Group Portrait Details
Hello! and Welcome!
I want to thank you for considering me to document your group of friends & family!
Before our session, please fill out the questionnaire below so I can better gauge your expectations, ideas, and goals for our session. Preparation and communication are the keys to a successful group 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 and Timing
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 you so we can discuss our options and plan the best location to suit your group.
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!!). If you prefer indoor photos at your home, the best time typically is when it is the brightest and the most sun is coming through the windows, so those sessions will typically occur mid-day.
Clothing
Finding the perfect outfit for your group 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.
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
If there are kids in the group, get them 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 the kids are going to cry, have no interest or pull out their stranger-danger faces. But if you set the tone for your group 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 groups request to have their pets included in their photo session. So if you would like to include some 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. 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, that will open up the floor for the furry member(s) to be in the photoshoot. It is also important to come prepared, make sure you have any bags, toys or treats needed for your furry friend.
Payment
After receiving your questionnaire, 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 gallery within 2-4 weeks. You'll be able to download your photos and also be able to share with family and friends easily. Within the gallery, you will also have the ability to order prints/canvas from a professional photo lab. 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 group!