Hey there!
I am so excited that you chose me to photograph your family! I am humbled and thrilled to capture these precious memories for you. Please know that my approach is very unscripted, sometimes a bit of high energy, and usually a tad goofy.
Very Important Things to Know:
These sessions are back to back and there's no time to spare. I can get a ton of images in 10-15 minutes, but the key is being on time. If you're late for your session, I will not go over on time into the next client's session. I will only shoot your session during your scheduled time. Please know exactly where the session is taking place, and arrive early to your scheduled time. Please also know that there will be everything associated with being outdoors (mosquitoes, gnats, fire ants, stinging nettle, dirt, bugs, insects, etc.). I do not recommend wearing sandals, and I recommend wearing bug spray. The location is Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park. It is so important to know in advance how to get there and make time to arrive early. As the time comes closer, I will send exact meeting info on where to go after parking. We will be near the front, so I will send a little map.
What to Wear:
Wardrobe can be so fun, and it can be so stressful. Please ask me any and all questions about wardrobe. Truly, what you wear can make a huge impact on the look of your images. Please avoid anything fluorescent or super bright. These colors can cause color casts on the skin and are pretty impossible to edit to bring the skin back to a normal color (and I do not edit out color casts due to clothing choices). Also, please, please, please do not wear all white matching polos, or all black matching polos with jeans. That used to be very popular, but I like to create timeless images, so let's stray from old fads. Neutrals are perfect. Timeless and classic. Cream, white, brown, khaki, gray, warm gray is super popular and amazing right now, pale colors. Not too much green. Layering pieces are great. The main thing, be comfortable. These are all my styling opinions. Of course, you don't have to follow any of them, because these are your images and I want you to love them, so please dress comfortably, but please also keep in mind that wardrobe can greatly affect the look of your images. Coordinating is good, matching not so much. Ladies, start with your outfit. Wear something that you feel like a million bucks in. Then build the wardrobe around that. Imagine your family being a complete piece of artwork. Each person and outfit will bring together a feeling of formality and coordination. Think about where you will hang these images in your house, and make sure they flow with where you're wanting to put them.
Click here for a wardrobe inspiration board.
Tips and Tricks:
Let your kids know that a session with me will be fun. And, if your kid doesn't care and decides to have the meltdown of 2019, I am totally cool with that. I have 4 kids, and I have meltdowns myself, so don't worry. I have yet to have a session where I couldn't get a good gallery due to a child's behavior. And yes, there have been plenty of meltdowns. Don't feel stressed about getting your kids (or husband) to smile. I want you to relax, and let me do my thing. By the way, a serious face in a photo is much more beautiful than a forced smile. I usually get the most genuine smiles when I fake toot, so if I completely mortify myself, it's all for the sake of your pictures. If kids see mom talking happily, they usually feel more relaxed, so try not to be stressed. Also, as you focus on your children during the session, please keep in mind that I will take semi guided images where you are loving and snuggling on your littles, so keep good posture, and try to keep your chin out a bit. These allow for the most flattering images.
Props:
I am not a fan of props and won't be bringing any.
Lovey Dovey:
Yes, I make mom and dad take lovey dovey images, but only if you want to. Please let me know if you don't want to. I can take just the "normal" look at me and smile pose.
Please feel free to email me with any questions you have. I look forward to working with you and creating timeless images for you to proudly display.
Warmly,
Brenda