Family Session Guide
I want to thank you for considering me to document your family!
Your session should be a reflection of your family. Before our session, please fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of the page so I can better gauge your expectations, ideas, and goals for our session. Preparation and communication are the keys to a successful family session, so make sure to share all your ideas and concerns with me on your questionnaire! As we prepare for your session, here is some information about what to expect:
Location Selection
Finding the perfect location is an important part of planning for the photo shoot of your dreams. I have a few favorite places in the Saratoga/Glens Falls region, and usually make a recommendation based on your personality and style, but I always welcome your location ideas. I’d love to know if there is a place that is sentimental to your family/significant other so we can discuss our options and plan the best location to suit your family.
Click the button below for a map of various locations suggestions!
Don’t want to go outside? Let me come to you! In-home photos can best document your everyday life in the comfort of your own house. In-home sessions are more lifestyle/documentary in nature, where I’ll have you pick a few activities to do as a family/couple and I’ll be in the background capturing those moments.
Want the studio look? My home studio in Corinth, NY has a variety of colored and textured backdrops that will fit your family’s needs. If you have a desired color you’d like, please let me know 2-3 weeks in advance before the shoot and I can make it happen.
Photoshoot Timing
I love to shoot when the sun is working to my advantage. Lighting is ideal for outdoor shoots during the Golden Hour, or the hour before the sun sets or just comes up. So typically summer evenings or early mornings work best, but in the spring and fall, both early mornings and evenings may be possible! If you choose to have an outdoor session mid-day, then we will typically strive for a location that has some shady areas. If you are brave enough to bear the cold, you can always book an outdoor sessions in the winter (with snow!!).
The best time typically for In-home photo sessions is mid-day, when it is the brightest and the most sun is coming through the windows.
A session in the studio can occur at any time of the day as off camera flash will be utilized.
Photographic Style
There are two types of posing styles done during photographic sessions: Traditional and Lifestyle. In a typical family photo session, I usually incorporate both styles in, unless you suggest one more over the other (the questionnaire below will ask you!)
Traditional: Posed style where everyone typically is looking at the camera. More classic and timeless in nature. I will help pose you and your family in various positions to capture the best overall look for the photo.
Lifestyle: Activity and prompted based style that shows everyday integrations between subjects. More candid and documentary in nature. I will give your family various prompts or activities to do throughout the photoshoot and will document the outcomes of those reactionary actions.
Clothing/Style
Finding the perfect outfit for your family/couple session may take a little bit of work, but you probably have great pieces already in your closet that could work together! Use these tips below to help formulate a plan.
Think coordinating, not matching. Incorporate colors and patterns that fit well together.
Don’t be afraid of color! Choose a few neutral colors, and then add a few bright accents to your outfits. Accessories such as scarves, necklaces, and clothing layers are great for this. I can always help in coming up with various color schemes to help you coordinate!
Wear well fitting clothing. Not too tight, and nothing baggy. If you can’t walk in those pants, don’t wear them!
Layer and add accessories with a hat, headbands, necklace, jacket, or vests. Mix it up and make it fun!
To keep the look timeless, try to avoid trendy clothing with words or logos.
Dress appropriate for the outdoor weather. If it is forecasted to be on the cooler side, bring a favorite blanket or extra jackets/sweaters.
Always feel free to text or email me your clothing options laid out before our session.
Children
Get your kids excited for the session and let them know how much fun it will be, but no need to over prepare them or add too much pressure for "best behavior"
Relax! You may be stressed out and worried that your kids are going to cry, have no interest or pull out their stranger-danger faces. But if you set the tone for your family that this will be a fun and relaxed session, your kids will feel that vibe too. Kids pick up on your stress, so stay cool, even when they don’t.
Our goal is to capture their true expressions, and keeping it light and fun is essential to that.
Our best behaved children (and adults for that matter) are usually those that are well fed before our session. Feel free to bring treats to reward good behavior during our session!
Pets
Many request to have their pets included in their photo session. It is usually a big deal as the furry (or maybe not furry?) family member is an important part of the day to day life. So if you would like to include your pet in the photos, it is a good idea to choose a location suited for your pet. A park or open area, free of loud noises and other pets are recommended, especially for hyper or nervous pets. You can always reach out to me for location suggestions that are pet friendly. Since a lot of pets like to have the majority of attention, it is a good idea to get must-have or difficult photographs out of the way first with them. It is also important to come prepared, make sure you have any bags, toys or treats needed for your furry friend.
Let’s Go On An Adventure!
Is there something that your family loves to do? Maybe your family loves to garden together or play at the nearby playground. Maybe you all love playing the snow, or maybe picking blueberries at a nearby farm. I can definitely work with you to plan your shoot around a favorite family activity if that is something you are interested in. As mentioned above, if you choose to shoot an indoor family session, I will ask you to pick a few activities that your family like to do in your home. This can be hanging out on your bed, baking cookies or other treats, playing music together and dancing, etc., whatever you feel best reflects your family!
During outdoor session, I’ll have a few fun activities planned so that we can get some authentic smiles and laughs documented. If you have a few good ideas or ways you know to get the giggles and smiles out of your kids, please mention in the questionnaire below.
Extended Family Shoots
Does your entire family need of some updated photos? Or having a family reunion and want to capture everyone together? The more the merrier, right?! I do offer extended family photo sessions with an additional $40 per family unit on top of your chosen session package (ex. grandma and grandpa = 1 unit or sister and her husband/kids = 1 unit, etc.). So bring along Grandma, Uncle Hank and the whole crew and I can update your whole family’s photos all at once!
Pricing/Payment
After receiving your questionnaire and determining a location, I will send you the session contract and invoice via e-mail. The session fee and signed contract are due prior to or at your session. Payment can be paid by cash, check, Venmo or a credit card.
After the Session
Once your session is over you'll receive your digital proof gallery within the week for you to select your favorite images for me to do full edits on. If you’d like to purchase additional images beyond the set amount of your package, each additional image is $15. In 2-3 weeks, I will provide you with a final gallery with all your selected fully edited images. You'll be able to download them and also be able to share with family and friends easily. You can also purchase prints/canvases with my selected professional laboratory through your gallery as well!
If you’d like me to post a few sneak peeks on Facebook, I can do that for you. If you’d rather wait to get all the images and post the photos on your own social media first, I will totally respect that.
Questionnaire
If you feel like you are ready to jump on this fun photo adventure with me, please take a few minutes and fill out the questionnaire below so that I can better gauge the feel for you session and photos. Questions with an * are required, while others you can choose to fill out if applicable. I look forward to working with you and your family!