A few things you should think about when
scheduling your appointment, and preparing
for your session -
time commitment
You can expect your session to last anywhere
from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the
type of session you schedule. We don’t want to
rush anyone especially kids, so make sure you
have enough time for your session.
weather
What is the best time of day?
The best time for natural light photographs is when the sun is low in the sky. Usually that means up to 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. This type of lighting is "warm" in tone and provides the best angle and shape for the face.
If it's overcast and bright, it's ok. Typically I prefer some sun especially low in the sky, but beautiful softly lit images can be made when it's overcast as well. If its overcast, time of day is not so much an issue like it is when the sun is out. If it is rainy, we have two options, reschedule the shoot or shoot indoors.
consultation
Before the shoot, we should discuss ideas, location(s), clothing, and any concerns you may have. In this way we will be more prepared on shoot day. Please call to schedule time to discuss what you envision.
locations
Your home, beaches, parks and forest preserves are all great locations, but please keep in mind that location is only secondary to the person being photographed and most backgrounds can be photographed out of focus if they don't help the image. If we set-up studio in your home, a larger room that allows us to move furniture back and at least 15'x15' works best. We bring the studio to you, backgrounds, lights and all.
You can expect your session to last anywhere from 45 mins to 2 hours.
clothing
The more clothes you bring, the easier it will be to coordinate with different backgrounds - the better your pictures will be. Feel free to bring a diverse selection of outfits, including some basic looks, bright colors and dress up ‘costumes’. Encourage your child to consider the session as a chance to dress-up and be silly. Try to avoid busy patterns, prints and large logos which can tend to be distracting. Denim overalls with no shoes and shirt works well with the young ones. Bare feet are always cute on kids. If shoes are preferred, try ones without prints and busy designs, especially on the bottoms. Feel free to have several changes of clothing. If siblings are being photographed together, clothes that are similar in style and/or tone give a more coordinated look. The clothing colors can be rich and bright or soft and subdued as long as they are of the same color tones.
Group portraits is always a tricky clothing subject. With groups you need to be careful that you wear neutral colors or at least colors that compliment each other. Jeans look great on everyone and a complimentary shirt for each family member would work fine. Also take the season into consideration.
props
If you have a special outfit or heirloom you would like to have your little one photographed in, bring it. If you or your little one has a favorite item; a stuffed animal, toy or hat - bring it along!
glasses
The best way to deal with “glasses glare” is to keep it from happening in the first place. Call your optometrist and ask if they can remove the lenses from your frames. The cost to remove lens glare from your pictures adds up.
Contact Us for more information about our kids portraits.
