Hey there!
I'm thrilled that you chose me to photograph your family! Please know that my approach is very unscripted, sometimes a bit of high energy, and usually a tad goofy.
These family mini sessions will take place at Sugarloaf Oaks Farm. The address is 21423 County Road 455, Clermont, FL 34715. When I was there last there wasn't a sign for the farm, so I'll add pictures to help give directions. From the owner: "You’ll go down a dirt road. Then to the last gate on the right. Go straight and through the second gate and you’ll see the greenhouse in the back."
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 do not go over on time into the next client's session. I will only shoot during the 15 minutes scheduled for your session. I put down 10-15 minutes because some families get done very quickly, but I have blocked off 15 minutes maximum per session.
Please feed your kid(s) before the session. Even if just a snack. A hungry kid is a grumpy kid.
We'll be outdoors. if you or your family members are prone to bug bites/stings, please be prepared with bug spray.
Sneak peeks will be within a week-ish of your session (if you want a sneak peek - I will email to ask), and images will be ready for proofing within 4 weeks.
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 that I will not edit out. Shoes are also important. Bold and bright colors can be distracting. The main thing, be comfortable. These are all my styling opinions. Of course, you don't have to follow any of them. 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. Mom, start with your outfit. Wear something that you feel like a million bucks in. Then build the family's 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 link to a Pinterest board I made with wardrobe inspiration.
Tips and Tricks:
Let your kids know that a session with me will be fun. If your kid doesn't care and decides to have a meltdown, 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. 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. I do understand that it is hectic preparing for weeks, sometimes months, for your session, but if your kid(s) realize that you have a smidgen of stress, they will run with it! Be relaxed, or at least pretend to be, for 15 minutes. Also, as you focus on your child(ren) 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. Try not to snap or point to get your little(s) looking at the camera. Concentrate on you, and I will concentrate on your kid(s).
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