Your Session Guide
Everything you need to know for your session
Planning your Session
The key to getting the photos you envision is communication. This is why we have either an in-person, video chat or phone call consultation- to get to know each other and to plan the exact vision for your photos.
During your consult we’ll talk about the visual elements like lighting and colour, as well as the overall emotions you’d like your photos to capture. We’ll also chat about wardrobe, makeup and hair, along with all the finer details.
Instead of a consult you’re also welcome to fill in the Concept Builder form that gives me all the info I need to create your vision.
DO decide what the goal of your session is: do you want updated family photos, do you prefer formal or candid posing, do you want a session for yourself as a confidence boost etc.
DO create a Pinterest board with inspo images for your session and share with me.
DO send me your inspo images via email or Whatsapp (during office hours).
DO chat about any specific styling or wardrobe elements you have in mind for your session.
DON’T leave your planning to the last minute as there’ll not be enough time to create all the elements you envision for your session.
What to Wear
The 90s were awesome; not so awesome was the matching white tees and jeans trend that emerged for portrait sessions. If you’re stuck on what to wear for your session, I’m here to help.
- Big, bold logos/wording, character tees and the like quickly date your photos and should be avoided. Instead, opt for solid colours.
- Avoid patterns that are big, bold and loud ’cause they’ll end up wearing you in your photos; opt for smaller, dainty prints instead.
- For couples and families the trick is to co-ordinate and not match colours.
- Layer it up- layers add interest to an outfit.
- When it comes to accessories, remember the wise words of Coco Chanel- less is more.
Preparing for Your Session
Professional cameras and lighting show so much more than a cellphone snapshot, that’s why its important to pay attention to those little details.
- If you’re using my makeup services, it’s best to arrive at my studio with a clean and moisturised face. Please remember to disclose any allergies to makeup products or their ingredients.
- If you typically get your nails done, schedule your next nail appointment for a few days before your session. For those with natural nails, ensure they’re clipped and clean.
- If you groom your brows, check for any stray hairs or schedule your next wax appointment for a few days before your session. For the guys, facial hair is like your makeup- don’t forget to groom your facial hair if you want to look your best on camera.
- Don’t do anything drastic to your look in the days leading to your session. Those days are not the time for wacky haircuts or a chemical peel.
- Give your skin a glow by keeping well hydrated, exfoliating, moisturising and don’t forget your sunscreen.
- Eat light on the day of your session. A heavy, salty meal will leaving you looking and feeling bloated but you don’t want to feel shaky from not eating at all.
Session Day
It’s session day- yay! When you arrive for your session we’ll go through the sanitizer routine before we start. From there we’ll chat about the session and what we’ll be doing.
My number one goal is to get you comfortable so we can capture natural, emotive photos. I’ll guide you through poses that will get you looking your best in photos, along with guiding you to interact with your loved ones for beautifully composed photos.
Before you know it, your session is wrapped and you’re on your way to choosing your photos for hand editing and retouching. Just remember before you leave you can add your own quote, doodle or inspiring words on the kindness-canvas.
Your Online Gallery
With your portrait session wrapped, your photos are backed up with the best photos being selected and lightly edited. These are then uploaded to a private online gallery for you to view and select your photos for final editing and retouching; you’re guaranteed of receiving access to your selection gallery with 48-72 hours of your session.
Delivery
Gone are the days of CDs and USBs! With digital delivery, your photos are in your hand on any device with an internet browser as soon as they’re ready in 10-14 days. Your 30 day online gallery is password protected and you can instantly share your photos with friends and family, download to any device with an internet connection and print your photos. Simply tap the menu icon, select ‘download’ and follow the prompts.
If you’ve ordered prints or a USB, you’ll be contacted as soon as they’re ready for collection from my studio or in the hands of a courier if you’re outside of Middelburg.
A Note for Parents
Your child may be an angel but sometimes they like to throw you a curve ball and simply not be in the mood for a session. Here are a few tips to help prevent that:
- Schedule your session for after their nap time. As a parent myself I totally understand and would be happy to work with you on this.
- Bring along water and any non-messy treats. It’s much easier to bribe a child with a treat if they can see it.
- It’s often the smallest thing that can set off a toddlers bad mood; one typically been clothing tags. You’re welcome to bring an extra change of clothes if it becomes an issue for your little one.
- A studio environment can be scary for little ones. You’re welcome to bring them by for a quick visit a few days before their session so they’ll feel more prepared on the day and won’t be as anxious.
While I do try my best to get picture-perfect portraits of your little one, sometimes it’s just not on the cards if they don’t want to co-operate.