So, you've booked your session. That's wonderful! Suddenly you realize you "have nothing to wear".
No worries! Here is some info to help make planning your session a little easier.
TIPS & GUIDELINES:
To match or not to match? That is the question:
Clothing can make or break a photo. Many people like to coordinate, and that's fine, but you also don't want everyone looking exactly alike. Keep in mind individual's tastes. I recommend sticking to a color scheme, meaning that everyone have one color alike in their clothing, but they are not all necessarily wearing the exact same color. Solids are great, blacks and white, not so great for the camera or for looks. Lastly, keep in mind that any skin showing draws attention away from the face, so tanks (as well as super revealing low-neck blouses) and short skirts are not recommended and you should always dress for comfort. In other words: THE SIMPLER THE BETTER. Brightly colored solids are awesome!
Are glasses a no-go?
Glasses can sometimes make a shoot difficult. Be prepared to take them off if necessary. If you have the option of contacts, you should use them.
Becoming one with the Earth
I will often have clients sit on grass or rocks, etc. If you're not cool with being that close to nature, let me know beforehand. Also, know that you may be asked to get active (jump, lie down, play, etc.) If you have flexibility issues or problems sitting a certain way, let me know at out first meet.
Changing outfits
I don't recommend changing outfits. If time allows, I may be able to do one outfit change if it's only for a baby, but remember, it's your time and money, and kids lose patience quickly. Would you rather get the shot or the outfit?
Bring supplies
A typical family shoot takes about 1-2 hours. I'm pretty quick, but kids are kids. You should bring water, a light snack (nothing that could get stuck in teeth) and wipes.
Nap time is a no-no
If you have young children, do your very best not to schedule a session during nap time, unless I am photographing a newborn. They will likely be cranky and unwilling to sit and follow directions. Unless you're looking for that "pouty duck-lips" shot, I would schedule a session after a nap.
Setting the right mood
We all get into bad moods from time to time. If you think your child/children are just not up for it on the day of the shoot, or if they get sick, as young kids tend to do a lot, please do me the courtesy of letting me know as soon as possible so we can reschedule. I will not hold you financially responsible if you let me know in time (at least 24hrs in advance), but if I arrive at the location and no one is there, you will be billed accordingly.
Bring a helper
A good helper can go a looooong way. If the plan is to photograph more than one child, it's a great idea to bring someone along whom you trust to occupy him/her while the brother/sister has their turn. You might not always be free to leave us alone (i.e. if the baby is too young to sit up alone or cries when you put her/him down. The helper will take a load off your mind by reading a story or sharing a snack with the other sibling(s).
Have FUN!
Isn't that the most important thing of all? Your shoot should be something to look forward to, not something to stress out about. Forced smiles are appealing to no one, so keep it light!
Clothing can make or break a photo. Many people like to coordinate, and that's fine, but you also don't want everyone looking exactly alike. Keep in mind individual's tastes. I recommend sticking to a color scheme, meaning that everyone have one color alike in their clothing, but they are not all necessarily wearing the exact same color. Solids are great, blacks and white, not so great for the camera or for looks. Lastly, keep in mind that any skin showing draws attention away from the face, so tanks (as well as super revealing low-neck blouses) and short skirts are not recommended and you should always dress for comfort. In other words: THE SIMPLER THE BETTER. Brightly colored solids are awesome!
Are glasses a no-go?
Glasses can sometimes make a shoot difficult. Be prepared to take them off if necessary. If you have the option of contacts, you should use them.
Becoming one with the Earth
I will often have clients sit on grass or rocks, etc. If you're not cool with being that close to nature, let me know beforehand. Also, know that you may be asked to get active (jump, lie down, play, etc.) If you have flexibility issues or problems sitting a certain way, let me know at out first meet.
Changing outfits
I don't recommend changing outfits. If time allows, I may be able to do one outfit change if it's only for a baby, but remember, it's your time and money, and kids lose patience quickly. Would you rather get the shot or the outfit?
Bring supplies
A typical family shoot takes about 1-2 hours. I'm pretty quick, but kids are kids. You should bring water, a light snack (nothing that could get stuck in teeth) and wipes.
Nap time is a no-no
If you have young children, do your very best not to schedule a session during nap time, unless I am photographing a newborn. They will likely be cranky and unwilling to sit and follow directions. Unless you're looking for that "pouty duck-lips" shot, I would schedule a session after a nap.
Setting the right mood
We all get into bad moods from time to time. If you think your child/children are just not up for it on the day of the shoot, or if they get sick, as young kids tend to do a lot, please do me the courtesy of letting me know as soon as possible so we can reschedule. I will not hold you financially responsible if you let me know in time (at least 24hrs in advance), but if I arrive at the location and no one is there, you will be billed accordingly.
Bring a helper
A good helper can go a looooong way. If the plan is to photograph more than one child, it's a great idea to bring someone along whom you trust to occupy him/her while the brother/sister has their turn. You might not always be free to leave us alone (i.e. if the baby is too young to sit up alone or cries when you put her/him down. The helper will take a load off your mind by reading a story or sharing a snack with the other sibling(s).
Have FUN!
Isn't that the most important thing of all? Your shoot should be something to look forward to, not something to stress out about. Forced smiles are appealing to no one, so keep it light!
Get a head start! Download the Session Questionnaire below and bring it with you to our first meeting!
| session_questionnaire.doc |