CLIENT PREP GUIDE
WELCOME! I’m excited for our upcoming photo session. I created this guide to help prep you for time together. You’ll find details on choosing a location, styling tips, and what to expect during and after your session. If you have questions, please message me. I always appreciate more communication than less… to make sure we’re on the same page.
What To Wear
LOCATIONS
OUTDOORS // My outdoor sessions typically take place at sunset or during day in shaded areas to avoid harsh light. I have personal favorite spots that I like to scope out ahead of time…and I’m also open to new locations as long as there is good light.
Shooting at sunset or sunrise provides that gorgeous light you often see in my images. Sunset tends to get late for some families in the summer. Please plan to have your child nap later in the day or consider sunrise for your session. As a parent of two little kids, I know how difficult it can be to leave home on time. Please plan to arrive early and ready to start your session on time. Your session is scheduled according to the light so please plan for traffic etc.
Lastly, we are often photographing in tall grass or fields that may contain bugs, please apply or bring bug spray for your family. If you prefer to avoid tall grass, let me know prior to picking a location.
This family embraced the usual kid mess!
HOME SESSIONS // If we are photographing in/around your home, we usually start around 10 am but that timing is flexible. We often times can grab some images outdoors too. I’m not expecting to walk into a perfectly clean home. I recommend choosing 2-3 rooms to declutter. Sometimes clearly nightstands or moving large items you would not want in images is enough. I will also move things if I need to on the day of your session. I will choose shooting locations based on the natural light in that room during our session. If there are activities you want to capture, such reading to your little one or dancing in the kitchen, let me know prior to the session. Again, home sessions will only be scheduled if Covid protocols are followed in accordance with Washington State Public Health guidelines.
WHAT TO WEAR
Every full session includes access to the Online Styling Site and help from me. Message me for a code to access the site with your session prep.
On this Styling Site, you can dress your family based on colors or styles. Style & Select offers lots of options, including accessories and layering can add so depth to your images. You can purchase items directly from the shops in the store or use it as a guide on what to buy. Your clothing should reflect your style. I recommend that YOU first find something you feels amazing in, then base the rest of your family’s outfits off of that.
I strongly suggest coordinating, no matching.
No neon colors, clothing with words/large logos on the front, and overly large bows on babies. You can uses hats, tall socks, or other accessories to add layers to your family’s wardrobe.
All black or all white does not photograph well, so mix textures and 2-3 colors.
Please dress for the weather! Cold kids do not like being photographed. Embrace the cold with layers and cute accessories. Ditch the coats, and make long underwear/ wool base layers your best friend for cold weather. Bring a cute blanket to cuddle under, too.
Some the best locations rarely have solid ground so plan to wear comfortable shoes.
Check your wrists before your session - hair ties, watches, and other items that you may not want photographed.
I’m more than happy to help with any clothing questions or concerns. I encourage you to text or e-mail while you’re shopping or putting clothing together. I am also happy to share some of my favorite shops to kids or yourself.
A NOTE IF YOU HAVE KIDS
No cheese necessary. Every child is unique, so I try to do what works best for each one. You may find that your kiddos may take take some time to warm up and some are ready to go. There are no fast hard rules on this.
Your session is a time to relax and just be with your family.
To get the most out of your session, make sure that your kids are well-rested and have had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non messy snacks so their faces stay clean during the session.
Prepare your kids for your session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them, it's best not to surprise them.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
Once your session is complete, I will send you a sneak peek, usually by the following day. I appreciate when you share your photos with family and friends!
Once the editing process is complete, typically within 2-3 weeks, you will receive an email for access to your Private Online Gallery. Your gallery link will be open for download for 6 months.
I highly recommend printing your images through your Gallery (which has access to amazing professional labs) or a high quality printer such as Artifact Uprising. I can not guarantee color quality at places like Walgreens, Costco, etc.
STAYING HEALTHY
Since we're in weird times, let's keep in communication about our health! All adults in my family are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine and I reschedule if anyone is sick in my house, since let’s face it… it sucks being sick and/or taking care of sick family members. I ask you to do the same if anyone in your party is ill. Your health and safety is priority to me.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions before your session.
My mobile for day-of: 206.407.8800
Cheers,
AV