What can you do to ensure great portraits during a session?

If possible please come to the studio for the initial consultation with anyone that will be photographed.  This gives us an opportunity to get to know you better and your children can become familiar with our studio and staff.

Tell us about the purpose of the portraits you would like to have. Where do you want to hang them? Tell us more about the subjects and their relationships.

Before arriving to your session tell all family members what to expect. Let them know this is a special occasion and that it will be fun, and there is no hurry. We want everyone to be relaxed and happy.  

If the initial consultation is not possible, plan to spend the first 10 - 15 minutes of the photography session talking to us about what you hope to get from your portrait. The personalities of the family members, what you want to portray, how you would like to group your subjects, the products you are interested in. Let your children play and relax during this time so they can adjust to the environment. Your portraits will be more relaxed if we have taken the time to become acquainted.

Feel free to bring a friend or "significant other," but please limit the number of  "extras" --people who won't be photographed--you bring to the photography session.  One or two can make the session more fun,  but too many friends or relatives can become a distraction to both you and the photographer. 

Bring a few clothing options for each member of the family.   We suggest wearing like colors in solid tones (no patterns) to give the portrait a nice visual flow.  We have a comfortable dressing room for changing.

We will set up a couple of test shots to test the lighting before beginning your session. We will then set up several poses with each grouping taking several shots of each pose.

The children are allowed to play and relax - we are in no hurry as we schedule as much as two hours for each session so do not feel rushed. The key to a good outcome is to relax and have fun. Please discipline as little as possible to keep the mood relaxed.  We try to capture the relationships of family members by keeping the mood casual.  

Please feel free to get a snack and beverage from the mini bar at any time. Think of your photography session as a special occasion and you will treasure these results for a lifetime. There is no hurry and we want you to have fun.