Successful Photography Sessions

Its a new year, so I've been thinking about what I can do this year to help my clients have a successful portrait session.  What does a successful session look like you ask?    As I look back over a variety of family and senior sessions, there is a consistent theme for those that are the most successful and where my clients come away absolutely loving their finished products.  That to me is success and planning is the key! 

Here are some tips to help us work together to ensure you will have a portrait session that ends with you loving your finished portraits. 

1. In Person Consultation.  The planning starts with us meeting in person to talk about what you are looking to get from your photography session.  It is helpful to come to my studio to see samples of a variety of finished products.  Do you want one wall portrait or a wall grouping?  Where in your home do you think you would like to hang your portrait(s)?  Is your wall space limited and you prefer an album or a folio box?  We also decide if your session will be in the studio or on location, and if the latter, where.  Then we select a date and time. If in the studio, we talk about colors and backdrop options.  

2.  Thinking ahead.  While we don't have to make final decisions on your finished products before your session, it is very helpful for me as your photographer to be able to plan the images I take so they fit into your space.  Will the finished portraits need to be vertically or horizontally oriented?  Do you want a particular arrangement or grouping of portraits?  Do have a vision in your mind?  Its okay if you don't, but if you do, when you give me this information we will come closer to making that happen.

3.  Clothing choices.  Planning out your clothing choices is a huge part of planning for your session. I will send you a Getting Ready Guide that will give you an outline of things to think about.  In particular, it is helpful for you to decide on a color theme that works with your family's skin tones and hair color, and also the color schemes where you envision displaying your finished products.  Look through my family portrait galleries as well as look on Pinterest for ideas.  Think timeless and classic so in a few years, you won't be asking yourself what was I thinking?   Try on your clothes before the session to make sure everything fits and looks as you expected. 

4.  Final things for your session.  Bring whatever you will need to your session, like combs and hairbrushes for final touches.  Any makeup for touch ups.  If young children are to be photographed, bring along their favorite snack or drink in case they need to take a break and refresh.  

5.  Relax and let your photographer give you direction and guide you.  Your job is to enjoy the moment!

I hope these 5 tips will help you in preparing your portrait session.  Here's to a New Year and your beautiful finished portraits!