Location
Once you book your session and send in your deposit, it’s time to think about where you’d like your pictures to be taken. Think about where you will placing the pictures in your home. What colors are in the room? Will your photos match the *feel* of the room? Will you want your images on the wall, or, in an album for the coffee table? Do you want a rustic barn outdoor look, or something with more greenery and flowers?
Most of my photo shoots in Midland are at Dow Gardens or Chippewa Nature Center. Also, the Tridge has some nice areas. I welcome any of your suggestions---I love exploring and trying out new places (I’ll have to scout out the lighting beforehand)!
What to Wear
Once your location is set…then it’s all about your clothing! My 1st suggestion is to start with mom (for family shoots)! If mom doesn’t like how she looks in the photo, then she may not be satisfied with the entire session. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable…and then base everyone else off of that.
Your clothes don’t need to be matchy-matchy, but they should coordinate. Choose 2-3 colors that work together. That 3rd color can even be an accent color~a necklace, belt, scarf, etc. Avoid mixing too many patterns and florescent type colors. Don’t forget to keep in mind the colors of the room in which you’ll be placing the pictures. Will your fall oranges and browns match your beach themed family room? Also, If you are planning on displaying a b&w white image, you don’t need to even worry about colors!
Additional Details
Newborns are so fun to work with! I plan extra time for these sessions because little ones are on their own schedules! Babies are happiest just after naptime and when their tummies are full. If your little one needs the time during our session to be comforted, don’t worry! Unless there is an outfit you are truly dying to have your little one in, less is best. There is little else more pure than a brand new baby. Diaper covers, simple onesies, and blanket wraps truly are the best.
When I work with children, my main goal is to get them comfortable. I will spend time getting natural smiles to come out of those kiddos! It may mean a little conversation, a walk to explore, singing silly songs, or anything else that will make them feel at ease. So just ignore the crazy lady behind the camera…she may just have a method to her madness! The last thing I will do is to tell them to “say cheese”. Trust me, you will not like those smiles!
Seniors/Teens/Couples can bring along any outfit changes they would like. I do not have limits on the number of clothing changes (most usually have 2-3 different outfits). If you are involved in something that can serve as a prop...bring it along (such as your violin, dance shoes, football...etc)!
You can expect your images to be ready for you to view in your own online (password protected) proof gallery within 1 week of your photo shoot. I will also post a little sneak peak on my blog/facebook page (if web consent was given) within 2-3 days of your session. Your high resolution disk with *all* your photos will be ready for you to pick up once your online gallery has been made available to you.
And then the fun really begins…you can order professional prints through me or you can print your photos on your own. My goal is for your pictures to be beautifully displayed in your home…and that they will bring you smiles whenever you look upon them!
