A lot of planning goes into custom photography--I put in a lot of time and energy into learning the technical side of my art, researching new techniques in posing, shooting as well as editing and scouting locations. The other part of my job is trying to find ways to make my client comfortable in front of the camera as well as trust me with their most treasured moments and most precious little people in their lives. Here is a little insight into what to expect from your session and a couple tips on preparing for a session with me.
1. My biggest piece of advice for sessions involving kiddos is patience and allow for plenty of time! For many kiddos it takes time to warm up to a new person especially when that person is following them around with a camera. I allow for one to two hours for a session involving families and small children. Newborns are a different kind of session altogether. Most newborn sessions take upwards of three to four hours as we usually have to stop for changing, feedings and comforting time order to ensure those really sleepy shots and keep baby comfortable.
2. Prepare your child before the session just by telling them that you are going to go and play and a woman is going to photograph your family interacting. I try my hardest to capture natural expressions and the best way I know to get those natural smiles is to let kids be kids and play. I try not to get them to smile by saying "cheese"--usually I will use a made up phrase or word, make funny sounds or try to get to know your kiddos once they are old enough to talk by asking them questions about what they like (favorite foods, colors, TV shows, etc). While I will still do a few posed family shots, I like to mix in some play time as well and let the kids run, throw grass or blow bubbles. A lot of the time these are my clients favorite shots anyways and they provide a great keepsake for years down the road.
3. I like to capture your family as it is, a photograph is a record of a relationship--and if I can capture the love a family has for each other, that is what makes a perfect image in my eyes. A photograph is a legacy we leave behind for generations to come and there is no better way to look back on your time together then to actually get images of your family interacting. These are my favorite images to shoot and what separate custom photography from other types of photography. Whether your session takes place in your home, a park, zoo, etc I always try to get a few of these types of images. Whether I capture a quiet moment between a mom and a child or catch a dad rough housing with his kids, it is those moments that make my job so worthwhile.
4. Pinterest is great and I often times will ask my clients if they have seen any images that they have liked online. However, I usually will not replicate a image completely more often than not I will put my own touch on it to make it unique to your family and your experience. Before each session I have a list in mind of poses or settings that I want to do. But I try to not marry myself to those ideas because for the most part that list goes to the wayside at some point during the session. I try to incorporate your ideas as much as I can but my disclaimer is that we may or may not get everything you want from our session. Kids are unpredictable, sometimes they want to listen and will do what I ask, other times they have a completely different idea of what they want to do--the end result is that I get images that bring out the personality of your child in the phase of life they are currently in.
5. Clothing...this is my biggest question "what should we wear!?" My answer to this almost 100% of the time is go for comfort. Wear what you are comfortable in and what you think looks good on you. Of course you want to look nicely dressed, but you also want to allow for a little activity (walking, chasing kids, etc). Nothing too restrictive or short because if you are uncomfortable your face will show it in a photo and if it limits your movement that also limits how I can pose you. As far as color pallet goes, you and your family should wear colors that compliment each other. If a couple of people are in patterns, make sure others are in solids so the patterns don't take too much away from the faces of the people. I think jewel tones and neutrals photograph the best. I also suggest that my clients stay away from shirts with large logos or brand names on them as they tend to distract from the image as a whole.
6. Try to schedule your session when you know your child is at his or her best. So after nap or a meal may work best. The best times for an outdoor session are early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) or in the evening time (summer hours that means after 6:30)--that is when the light is the prettiest and they are optimal times for photography--however, that doesn't mean that we cannot do a session at a different time during the day. If your child is not feeling great physically you may want to consider rescheduling your session for when he or she is feeling better.
7. Editing and USB images, each image is edited with a particular look in mind. A lot of times when I shoot an image I know immediately that I am going to convert it into black and white or keep it color. If you choose to purchase the USB, I will usually include an image in both black and white and color if I like the image a whole bunch. Other times I will just include the black and white image because that is how I think it looks best. I will include 15-20 images on your USB, and it will contain a mixture of color and black and white images.
8. What should you bring? wipes for any spills, dirt, etc. Bug spray! Mosquitoes are fierce this year, bug spray may help keep you a bit more comfortable! A non messy snack to keep the kiddos happy (crackers, water, puffs, etc) try to stay away from anything that may leave a noticeable stain on clothing or faces (juice, chocolate, suckers). A change of clothes in case of an accident or spill! Your childs' comforting item (blankie, stuffed animal, etc.).
To book a session or ask me any questions regarding pricing, sessions or photography you can contact me via email at alyssa.francis@outlook.com!
