mother's day minis 2023
Welcome guide
I'm so glad to be working with you! Here in my welcome guide, you'll find information for your upcoming mini session, ranging from what to expect, all the way down to my Pinterest Board for style inspiration! I hope you will find this useful in preparations for your session - I want you to feel as ready-to-go as possible. Per usual, always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you have at any point through this process.
What to Expect
The drop of Golden sun
Here is a snapshot on how this process will go:
I have created a questionnaire, which you will be receiving within the next couple of days, for you to fill out. Within this questionnaire are questions pertaining to you, your partner/family (if applicable), styling, and more. This will help me prepare for your session!
1. Questionnaire
LET ME GET TO KNOW YOU
I currently have a small collection of clothing (for women) in which you can take a look at and borrow for your session, if one speaks to you, for a small fee. Due to the nature of mini sessions, it will be at a first come, first serve basis. Approximate rental price is $20.
2. Client Closet
INTERESTED IN BORROWING SOME CLOTHING?
No one likes to dig through several emails to find the details to their session, so about a week prior to the mini sessions, I will email you a full logistical email to make it as easy for you as possible. This includes WHEN (date and time), WHERE (including a map and a rendezvous point), and WHAT (to confirm the rest of the details).
3. Logistics
THE WHOS AND WHERES
Mini sessions are a bit different than normal session since it's done by time slots. This means showing up on time is imperative to ensure you get the most of the time you have. Please show up 5 minutes early, and also account for parking and walking time.
4. Photo Session
IT'S GO TIME
Approximately 2-3 weeks after the session date you will receive your full digital gallery to choose your three images. If you would like to purchase more, you're able to do so right through the gallery. Please see pricing information below.
5. Your Gallery
PICTURE PERFECT
styling
What to wear?
Stylin'
some of my
recommendations
-Wear something you feel confident in. Clothes have a way to bring out our confidence or make us feel self-conscience (which is the last thing we want!). Choosing something that makes you feel good can help bring out your personality and let you shine when in front of the camera!
- Choose neutral/earth toned colors. Choosing these types of colors will allow the best overall tone to your photos and plays well with any environment and skin tones. Due to the Spring season, I further recommend lighter colors (e.g. whites, creams, browns, light blues and yellows) vs. the darker colors (blacks, rusts, hunter greens).
here are some
things to avoid
- Large graphics and/or text
- Bright "loud" colors (these can actually cause a "cast" on your skin if it's too bright)
- Be aware of tan lines and bra choices
- Too many prints (if using a print/stripes, try to balance them out with other plain/solid pieces of clothing)
-Everyone wearing the same color
EXTRA RECOMMENDATIONS
do try:
-Contrasting/complementary colors - pull colors from prints, if applicable! Mix lighter versions with darker (e.g. brown with a cream), add in a pop of color (e.g. brown with cream, then add a in a light blue)
- Add accessories - feel free to add more to the outfit like a hat or a floral crown!
- Add texture - linen, double gauze, lace details, ruffles, buttons - these add just a bit more to clothing, especially when keeping things neutral.
Tip: Pick Mom’s/woman’s outfit first, and compliment other outfits from there!
Prepare For Your Session
best ways to
Let's save all that last minute stuff for someone else.
- Plan your outfit ahead of time. Lay them out, try them on, test your undergarments. Move around in them to make sure nothing funky ends up being out of place. After trying them on, don't re-wash (assuming you didn't get them dirty)! Laundry has a way of messing up the fit, even if a little.
- If you're using something from my client closet, you're more than welcome to stop by and try them on (text/email me!). Otherwise, I will bring them to the shoot and you can change on-site (with my portable changing tent). I recommend bringing a backup outfit, just in case.
- Steam wrinkles out of your clothes, if needed.
- Map out the location so you know how long it takes to get to the studio. Add extra time to account for traffic and parking!
- If you decide to get your hair color/cut, aim for about 1.5-2 weeks beforehand. It won't change too much in that time frame, but if the hair treatment goes south, you'll have some time to readjust.
- Are you a mani gal/guy? At the very least, make sure your nails are clean without any old nail polish.
- If you're getting your hair/make-up done professionally, make sure you give yourself plenty of time afterward for final prep and commute times. I recommend giving yourself a good one-two hours before you have to leave for your session to have this done. Warm weather: I also recommend staying indoors during this time and enjoy that delicious A/C for a bit longer.
- Eat something beforehand. The session will be taking place over lunch, and we want to make sure your/family members' tummy isn't hangry, kids especially! Aim for foods that won't get stuck in your teeth, or even do a quick brush after to get them sparkly and fresh! Bring (non-messy) snacks for littles, just in case!
- Sunscreen - if you are using sunscreen, opt for one that is clear so we don't have a white tint to your skins.
- (Try to) Relax the morning/day of your shoot and have fun getting ready. Turn on your favorite tunes!
- Small bottles of water.
- Make-up/Hair touch-up items.
- Kids' favorite toy(s) (opt for something minimalist, like natural wood toys. If they have to be photographed, these types of toys photograph well).
- Toddlers: finger snacks in case they need a break or some noms to keep them happy.
- Possibly your partner/friend - I sometimes try to take photos with you + individual child, if you have more than one child and you need someone to watch him/her while this occurs, then please bring someone along! If you don't want individual shots, OR your children are older (5+) and can be left unsupervised for a few minutes, then no need. I will not be able to keep an eye on any baby/toddlers running around. The studio is not baby/toddler proofed.
I'm so excited to work with you!
...to be continued
