Holiday Preparation Guide

WHAT TO EXPECT

Relax and have fun: I know how challenging it can be to just get out the door and arrive on time to your portrait session. Once you arrive, I'll take it from there. Relaxed parents have more fun and your children will respond to that energy. 

Well rested (and fed)?: Enough sleep and full bellies put everyone in a better mood. Making sure your children and partner are fed and not thinking about grumbly bellies will help the session go better. Food can be a great bribe but please save it for after the session is over to avoid crumbs and messy mouths in your photos. If a snack is needed in the middle of the session make sure to have wipes to help for afterwards. 

I take the kids' lead. Some need a little bit to get warmed up so I may change up the order of things to help out.  Just remember: Children can sense stress and anxiety. It’s super important that EVERYONE remain calm and relaxed during this session. Keeping the environment as mellow as possible is pretty much the only way we’re going to get the photos we’re looking for.

Depending on your children’s personalities I may only pay attention to them. Or just the opposite and give them some space to watch what we are doing so they can warm up. I may also ask you, the parents, to step aside and do something else while I try to connect and get their attention. For full family photos if it is a look at the camera setup then I ask that you keep looking and smiling while I try to kid the kids’ attentions. This way it is easier to catch everyone looking.
 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING

  • Dressy outfit and clean shoes

  • Pajamas if not using a set rom the studio

  • brush/comb for hair touchups

  • Letter to Santa - There is a mailbox to the North Pole at the Studio


WHO SHOULD BE THERE

Due to the small space of the studio, the session should be limited to immediate family only. Please remind other adults that it should be a calm and quiet environment and they may be asked to leave if not. Unless they are having photos taken of them at that time, all adults will be asked to stay in the sitting room, where you can see and hear right into the studio area. 

Outdoors we have more room but unnecessary people can cause distractions. Remember those look at the camera photos you are wanting? They won’t happen if the kids are paying attention to someone else walking behind. ;) A reminder that only immediate family will be photographed! Please talk to Lindsay ahead o your session if you would like grandparents or others included.


SAFETY FIRST

It is important for you to know there is the utmost importance placed on the safety of you and your children. Poses will not be forced nor will any unsafe poses be used in any manner at your session. Some poses  are made of a composite of several photos to ensure the safety. I may need a spotter at times for some of the poses to ensure safety.  The studio is sanitized after every session and linens and props washed in Free and Clear detergent. If a child or parent is behaving in a dangerous way or speaking disrespectfully they will be asked to leave!


PHONES AND PHOTOS

I kindly ask that you do not take any photos during your session, even with cell phones. With all the effort and time to setup and take your photos, I reserve the right to be the sole creator of the portrait art of your session. You will not have everyone looking at the camera if they are being distracted and asked to look elsewhere and then I can’t do my job you hired me for. I appreciate your understanding.


WHEN WILL MY PHOTOS BE READY?

Your photos will be ready to view and purchase 2-4 weeks after your session. You will be shown fully edited photos that I have chosen for my artistic style. You may notice that I take more photos than you will be shown. The images with closed eyes, unflattering faces, or not properly focused will be discarded. 

After your gallery is ready you will receive and email with instructions on how to login and view your images. At this time you can select the number of images included in your package. You will also have the chance to purchase more prints, digitals, and products. Think Birthday invitations, Holiday Cards, and Wall portraits to showcase in your home.