***ONLY TAKING PREVIOUS CLIENTS FOR FAMILY SESSIONS AT THIS TIME UNLESS THE FAMILY SESSION IS MATERNITY, NEWBORN OR WITH A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF ONE***
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A FAMILY PORTRAIT?
It takes me 2-3 weeks to edit, so I would suggest scheduling 2-3 weeks before you need the files.
WHAT IS A FAMILY SESSION?
A family session can be photos with the parents or it could be of just your child(ren). Family sessions can also include the family pet (I would need to know at the time of booking).
WHERE WILL THE FAMILY SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Family sessions can take place in my studio located in Lake in the Hills, IL anytime of the year or outside at some of the local parks from (mid-May through mid-September).
HOW LONG DOES THE SESSION LAST?
Family sessions are 1 hour in length.
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
I suggest that you wear outfits that match but are not the same. For example you SHOULD NOT all be wearing the same color shirt and the same color pants. What you SHOULD do is pick a color theme. I suggest Googling "____ color palette". In the blank put the season you are getting your pictures taken in (summer, winter, fall, spring). Doing so will give you a lot of great color combinations. From there you just match everyone in those colors. For example if you have the colors of cream, light blue, dark blue and rose color. Mom could be wearing a flower dress with all the colors, the boys wearing jeans, one boy I a light blue shirt, dad in a cream shirt, little girl in a rose color dress with a dark blue necklace, etc. If you would like some more samples, please let me know, and I can send some to you.
Please make sure that you remove or repaint chipped nail polish and remove temporary tattoos. I charge extra to edit these from images.
OUTDOOR SESSION TIPS
Bugs: Summer bugs can be horrible. I always have bug spray you can borrow, but I know some families have their preferences on sprays. If that's you, please remember to bring bug spray for yourself and family.
Weather: If there is dangerous weather, I will contact you no later than 8am that morning, and reschedule for an upcoming date. We do not reschedule unless there is bad rain (i.e. drizzle doesn't deter us) or other dangerous weather such as lightning, etc.
IN STUDIO SESSION TIPS
If you choose to do a session inside my studio in Lake in the Hills, IL, I have over 100 different backdrops you can choose from prior to your session. During your session there is enough times to use 2-3 backdrops. You can see my backdrop collection at either of the below links. Please keep in mind that my design backdrops are meant for small children. For family photos, I recommend selecting one of my solid, brick or wood backdrops.
If you have Facebook, you can see my collection here. If you click on the image, I do have some samples of the backdrop in use for several of the backdrops:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.453727241441364&type=3
If you do not have Facebook, here's a link to my backdrop collection on my website:
https://image127photography.pixieset.com/backdrops/
PARENT TIPS!
Remind everyone before the session to remain calm, including the adults. Haha. Family photos don't have to be stressful. Kids feed off our emotions and if we are upset, it will be a lot harder for me to get your child(ren) to relax. I like to have fun and I get goofy. I will get your child to make silly faces and it's okay. This helps them relax and it helps me get genuine smiles. Also with your permission, I do also bribe with M&M's if need be.
WHAT'S THE INVESTMENT FOR A FAMILY SESSION?
Here's a link to my family investment packages:
https://www.image127photography.com/family1