HELLO THERE!
I am so thrilled to be working with you and am counting down the days to your session! It’s perfectly normal to have some jitters about getting photos taken. Honestly, I still get the butterflies before our family photos too - and I do this for a living! I totally get it. I put this guide together to help you get the best results from our time together. I'm going to take great care of you and am here to help every step of the way. The information in this guide will help you get the most out of our session together. Consistency is important to me and I want to make sure you get the most amazing photos EVER!
BEFORE THE BIG DAY
Are you ready for some good news? You really don't need to do much! Besides outfit selection (which I cover in this guide), all I truly ask of you is to enjoy your experience. After all, the best part of appreciating the photos on your walls is knowing you had an awesome time getting them taken.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO?
I think most of us feel this way before being photographed. Luckily not only are my sessions extremely relaxed, but I fully guide you and your family into poses and give you prompts so you can have moments of genuine laughter and fun together. Often you won't even realize how amazing a moment is and I’ll sneak a photo in! One of the best parts about my job is to see the beauty in what seems like ordinary moments, and provide you those memories forever.
BAD WEATHER? I’VE GOT YOU!
will keep an eye on the forecast the week before our session. It can change quickly... in either direction! If the forecast is sketchy there is always a bit of a gamble with whatever choice I make, as the weather can change on a dime. However, I will try to make the best decision based on my professional experience and let you know if we will need to reschedule (my goal is to make the call before you would begin getting ready!). The most important thing to me is the lighting outside. Even if it's not raining but the clouds are too heavy, we will need to reschedule. Dark clouds make for unflattering shadows, and of course the possibility of rain is no fun when you just spent so much time on everyone's hair! If this happens, we will proceed with the backup date we chose upon first booking.
GUM, TRANSITION LENSES AND SPRAY TANS...
All of these are cool. Just...not as much when it comes to photos! Gum will peek through at least a few shots no matter how much you think it won't, transition lenses look like sunglasses (we want to see those beautiful peepers!) and even if a spray tan looks amazing in person, it really throws off the skin tones that I absolutely pride myself in capturing. Your natural skin color is the BEST with my style of photography!
If you wear glasses and have transition lenses, you can either remove the glasses altogether for the photos, or if they are an integral part of your look, you can change them out for a pair with traditional lenses. I will try my best to minimize the glare so we can see those gorgeous eyes!
FURRY FRIENDS
Pets are welcome to be involved in your session! Please let me know ahead of time so we can ensure a pet-friendly location. I recommend planning for your furry friend(s) to be at the beginning of your session - I won’t use them in every single photo (unless that is what you prefer!) so it is also really helpful to have a friend available to help "behind the scenes."
If you do bring your fur babies, It helps immensely to let them get plenty of exercise and check out where we will be shooting before the session. Don’t forget their favorite treats and toys!
THE DAY OF THE SESSION
PLEASE BE ON TIME OR EVEN BETTER, EARLY!
Please plan on arriving ten minutes before our start time, or even earlier if you plan on getting the kids dressed after you get there. It also gives you a little cushion in case you hit a snag. Unexpected things happen on photo day - hair doesn't cooperate, traffic gets crazy, you have to run back because you forgot something (or is all of this just me?).
If you give yourself extra time you will be extra relaxed!
DON’T WORRY ABOUT BEHAVIOR
Ok, hear me out on this. I promise I'm not telling you how to parent, BUT... for just the time we have together, pretty please don't worry a single bit about your child's behavior. Sometimes, kids can sense that they are about to do something out of the norm (I mean, how often does your whole family get dressed up and head out to a field?), and they may get extra silly or start acting out. I totally understand you want them to be on their best behavior because I would feel the same! ...however, in the spirit of just having a relaxing, fun experience (and getting great photos!), it works best if disciplining is paused during the session. More often than not, it backfires anyway, and the grumpy faces stick around longer.
I have a "bag of tricks" that usually works if a child is having challenges. Also, we have plenty of time to give them the pauses they need. I can stop and walk with them, talk with them, and ask them about their favorite stories, shows, or toys. Worst case scenario? They stay grumpy and you will get some pretty entertaining photos that just might be your favorite ones EVER. What's funnier than a photo of your kid with a scowl face?? So yeah, don't worry, mama. We will get some great stuff.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER OUR SESSION?
Well, ideally you get back in the car and say, "Wow, did we really just take photos or just hang out?" Or... "She was the best. She should run for President!" Actually, I will probably make you promise to go out for ice cream afterwards and continue the fun.
(P.S. Your kids will sleep REALLY well that night!)
On my end I will come home, give my own family some hugs, and then start downloading your photos. From there I will need two weeks to properly go through the images, weed out multiples and blinks, and then edit them in my specific and unique style. Two weeks after the date of your session I will send you an email with a link to your gallery. From there you will be able to view your photo proofs and make selections for your order!
And remember, I'm here to assist you every step along the way.
SOME PARTING WORDS..
... At the end of the day, my greatest wish is that you, your children, and grandchildren ADORE these photos forever. After all, your family is what life is ALL about, and one of my greatest joys is that I get to be a small, behind-the-scenes part of preserving your legacy.
I know that this guide is extensive! Hopefully it covers any questions you had in preparing for your session. However if there is something I missed or you need a recommendation, feel free to
text or email me at:
517.474.6225
Lindseyandersonphotography@gmail.com
THANK YOU!!
Now for the fun stuff, OUTFITS, and showing off your MEMORIES.