I’m excited to capture you and your loved ones! Custom full session photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest photos of your family and children. The goal is not to get stiff and posed shot with everyone looking at the camera but to capture the true essence of your family.
I take a “lifestyle” approach to my full sessions which means I capture what is natural to your family — no cliche posing. I use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. With my background working with people, I' capable of putting my clients at ease. With my years of experience working with people, I’m also able to anticipate moments before they happen. With a fast shutter speed, I can capture moments otherwise missed by an iphone. Because Mom is usually the photographer in the family I focus heavily on making sure she is captured with her children.
Communication
I will be in touch with you about 1 week before our session to discuss timing and answer any questions. In the meantime, the best way to communicate with me is via e-mail.
Location Guide
I highly suggest my families select a favorite location from my Location list. Please email me your preferred location 2-3 weeks before our session. If you want to create the look that defines most of portfolio, I highly suggest a rustic location.
Time of Day
All of my outdoor sessions are scheduled for photographing in the evening, about 1 hour before sunset. Shooting one to two hours before sunset provides gorgeous light, and atmosphere and naturally enhances skin tone. Many families tell me that they simply have the kids take a late nap or have some downtime prior to their evening session.
I will be in touch the day before with any minor tweaks on an exact time to start shooting based on the lighting conditions for the day.
If we are shooting at your home indoors, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best.
Arrival
Remember, your session is scheduled according to available light. Please arrive on time and plan for any traffic or parking constraints.
What To Wear
It is my hope that when you look at your photos you think less of what you were wearing and more about how much you love your family. Your wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. Visit my WHAT TO WEAR page for basic suggestions. My sessions involve moment so here a few tips:
- To avoid wrinkles on the ride over bring clothes on hangers and change at arrival
- Remove wallets and phones out of all pockets (back pockets, too)
- Dispose of chewing gum
- If your little girl is wearing a dress, please consider purchasing a cute diaper cover or leggings as keeping the diaper from showing will be one less thing to think about during an active shoot
- Keep jewelry simple (especially necklaces)
Weather
Due to the MANY weather updates that can take place in a short period of time, I don’t make any decision about the weather until 24 hours days before the session time. If I decide to reschedule, I will notify you by email to reschedule asap. I try to schedule on our “rain date” or within the same week of your session. When making this decision, I consider clouds, sun, wind, and chances of precipitation. I ask for your trust in my professional judgments or decisions around rescheduling due to the weather. I’ve been doing this for over a decade and am aware of what kind of weather produces the best portraits. In-depth policies regarding weather are detailed in our agreement. Flexibility is key for outdoor photography.
Rescheduling Policies
I totally understand that life happens.
And also . . . when I reserve a date on my calendar, often weeks or months in advance, it also means I am turning down other families, e.i. business. I’m also planning my own family life around your booking. So if you need to reschedule I kindly ask you to consider the impact and provide as much advance notice as possible. The non-refundable retainer fee serves as a cancellation fee. However, it can be credited towards a future session if you email me 72 hours prior to the date of the session and re-book at an agreeable date and time. If you reschedule more than once, a $75 fee will be charged to your session to cover losses. Sessions canceled on the same day must still be paid in full. More details on my cancellation and rescheduling policies can be reviewed in our contract.
Session Length
The sunset is our time limit. Family portrait sessions rarely last more than an hour. However, I allow up to 2 hours to provide for anything unexpected. However, I can quickly get a diverse and adequate gallery in a short amount of time.
What to Bring
I travel lightly and do not use props during my sessions. However, bringing a simple, neutral-colored blanket can be very useful. If you have something you'd like to add, please let me know. If possible, please do your best to provide snacks BEFORE the session, not during. If you do, please provide only non-messy snacks that dissolve quickly and clear, stain-free liquids so their little faces and teeth are clean for the session. I kindly ask you not to invite people to the session without previous approval. Pets are allowed if the location allows and if they are on a leash. Let me know in advance if you are bringing a pet.
Depending on the season we are in, some helpful things to pack may be: tissues or wipes for any runny noses
non-oily bug spray, lip balm, hand warmers for winter shoots (make sure to activate in the car ride over) anything to help with staying comfortable such as a complimentary colored blanket.
Preparing the Kids
No “cheese.” Children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural self. There are no smiles “required” at my sessions. Don't worry if your child is running about and active as most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring. I’m going to worry about your kids so you don’t have to.
Simply be. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child or hold the child and we go from there. Please don’t tell your child to look at the camera. I will direct you when to look at the camera. About 80% of my photos are interactive (not-looking.) If they smile, it’s going to be because YOU made them laugh!! (No bribes are necessary when the experience itself is the reward.)
Bring your own inner child. Playful distractions like tickles, being tossed in the air, and twirling in circles work wonders on kids’ who aren’t “feeling” it.
Eat before the session, not during. To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for play, however, I will probably still shoot during the breaks.
Meeting a friend. If we haven’t photographed together before, it can be helpful to tell little ones you’re meeting a new friend who will be taking some photos of them as it's best to not surprise them. Build the session to your family as it really is: an opportunity to spend time together.
Calm your own nerves. Kids sense their parents’ anxiety and this translates through the lens. Once you arrive, I am going to worry about things from here. If for any reason you feel anxious, just look at this family you love, and remember why you’re here in the first place.
For the Adults
- No chewing gum (even if you think you can hide it).
- Take your phones out of your pockets.
- Wear clothing in which you can play or be active in.( My sessions involve a lot of movement.)
- Refrain from showing your frustration or scolding your kids if they aren’t “behaving.”
After the Session
Please allow up to 3-4 weeks for your images to be complete. An email invitation to a private online gallery will be sent to you from where you can download your gallery as full-resolution files, along with the print release. Additional images will be available for purchase if desired. All galleries close in 30 days after which your gallery will be permanently removed. Please download your images immediately, and back them up upon receipt.
I can't wait to photograph your family! If you have any questions or concerns, I'm just an email away!
xo,
Pam