Firstly congratulations! And thank you so much for thinking about booking a session with me. I am so excited to work with you and to capture some beautiful, natural images of this beautiful time in your life. This session guide will tell you everything you need to know about a photoshoot with me and how you can prepare.
I take a very relaxed approach to all my sessions. My main aim is to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. My style is a hybrid between lifestyle and documentary. This means that I do a mix of standing back and capturing what unfolds in front of me as well as offering little prompts here and there and directing you into the best light. I do minimal posing but I may ask you to sit or stand in a certain spot or light and ask you to hold and hug each other to get some detail and family photos but that will be all. If you have decided you would like a photoshoot of just you and you bump, I will make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed.
“Leanne is such an incredibly talented lady who has captured the most natural candid images of our family!"
what to expect
My maternity sessions are very much led by you and what you are comfortable with. If you have older children involved, it may look like a family session that's a bit more focused on the story of waiting for little sibling to arrive.
Upon booking your session, I will ask if you would prefer an outdoor photoshoot or one at home. I love both equally. It completely depends on your personality and the type of imagery you are envisaging.
If you choose outside, I will give a list of locations for you to choose from and I do think sunset is a beautiful time of day for a photoshoot.
If you choose at home, we can relax with a cup of tea, get cosy and I will prompt you into the best light.
WHAT TO WEAR
Whether you decide to wear your comfies, floaty dresses or just your underwear to show off your lovely bump, the most important thing is that you must feel comfortable, otherwise it will show in the photos. I do have a couple of dresses an kaftans in my client wardrobe so feel free to ask me for pictures of them. However if you need a bit of guidance here are a few tips:
Do's
Mums - if you are feeling body conscious or in any discomfort, wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Leggings/baggy tops/floaty dresses all work well.
Soft and neutral tones will always photograph well, e.g. pastels or greys/beiges/whites (not all white though)
Earthy tones will give a more vibrant feel and look great together (burgundy/greens/mustards/blues/burnt oranges)
Use variation in colours for each person as well as mixing up different textures (denim/cotton/wool/linen, etc) this will add depth and texture to your images
Layering looks lovely in photos and can give you variation (scarfs/shirts/hats/cardigans/jackets – depending on weather)
If you want to show off your beautiful bump, I find a floaty dress works well as well as a tight vest top with a cosy cardigan of kaftan over the top. If you are wanting bare bump photos, then comfy underwear with a cardigan or kaftan looks lovely.
Dont's
Ideally stay away from too bright or overly patterned clothes as this will take away from what is happening in the images
I would also advise to stay away from big logos/brands printed as this will takeaway from the timeless feel of the images.
Don't all wear the same item of clothing or same colour, e.g. all jeans and all white shirts. This will look too contrived. We want each personality to shine.
During our pre-photoshoot discussions I am more than happy to help you with your outfit choices further and you are more than welcome to email me some ideas or any options that you have already in your wardrobe. Ideally I wouldn’t want you to spend where you wouldn't need to. I want you to feel comfortable and confident!
"Leanne not only creates beautiful photos and memories, she is so friendly, relaxed and accommodating. She makes an ordinary situation look magical and I would recommend her to every single one of my friends and family. Love all our photos.”
how you can prepare
If you have older children, talk about how you are meeting me to take photos of your family and let them know why, e.g. we want nice photos for you to look at when your older or because we would like nice photos of you on the wall. Tell them it will be fun!
What to have ready - a favourite book for any older children to read to the baby, any items or blankets you would like included, a snack and a drink for all of you!
What to do - If you are with your family for the photoshoot, all I ask is that you interact with them and have as much physical connection as much as possible, such as, hugging, holding hands, etc. If you are on your own, don't worry I will guide you.
wORRIES/CONCERNS
What if my older children aren't interested? - don't worry, I have lots of tricks and games to engage older children that they wont even know they are doing it. Don't forget this is all about your family as they are, so if they aren't too interested in their new sibling that is all part of the story. We absolutely will not force anything they don't want to do. A disinterested toddler is better than an unhappy one!
I'm feeling body conscious - don't worry, I know all the angles that will compliment you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and you will look comfortable in the photos.
what's next
Once we have arranged a photoshoot date, I will arrange a phone call so we can get to know each other a bit before we meet and you can ask any questions you may have.
Please contact me with any questions at all! There is a contact form on my website or you can email me on leanneelizabethphoto@gmail.com or my number is 07758833962. I am always up for a chat!