Holiday Mini Session
guide
A summary of what we will be going over.
No.1
Tips for families with kids
No.2
Outfit tips & Inspiration
No.3
Clothing examples of UNFLATTERING outfits (what not to wear)
No.4 Frequently asked Questions
Here are some key things that contribute to the perfect holiday mini session photoshoot.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a shoot feeling rushed and frazzled. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to the location in order to make the most out of our scheduled session (The address for your mini session will be sent via text ) Remember, our session together starts at the time agreed upon. Mini Sessions are scheduled back to back and any amount of time that you're late will directly impact the length of your session and number of images you may receive. No exceptions.
No.1
TIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS
- Some toddlers tend to take naps during car rides, if this sounds like your child I highly recommend arriving 30 minutes earlier so your kids can be fully awake before we start your your session - The reason I bring this up is because the majority of toddlers after waking up look sad and confused throughout the session.
- Make sure hair is combed and face is clean and free of runny noses or eyes.
Avoid eating or drinking red or orange food or drinks before the session, as red and orange tend to leave a stain on the face.
- Bribery is not always necessary to get your child to cooperate, although a little incentive doesn’t hurt! Promise them before hand that they are going to have a great time (I’m a fun photographer!) and getting their pictures taken will be a blast. An incentive of a treat or fun event after their session may help, but they don’t need to “perform” for me…it is my job to make this fun for everyone!
- Some babies and children may be more comfortable without a parent watching. Feel free to step out of their view and watch from a distance (this also gets them to look at the camera and not off to the side!). Any shots with props or a young baby, we will of course have a parent “spot” for safety.
-Please do not bring any children that are not being photographed to the session.
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Dress for the set up you have selected for your holiday photos
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Compliment - don’t match.
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Wear something comfortable that you feel like yourself in.
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Bright and or bold neutral colors look amazing in most holiday set ups.
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Avoid large prints, logos, and patterns (unless it helps tell your story).
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Layer up, throw in accessories like a hat or denim jacket into your bag.
Outfit Tips
&
Inspiration
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The very best thing to do for holiday photos is to layer up!! I understand that California weather can be so unpredictable but if you are willing grab those sweaters, cardigans, puffy vests, jackets, hats, beanies, etc. Bring all the things! I will also have multiple christmas blankets to for the snuggles. I personally think that going with all the bold neutrals is very best when it comes to a bright colored holiday set up. As you can see from my photos, a good spice, cream or tan, gray, dark or olive green, and black look awesome! There is enough warm and bright tones. And, seriously, Don’t be afraid to play with the shades! Throw in a darker green. Pick a deeper shade of spice. Want to wear a cream, oversized sweater? Do it!
Holiday Color Trends are coming out! Can you believe the holidays are already around the corner?? Like Where did the year go?
As I get older I feel like time is passing by at a blink of an eye but I am just grateful to continue capturing christmas magic with you all!
Let’s break down this year’s holiday color scheme ideas while keeping in mind your personality + each individual holiday set up!
Before getting started, please understand that these are only suggestions. At the end of the day the number one thing I want you to remember is that you (& or your family) should look and feel like you bestselves.
No.3
Contrast the setup
don't match it
The white studio is a very white / neutral color scheme which is why I would recommend warm and bright colors and or bold neutrals to try and contrast with the white. Both color schemes would flow beautifully, but remember to go with a color scheme that feels right for you & your family .
No.4
Clothing examples of UNFLATTERING outfits
>what NOT to wear<
Complement each other,
don’t match each other.
You don’t want to create the illusion of being your partner’s siamese twin. When multiple people wear the same color, sometimes their matching outfits merge/blend together so much that you can’t really see any of them properly. The viewer can’t tell where one person begins and another one ends. They turn into one uniform blob.
In order for the aesthetics of your photograph to really sing, you want to find complementary outfits that showcase a variety of colors, textures, accessories, patterns, and tones. Complement the other people in the photograph as well as your surroundings. The idea is to have everything look good together without everything looking the same.
So to wrap up this section...
Try & Gather up 1-2 outfits that you feel amazing in and play around with different combinations.
Remember we are looking for the you-est you. So select clothing, and accessories that help you express yourself--I want you to grace my lens with your true, full personality!
> Providing options helps me to make sure your outfits compliment the set up you selected but - keeping the focus on what feels right to you (& or your family)
Please feel free to text me photo/s of your clothing ideas, I would gladly help you select!
COMPLIMENTARY, GOOD! MATCHING, BAD.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ?
A: Expect to have fun & to come out looking amazing in your photos, and don't worry too much about how to pose I got you covered! I’ll be right there with you embracing whatever comes our way--the wind, the rain, the laughter, the tears. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot. Every shoot is unique.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ME TO RECEIVE MY PHOTO GALLERY AFTER MY MINI SESSION?
A: I am aiming for 2-3 weeks. I will get in contact with you once your gallery is ready. Please do not message me requesting the time frame of your photo gallery the more time I spend replying to texts / emails the less time I will have to focus on editing. So for that reason I will simply not respond to those messages. Please know that I will be texting you once your photos are ready to view.
Q: DO YOU DELIVER EVERY IMAGE YOU SHOOT?
A: No, I do not. I eliminate duplicate images, test shots, missed focused shots, shots with bad expressions and other images. Most of the time I capture extra shots of candid laughs and emotional tears because those tend to be some of the best images within photo sessions but at times they can also be some unflattering facial expressions. I only deliver the best ones for you and your family to fall in love with. Your digital gallery will already be edited, with a personalized preset (photoshop LR filter) as well as minimal skin softening & teeth whitening. Please do not request to view any other photos that are not shown in the gallery. If I did not select those to be in the gallery it is because they were not flattering. The photos delivered to you are the final images.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
If it is a light drizzle we will proceed with the photoshoot, but if it is heavy rain we will need to reschedule. If the new dates for mini sessions don't work for you your deposit can be used as credit for another session, as there are no refunds as stated in the contract.
I cant wait for to capture some holiday magic with you!
