the date (you have sent me your available dates beforehand). I’ll then follow up with an email including the questionnaire they have filled out. They might not answer it until last minute even though they receive several reminders. It will give you all you need (names and ages of children, location and details so you can get a feel for the family and what they’re into)
👉 In the near future, I’ll be introducing a scheduling system with a shared calendar and automatic workflows so you can input your availability, claim sessions directly and have all the infos in one place.
Client Communication
I’ll handle all client communication leading up to the session. You just focus on preparing and showing up!
The day before the session, you’ll send a quick, friendly text message to the client to confirm the following:
A warm hello and introduction
Time and meeting point
Reminder that they can text you directly if they’re running late or have a question
Example:
“Hi! I’m [Your Name], your photographer for tomorrow’s session with Juliette’s studio. Just confirming we’re still on for [time] at [location]. Feel free to text me here if anything comes up. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!”
☔️ We may eventually shift who handles last-minute weather-related rescheduling (48 hours prior and not 24 hours), but I’ll keep you in the loop and provide instructions if we’re expecting rain or need to change plans. For now, let’s monitor weather and text if we think it’s best to reschedule.
After the session
After your session is complete:
Send all unedited digital files (RAWs) via WeTransfer to me within 48 hours (the sooner, the better).
I would appreciate a quick text about the session when you’re done:
How was the family
Anything special or sweet that happened
Technical issues or hiccups I should know about
Any image you’re especially proud of or unsure about
Especially the first times, I’d love to know how it went and how you felt to we can work on it later. This feedback also helps me connect with the client when I follow up—and improves editing and delivery consistency.
Pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage and relax!
your guide for photographing families
This guide is here to help you create storytelling images for families, in the same heartfelt and authentic style clients know and love. I’m sharing all my best tips and behind-the-scenes tricks. Think of this as your go-to resource whenever you need a refresher. It’s the foundation of our work together.
Click on the image.