This is going to be fun!
Let’s remember, this isn’t supposed to be stressful or hard. It’s not a job interview! This is a chance for you to have that perfect photo on your wall of your family, that captures your individual personalities. Let’s just have fun and let your kids be kids. There’s nothing like being able to capture a child’s true happy face!
If you’re unsure about what to wear, just ask!
I get the same questions a lot from my client’s: “What should we wear?” First off, knowing what you are comfortable wearing is the first point. If you aren’t comfortable wearing dresses and prefer pants, then don’t show up in a dress, the camera can see your comfortableness! If it’s summer but you want everyone rugged up under a blanket, it’s just not going to work. You have to think about what everyone is comfortable in. 2nd, I will always help you with colour choices and ideas about what is going to match and work with your chosen location. Don’t be shy, because most people don’t know what colours will work but at the end of the day, you have a vision in your head of how you want that photo on your wall to look, and I’m here to make sure you get it! No matter how casual or “done up” you’d like your session to be, I’m here to help, so use me! :D
Kids will be kids.
This is so important to remember! Kids are kids. They are not meant to still and smile, especially when they have an unknown person in front of them with a big camera. It’s not in their nature to be still creatures. But fear not! I love shooting kids. Every single child is unique, they bring their own personality to every shoot and they bring an energy that can’t be tamed. I love being able to connect with a child and really break through the “shy” phase and start capturing something real. They all such individuals and I want you to be able to look around your home and see the memory of them being crazy, silly and unpredictable. So when you are stressing that the kids won’t sit and smile for the “perfect” family picture, remember they are just being kids, and it’s amazing to be a part of that! <3
Bring snacks.
Always bring a drink and snacks! It seems silly, but sometimes sessions can go for longer than expected. Kids can be tired, irritable, grumpy and sometimes it’s as simple as giving them something tasty and a drink and they are a different child. Plus, photos with food on kids faces are some of my favourites! Life is messy, and little ones remind us of that. You can also bring something that will be a “treat” if you’re wanting to get their attention or you are wanting a particular shot. I never force kids if they clearly don’t want to do a certain pose, but the amount of times it’s been as simple as offering a lollypop, wow! So, be snack wise :D
Show me what you want.
This is super important! Yes you have probably seen my work and that’s why you want to book with me, but every session is different. The image/s that you might be loving whilst researching, may not neccassarily be my standard shots, so ask, send me through examples and don’t be scared to show me what you want form this experience. I’m here to give you what you want!
Choose a photographer who’s style you love!
Another super important thing to keep in mind. You might see a pose you love from a photographer and think “Yes! I love that” But keep in mind that a lot goes into that image, not just a pose. We all edit our images different, and we all have the style that we love our images to be, so always make sure that you’re loving the overall look of someone’s work, not just one or two poses. Poses can be reproduced, but our style is unique to us. This goes hand in hand with number 5. I will always ask you for your inspiration for the session, then we plan the session together so you know exactly what my style is going to bring to your images and they way I capture families.
Is there something I missed? What do you think are the biggest things to remember when finding your photographer, booking with them and planning? I’d love to hear :D
Jess x