So much goes into planning a session, and seeing the result is worth everything that has to go into it. As a photographer, I love when everything during the session runs smoothly, we have the time to go through the poses we’ve talked about. I love being prepared for weather, and knowing my equipment is ready to go.
I have a consultation with each client for these reasons. Confirming what everyone will wear and talking about how you want everything to look are important to me, as it will help you enjoy the session. Confirming date, time, and location ensures we all show up ready, at the right place and time.
I know there are days when your child all of a sudden doesn’t want to wear what you picked out for him or her. I know there are days when it’s a struggle just to get one person ready and out the door on time. All of this creates a stress before the session, and if I can’t get you to let go of that stress, it shows in all your portraits.
I study posing and posing prompts in order to help you relax. Once you relax, it’s easier for your family to relax and the photos turn out much better. Tip: before the session while you are still in the car, take a deep breath, stretch your neck, and roll your shoulders, then come and let me control the chaos. Trust me. Kids feel safe when they are having fun, so let’s have fun.
Confirming the location ensures that I will tell your family's story as well as show up at the right place. When we meet for our consultation I have some locations in mind, but I’m always up for a challenge and something new. If you have a location that is special to you or your family let me know so I can plan appropriately. I want this artwork of your family to be all about you.
Photographers know the best light is at sunrise and sunset. Knowing when these happen can be found on most weather apps. Most photographers will allow you to book in the middle of the day for convenience, and a lot of extra work goes into those photos to make sure they are perfect. Cloudy days are a photographer’s best friend because the clouds provide a natural light diffuser.
In the summer, I only book sessions around sunset. In the fall, winter, and spring I’m a little more flexible because there are some things you need to capture before they disappear for the year, like flowers, or the leaves turning colors, or Christmas lights, or snow.
These are all things you will want to discuss with your photographer before you have your session, what you will wear, location, time, and date. Be weather conscious about your session and know your photographer will want to make you feel comfortable, but showing up prepared is the best way to be comfortable at your session.
For those moments when your child refuses to wear what you picked out, know that they want to be comfortable too, and most of the time they don’t want to ruin your artwork, they just want to express themselves. Help them find something that expresses who they are, that you approve of.
So, what makes a portrait session a success? Feeling relaxed, being yourself, enjoying the time with your family, and letting me control the chaos. I've got this, and your artwork will be amazing.
