WELCOME GUIDE
LOGISTICS FOR EACH LOCATION
This section of the guide will help you to prepare for your chosen location.
CHOOSE THE LOCATION
TO FIND OUT MORE
Each location comes with its own logistical demands. Please take a moment to read about your selected location.
If you’re still unsure which location will be most suitable for your upcoming session, please let me know via email and we will schedule our pre-session video call to discuss your options.
Click on each topic to learn more.
LOCATION
OUTDOOR SESSIONS
WHAT TO BRING
Please bring only what is essential, such as diapers, water, and your child’s comfort lovey. Whatever you carry on you, it will show in your images. I provide a blanket.
LOCATION & TIME
They will be confirmed with you through email/pre-session call.
RESCHEDULING POLICY
If you reschedule your session 2 weeks prior to your session date, I’m happy to arrange another session date for you when I have an opening. If rescheduling is with less than a 2-week notice, I’ll be unable to offer you another model call session. The only exception is if any family member has a fever of 38 degrees or more or tests positive for Covid.
WEATHER
I monitor the weather regularly prior to your session. If there is more than a 50% chance of rain on your session date, I’ll text you in the evening before your session to postpone it to another date, hopefully on the same weekend.
Rescheduling due to weather only in case of rain or strong wind. Overcast weather is perfect for an outdoor photo session.
Sunset session: 1-2h before sunset
If you need to keep your children past their usual bedtime, I highly recommend the following:
+ Change the usual bedtime: in the days leading up to your session, you may want to start slowly pushing bedtime about 15-30 min later than usual.
+ Later nap time: you can change the naps throughout the day to be 30-60 min later than usual. And you can let your children sleep in longer during the last nap.
+ Depending on the time of your session, make sure your children eat dinner before your session. You can also bring some non-messy snacks.
+ Pack your child’s favorite lovey for comfort.
+ Keep your regular routine on your session day. Avoid planning unnecessary outings, like running errands, going to the pool, visiting friends, eating out, a doctor’s appointment, traveling from an overnight trip, etc.
+ If your children nap in the afternoon, parents might also benefit from taking a nap and resting before the session.
+ Bring your children’s pajamas and change them into their PJs before heading home.
LOCATION
IN-HOME SESSIONS
ROOMS I TYPICALLY PHOTOGRAPH
+ The very best room to photograph: parents’ room as it is the most meaningful
+ Other areas we might include for variety: living room, nursery, dining room, garden, front porch, or any white wall next to a window
TIDYING UP
Don’t worry too much about it! All you need to do is to put away the clutter in the rooms we might photograph (we can define those during the video call). Hate that baby jumper? Put it away. Want to remember all those toys laying around the living room? Leave them there.
LIGHT
+ During your session we will turn off all artificial light from lamps, even if it is overcast. Artificial light alters skin tones in an unflattering way
+ Open curtains/blinds to let as much natural light in as possible before I arrive.
ADDING NEUTRAL TONES
When possible, opt for neutral colors (white, beige, and light grey) for your bedsheets, pillow covers, duvet covers, bedspread, couch throw, rug, play mat, etc.
TIME
Starting time will be confirmed with you through email/pre-session call based on your family’s unique routine.
RESCHEDULING POLICY
If you reschedule your session 2 weeks prior to your session date, I’m happy to arrange another session date for you when I have an opening. If rescheduling is with less than a 2-week notice, I’ll be unable to offer you another model call session. The only exception is if any family member has a fever of 38 degrees or more or tests positive for Covid.
WEATHER
The best advantage of an in-home session is that we can keep it weather it rains or shines! If it is overcast, I’ll likely use artificial light. But no worries, it looks like natural light AND I don’t use it directly on your family.
THERE ARE NO RULES!
This is YOUR session! You’re welcome to have a snack, brew more coffee, go to the bathroom, turn the music up, or even disappear for a little break (this one is for dads!).
What if you live in a home that is dark and/or with colorful walls or decor?
Great news: it is possible to create soft, light-filled images!
+ Dress all family members in neutral tones: white, beige, light grey
+ When possible, opt for neutral colors (white, beige, and light grey) on your bedsheets, pillow covers, duvet covers, bedspread, couch throw, rug, play mat, etc.
+ I’ll use artificial light when needed: a flash set up by your window to boost the natural light coming from outside. But no worries – it is a small set up and there will be no direct flash on anyone
LOCATION
IN YOUR HOME – FAMILY SESSION
PRE-PLANNED ACTIVITIES
+ Family sessions typically include some documentary images of favorite family activities
+ Please plan 2-3 activities that we can do after your portraits
+ Choose activities that allow you to spend as much time as possible connecting with your children and your partner AND activities that you already love!
+ Give preference to activities that allow for a lot of interaction and movement AND that can be done in beautiful light
+ We will discuss about the activities during your pre-session video call!
IDEAS OF ACTIVITIES
INDOOR:
Baking
Decorating cookies or cupcakes
Making pizza or fresh lemonane
Board or card game
Nail painting
Play dough
Looking at family prints and albums
Drawing, painting, stickers
Puzzles
Dance party
Play music instruments
Hide and seek
Reading a book
Free play with favorite toys
Tea party with dolls
Special weekend breakfast
Having a treat (ice cream, cookie, cake)
Routine moments (diaper change, bath, snack)
Gingerbread houses (perfect for December)
BACKYARD:
Blowing bubbles
Family picnic
Riding the bike or scooter
Sports
Pool or sprinkler
Water balloons
Scavenger hunt
Flying a kite
Searching for insects
Jumping rope
Sidewalk chalk
Frisbee
Trampoline