Photography session information
Thank you for booking a photography session with Captured Hearts Photography.
I can't wait to capture forever memories for you!
Below is some information to help you prepare for your photography session. Please read through the parts that are applicable to your booking, and feel free to reach out and ask any questions you may have. You are always welcome to call or text me on 0401 514 969 and I will get back to you ASAP.
Michelle.
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The Studio
My home studio is in Emerald, Victoria. For your comfort, it has both heating and cooling. During baby sessions, the room is kept quite warm to keep your baby comfortable and settled.
I work with continuous studio light, which means no harsh flashes.
The studio is a comfortable space, with plenty of room for outfit changes, parents to relax, and room for both children and dogs to gently play when needing a break in-between photographs. There is a bathroom, plus ample room outside for dogs to relieve themselves when needed.
Outdoor Sessions
The start time of an outdoor sunset session can differ depending on the time of the year. When young children are involved, a little bit of pre-planning can go a long way. I recommend:
* An early dinner or substantial afternoon snack.
* Where possible, adjusting a child’s daytime nap. Sometimes just the drive to location is a good opportunity for a nap, and taking a longer drive or arriving early for a longer sleep can work well!
* Bring good walking shoes and a warm jumper.
* Bring water and clean snacks (bananas, rice crackers).
What To Bring
* Walking shoes.
* Water for outdoor sessions, and a bowl & water for your dog.
* Any sentimental items (this could be jewellery, a toy, blanket, etc).
* Jumper/jacket (a photo worthy option is great, otherwise one to just throw on for a few minutes if it gets cold, or once we finish).
* When young children are involved, some clean snacks and a small reward (choice at parent's discretion, can work great if needing to bribe!).
For dogs:
* Bring their favourite treats and toys.
* Bring a simple lead and collar. If a harness or halter is usually required for walks, we can start with them on and then take them off once your dog settles and we are ready.
Baby Sessions:
Bring your nappy bag including everything you would normally need at home. e.g. nappies, wet wipes, moisturiser, and items needed for feeding.
Please also bring a dummy for newborns even if bub isn't currently taking one or you prefer not to use one - these can honestly save a session!
Please bring some snacks for yourselves as it is especially important for Mums to keep their energy up (water and tea/coffee provided)!
Prepping Toddlers:
It's common for Mum and Dad to be nervous when a toddler is involved in their photo shoot – whether it be an older sibling to a baby or part of a family photography experience. The toddler stage can be quite challenging, but it is also very adorable and worth capturing for future memories.
Over the years, and with toddlers of my own, I have learnt a few simple tricks to help achieve the best results:
*Schedule a session time that works in with their naps. If having an outdoor session and the session time lands near a nap, sometimes using the drive to the location for a nap can be a good option. Some parents also choose to leave home early and drive a longer way so the kids can have a longer nap time in the car.
* Toddlers love to have something in their hand and it tends to keep them settled. Bring along a small fidget toy or something similar that you don't mind being in your photos – matchbox cars, little hair bows, stickers, etc.* Prepare your toddler by talking to them about the photo shoot in the days leading up to it, so they aren't taken by surprise on the day. Getting them excited about the event and maybe even practise some sibling portraits beforehand, especially with newborns (have them lying down with bub).
Preparing Your Dog & Pets:
Some pets need a little more preparation for their photography session, especially when it comes to being groomed or washed!
* If you have a dog breed that needs grooming, think about what length you would prefer their coat to be for their photo shoot. Think ahead and book their groom to coincide with the right timing, or organise a small tidy up just before the photo shoot. Book your groomer in advance, especially if they tend to book up quickly.
* If your dog doesn't need a groom, they might just need a good bath the day before, or morning of, your photography session.
* Other pets, such as horses, may need to be washed and brushed. Make sure to plan ahead and make time before your session.
*For outdoor sessions - if your dog is energetic or loves to sniff and explore, arrive a little earlier to the location to give your dog time for a walk, play and sniff! You could even organise to take them to the location on a seperate day before your session to get them familiar.
What To Wear:
Firstly, it is best to select clothing that you feel comfortable in and allows you to move freely (especially when chasing young children and dogs!). It is up to you to decide if you prefer a more casual or formal look, and ultimately it is your decision on what you wear because they are your portraits, but I'm here to guide you as much as you would like.
Choose your colour palette
Feel free to dress co-ordinated if this is your style. This can be as simple as all wearing a similar coloured top. Please be reassured that I am always open to giving advice on clothing and feel free to ask me as many questions as you wish regarding this! Ultimately I want you all to feel comfortable, so what you wear is your choice. However, please keep in mind that the clothing you select can have a big impact on how great your portraits look!
Outdoor Sessions:
Please avoid wearing black, dark green, dark and navy blue, or red. White always looks great as well as creams, denim, light greys and light browns (tan). PASTEL colours such as grey, blue, pink and peach also look great.
Studio Sessions:
For white and beige backdrops, I recommend to wear clothing that is white, off-white, or lighter shades/pastel colours.
For the charcoal backdrop, I recommend wearing black or darker shades such as navy blue, dark green & dark grey.
Glasses:
If you or your child wears prescription glasses, please refrain from wearing self-tinting glasses as these will go dark in the studio lights as well as outdoors and I won't be able to see your eyes!
Feeling self-conscious:
It's common for people to be self-conscious. If you are worried you will look 'fat' in the photographs, wear some layers. A simple cardigan or jacket over a top/t-shirt will look more flattering. During the colder months, a scarf can look great. Also pick clothing that fits loosely rather than tight on your skin.
Shoes:
Shoes are not too important as I don't often see them, and I usually suggest barefoot in the studio. However, avoiding a bright colour is still advisable. For outdoor sessions, please wear enclosed shoes and comfortable walking shoes (not heels).
Clothing To Avoid:
No clothing with big logos, patterns, stripes, checkers, pictures, writing or bright colours. In particular, fine stripes create a 'moire effect' so please avoid this. If you are unsure, feel free to bring a few options and I can go through these with you.
Soft patterns are great, as well as a punch of colour, if you prefer this. Please just choose wisely
Simple Rules
Children are to be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times.
No photographs or video to be taken by the client during the photo session.
No camera or lighting equipment is to be touched by the client or their children.
Illness
If you or someone involved in the photo shoot becomes sick please contact me and reschedule your photo shoot as soon as possible. (If you do not re-schedule and arrive sick, unfortunately you will be sent home and the session fee is forfeited. If you or a family member are suffering just a minor cold please contact me to discuss).
What Happens Next?
On the day of your photo shoot we will organise a day and time for you to come back to the studio for an Ordering Session. The Ordering Session is booked for approximately 1–2 weeks later. I do not provide online galleries!
At the Ordering Session I show you 20–50 of your best photographs in a light edit. The Ordering Session takes about one hour and it is best to have all decision makers present as final decisions need to be made on the day. Payment is also required to process your order but I offer payment plans if need be (10% deposit required).
The Ordering Session is the perfect time to ask me as many questions as you may have. The time is dedicated to you so I can pass on my professional advice and we can work together to create artwork and decide what is the best option for you. My goal is to make sure you walk away happy and super excited to receive your photographs!
Upon taking your photo order, I will fully edit the photographs you have chosen and place any print or product orders. Your artwork & keepsakes are usually ready to pick up within 6–8 weeks (depending on how big your order is).
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On the day of your photo shoot we will organise a day and time for you to come back to the studio for an Ordering Session. The Ordering Session is booked for approximately 1–2 weeks later. I do not provide online galleries!
At the Ordering Session I show you 20–50 of your best photographs in a light edit. The Ordering Session takes about one hour and it is best to have all decision makers present as final decisions need to be made on the day. Payment is also required to process your order but I offer payment plans if need be (10% deposit required).
The Ordering Session is the perfect time to ask me as many questions as you may have. The time is dedicated to you so I can pass on my professional advice and we can work together to create artwork and decide what is the best option for you. My goal is to make sure you walk away happy and super excited to receive your photographs!
Upon taking your photo order, I will fully edit the photographs you have chosen and place any print or product orders. Your artwork & keepsakes are usually ready to pick up within 6–8 weeks (depending on how big your order is).