Inquiring minds want to know...FAQ's.
Having your picture taken professionally is fun and exciting, and yet for so many people, very stressful.
What do you wear? What if someone is sick the day of the session? What if the baby is crabby? The list can go on forever. I want your session to be everything you want it to be, and it is my goal for everyone to have fun and be as relaxed as possible. I have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help ease your mind a bit and help you plan for the best session possible! If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please let me know, I am happy to chat with you about it!
Wardrobe...
Maternity sessions are so much fun and planning your wardrobe is half the fun! Here's a few tips for the momma-to-be...
*If you plan to get anything waxed, do it at least 3 days prior to the session so your skin has time to settle down.
*Pregnancy is uncomfortable enough, plan your wardrobe to be as comfortable as possible. If you're wearing a maternity gown (specifically designed for a photoshoot) please be prepared with the appropriate undergarments as well, try to match the color of the gown, or going with skin toned color of undergarments works well too.
*Remove any bracelets, watches or scrunchies at least a few hours before the session to avoid indents or marks on your skin.
*Bring any props you want to have in the photos with you. (Hat's, baby shoes, sonogram photos, etc.)
Newborn sessions:
*Newborn sessions take time, please plan to spend at least 2 hours having a newborn session completed. Babies have their own pace, and I am more than willing to work with them and take the time they need to get comfortable and settled into poses and of course, feedings and diaper changes throughout the process.
*Babies love their sleep, but, if possible, try to keep them awake for an hour or so before the session. Newborn sessions work best when baby sleeps through it.
*Have extra milk and baby's pacifier (if you use one). Newborns tend to sleep through the sessions, but if they are being a little stubborn, it's nice for them to have a snuggle with their mom/dad and soothe them back to sleep.
*When I do newborn sessions, the area is kept very warm (around 80 degrees), so mom & dad may want to make sure you can take a layer off, as it gets very warm for adults.
I always encourage expectant parents to book several months before baby has made their grand entrance into the world. I understand the date of the session will be our best guess and I will adjust accordingly. Newborns tend to photograph best within the first couple of weeks. *Sidenote: Babies have a growth spurt around 10-14 days. I strongly suggest not scheduling a newborn session during that time as babies tend to be more awake and fussier during that time.
*If you are using the studio's wardrobe for baby, no need to dress baby all up to bring them in, keep it simple, a onesie and a diaper are just fine, the less I have to fuss with moving baby around, the better!
Family sessions:
Getting the whole family together for the photo is quite a task all in itself, so way to go! To get the best results, I suggest a few things...
*Wearing clothing that doesn't have any logos or wording on it photographs best.
*Coordinating colors that complement each other also tends to have a more pleasing effect to the eye, going with neutral colors (whites, blacks, tan) are always a great option. Please keep in mind though, that colors reflect onto the skin, so when little Jimmy won't give up the neon green shirt, his skin will likely be greener toned, the rule of thumb is: try to avoid any colors you would use as a highlighter marker. These are all just suggestions, the choice is ultimately up to you.
*Accessories are awesome! If you're questioning whether to wear the scarf, hat, jewelry, etc... question no more! Accessories look great and add a lot to the final images!
Odds 'n Ends...
*If anyone, including myself, is feeling ill, the session will be rescheduled. If you or anyone in your family becomes ill, please call and re-schedule, I deal with many other babies/families during the week and would ask that everyone keep the wee-ones (and older ones) safe and reschedule, I am happy to work out rescheduling with you. No questions asked. I reserve the right to cancel the session as well if I am feeling ill. There will be no loss of deposits or any re-scheduling fees for illnesses as long as the session is rescheduled.
*What if baby is uncooperative for their session? I am a very patient person, the chances of not getting at least a few photos of baby are very slim, but, in the unlikely event that they absolutely will not cooperate, we will reschedule the session at no additional charge to you.
*Can I bring my own props to use for the newborn session? Absolutely! I am very flexible and willing to work with you to get what you want, but please keep in mind, safety for the baby is my number one priority and I will not use anything that could be potentially uncomfortable or dangerous for the little one, this decision will be made at my discretion.
My website displays my editing style, and I will be as consistent as possible with it. If there is something specific that you don't care for in your final images, please let me know and I will accommodate to the best of my abilities with 1 free re-edit of each image, otherwise I ask that you don't re-edit or place filters as that is not an accurate representation of my work.