PRESERVING THE BEAUTY OF THE CHAOS OF FAMILY THROUGH ART
MY STYLE: A GUIDED APPROACH
I want you to approach your photo session as a special occasion to make memories as as a family. No forced poses for those wiggly toddlers or saying cheese at the camera. Instead, I will artistically preserve your family's unique story through prompts that guide you while I artistically capture all of the details.
You will run, laugh, play, snuggle, connect, comfort, and spend time loving on each other!
A SPECIAL TIME TO CELEBRATE BEING A FAMILY
SPECIAL LOCATION OR STUDIO: We will work together to select the perfect spot for your session. Whether a place that has meaning to you, or one of my special locations throughout the Twin Cities, it is entirely up to you. My beautiful studio in the arts district of Minneapolis is always an option too!
TIME OF DAY MATTERS FOR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS: For the most beautiful, magical, and flattering light, your session time will take place an hour and a half before sunset.
How to prepare your kiddos for a Golden Hour Session: I know that sunset may fall around bed time in the summer, but it is definitely worth it! Here are some tips that help: push that nap later in the day, have a good supper plenty of time before your session, give them a little bath to relax them, bring special toys and lovies along, and come prepared with snacks and bottles for cuddle time.
TIPS FOR HAPPY KIDS
A TIME FOR MAKING FAMILY MEMORIES
PREPARE AT HOME: As you prepare, describe your family photo session day as a fun and special occasion to go out on an adventure, watch the sunset, look for animals, and play, not as a time to "sit still and say cheese at the camera."
KEEP SESSION DAY LOW KEY AND KEEP TUMMIES FULL: Family photos are often in a new environment, little ones are meeting someone new (new), and it is often during a time close to bedtime. All that being said, keep your time before your session calm, low-key, and relaxing. Have a good supper and little snacks throughout the day, too. Full tummies help!
HAVE A PLAN IN MIND: Take a mental note of things to play together, sing together, bring a special book to read, or a favorite toy. And, let's be real, sometimes a little bribery candy in your pocket is always a good thing!
SNACKS AND TREATS!: Bring along snacks that can be easily eaten and that are not messy! Cheerios and puffs are perfect. For older kids, fruit snacks and cheerios are good too! Please avoid goldfish and granola bars because they can be gummy and messy. Avoid chocolate altogether! Tic Tacs and Smarties are good bribery treats for kiddos 4 and up!
PARTNER WITH ME FOR SUCCESS: Work together with me to create moments that allow for both joy and quiet moments. I will give you a prompt and then you create the magic. Dance, cuddle and swing with joy, but think about slowly run your fingers through your toddler's curls, rubbing your kiddos back, holding them close, and loving on them,
FOR BABIES: You can stand behind me and get baby to look up into the lens, but most importantly, relax. Most babies do not want to look into a camera lens, but looking into your face brings them the greatest joy! That is the genuine emotion we will preserve. If baby needs to nurse or have a bottle, by all means do so. These are wonderful intimate moments to capture as well.
A "MAJOR AWARD": (If you can name that movie, you will get a special treat, too!) As part of your photo session time, let kids know that they will receive a special treat or activity afterward as as a reward!
IT'S SESSION DAY!
Keep the hours before your session relaxing and low key.
Take your time getting ready and don't sweat the small stuff. You are coming to your session to relax, explore, and love on your kids.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING? Here are some essentials to make things comfortable: bring a small bag for bottles of water, diapers or back-up shirt or pants for little ones in case of emergency, bug spray (it is Minnesota!), and a small snack/goldfish, etc. and most of all a lot of joy! Special lovies and family pets are welcome too!
WHEN YOU ARRIVE: Call or text and I will come and meet you and guide you every step of the way. I provide quilts and blankets. Stickers or treats may be abundant.
RESCHEDULING: Life (and Minnesota Weather) is unpredictable! In the event something happens, we discuss a time to reschedule that works for both of us.
WHAT ON EARTH SHOULD WE WEAR?
SAVING YOU MONEY, EASING YOUR STRESS, MAKING YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL
Pre-Session Phone Call: We talk about your vision and color preferences.
STYLING SELECTIONS: Our Outdoor Styling Guide or Indoor Styling Guide, will be sent to you complete with color palette suggestions, with links to our client wardrobes for women and kiddos, and suggestions for men with links to shops for ordering if desired.
VISIT LINKS TO A CLIENT WARDROBE THAT MAKES MOM FEEL SPECIAL: The client wardrobe contains beautiful dresses for moms and children in various sizes from XS to 3x.
HOW DO I GET MY DRESS? For outdoor sessions, a special appointment to see dresses beforehand can be arranged at my studio or home at least 2 weeks in advance. You may take your dress home or I can bring it on the day of your session and you can use my special portable changing room. I will even take care of all the cleaning after. For Studio Sessions: your dresses will be hanging on a rack and waiting for you when you arrive.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR OUTFITS AND YOU!
WOMEN: Neutral colored undergarments always! No patterns or dark colors. STRAPLESS BRA: for off-the- shoulder dresses. YOUR NAILS: Keep nails neutral, no chipped colors, and natural.
COLOR PREFERENCES: EARTH TONES! These reflect my editing style and will result in the most timeless and beautiful images. Don't "match" colors but coordinate. Combine muted soft blues with browns, or olive with rust, or mustard with ivory, brown, and olive. Jewel tones combined with neutrals also work well depending on time of year.
COLORS TO AVOID: NO BLACKS, NAVY BLUE, BRIGHT WHITES, OR GRAY
SHOES: Comfortable and neutral colored shoes. We will be running through fields and on beaches or taking shoes off! Avoid heels, shiny dress shoes and opt for boots, booties, and neutral colored canvas shoes.
FABRICS AND TEXTURES: Compliment a neutral color with some beautiful prints or scarves or jewelry! Velvet dresses combined with crocheted shawls or scarves add movement, beautiful layers and textur.
COMFORT IS KEY: Dress comfortably and make sure your little ones have either worn the outfit before, or your know for certain they will be comfortable and ready to play! Whether we are jumping through a field, blowing dandelion seeds, or dipping our toes in a lake, make sure you are in an outfit that allows you to do so!
Some Little Reminders: Avoid large watches and hairbands on wrists, and no wallets or phones in pockets! Make sure finger and toe nails are clean and only wear a "neutral" shade if you wear polish.
PAYMENT DETAILS AND ORDERING
YOU'VE INVESTED IN YOUR SESSION, TAKE THE FINAL STEP AND PRESERVE YOUR MEMORY ART
COLLECTION FEE AND UPGRADES: Your $200 non refundable booking fee is due at booking and applied to your collection balance. Your remaining balance is due when you receive your preview within a week after your session. Do you want more? Upgrade options will be presented to you when you receive your gallery Slideshow.
PRODUCT PRICING MENU: Approximately 2-3 weeks after your session, you will receive an email with a beautiful Video Preview of your Images and a link to your Ordering Gallery from which you may order a PHOTO BOOK, FRAMED ART, or PRINTS.
YOUR ART:
Your art deserves to be on your walls or in a beautiful book on you coffee table to look through for years to come.
Trust in my expertise to create, order, and deliver the highest quality and custom designed art for your home. I will help you choose what fits your vision, budget, and home best. I will hand deliver all custom items to your door!
YOUR PHOTOS WILL BE A MOMENT TO: Capture the sparkle in their eyes, freeze this moment in time to remember their laugh, and to wrap your arms around them and hold them close if even for a second.