Your Photo Session: What to Expect
What can you look forward to during your photo session?
The real answer to this is as unique as each one of us. We're not cookie cutter individuals, and neither are our needs or preferences. I always like to get to know each client so that I'm best equipped to serve them and create an experience that is truly unique. Some of my little clients benefit from a boost of confidence and I often achieve this by doing things like playing their favorite music on a bluetooth speaker or bringing along some silly friends (with even sillier sounds!) to encourage those priceless giggles and grins we live for as parents. I've been known to dress up as a character from a child's favorite show, wear a unicorn headband or even a flashing red nose. I bring out all the stops!
I've learned over the years that taking a gentle, lighthearted approach to photoshoots yields incredible results. During the consultation process I ask questions to find fun ways and little surprises to create a more enjoyable experience.
With sessions involving children, we will also often take a break and incorporate some candid shots with tickles and games as needed. The goal is to capture beautiful portraits without compromising comfort or fun. If there's a way that I can better serve you or your family please don't hesitate to let me know! I'm here to bridge the gap between your needs and gorgeous portraits in any way that I can.
For more details on the more technical aspects of my work, read on...
Style
Styling your session is both crucial to the outcome and one of my favorite aspects of photography! I spend a lot of time working with clients in this area and I'm happy to guide you in the decision-making process with inspiration photos and color palettes. Styling (which includes hair, make-up, and clothing as well as to some extent props) is one of the most important factors in taking your images to the next level! The goal is never average, but luxurious and extraordinary! Our aim is to authentically capture your unique personality with intentionality.
Location
Location is another vital element in creating art. You can have a beautifully styled subject but a poor location can destroy an otherwise amazing image. As a local photographer for over a decade, I have developed a growing list of preferred locations varying from grassy field to elegant garden. I'm flexible with locations, but it's important for me to scout out locations or at the least have photos for reference in advance.
Do you have accessibility concerns? I've worked with families with special needs or elderly grandparents and I'm prepared to come to your home or make recommendations based on your individual needs as well.
Light
Oh how it can make me swoon. Knowing how to achieve beautifully lit images is one of those nerdy aspects of photography that experienced photographers have spent years studying and working to perfect. When photographers plan a session time around light, it's for good reason! I've learned the importance and power of light in a photograph and recognize that it must not be underestimated!
Post-Processing
Post-processing (aka editing), is something that we're all pretty familiar with to an extent. But editing on a professional level is so much more than a filter or preset.
Editing is one of the skills I've had to invest in the most from an educational standpoint, but it is so much a part of my art that I never release unedited images because to do so (for me) would be equivalent to selling half-baked bread at a bakery. This is also why most professional photographers, including myself, require that you not edit or crop their work.
Posing/Prompting
Sometimes those candid moments are the absolute best, with a sweet glance exchanged or sudden burst of laughter. But other times, you just want to know what to do with your hands! I can see what looks good but I can also relate to feeling lost in front of the camera and just wanting some guidance (or a mirror at the least!). I incorporate both posing ("Lift your chin slightly, and soften your grip just a tad!") and prompting ("Tickle fight! Everyone tackle daddy!") for a combination of candid and posed portraits. Think authenticity meets luxury. Genuine expressions and relationships captured in a luxurious format!
Color
Within a frame, the colors will either draw attention away from the intended subject or so subtly draw everything together that you're not even aware of what's happening. It just flows. In the latter case the overall end result is so satisfying it causes that "scroll-stopping" moment all photographers aim for in the art world. Color matters.
Print/Product
Lastly, the culmination of all we've invested: The Portrait Masterpiece.
You'll display your portraits in your home or office and cherish them as family heirlooms for generations.
The printer matters.
You can get everything else right and if you print a gorgeous image with a cheap printer it's like the difference between listening to a world-renowned orchestra through dollar store earbuds vs. an immersive concert. It's just not the same. If you've ever been disappointed in Christmas cards, albums or prints from a cheap lab, you know what I mean. I know I have been!
Over the years I've learned that everyday pharmacy or store printers are okay for a quick phone snapshot but just don't make the cut when it comes to luxury photography. All screens are different, and all printers vary. For this reason I have established a connection with a professional lab in order to offer luxury prints and products that I can confidently and proudly stand behind. If you're interested in seeing what I have to offer, please ask!
