Tips

STUDIO SESSIONS

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your session scheduled time as we will have some paperwork for you to complete.  If you need to get ready here (hair, make-up, etc.) please arrive early enough to be ready by your scheduled appointment.  We’ll also use this time to allow children to get comfortable with us.  Sitting fees are based upon an hour session – longer sessions are available for an additional fee.

LOCATION SESSIONS (non-studio photo sessions)

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Most locations do not have changing rooms or restrooms so please plan accordingly. (Kids should use the restroom prior to leaving home.) If you have a particular location, such as your home, property, etc., in mind, please let me know when scheduling your session.  Sitting fees are based upon an hour session – longer sessions are available for an additional fee.

CHILDREN

Children feed off the emotion of their parents – so please try to remain calm and relaxed for your photo session. Our goal is to make your child’s session fun.

Please do not coach or instruct your children to smile; they will smile naturally as they react to their environment.  Just tell them they are coming here to have fun.  Additionally, please do not distract your child during the session – if they are looking at you, they aren’t looking toward the camera. 

Children can frustrate easily – so please limit the number of clothing changes to two.  Keep clothing simple.  Children will be on the move, so shirts usually stay untucked, skirts tend come up, etc. 

Bring a bottle, sippy cup or snack.  You also might bring a special toy or blanket to provide comfort.

And – finally – please consider nap and feeding times when scheduling your session.  Children (and adults) are much happier when they’ve had adequate sleep and food.

CLOTHING

Solid color clothing works best. Avoid stripes, plaids and bold patterns. If everyone in the portrait is wearing the same color, the focus will be on you and not your clothes. You may select one color for men/boys and another for women/girls. You also may decide to pose children in one color and adults in another.

BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you would like black and white photos, consider wearing black – the contrast between the skin and black enhances the photo.

PROPS

Bring props that communicate YOU such as sports uniforms or equipment, musical instruments, items from hobbies or sports, vehicles, hats, toys, etc.

GLASSES

Glasses can cause glaring. You may ask your optometrist if you can borrow an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session.

PETS

We welcome the opportunity to photograph your pets.  House broken pets are welcome in our studio, otherwise we’ll need to do outdoor photo sessions.  Please bring a pet carrier or a friend if you’d like pictures without your pet.  Treats are wonderful for keeping your pet’s attention. Portraits with a horse or other livestock can be scheduled on your farm or property.

COMPLEXION ISSUES

Don’t worry about breakout or skin imperfections; we can retouch to magically make them disappear.

TATTOOS, SCARS AND BRACES

Extensive touch ups can be done to tattoos, scars and braces for a small charge. Please inquire about specifics and pricing.