THANK YOU
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for choosing me to document your family. There are a lot of photographers to choose from out there, and it is an honour you chose me.
I am so excited to work with you and your family - to document you, and your love for one another, just as you are today
I love to create photographs that tell your story and show your connection, emotions, and love - images of all the important parts of life.
When the hectic nature of the everyday takes over, I want your photos to be your happy place,
a reminder of just how big your love for one another is. A way to bring a smile to your face.
So let’s get ready. Let’s get excited. It’s your family’s time to shine, in all your beautiful glory.
ARE YOU READY?
Don’t panic. You’ve got this.
I know it can be stressful planning for a photo session, but it doesn’t have to be.
There’s a lot to think about:
“What will we wear?”
“Will my kids behave?”
“What if it rains? Or snows?” (We do live in Alberta, afterall.)
Here are some tips to help the preparation for your session go as smoothly as possible, and I am here to help you at any point along the way -
you can contact me any time with any question big or small.
THE KIDS
Kids are happiest when they’re well rested and fed.
Try to stick to the regular bedtime routine the night before, and/or sneak in an extra nap or quiet time on the day of the session.
Have a meal beforehand, but also bring some water and snacks along just in case (but don’t tell the kids about the snacks - save for emergency use only).
Please try to pick snacks that won’t stain your clothes easily - you worked hard to pick out that outfit!
If you are bringing along a special treat or toy to entice good behaviour, please try to save it for when the session is finished.
Talk to your kids about the session beforehand.
Try to make it sound exciting and what it will really be - a time for fun and togetherness.
Keeping a calm, fun energy about it will help them be excited instead of nervous.
Don’t worry about if your kids act out, or don’t look at the camera.
I will work with them to get their attention and give them the opportunity to have fun.
We’ll incorporate some play and exploration time into the session, which usually
turns it into a fun time and smooth sailing for the rest of the session.
Think laughs, hugs, play time, tickling, and other fun your family has.
It’s in these natural connective actions we can get the most ORGANIC and exciting images.
THE PARENTS
Remember to try to calm your own nerves.
Relaxed parents have more fun, which helps kids become the most comfortable.
Try to feel as if the camera isn’t there, and you’re just out to have fun with your family.
Snuggle your partner, and those kiddos.
Laugh lots.
Give that piggy back ride.
Tell jokes.
Have fun.
THE FURRY FRIENDS
Pets are always welcome at your session - they are part of the family, too!
If you do bring your pet(s) to the family shoot, ensure they get some brisk exercise before coming out.
This will allow for a (hopefully) calmer experience for them (and you).
Remember poop bags, their collar and leash, and some water.
Fun tip: Find a fun collar and leash that coordinate with your outfits for that extra special touch.
THE LOOK
Picking out clothing for your shoot can be stressful - I totally get it!
I want you to be comfortable and feel like you, so I recommend dressing as you normally would - let your style shine.
If possible, bring at least one change of clothes for everyone - accidents happen!
If you are planning hair cuts prior to, please do so at least a week before your shoot.
This gives time for the hair to grow into a new cut, and allows time for tweaks and perfections to the style.
Here are some tips to help find the best outfits for your family that will look great in your photos for years to come.
Above all of the following recommendations, I want you to be comfortable.
Please don’t feel obligated to wear anything you don’t feel your best in.
This is your story, and I want your clothing choices to
reflect your own personal style.
My recommendations are based on the types and colours of clothing that tend to photograph the best and may help enhance your photos.
FAMILIES
Stick with a colour palette of three to four complementary colours.
If we’re shooting among a lot of greenery, maroon/pink/rust/red/mustard tones work beautifully, as do light neutrals.
If we’re shooting in a fall/rocky/neutral setting, green/mustard/rust/pink/darker and lighter neutral tones work great.
For winter sessions, earthy blues/greens/reds/mustards are a nice contrast.
Please stay away from overly bright or flourescent colours
Parents in solid neutrals and kids in brighter tones and/or patterns helps distinguish the kids from the adults and is more appealing to the eye.
Moms in long flowy maxi dresses or skirts work wonderfully. If dresses aren’t your jam, a long, flowy cardigan or shawl works great too.
Shoes or sandals in neutral tones work great - or ditch the shoes and go barefoot.
TIP: Non-glare glasses will help keep reflections and glare in check.
AVOID: Everyone wearing the same outfit - mix it up and show your unique style and personalities. If incorporating plaid, try to use a larger print and limit to one person.
KIDS & TEENS
Layered looks work great, as do complimenting prints.
Soft and contrasting textures work well.
Clothes should be fitted, not baggy.
Accessories such as hats, simple headbands, scarves, or a favourite (small) stuffy are most welcome.
Bare feet or fun shoes/sandals.
TIP: Including your kiddos in their clothing choices may help them get excited about the session.
AVOID: Huge logos or brand names that date the image and distract the eye.
BABIES & TODDLERS
Soft or brighter solids, and soft textures are lovely.
Simple styles like onesies are simple and classic.
TIP: Bring layers and a change of clothes in case of a spill, FALL, spit-up, diaper mishap, or weather change.
AVOID: Overly fancy clothing or shoes (eg. huge collars, giant headbands, etc.). They compete for attention with the baby.
THE WEATHER HUES AND BLUES
I love shooting outdoors.
Outdoor sessions offer GREAT available light and natural surroundings.
They give your kids room to roam and explore, and have fresh air.
When scheduling outdoor sessions, I recommend shooting during the last 60-90 minutes before the sun sets.
This is called “Golden Hour” and allows for that beautifully flattering, warm, glowy light we all love.
BUT…
…Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans.
Don’t worry though, we have options:
Plan A: When it’s inevitable that the weather will be sour for our session time -
we can reschedule.
Plan B: If you’re up for adventure and the clouds are being wishy-washy,
we can take our chances - if you’re ready to possibly dance in the rain.
If the weather gets too rough, we can wait and try to finish the session later.
IN-HOME SESSIONS
Having your session at your own home is a great way to document your family’s real life in a place that is comfortable for everyone.
They’re also ideal for newborn sessions -
no packing up baby and the diaper bag. Mom can relax on her own sofa.
Here are some tips to prepare for in-home sessions:
Tidy your home, but don’t stress about it.
Clearing clutter can help create a cleaner image, but don’t feel the need to go overboard.
We still want your images to reflect your home and family.
I (and my camera) won’t notice a bit of dust on that bookshelf, or a stray sock under the couch.Shooting in the key rooms at the time of day with the brightest indirect light is ideal.
Usually the living room, master bedroom, and kids’ rooms.
Time depends on time of year and direction your windows face.Feel free to send me some cell phone snaps of the rooms you’d like to shoot in.
Try to take the photos at the time you feel the light is the best.Finding an activity or two to do with the kids can make for some fun photos.
eg. building with blocks, baking, playing a quick game, or having a dance party.Include your furry family members.
Don’t stress if your pup barks or jumps at first. I’m a-ok with all pets
and love to include them since they’re part of your family as well.
THE PROCESS
Wondering what happens before and after the session?
Wonder no more.
UPON BOOKING
I will send you my investment guide to help you choose the session type you want.
I will send you my contract and we will work out payment.
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
We will discuss and settle on a location and time (if we haven’t already).
I will send you my client questionnaire. This will help me get to know your family better and provide a more personalized service.
1-2 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SESSION
I’ll touch base with you via email to confirm all of the details for our session date, time and location.
THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION
When we meet, we’ll chat for a few minutes and I’ll introduce myself to your kiddos before we start the session.
Please make sure to arrive on time as we will be chasing the light.
2-4 WEEKS AFTER YOUR SESSION
I will email you a private, password protected online gallery of your session images which you can download.
Any print or product orders can be placed at this time.
4-6 WEEKS AFTER YOUR PRINT/PRODUCT ORDER DATE (IF APPLICABLE)
Your prints and albums will be ready for pickup.
I will contact you to arrange a pickup time that works for us both.
THE CHECKLIST
I get it - getting ready is frantic.
The kids are running wild, the dog is barking, you’re still debating between the pink or the GREEN.
Get the bag, get the snacks, get the heck in the car!
Am I right?
Here are a few things you may need to make our session run as smoothly as possible:
Your planned outfits, and at least one extra for everyone.
An extra layer in case it gets chilly.
Any accessories you would like to use - hats, scarves, etc.
Snacks and water for the kids (and a bib for baby).
Baby wipes for cleanup (I try to have some as well).
Extra diapers (if needed).
Bug spray.
That special stuffy or toy - just in case.
If bringing your pup - poop bags, collar and leash - and a lint roller.
And the most important - your excitement, enthusiasm and love for your famILY!
YOU’VE GOT THIS
