I want to cover a few questions and concerns I get asked frequently in hopes of helping you know what you can expect when booking a session with me. I know it may be hard to believe (especially if you have had a bad family photo experience in the past) but we are going to have fun together! I know for most people, (husbands especially) having their photo taken is not something they look forward to. I know just how to make you feel comfortable and relax in front of my camera to capture natural smiles and emotion. When you book a session, you will receive my free Welcome Guide full of tips for choosing outfits and lots of great info to ensure your experience goes as smoothly as possible.
Here is how a typical family session will go… I always start with the entire family smiling and looking at the camera. After we get a few of those shots, we will break off into smaller groups as well as get individual shots. We will finish your session by all coming back together. This is the fun part where we play games and get more candid shots! I try to get some more tender/loving shots as well as some playful ones. You will cry happy tears when you see the photos of you loving on your sweet family and just having fun together!
NOW TO THE QUESTIONS:
Q. Do you give more candid shots or more posed shots?
A. You will get a few everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos, perfect for your Christmas card and lot’s more candid shots full of emotion. If you are looking to recreate a list of poses you saw on Pinterest and want everyone looking at the camera in every shot, I may not be the best fit for you and that’s ok!
Q. Will you help pose me? I’m nervous because I don’t know how to pose and I’m awkward in front of the camera.
A. Don’t you even worry, I’m going to make you look amazing! I will direct you and give you and your family some actions and games to play that will loosen you all up and help you look like a natural in front of the camera.
Q. What do you recommend we wear to our session? I’m stressing out!
A. After you book a session with me, I send you my Family Welcome Guide with lots of great tips as well as a Pinterest board for inspiration! You can also check out this blog post for some free information. I personally love a more neutral color palette with a mix of softer earth tones and textures!
Q. What time of day is the best for lighting?
A. I typically schedule sessions to start an hour before sunset, so it varies a lot throughout the year. Lighting is the single most important element in creating gorgeous photos, so it’s important that we schedule around the best lighting!
Q. Will you photoshop me to look thinner?
A. My answer is, you don’t need it! I know poses that will flatter you and make you look and feel great! I only make minor adjustments in photoshop, such as acne, scrapes/bruises, fly away hairs, lint, etc. My general rule is: if it isn’t usually there, I will remove it. I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten frantic messages from moms the night before their session saying their toddler just fell and scraped up their face! If you have a concern, you can always bring it up to be before your session.
Q. I have a toddler and I’m worried they won’t cooperate.
A. Honestly, they probably won’t cooperate the entire time (I know mine don’t). However, I know tons of tricks and games to win them over! The good news is, it only takes a fraction of a second to get a great photo. So even if you leave your session feeling like your toddler was terrible I promise you will still get some great shots you love!
Q. How will I get my photos back after the session?
A. The days of burning them to a CD or flash drive are in the past! Once your photos are done, I will email you with a link to an online gallery where you can view and download all your photos. It’s so nice and easy! *Bonus: they are backed up online for 10 years!
Q. Do you offer prints?
A. I do and I try hard to keep them affordable. Once you have ordered a professional quality print, you won’t go back. They are so beautiful! One hour photo labs just don’t compare!
Q. How soon can I expect to get my photos back?
A. I always get your photos back to you within 2 weeks from your session. I know that wait can feel like forever, so I will post at least one sneak peek in the meantime (so you can sleep and your mom will get off your back haha).
Now you are a family photo pro, email me and let’s get you and your beautiful family on my schedule! I can’t wait!
