First things first, here are a few things to keep in mind!
– We will teach you everything! If you have never been in front of the camera together, or even if you have and are wondering what to expect with us, you can be assured that we will tell you everything and instruct you throughout the entire session.
– You don’t have to be experts at posing! As a matter of fact, you don’t need to know a thing about posing! We have a system of posing we use and will instruct you how to do each pose during the session!
– We will try to make everything as easy and fun as we can! We really enjoy getting to know our clients and having a good time during our sessions!
For the best lighting, we usually start our sessions around 2-3 hours before sunset.
We offer both 30 minute and 1 hour portrait sessions, as well as 1.5 hour engagement sessions. We ask our clients to plan to arrive early so we can start right on time!
Most of our sessions involve one main location. However, if you have booked a longer engagement session there is the option to choose two entirely different locations! If you haven't yet chose a location, feel free to refer back to the "Start Here" page to view our favorite locations.
Although we want your pet to be a part of some photos, we also want to capture the two of you. Having an extra hand will relieve any stress when it's time for portraits of just the two of you! We're always happy to help too, but sometimes it's easier for us both to be focused on the session and let someone else be in charge of keeping your dog happy!
If you're opting to bring your pet to your session, we would recommend picking a location with limited people and distractions. However, we understand some dogs can handle busy areas without a problem!
If bringing your dog is going to add to your stress level, we wouldn't recommend it. Or consider having someone bring your dog for 5-10 minutes and then take them home so you can focus on the rest of your session!
Treats, squeak toys, balls....whatever it takes. We want to get that photo of your pet smiling at the camera too!
Prepare your groom!
clean your bling!
review blog posts
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
Some guys think that engagement sessions are going to be a snap-a-photo-and-they're-done deal. Make sure they know it is going to be a little more involved ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page!
While y'all are changing into your second outfit or at another time during your session, we will take a photo (or 10 ;) ) of your ring by itself. Make sure it's nice and shiny before you come!
This will relieve any stress incase you end up running behind or hitting traffic. This also gives us some time at the beginning of the session to chat with y'all or walk to where we're starting your session!
One great way for both of you to get a better idea of what your session will be like and what types of poses you will be doing is to take a look at our blog posts! You can view recent posts at the link below:
Recently on the blog
consider nap times
let your kids be themselves
bring snacks!
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
If you have booked a session time that doesn't work well with nap times, please let us know and we are happy to adjust things! We want to make sure everyone is as happy as possible during the session!
Most kids aren't fans of smiling at the camera and while we do like to get a photo of everyone looking at the camera, that isn't our main focus. By allowing your kids to run around, be silly, give hugs, etc. it enables us to capture the raw emotion and joy-filled images! So yes, we will ask them to smile for a photo, but after that we encourage everyone to laugh at each other, walk together, tickle/hug, etc!
This will relieve any stress incase you end up running behind or hitting traffic. This also gives us some time at the beginning of the session to chat with y'all or walk to where we're starting your session!
Snacks or candy are great incentives for smiling...Just make sure it isn't messy or sticky if they are eating it during the session! Smarties are a great option. For older children, consider getting a treat after the session.
Prepare your guy!
anniversaries: LEt's celebrate!
review blog posts
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
Some guys think that photos are going to be a snap-a-photo-and-they're-done deal. Make sure they know it is going to be a little more involved ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page!
If you've scheduled a couples session for your anniversary, we think it is always fun to do a champagne pop, eat some cake during your session, or incorporate another aspect of your wedding to celebrate your marriage!
This will relieve any stress incase you end up running a little behind or hit traffic. This also gives us some time at the beginning of the session to chat with y'all or walk to where we're starting your session!
One great way for both of you to get a better idea of what your session will be like and what types of poses you will be doing is to take a look at our blog posts! You can view recent couples sessions posts at the link below:
Recently on the blog
Prepare your guy!
Wear a dress that accentuates your bump
review blog posts
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
Some guys think that photos are going to be a snap-a-photo-and-they're-done deal. Make sure they know it is going to be a little more involved ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page!
We normally suggest flowy dresses when it comes to choosing a dress for your session. However, when it comes to maternity sessions we think it looks more flattering to choose a dress that is more fitted up top and really shows off your baby bump!
This will relieve any stress incase you end up running a little behind or hit traffic. This also gives us some time at the beginning of the session to chat with y'all or walk to where we're starting your session!
One great way for both of you to get a better idea of what your session will be like and what types of poses you will be doing is to take a look at our blog posts! You can view recent couples sessions posts at the link below:
Recently on the blog
gather your props
consider bringing a friend or family member
plan your outfit order
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
If you're wearing a cap and gown for some of your photos, make sure to have it steamed and ready to go! If you have any other props such as champagne, balloons, or other important items, bring those as well!
It can always be helpful to have a friend or family member come along to carry your props and keep up with your cap & gown! However, if it will make you feel uncomfortable having someone watching, we are happy to help keep up with your belongings! You feeling comfortable is our top priority!
This will relieve any stress incase you end up running behind or hitting traffic. This also gives us some time at the beginning of the session to chat with y'all or walk to where we're starting your session!
In order to eliminate any stress during your session, go ahead and decide which outfit you would like to wear with your cap and gown (it might be both!) and which outfits you would like to wear with any other props you might have! Tip: wear your favorite outfit first because your hair will look the best at the start of the session!
Gather your props
Prepare anyone else involved
plan your outfit order according to the shot list
Plan to arrive 10-15 mins early!
Once we have discussed a shot list, we encourage you to gather any props and items you would like to incorporate in the shoot ahead of time. Think through some of the backgrounds and consider if you want fresh flowers, a hot cup of coffee, or any perishable items you may need to pick up on the day of the session as well!
If your content session involves a business partner, significant other, or kids, make sure they are aware of what their involvement in the session looks like! Prep them by explaining it is more than just snapping a couple photos and that they need to be ready to go at the session start time!
If your session is taking place at a location other than your home, make sure to leave with extra time! This will relieve any stress incase you end up running a little behind or hit traffic.
We will work with you before your session to create a shot list that focuses on your current marketing needs. Once you have this list, choose which outfits you would like to correlate with each prop. This helps to eliminate decision making during the session!