Hey there!
I am so excited 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 The Crazy Acres Farm The address is 19341 Saltsdale Rd. Umatilla, FL 32784.
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 per session. Please know exactly where the farm is and arrive early to your scheduled time. We will be outdoors, so you might want to wear boots, or closed toed shoes.
These sessions are rain or shine. If there is rain, I will have clear umbrellas and we will embrace the rain. *Unless I can reschedule with the farm - this is not always an option though.
Bribery - go right ahead. Have a treat for your kid(s). Pleaseeeeeee feed your kid(s) before the session. Even if just a snack. A hungry kid is a grumpy kid.
Sneak peeks will be within 3 days of your session (if you want a sneak peek), 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. 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, mustard is great for the fall, greens and browns are lovely right now (but not too much green because the trees are super green). Anything with texture is perfect. Layering pieces are great. Shoes are also important. Bold and bright colors can be distracting. Please stay away from words on clothes. Please stay away from mesh headbands with flowers bigger than your baby's head. Small, timeless, non distracting headbands are the way to go... And 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. 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.
I recommend these sites for women's dresses:
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 the meltdown of 2021, 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. Let me re-word this. Mom, don't be stressed!!! I do understand that it is hectic preparing for months for this 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 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. 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).
Props:
I won't be bringing any props to these minis.
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