So you booked your mini session, now what?
I am excited to capture you and your loved ones. Custom 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. I take a documentary approach to photography and 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. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.
things you should know about your session.
Nothing goes as planned when children are involved, and that's OKAY! They will never be this little ever again, let them enjoy it, YOU enjoy it! I never force the little ones to do anything they do not want to do. I rarely capture any families stiffly posed with everyone looking and smiling, to me it feels unnatural. Instead, my goal is to capture the true bond of your family. I will instruct you to stand in a general area or position and I may say things along the lines of "group hug, everyone squeeze!" or "tickle time" and the results are genuine laughs, love, and fun! Just take this time to enjoy your life and family just the way they are.
Never stress about what the kids are doing or if they're looking and smiling, I'll take care of them, that's why you're here. When the adults are trying to get the little ones to look and smile it only lasts for a second and then no one looks happy or relaxed- that's not the goal. The only poor behavior I will not tolerate is the adults. I will not allow any threatening, bribing, or negatively discipline to children. I will end any session I do not feel safe in.
If there is a meltdown, diaper blow out, spit up, or any of the million things that could "go wrong" that's OKAY! It's life, its parenting, IT HAPPENS! We'll work through it together! We're now a team.
I want you to enjoy this time together as a family, as if it were an evening at the park. Nothing about this experience should stress you out, if you feel stressed TALK TO ME, I will gladly help you through it.
Mini session reminders
These sessions are quick and fast paced. All I ask of you is to be at the location early, so you are READY when your session starts. Please do not interrupt any ongoing sessions. Mini sessions are back-to-back and fast paced, if you are late it will cut into your time not the next persons. I offer mini sessions as an inexpensive way to provide my clients art that they will forever cherish. I will do whatever I have to do to get your children's undivided attention, do not stress yourself out if they are not doing what you think they should be, I'm a mom of 3 and work best in chaos, it's all okay we'll make it fun for them so I can capture images of your family's authenticity.
Props
I do not use props in mini sessions unless clearly indicated in the promotional offering upon scheduling.
Your Children
Keep in mind that 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. Don't worry if your child is running about and active, most of the images you see of young children on my website were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring.
Prepare your child for the session in a fun way by letting them know a friend will be taking some photos of them, it's not best to surprise them. Please note that if you are negatively or obsessively disciplining your children, I will end our session without refund and deliver the images I was able to capture.
Galleries
I typically aim to have galleries delivered VIA email with a digital download link within 3-5 weeks. Please keep in mind these are mini sessions, and I fit several families into 1 day on top of my regular client schedule. I am also many things outside of photography and have operational hours just as any other business.
What if?
Trust me, I've thought of it, experienced it and planned for it. There's no judgement, expectations, or concrete plan. Life happens and I get it. We're in this together and I got you.