Session Information
Booking the Session
Once you've decided on the right photography package for your family, we'll go ahead and get the date booked for your photo session. In order to reserve your day, a non-refundable 50% session fee deposit is required. We'll work with your schedule to find a perfect day and time for the session!
Choosing the Location
The location of your photoshoot can be anywhere- from your bedroom to a nearby park or restaurant. We believe the most important factor in choosing a location should be its emotional value to you and your family. Being in the same spot where something wonderfully memorable happened in the past can evoke strong emotions and great moments in front of the lens (think first kiss, a special "I love you" moment, first date, etc.). Natural settings, such as parks and wilderness, can create beautiful backdrops for photographs. If you prefer your photoshoot indoors, rooms with big windows and lots of light are always a great choice!
Picture Day
On the day of your session, we'll meet at the agreed location and time and start snapping away. A Full Portrait Session can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. There's really no rush - the 2 hour limit is flexible - just what feels natural. It generally takes at least 30 minutes for us to "warm up" together, meaning getting comfortable and feeling relaxed in front of (or behind) the lens. After that, it's really up to the photographed subject as to how long the session will last. This is the fun part - let us do the work!
When shooting with small children, there are some ways you can prepare prior to coming to the session to help ensure happy, cooperative kids so that we can have a great shoot. Some important things to pack are wipees, an extra change of clothes, extra diapers (if needed), and any favorite toys or comfort items (like a comforting blanket).If the kids normally get a nap, be sure they don't miss nap time on picture day, as we want them well rested and energetic. Another crucial step is to be sure they eat prior the shoot. If you get in a hurry getting everyone ready, it's important that you don't skip your meal. A hungry kid is a cranky kid! To further ward of the hunger demons, be sure to pack some non-messy snacks and a drink or sippy cup. We'll take breaks if you little one needs a snack break. You are welcome to bring outfit changes for some added variety. I'll wait patiently while you change.
Children are unpredictable - a characteristic that makes them so lovable - but also difficult to plan around. It's something we completely understand! For this reason, we always carve out a large chunk of time to make sure your session isn't rushed. If baby needs to be changed or fed, take your time. If a toddler is getting tired or frustrated, we can take a snack break to relax and regroup. If you and your family are feeling uncomfortable or exhausted, we can pause for a drink of water and a rest in the shade. This is your photo session and we'll work at the pace of you and your family! There's no need to rush - just relax and enjoy the experience with us.
It can be difficult to get kids to cooperate in the best of circumstances, and many times they may feel uncomfortable with a photographer they don't know well in an unfamiliar place. We work hard to get those perfect poses, but never with negative reinforcement or discipline. We use only positive, confidence-boosting methods to gain your child's trust and cooperation during the photoshoot, and ask parents that they do the same. We find that the best photographic results come from using the carrot rather than the stick!
If we've chosen an outdoor location for your photos, we will most likely be at the mercy of the weather. If the day turns out to be extremely hot, which can be dangerous and frustrating for the family, we'll find an alternate date for the photos. Similarly, for rainstorms, snow, or extreme cold, we'd rather reschedule than push everyone into an uncomfortable place! We will be in communication the day before and day of the session to discuss any challenges that may arise and deal with them in the most convenient way possible for your family.
© Becca Hamilton Photography