You have booked a studio session and now what? I’m here to assist you every step of the way. This post will cover some helpful tips about dress, prepping kids, planning your session, what to expect, and lastly my address so you know how to get here. There is also a special section about cake smashes if that is included in your session.
DRESS:
- If your entire family is included in the session, coordinate without completely matching. Hey, it is your session, and if you are dead set on everyone wearing white shirts, then by all means, go for it. BUT - I highly discourage it. (: Variety is definitely more interesting. I tell my clients to pick a couple coordinating colors and dress the family in a mix of solids and patterns of these colors. Then maybe add a splash of color (if needed) in a scarf or accessories.
- Wear what you are comfortable in! If you are not comfortable or confident in the clothes are you are wearing - it will show in the photos!
- Bright fluorescent colors are a NO NO! Whether you realize it or not, bright colors will reflect off of skin and clothing, so anyone standing next to that person wearing the hot pink shirt will have hot pink skin. I can't edit that out.
- If you have glasses that don't have the non-glare lenses, you might consider taking them off for the photos as my strobes will reflect in your glasses. If your glasses are must then we’ll work on positioning you to minimize the effect but be aware it will be difficult to eliminate it completely.
- Typically I only take photos of families from the waist up so I’ll probably ask that you remove your shoes. Shoes scuff up and leave marks on my seamless paper and that requires more editing in the end.
- Children -
Make sure the clothes on your little ones fit and they are comfortable in the clothes. If you go out and buy something new, I know it's hard to buy clothes that aren't one size up, because you know they grow so quickly. But baggy clothes will swallow up little ones, especially if they are sitting down.
No shoes - I typically love bare feet for kids in the studio
Babies can show some skin! Shirtless babes or babes in a diaper cover can make great images and allow you to capture that sweet chubbs phase. (:
PLANNING YOUR SESSION:
You can select two different backgrounds for a studio session. Below are my background options and you can let me know which two you would like and which one you would like first.
- For kids I have plenty of crates, bowls, stools, and other props for them to sit on/in.
- Feel free to bring a couple different outfits for kids.
- No matter the timing of your session, I recommend keeping the kids on a normal schedule for the day. We can plan our session around naps, meals, etc.
- Make sure kids (and you) are fed before the session or at least have had a heavy snack. We all get cranky when we are hungry!
- Plan ahead, set clothes out, check timing/directions, and save my cell number in your phone (765-749-4388). It's hard when clients show up and they are frazzled because they were in such a hurry and the kids are all crazy, etc. I know things come up, but if at all possible, leave plenty of time to get ready, get dressed, and drive to my studio. If you are running a little late - DON'T FRET - it's not going to be detrimental to your session. Just text me to let me know. I would rather you be 10 minutes late and show up relaxed than show up on time with screaming kids.
- Please fill out the questionnaire if possible, to help me plan the best session possible.
RESCHEDULING POLICY: If you have a conflict come up, please let me know ASAP. I normally am fine with rescheduling and transferring your deposit to another session.
My Address is 6525 Briarwood Place, Zionsville, IN 46077
AT YOUR SESSION:
- Empty your pockets - no phones, wallets, keys bulging out of pockets
- If you have young children - try to make sure their faces are clean. I don't know about you, but my kids always seem to have bits of food, yogurt stains, and/or snot on their face.
- Please do not take photos with your cell phones during sessions. (Unless you want to take a picture of me taking pictures and post on FB about what an awesome photographer I am). (: If you want to video a cake smash or special moment, please feel free.
- Most importantly - RELAX and have FUN! Sometimes kids take awhile to warm up in the studio so please don’t force them do something they don’t want to do or get frustrated. We’ll work with it and I have some tricks up my sleeve to help kids feel comfortable.
CAKE SMASHES:
- I love cake smashes! I partner with Itty Bitty Cakes to provide a custom 6 inch smash cake for an additional charge. I will pick up your cake before your session so you don’t have to worry about it! (Because you have enough to worry about!) https://www.facebook.com/ittybittycakes
- Here are some tips if you are providing your own cake: Do NOT get red icing! (unless you are going for a bloody Halloween theme). And a cake with chocolate frosting can kind of look like, you know what, when smeared all over. Also - it’s super helpful if the cake is on a solid cardboard piece (or some bakeries put a ribbon around the cardboard to make it pretty) to help transport it to the cake stand or floor. It’s difficult to try to move just the cake without messing part of it up.
- I recommend that you feed your child a cupcake or a piece of cake a week or so prior to our session. It’s not required but it’s good to have a trial run.
- If you have a special theme and have props you want to bring, please feel free (maybe just give me a heads up beforehand). I have a few girl and boy banners that I can show you to see if you want to use those. I tend to keep my studio setups simple.
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
- Your work is done! You did it! I will post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within a couple days, unless you opted out. A proofing gallery will be send to you in 7-10 days and then after you select your final images I’ll finish up edits and send you a final gallery. Typical turnaround time for the final gallery is 7 days. If you had a full session or upgraded to receive all images, expect the turnaround time to be 14 days or less.
If any questions arise at any point in the process, please don't hesitate to contact me. kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.
