Preparing for your Mini Sessions


PUNCTUALITY!

As these are mini sessions, each family is allotted 20 min. These are back to back sessions for us. Being on time is very important. Being late eats into your session. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your session time and be ready to start at the session time.


If you are running late, keep in mind we can not provide the entire 20 minutes since there is a session afterwords. This would result in less portraits and less time to go through all combinations of the poses we hope to achieve. Whatever remaining time you have left for your session would be utilized only.


Failure to arrive on time at all (missing your entire time slot) would result in a no show. We can not guarantee a rescheduled session.


Preparing for a portrait session can greatly enhance the quality of your photos. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure you look and feel your best for the session:


YOUR LOOK!

Your outfit can make a significant impact on your photos. Here's how to prepare:

  • Plan Ahead: Select your outfits in advance and have them ready the night before. Launder, iron, and prepare any necessary items.
  • Solid Colors Over Patterns: Solid colors are generally better for portraits. Avoid patterns, logos, graphics, and illustrations as they can be distracting.
  • Avoid Yellows and Oranges: These colors can create unflattering skin tones and reflections, making you appear sallow or overly warm in photos.
  • Simplicity is Key: Simple outfits often photograph better. Avoid overly complicated designs.
  • Glasses: If you wear glasses, consider removing the lenses to avoid glare. Alternatively, you can have a lens-free frame.
  • Confidence and Comfort: Wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable.
  • Durable Outfits: Choose outfits you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. You might need to sit or lean on various surfaces.
  • Proper Fit: Ensure your clothes are reasonably fitted—not too tight, not too loose.
  • Minimal Accessories: Avoid over-accessorizing. Simple accessories can complement your look without being distracting.
  • Undergarments: Make sure undergarments are not visible. We won't alter the visibility of these in the final photos.
  • Mind the Neckline: Be aware of your neckline as it will be captured as is.
  • Family/Group Sessions: Match the formality of the outfits. If one person is in a suit, avoid having others in casual wear like t-shirts and jeans.
  • Color Palette: For family or group sessions, use a similar color palette to create a cohesive look.
  • Shave the Night Before: This helps prevent photos from capturing irritated skin and redness.
  • Empty Pockets: Keep your pockets free of items to avoid bulges and distractions.
  • Avoid Colorful Foods: Before the session, avoid eating foods that may cause discoloration around your mouth.


ADDITIONAL TIPS

  • Hair and Makeup: Consider having your hair and makeup professionally done. If you're doing it yourself, practice the look a few days before the session to ensure you’re happy with it.
  • Hydrate and Rest: Drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep before your session to ensure you look fresh and vibrant.
  • Weather Considerations: Dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s hot, light fabrics are best. For colder weather, layering is key.
  • Bring Essentials: Pack a small bag with essentials like a comb, hairspray, makeup for touch-ups, and a lint roller.
  • Practice Poses: Spend a little time in front of the mirror practicing poses and facial expressions. This can help you feel more comfortable during the session.


GATHERING YOUR PROPS

If using props for your sessions, have them prepared and ready to go a few days before the session.

Recommended Props:

  1. Blankets for seated photos
  2. Flowers
  3. Child's favorite toy if you want that captured
  4. Seasonal Items - Pumpkins, Wreaths, etc.
  5. Hats


NECESSITIES TO BRING TO YOUR SESSION

These are some of the items we recommend you bring to your sessions.

Recommended Props:

  • Spare Bag - VERY IMPORTANT. Its always a good idea to bring a bag with all your items to stash and helps store the items you would have otherwise placed into your pockets
  • Mirror
  • Makeup
  • Towel/Tissues
  • Chapsticks
  • Comb/Brush
  • Hairspray
  • Hair Ties/Hair Pins
  • Lint Brush
  • Safety Pins
  • Comfy Shoes - especially if you are wearing heels, its a good idea to switch in between spots
  • Water
  • Bug Spray
  • Props


Things to Keep in Mind!

  1. Your Final Payment is due 7 days prior to the session.
  2. Arrive 10 Mins Prior to your shoot and be ready to start the session on time
  3. We only remove items such as small blemishes or scratches. If there is anything else that's prominent that you would want the photographer to remove, please discuss with us during the shoot and point it out. We can not promise but we can try. We will not go out of the way to assume you would want something removed as we would respectfully not want to offend anyone if those are natural birth marks.