Tips for a Great Shoot

Number one (and most important)...relax & have fun! We have plenty of time to allow your little one(s) to get comfortable. If you are stressed?  They are going to know it and it will affect them, I'm certain. Just remember to be patient and remain calm. This should be fun and not painful whatsoever!

Now.  Let's make sure we have scheduled a time that is good for your little one's schedule. A well rested child with a full tummy will give us a great advantage.   Aren't you always happy after a nap and a meal?  Or maybe it's a meal and then a nap?

If your little one need breaks for snacks, a diaper change, or even just a moment to calm down we can do so at any time. This is their session and I have no problem with working on their time. 

Feel free to have some special mementos ready for the shoot. (ie: handmade blanket from grandma, your child's favorite teddy bear , car, stuffed toy, etc.) These will make these memories even more special when you look back at them 10 years from now.   So, you don't want the item in the shot?  That's fine, too!  Bring it along anyway.  We can usually use it to get a grin or giggle out of your wee one. 

Please keep in mind that I will sometimes take photos of your little one's hands and feet especially younger subjects. These, of course, look best if their nails are cut and clean. Also, please help me keep a close eye on your child(ren)'s face to be sure dirt, snot or eye boogers do not go unnoticed and ruin an otherwise fabulous shot.  

I would be happy to help you out with clothing selections if you would like me to.  Using more than one outfit for our session is, of course, more than fine and will give you a bit of variety.

If we are shooting at your home,  I will first wander through your house (It's okay, I have kids, too!) for the very best lighting and typically set up near a window or glass door.  Please be prepared and have your home looking the way you would want it to look in photos.

In order to get the most natural expressions from your children, I like to let them do their own thing as much as possible with minimal instruction. Please, please, pretty please with sugar on top do not prompt them by telling them to "smile!" or "say cheese". 

I have found that being able to interact directly with your little one(s) myself with minimal distraction usually produces the best results.  However, if I do need a little help in getting their attention?  Just stand as close to me as possible so that we can get them looking towards the camera rather than off to the side where you could be standing.

Don't forget to bring sunscreen and /or bug spray if we are shooting in a location where these would be helpful.  

IMPORTANT: Please do NOT bring sick children to a photo shoot. They will not have a good time and won't act like their cute little selves.  I will do anything and everything I can to reschedule your time for you.  The same goes for injuries.  If Jack fell down the stairs last week, busted his face open and has 65 stitches?  Let's reschedule. 

Please limit the amount of people present at the shoot to those who are being photographed so that there are less distractions for the children. Well-meaning friends and family can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for children and will take their attention away from me and the camera.   I'm so glad that Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Rowena are down from New Jersey!  However, those plaid pants, big hat and smoking pipe just may be a little too distracting during a photo shoot.  It is for me, anyway. 

Finally, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask me.

Oh and one more thing...absolutely NO cameras at shoot besides mine. It is extremely distracting to both myself and those being photographed.  



Newborn Specific:
Tips Specific to Newborns:

First off?  I like sleepy babies.  And by sleepy I mean...conked out.  The sleepiest babies are just days old.  Therefore, please schedule your newborn shoot BEFORE your baby is 10 days old. 

* If possible, please schedule your shoot around time when your baby is usually sleepy. We want him or her to sleep as much as possible during our shoot.

* Due to the frequent breaks needed to feed, change, soothe and get baby to fall asleep, newborn shoots often last longer than the average session.  Please be prepared for your shoot to last anywhere between 1 and 4 hours.

* Be patient and remain calm. If baby is cranky and not cooperating please do not worry.  We have plenty of time to allow him/her to get comfortable. If you are stressed your baby will feel it.  I pinky promise you that one. 

* Since baby will be undressed for the majority of pictures (unless otherwise requested) we want to make the room as comfortable as possible for him/her.   Please turn up your heat before I arrive.  What we consider smokin' hot babies consider fabulously comfortable.

* If baby needs to nurse, have a bottle or a diaper change we can take a break at any time... We are working on baby time and we want that little sweetie to be as happy as possible.

* Have some special mementos ready for the shoot, if you would like. (ie: handmade blanket from grandma, knitted caps, booties etc.)

* Have tidy rooms. Many of baby's pictures will be by a window or door, but lighting permitting we may also want to do some shots in baby's room, parents' room or living room etc. Please be prepared and have your home looking the way you would want it to look in photos.

* Be ready for pee! I don't need to tell you that newborns pee a lot. Unfortunately, we may get peed on. It's okay, I have been peed on before.  Have a backup change of clothes ready for yourself in the event tinkling occurs.

* So what should mom and dad wear for newborn sessions?  Simple is typically best.  Solid colors often work well for newborn images. If possible please have a black shirt handy.  I will use these in some baby poses were mom or dad holds the baby, but is not in that particular shot.

* Please limit the amount of people present at the shoot to those who are being photographed so that there are less distractions for baby.

* Absolutely NO cameras at shoot besides mine. It is extremely distracting to both myself and those being photographed.