Your Welcome Pack
Hey!
Yay! You've booked your motherhood session.
It won‘t be long before you will finally have beautiful, natural images that celebrate the unique bond between you and your children ... I see you Mums that are always the one taking the photo!
Carving out the time to document you with your baby or older children, exactly as you are right now is one of the best things you can do and together we will create some beautiful memories that you can hang on your walls and treasure for many years to come.
As your photographer, I am here to support you in any way I can. This guide is my way of saying, “I’ve got you.” I’ve crafted it to answer your questions, calm any worries you may have.
I can’t wait to meet you!
GETTING THOSE NATURAL MOMENTS
Let me start out by saying, first of all, that your shoot is going to be amazing!
99% of the time the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot can feel a little awkward until you and your family can relax into it and feel confident in front of the camera. I will help you do this!
Although my images look candid, most of them are actually achieved through some light direction from me and lots of play. I promise it will be fun and by the end of the session you'll be total pros in front of the camera.
My objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures – it’s to capture this exciting stage in your lives, exactly as it is now.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR PHOTOSHOOT
Leave some time in the day to relax - try not to do anything too excitable before your photoshoot that will make everyone tired. Especially if children are staying up later for a sunset session.
Give yourself lots of time to get to the location so you don’t feel frazzled and rushed on arrival. If you show up to your photoshoot having had to drive illegal speeds to get there, you will feel stressed and this will filter down to everyone in the family.
Give yourself the gift of a relaxed session, allow plenty of time for getting ready and forgetting things.
Arriving at your photoshoot
Although I keep mini sessions limited to one or two families each day, these mini-sessions are usually booked one after the other.
Therefore please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes before your booked time so that we can start your session on time and get all the photos of you and your child that you are hoping for.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the location and get parked without feeling rushed.
Unfortunately if you are late, we are unable to push the session back as this will affect any other families after you.
WEATHER
We are incredibly lucky to have the beautiful countryside and south coast beaches right on our doorstep. Why wouldn’t you want that as your backdrop?!
This does however mean that we are at the mercy of the great British weather. Having said that, unless the day of your photoshoot is a complete wash out, your photoshoot will go ahead.
Did you know that unless your photoshoot is at sunset, a little cloud cover is perfect for giving you some of the most flattering light in your photos.
We will make a final decision a few hours before your photoshoot as the weather can change quickly.
HOW TO DRESS
Choosing your outfits is probably one of the most stressful but important parts of your photoshoot preparations.
Making sure that your outfits are timeless and compliment each other without being distracting, is no easy task. But I’m here to guide you on this. I’m always happy to give advice and receive photos on a WhatsApp message!
Above all the most important thing to remember is to be comfortable and be yourself! If you are uncomfortable, it is more than likely going to come through in your photos.
STYLING TOP TIPS
Gravitate towards gentle colours; pastels, warm, or neutral colours.
Clothing that is textured, sheer or flowy show up great in photos.
Start with Mum’s outfit first as this is usually the most difficult and then build everyone else around it.
Don’t mix patterns or prints.
Stick to 2-3 colours and use varying shades
Try to avoid
Clothing that is stiff, gets crumpled or needs adjusting.
Bright colours, large logos or character t shirts.
Mixing different types of pattern
colour palette & style guide
I have lots more tips on what to wear over on my Colour Palette & Style Guide. Click below to have a read before you choose what to wear to your own photoshoot.
KIDS WILL BE KIDS
If you walk away after reading this and only remember one thing, let it be this: have zero expectations.
Embrace what comes – the wind, the rain, the laughter, whatever unfolds. Every session is unique, and we have no set shot list to tick off on the day. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your photoshoot.
We’re not here to mimic the shiny perfect families you see on your feed, we’re here to tell your unique story as it shows up on the day of the photoshoot – tears, joyous abandon, and all.
Throw your checklist out the window and know that magic will naturally unfold. When it does, I’ll be there to capture it.
AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT
Your full gallery will be available to view within four weeks via a private, password protected web gallery.
You’ll be able to create favourites lists, share online, or download your images for gorgeous framed prints for your walls.
You will have access to an online ordering system within your own private, online gallery where you and your loved ones can order prints and albums, which I will be on hand to help you with.
Price list available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lifestyle Photography?
During a Family Photo Shoot, after capturing the all important traditional portrait poses, the majority of images will be more of a 'lifestyle and documentary' vibe.
This style of photography is more informal and leaves space to capture the pure essence of a family and the connections between them.
These are real moments and document every day life.
The raw emotions, smiles and giggles are all real and the word 'cheese!' isn't uttered once. There is usually little interaction with the camera (although I will give you some direction) letting even the personalities of the most shy members of the family shine through. ✨
WHAT IF MY CHILD DOESN'T WANT TO HAVE THEIR PHOTO TAKEN?
Sometimes it takes children (and grown ups!) a little time of warm up to having their photo taken.
As an experienced photographer and fellow mum, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get a little giggle from them.
Having said that, I am a true believer that once they see the rest of the family joining in and having fun, they usually do the same out of fear of missing out!
Plus, many of the most cherished photographs are those of pure love and the natural connection between a child and those that they trust, rather than the cheesy smiley posed portraits.
WHAT IF IT IS RAINING ON THE DAY OF MY PHOTOSHOOT?
If it is likely the mini sessions are going to be a complete wash out, I will make a decision the day before if we need to rearrange.
For mini sessions, I will choose the next suitable, like for like date and offer to all clients that need to rearrange another appointment on that date.
If you are unable to make that date, you will be offered a credit of your the full cost that you have paid, to go towards a future photoshoot.
Can my dog be in the photos too?
Unfortunately dogs are unable to be involved in 'mini' photoshoots.
If you would like photographs with your dog, please book a full family photoshoot or speak to me about booking a pet photoshoot.
How will we receive our photos?
Your full gallery will be available for you to view on your private, password protected online gallery, 4 weeks following your photoshoot.
Do I have to order prints through you?
I highly recommend ordering prints through the professional printing lab that I work with, but it isn't required. The difference in quality is huge when it comes to ordering through a professional lab, so I always love to help with prints!
I have an online ordering store right within your gallery to purchase prints or albums which I am happy to help create for you with a selection of your favourite photos.
Thank You
Thank you so much for your booking and trusting in me as your Family Photographer. I cannot wait to capture the love within your family!
If you have any questions at all between now and your photoshoot, please let me know.
contact details
amy@amyclairebarnesphotography.co.uk
07746 345242