Before your session
Location: I work "on-location" only at this time. This means I come to YOU! Choose a location where you will feel comfortable and at ease--a location that means something to you and has appealing, colorful backgrounds. I prefer backyards and quiet parks to over-used, over-crowded, touristy photo venues. There are lots of places probably right around your neighborhood that would be perfect: an old barn, a jazzy alley way, a meadow of wild flowers, or a quiet window seat in your own home. With children, I always recommend staying close to home. It makes one less variable to worry about the day of your session! If we’re working indoors, choose rooms that have the most natural sunlight as possible. I can work in any lighting environment, but nothing compares to the perfect, soft glow that Mother Nature already provides! For venue suggestions click here.
Time: I always try to avoid “high noon” for outdoor shoots, but really any time of day works as long as there is sufficient shade. The main concern is to choose a time of day when your family will be happy, well-rested, and well-fed. If at all possible, try to choose a day when there is not a lot else on the schedule. This will help everyone feel relaxed and focused for the session.
Wardrobe: Wear clothing that is comfortable and reflects your personal style. Be sure clothing will not bunch or shift awkwardly as you move about. This is especially true for children who are often unaware of how their clothing is laying. In my opinion, simple, colorful play clothes make for much better photos than stiff, formal attire. Also, avoid distracting patterns, large logos, shiny fabrics, etc. that will end up being the focus of the picture (instead of you!). As far as colors are concerned, just avoid anything neon and you’ll be fine. I personally prefer a variety of fresh, classy colors, but really this is a matter of personal preference and almost any color will look great!
Preparing your home and your family: For sessions within your home, choose a couple rooms that you think will work best and clear them of any clutter or distracting items. Give your family plenty of notice about your upcoming session so they can prepare. Let them know this will not be like a typical studio session. You will be moving around and playing as a family. The more “fun” you have, the better the pictures will be!
The big day
Get ready: Make sure children are well rested and have full bellies before your session begins. Bring along a small snack (that isn’t messy—fruit snacks and Smarties work great) to help keep little ones focused. It is also a good idea to have wet wipes and tissues on hand, for obvious reasons! If we are outdoors, be sure to use sun block and bug repellent as needed. Nothing ruins a session more than a swarm of mosquitoes or gnats!
Get set: If I haven’t received your contract yet, please have it ready with your payment when I arrive. We will start your session by walking through what shots you have envisioned. I will take light readings and test shots to be sure I’m ready. I may also ask that you move some furniture to get better angles and lighting. After that, sit back, relax and let me handle everything!
Go: A typically session last anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the number of people involved and the needs of the children. There is no need to feel rushed. I understand that young children will only sit for 5-10 minutes at a time. Feel free to take liberal breaks for snacks, diaper changes, play, etc. One of the great advantages of having a photographer come to your home is that you are not held to a specific time table. The best thing you can do is relax and have fun. Please don’t stress over making your children look at the camera and smile. That’s my job! Play with your children, talk about the holidays, vacations, or their favorite activities, tell jokes, and be goofy. The smiles will come!
What happens next
Process Time: After your session, I take approximately 2 weeks to process and edit your photos. I go through each image and make sure that it looks its very best. Once your photos are all ready, I upload them to their own private, password-protect gallery on my website. I will email you as soon as your gallery is available. Feel free to share the link and password with friends and family who may wish to see and order photos as well! You will receive your DVD with print release in the mail via USPS shortly after your gallery posts.
Prints: I work with a premier, professional print service to bring you exquisite, true-to-life photos. My online ordering system works much the same way other online photo services do. A complete line of sizes and finishes are offered in both standard prints and canvases at very competitive prices. Photo cards are also available. Prints are sent directly to your home via USPS.
DVD: You will receive a DVD in the mail within a couple days of your gallery posting. This DVD contains all the images from your gallery in high-resolution format. You have permission to print images for personal use and post on personal blogs, facebook pages, etc. I hope you love your images enough to want to show them off any way you can!
DVD: You will receive a DVD in the mail within a couple days of your gallery posting. This DVD contains all the images from your gallery in high-resolution format. You have permission to print images for personal use and post on personal blogs, facebook pages, etc. I hope you love your images enough to want to show them off any way you can!
Inclement Weather Policy
First, and foremost, I want each of my clients to have a fun and relaxed session and be thrilled with the final product. I am willing to go through mud, rain, and snow to take a picture if YOU feel comfortable with it and that is what YOU want. However, there is no penalty for canceling or rescheduling your session as long as you do so BEFORE I need to leave my home for the session. Once I arrive on site, I will gladly shoot what I can and/or give a 50% discount for a re-do appointment, if you so choose.
I know that weather issues can be very frustrating! I so wish I could order a warm, sunny day for each of my sessions! The decision to reschedule, relocated or even cancel your session is always entirely up to you. Please call/email me if you wish to discuss your options. I want to do everything I can to produce the best images possible for your family!
