The time is almost here, and I am so excited to meet all of you! This post is to fill you in on a few last-minute details that hopefully you’ll find helpful. As much as I am able, I’d love to convince you to NOT STRESS out. In fact, you could have every last detail worked out to perfection, but if you and your family arrive completely stressed out, it would be worse than a few imperfections but a relaxed crew ready for the camera. Your job is to show up and love on your family–let me handle the rest!
Where?
We will be meeting at Faust Park. When you pull into the parking lot, go ahead and walk down the sidewalk that eventually leads to the playground. (See map below, the red star marks where to go first.) Karey Pheney from PWM Planning will be there to greet you. Because the park will be busy that day, I will determine exactly where in the park we will be photographing your family after I get there. Karey will give you my location and direct you to where you need to be.
When?
This Sunday, October 25th! You should have an assigned time slot from PWM Planning. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to check in with Karey and then get to my location in the park. There will be a number of families being photographed in back-to-back sessions, so I’d love to have everyone a bit early and ready to start on time.
Length of Session
Each session will be 40 minutes, which should give us enough time to get those posed images as well as a couple of fun and interactive candids.
Wardrobe
Click HERE for a link to some styling tips if you would like ideas.
Other Last Minute Tips
Finger Nail Polish: Okay, this sounds goofy, but it has happened on more than one occasion. Be sure to check fingernails before you leave for the session. I’ve had more than one mom not realize their daughter’s hands had bright green nail polish or half-on, half-off polish that didn’t match their wardrobe choices.
Pockets: Empty them!! Phones, keys and other items stick out like a sore thumb in pictures, so put those phones and keys someplace else for the session.
Transition Lenses: Bring along a different pair if you can, or consider pulling those transition lenses off for pictures. Transition lenses do not edit well, so I recommend finding a different option.
Clothing/Skin Mishaps: The wonderful thing about still photos is there is some room to fudge. I like to tell moms this especially, as bumps or bruises are common on little ones and acne can easily pop up on older kids and adults. Now, I’m not saying to smear your child’s face with chocolate or red juice before the session, but I am well-versed in photoshop and you’d be amazed at all the things I’ve fixed along the way! So again, if your little one trips in the dirt after getting out of the car, don’t sweat it–just keep smiling and we’ll get it worked out!
Child Behavior: Your child or children may not know me, and they probably already are sensing that family pictures are a big deal. It may take them awhile to warm up to me, and that is certainly okay! I want to give kids a little space to get comfortable with me. I know this might sound counterintuitive, but try not to tell your kids, “SAY CHEESE!!” Often that leads to forced and fake smiles. Instead, feel free to play peek-a-boo behind my shoulder, make funny sounds, talk about silly things, etc. That tends to bring out the authentic smiles and reduces the anxiety they may have of being in front of the camera.
After the Session
It will take me about two weeks to edit your session. Once I am finished editing, I will email you a gallery link for you to download your pictures!
Printing
You are more than welcome to print anywhere you like! That said, there are differences in printing depending on where you print your pictures. For the best quality consumer printing, I would recommend Mpix, as they tend to come closest to professional printing. If you are interested in purchasing professionally finished products, I offer full service professional printing. Fine art prints, canvases, metals, and albums–all are beautiful options for displaying your family pictures. I would be happy to walk through the different possibilities if you are interested in hearing more, just send me a quick email after you have received your gallery to get the details.
And that should wrap it up for last minute details! Let me know if you have any final questions. I’m excited to meet your family soon!
~Amy
