Family Sessions: All The Details
A lifestyle photography session that captures real life, authentic moments and natural portraits feels a bit different from a conventional posed session. Let’s talk about our process, so you’ll know what to expect from start to finish. It’s not just about the final images- we want your experience to be relaxed, enjoyable, and focused on who you are as a family.
The Process
Contract? Check. Session fee? You’re booked! Now we’ll get started with the fun stuff. I’ll send you a questionnaire that will help me get to know you and what your expectations/dreams are for your session. (It won’t take long- I promise!)
Questionnaire turned in? Check. Usually before you’re booked, we have a general idea of what you’d like photographed. Based on your questionnaire, I’ll put together a game plan for our time together and get in touch for a brainstorm call to reaffirm we are planning a session you will love.
The anticipation is on high. Before our session, I may check in with a tip or just to see how you’re doing. My goal here is to stay engaged and for everything to feel stress-free on your end.
What exactly happens at the shoot? Everyone (including me!) can feel a bit awkward at first, so we’ll take a few moments to chit-chat. When everyone feels ready, we’ll get started. I’m not a silent creep in the corner, shooting; it will feel like you just have a new friend hanging out with you. You do not need to worry about how you should look or what you should do- I’ll help you through any of those fears. This is where my talent lies and why you hired me, so trust in that. Your job: enjoy our time together.
Let’s celebrate the fact that you are brave! You said yes to making memories. Please reflect on our time together, because I want to know how you felt about the experience.
It’s time to see your story in photos. You’ll see unnoticed moments turned into art. You’ll see photos that make you say things like, “Oh, that’s so him!” You may cry, you may laugh, you WILL smile. I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked on this style of photography.
Your gallery will be open for 30 days. Share the link with family and friends. When you’ve chosed your image collection, let us know and we’ll send you an invoice for the remaining balance (after applying the credit for your $200 session fee). We’ll activate your high-resolution digital downloads and send you a print release that will allow you to print at the lab of your choice (and will recommend some labs that provide quality prints to consumers, if you’d like).
Show your photos off! While your gallery is open, you’ll have an opportunity to order high-quality prints from our professional lab at a reasonable cost. We also offer a variety of fine art products; we’re happy to let your feel and touch samples of the products we offer, so you can visualize what your story will look like before you purchase. Want to compile your images in an album? We can help with album design and ordering, too.
Once your products arrive, I will most likely hand deliver them, because seeing your reaction to how they look is one of the most rewarding experiences I can have as a photographer.
Let’s stay connected! You’ll hear from me to see how you’re doing, send you inspiration for your next session, and let you be the first to know if I run any kind of a promo.
We love to see your reviews on our Facebook page or Google! And since word of mouth is vital to our business, we’ve got special treats in store if you refer family or friends who book a session with us.
FAQ: Your questions, answered
When you’re ready to book your session, get in touch with us through the contact form on our website. We’ll send you a session agreement to review and sign, as well as an invoice for your $200 session fee. This session fee is non-refundable and the amount will be applied toward your purchase of any digital collection. You don’t have to commit to a specific collection right now- you can make your selection after you’ve had a chance to check out the entire gallery of images from your session.
You have a busy family! I want to stress that a perfectly clean, sterile, organized house is NOT a priority here. Some “everyday clean” decluttering can be helpful, but please don’t let that stress you out. I tend to photograph the master bedroom, kids’ bedrooms, living room, and areas of your home with the largest windows / natural light.
The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and that the clothes represent who each individual is. How people feel in clothes can come across in the photos. For my style of photography, coordinating colors and patterns are preferred to overtly matching outfits. Let me know if you’d like more insight and I can point you to some websites that give really great tips.
Parents and kids will all be photographed, but in a natural and candid way. After you complete your questionnaire, we’ll go over your responses and come up with a session that really captures the things in life that are important to you and your family. No one will have to smile for the camera, act perfectly, or hug their siblings- they should just plan to do the things they love to do on a daily basis.
Please know that I am super patient with kids and all their varied moods. The two-hour time frame can seem long, but I don’t expect kids to be attentive for that whole time. Toddlers in particular can have their own opinions, so I totally understand needing to follow their leads. Don’t stress them out by demanding too much- just sit back and let me work my coaxing, mom-of-four-and-former-teacher magic on them. (Although I will say that bribing older children- about age four and up- can be a successful strategy.)
One related suggestion: Please try to avoid using screens (tv/tablet/phone) as a bribe to keep kids quiet, as I actually find that we totally lose some young children who might otherwise wander into the shooting on their own terms, leading to some magical moments. I really don’t mind kids interrupting and changing it up- that’s what documentary lifestyle sessions are about.
