Preperation

Before your session is it worth taking some time to prepare. After all you will have to look at your images for a long time. There are several things you should think about before the shoot; who is coming along, what should you wear, what style of image would you like. Below is a list of hints and tips to help you think about what you want.

Hints and Tips

Clothes

Always choose your clothes the night before your session so you have time to consider the perfect outfits. Think about your colour schemes. Do you want colours to match a certain room, or complement each other? Do you want a mix of bright colours or do you want something more subtle?

Make your clothes reflect the mood and the style of images you like. Make sure clothes are comfortable and you feel relaxed in them. Wear clothes that you feel reflect your style and personality.

Prepare a selection of outfits to choose from, we may not use them all but we can advise as to which outfits will work best in the shoot. Avoid prints and strong patterns for group shots, and be wary of anything which will date really quickly.

Hair and Make up

Wait at least a week after a hair cut before attending your session. This will allow you to get used to your new style and your hair can look its best on the day. Don’t worry about getting your hair specially done; if you have a make-up artist included in your package they will style your hair. If not the look of your pictures will be natural and modern, we want you to look just as you are.

When considering using make up for your shoot try not to go too over board. The images produced will be natural, so wear what you would normally for a dinner party or evening out. If you would like to have some shots with a more natural look and

some more dynamic, start with less and add more during the shoot.

If you don’t normally wear makeup, you don’t have to. If you would like to wear a little bring some along and we can advise you what will look best for you.

If you have a makeup artist included in your package, be brave and use none at all, we will do it all for you.

Wait at least a week after returning

 

from a sunny holiday to have your session. Your skin will look healthier after it has settled; we don’t want tan lines or sore red skin spoiling your images. If you would like to apply tan before your session, please consider a spray tan rather than risking unattractive streaks or lines.

What to bring

Bring something along to the session to personalise it. If someone has an obsessive hobby, include something to represent it.  You can include anything sentimental in your images bring it along (baby’s first teddy, your anniversary champagne bottle) anything goes.

Children might like to include a favourite toy into the session; interactive toys work better in photographs. Anything which requires energy and allows the kids to have fun while playing, generally generates better expressions and will help your child relax on the day.

Themes

Think about a possible theme for your pictures. Do you want a Christmas or birthday theme, or maybe bedtime is your fun family time, make that your theme. If you’re mad about shoes or hats or scarves, why not make them part of your session. If you and your partner love cooking, make that your theme.

The session can be location based, so what about a day at the beach, park or funfair as a theme for your images. The theme for your session can be anything you like, it can represent an important occasion in your life, or a special interest you have.

 

Groupings

Decide exactly what combinations/groupings you definitely want before your session and make sure we are aware of all of them before the shoot. Chat to everyone in the group before the session and ask if they have any special grouping requirements. It is also better to make sure everyone knows which groupings they are expected to be involved with.

Style

If you see anything which appeals to you as a style for your images, discuss these ideas before your shoot. Whether it’s a colour scheme, photographic style or inspiring images you like, copy them and let us know. If you have a particular preference towards black and white for example, let us know and we can provide more accurate advice preparing for your session.

Babies

The Minimum age for babies in family sessions is 12 weeks. This will allow your baby to be more responsive and interactive in the session. It will also make things easier for you to organise as your child will be more settled into a regular routine.

When booking your session consider your baby's eating and sleeping times. Your baby will be much happier and more responsive in the session with a full belly and plenty of sleep.

Children

If you require shots of just children together, each child under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. This will make the session run more smoothly and will ensure you get more shots from the shoot.

No food or drink allowed in the studio (without prior consent), so please feed your kids before your session.

Pets and Animals

Pets are of course welcome in your session, but by prior arrangement only. Please make sure we are aware of any animals to be included in the session. Someone who regularly handles the pet must attend the session.

Disability

We can cater to clients who have disabilities but we would recommend the shoots are taken on location at a suitable venue. Please make sure we are aware of any disabled members of your party at the earliest possible opportunity to allow plenty time for planning and preparation for the session.