The Planning Meeting
Because we design art for your home with images and moments of your family, it is important for us to meet before your photo session so we have the opportunity to know you better, your tastes and a little bit about your family.
Whether you are a new customer or a long-time client, the planning appointment is of utmost importance to create a unique image. Our photography is artistically conceived and planned in advance to insure that your finished portrait is a true reflection of the subject's personality and character. Along with the usual discussion of clothing, make-up and style, we will discuss the personality traits of those being photographed as well as their relationship with one another.
The following guidelines and suggestions will help give a clearer vision as to the direction of the portrait session:
* Timeless clothing which is simple and classic will help your portrait stand the test of time. Your child or family is the focal point of our work, therefore it is of utmost importance that clothing choices compliment and not distract from the overall balance and focus of your image. Keep your choices subtle and solid with everyone in the portrait wearing the same shade and "color family". Work for balance, harmony and color coordination. We recommend that adults wear long or three-quarter length sleeves. Youthful subjects can wear strapless or sun dresses, but these are best avoided in group portraits. Select clothing that will be flattering when seated, such as a long flared skirt instead of a mini-skirt.
* For a black and white Relationship Portrait, if you want to wear nail polish, French manicures are best. Bring simple, long-sleeved, black or navy turtlenecks or shirts as well as black or navy pants or a skirt.
* As you will appear to be wearing slightly less make-up in the photograph than you actually are, please wear your usual make-up plus a slight extra touch of blush, very well blended. Extra mascara is also recommended. Bring all of your make-up with you for repairs as needed. Remember to keep jewelry simple and avoid wearing a watch to the session. Styling your hair at home is the most convenient, but feel free to bring what's needed for touch-ups.
* We know that great images take time and concentration. Our advice is to pick a style or a mood and focus on it. Too many clothing & background changes leave little time to focus on what truly matters.
* Parents of a newborn, who want their baby photographed without a diaper, will want to be prepared for accidents and bring extra slacks or a skirt.
* The "window of opportunity" with children is short. All children have different and unique personalities. We suggest dividing the children into their own portrait in order to capture each child's personality. At certain stages, incorporating a parent into the sitting helps stabilize the child and allows each child to be most relaxed and looking his or her best. When doing individual portraits during a group session, we suggest an adult come along and watch the children outside of the studio in order to help capture great images of those being photographed at that time. Group portraits of young children without parents in it for stabilization are not recommended.
* Please resist the urge to tell your child to smile or insist they be on their best behavior as this often backfires. Simply say "we are having our portrait taken and it will be fun." We have photographed hundreds of children and assure you this is the best way. Remember, pre-planning is the best way to put your mind at ease that all will go well on the day of your sitting!
Whether you are a new customer or a long-time client, the planning appointment is of utmost importance to create a unique image. Our photography is artistically conceived and planned in advance to insure that your finished portrait is a true reflection of the subject's personality and character. Along with the usual discussion of clothing, make-up and style, we will discuss the personality traits of those being photographed as well as their relationship with one another.
The following guidelines and suggestions will help give a clearer vision as to the direction of the portrait session:
* Timeless clothing which is simple and classic will help your portrait stand the test of time. Your child or family is the focal point of our work, therefore it is of utmost importance that clothing choices compliment and not distract from the overall balance and focus of your image. Keep your choices subtle and solid with everyone in the portrait wearing the same shade and "color family". Work for balance, harmony and color coordination. We recommend that adults wear long or three-quarter length sleeves. Youthful subjects can wear strapless or sun dresses, but these are best avoided in group portraits. Select clothing that will be flattering when seated, such as a long flared skirt instead of a mini-skirt.
* For a black and white Relationship Portrait, if you want to wear nail polish, French manicures are best. Bring simple, long-sleeved, black or navy turtlenecks or shirts as well as black or navy pants or a skirt.
* As you will appear to be wearing slightly less make-up in the photograph than you actually are, please wear your usual make-up plus a slight extra touch of blush, very well blended. Extra mascara is also recommended. Bring all of your make-up with you for repairs as needed. Remember to keep jewelry simple and avoid wearing a watch to the session. Styling your hair at home is the most convenient, but feel free to bring what's needed for touch-ups.
* We know that great images take time and concentration. Our advice is to pick a style or a mood and focus on it. Too many clothing & background changes leave little time to focus on what truly matters.
* Parents of a newborn, who want their baby photographed without a diaper, will want to be prepared for accidents and bring extra slacks or a skirt.
* The "window of opportunity" with children is short. All children have different and unique personalities. We suggest dividing the children into their own portrait in order to capture each child's personality. At certain stages, incorporating a parent into the sitting helps stabilize the child and allows each child to be most relaxed and looking his or her best. When doing individual portraits during a group session, we suggest an adult come along and watch the children outside of the studio in order to help capture great images of those being photographed at that time. Group portraits of young children without parents in it for stabilization are not recommended.
* Please resist the urge to tell your child to smile or insist they be on their best behavior as this often backfires. Simply say "we are having our portrait taken and it will be fun." We have photographed hundreds of children and assure you this is the best way. Remember, pre-planning is the best way to put your mind at ease that all will go well on the day of your sitting!