General session info
I’m sure I’ll show up in jeans and flipflops so I am comfortable and relaxed. I want you to do the same. Just be you. If you need suggestions on clothing, just ask. The main thing I do suggest is clothing that does not have writing or cartoon characters on it. I might even ask you to change your clothes into something that will photograph better, only because I am trying to capture something special and timeless. I wear jeans because I will be laying on the floor or in the middle of the street or even sitting in a river if you want photos there. I will guide you during your photo session at times and the ideas may seem silly, but they will be worth it. Be willing to step out of the box and maybe get your clothes a little dirty during your session. I’m not into stiff poses, but I’ll kinda tell you what I’m looking for and let you put the final personal touches on it, showing your personality.
clothing suggestions:
newborns – birthday suits are great or just being swaddled in blankets. Little beanies and diaper covers are good too. I often use mom and dad in the shots as a prop, black shirt, long sleeve is best for moms and jeans works the best.
toddlers – baby legs, diaper covers, knit hats and scarves are always fun. I usually prefer them without shoes to show those adorable toes. I always have little things I bring along too, like adorable pettiskirts.
seniors – oh, lots of clothes. bring choices. bring accessories – hats and scarves or a hooded jacket are favorites. I like to shoot some photos without shoes, but bring along various shoes too. bring along a prom dress if you want to have photos in it. If you’re into sports, bring your jersey, running shoes, or bat and ball. Like to read? bring along some of your favorite hardbound books. Into ballet? bring along those shoes too. Play an instrument? let’s do some shots with that. Feel free to bring along your dog, but only if you bring a friend or parent to keep hold of it while we’re doing the rest of the shoot.
families – jeans usually work best to tie a family together in the photo – but let a child’s personality show. If he wants to wear red converse or she wants to wear striped tights, let them; it’ll make for a fun photo .
What to expect at a session at your home:
If we meet at your home, I will have you take me around to see where the light is best. I like to sit and just talk to get everybody comfortable. I might suggest that we move furniture or remove personal items/decorations in a room to suit the photograph I’m trying to capture.
what to expect at a session on location:
If we meet on location, I will get some posed family shots right at the beginning, before the kids’ attention span runs out. After that, then we’ll just walk around and let you be you, let your children play, watch you laugh and interact and be silly or serious. If children are being photographed, please do not tell them to say “cheese.” I like getting natural smiles and saying “cheese” won’t capture it. I will tell them what to do if needed. If I need help from Mom & Dad, I will ask for it, or I might even ask Mom & Dad to take a little walk for a short while. During most of the shoot, I want you to not even know that I am there taking photos.
Sessions can last 1-2 hours or however long it may take….