SESSION GUIDE

Choosing a Location

Together we will work to find the perfect location for the session you choose--new and fun places are awesome, and places that hold memories you (and all included) are wonderful! If you have a specific place in mind for your session, let me know what's on your mind! 

If we are photographing indoors (i.e. newborns, maternity, family), remember that we will need as much natural light as possible. Snap a few pictures and text them to me so I know what I will be working with beforehand. I want these sessions to be as relaxed and natural as possible, so don't worry about moving anything--if I need to squeeze somewhere to get the perfect shot, I will always put what I move back!

Working with Children

These sessions should be fun! I love working with children--whether they are active, shy, or tend to be a ham in front of the camera, they are always a joy to photograph. These sessions are all about the child(ren), so let's highly their unique personalities! Bring a doll, toy, blanket, outfit, or whatever the child is currently attached too--adding this special touch both soothes the child and provides for some wonderful photos.

I generally take the child's lead, but I will definitely look to you if I need help. Please make sure that your child(ren) is well rested and fed before the session--a happy child lasts a lot longer! I like to take a few minutes before each session so we can warm-up to each other. 

Please remember that your child's safety is your responsibility and you should always be within arms reach. A parent must always be present during the session.

Hair, Make-up, and Nails

Hair and make-up should be kept natural, and remember to clean and trim everyone's nails. And please don't be offended if I ask your child to remove their bows, pony tails, or other hair accessories.

Illness or Emergency

If you, or someone else scheduled for the session, is ill or has experienced an emergency, I am happy to reschedule! Please do not cancel a session if this is the case--rescheduling is always the #1 option! If I am ill or have an emergency, I will reschedule Newborn Sessions. For all other sessions, it will be on a case by case basis. 

Clothing Suggestions!

Read Me for in-depth information on clothing suggestions!

Personality

Textures, patterns, bold colours, even prints! Grab everything you have and I will help you put outfits together. Layering adds dimension to the images, so think jackets/sweaters, short sleeves over a long sleeve shirt, tights or leggings, even a scarf--simple outfits are also wonderful, like a flowing dress or a plain tee and jeans. Always steer clear of logos and characters (this can always be discussed, please contact me with your ideas!)

Babies

Less is best--simple clothing, minimal patterns, even just a diaper cover are all options. Remember to keep them comfortable in their clothes. 

Newborns

A loose fitting diaper and a cover is always preferred, but if you aren't wanting to do pictures of a nearly naked baby (or even in the buff!) a few simple, unstained, and well fitting outfits are completely acceptable--remember to keep outfit changes to a minimum for newborns! My newborn sessions are lifestyle sessions, which means I work to capture the most natural interactions between everyone involved. Mum and Dad should wear simple clothing, nothing extravagant--grey, brown, black, or white are best.

Families

The days of matching shirts and pants are gone--you are much more unique than khakis and a t-shirt! 

**Same style: all dressy or all casual.

**Complimentary or similar tones and colours: colour palettes are a wonderful place to start looking for inspiration!

**Variation: this is key, we don't want everyone in the same coloured shirt!

Mum should stand out from the group, Dad should compliment her, and the kids should reflect their unique style (at least one item of their outfit).

Couples

This is about you two, together! Shirts should complement each other in colour and style. Remember to keep it in the same style. Bring a few outfits for possible changes during the session--jeans and dressy are the most often chosen (a dress and a pair of slacks and button up). Shoes, jackets, accessories, and even hats can add a bit of your personalities to this session.

Seniors(Grads)

We are showcasing you and your personality. Choose clothing that reflects your unique style--grab a few different outfits for your session, and make sure they reflect your different sides-! Don't forget about hats, shoes, and accessories. Remember to bring a few things that mean something to you, and are a part of who you are: if you play an instrument, bring it; if you play a sport, let's showcase it; bring what makes you unique!

For Newborn Sessions

Babies up to 2 weeks old are preferred, but up to 5 weeks old is acceptable.

**Turning up the heat or turning off the A/C to keep the home warm during the session is recommended, because baby is accustomed to the warmth of the womb. This will help make baby happy and comfortable.

**It is best to limit clothing changes to once, or twice, during the session. Any clothing should be clean and stain free. Most of the time, having baby in a loose diaper (to avoid those pesky lines) and a simple diaper cover or blanket is best for these sessions.

**Please, feed your baby until he/she is good and full. You will likely need to feed baby during the session, which will give me a chance to photograph the room and special items. Don't be too concerned about a specific schedule--during these sessions, I work around the baby and his/her needs. I am happy to give you, and/or baby, a moment so the baby is calmed.

Because these sessions are done in your home, please send me pictures of the main rooms you want to focus on--cellphone pictures are fine, and you can always text them to me! We will need as much natural light as possible so I may end up opening curtains. Also, don't be worried if I move things around, I will always put them back! 

Please, let me know if you have any suggestions about props, settings, or poses you want to have done! 

Before and After the Session

Once you contact me with your initial inquiry, I will email you a link to a questionnaire which will help me get to know you better. This is a jumping point and will be the basis of my next email to you--if you prefer a phone call or an in-person meeting, please tell me on the questionnaire and list a good phone number, or a date/time/place you would like to meet. We will decide on a location, a date, and a time--we will also discuss possible themes, props, and/or clothing ideas.

I will keep in touch with you all the way up to our session date, including a call/text/FB message on the day of to confirm that we are still good to go! I want you know, right now, that you are not just a client to me--you are a new friend, and I hope that we build a wonderful relationship! 

You can expect a sneak peek of your session within 3 days, and the gallery within a 1 to 2 weeks of the session date. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!