INFO FOR YOUR UPCOMING SESSION
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Welcome and thank you for choosing Photoplay Studios to capture your portraits in the upcoming weeks.

We have put together a few ideas on what to expect from a photo session with us and some helpful tips to prepare for your session, after all its not something you do every day.

Our approach is simple, capture your story at this moment in time and deliver amazing photographs you will treasure forever.

Thank you for trusting us to create your memories.

GETTING THE FAMILY READY…

Planning is KEY! Getting the WHOLE family dressed and ready for a portrait session is not easy – but with a little bit of prior planning, it will reduce the stress on your photo day.

We always try to make the session at a time to suit the youngest members of the family, hence our sessions are allocated in the mornings. No point trying to photograph children when they are tired & hungry.

To make the absolute most of your time with us, make sure the kids have full tummies and bring a spare change of clothes if they are likely to find the first muddy puddle (a great back up for those last minute emergencies!). We have lots of games to play and find most children are busy having fun during the session. If we do encounter kids who would rather be swimming with the ducks than sprinkling fairy dust amongst the trees, we guide their attention and make returning to “the job at hand” a game. Relaxed parents are our fav and make for giggly, happy kids.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY?
The day before your portrait session, get everyone’s clothes out and ready. It will save a huge amount of time on the day and may just save your sanity.

We understand getting everyone out the door is time consuming, give yourself plenty of time so you are relaxed and ready to have some fun with the kids during the photo shoot. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early before the start of our session.

When we first meet at our location the kids are excited and for many young children those first few moments when they are in a new place can either see them being very interested in the new person and camera, or hiding behind a parents leg. If your toddler is inquisitive, introductions are brief as many great portraits are captured in those first few moments. If your children take longer to warm up, we spend the time getting to know them and slowly start playing games that lead to great photographs.

We try and discourage “say cheese” for the camera but promise we have loads of other tactics to engage and get your children laughing and giggling. We don’t expect them to “perform on queue”, kids will be kids. The best way to keep your kids happy for the camera is to not get stressed if they are not doing what’s asked of them – kids will pick up on this VERY quickly. Its best to keep things light and fun.

We kindly ask that during your portrait session you don’t use any recording devices to film/photograph any part of the session.

Beyond the issue of IP, it’s quite distracting to work with someone recording over your shoulder. Thanks for your understanding.

WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR SESSION, AND THINGS TO AVOID…

  • Coordinate without matching.  The days of everyone in denim jeans and white shirts are long gone
  • Textures work well especially for ladies, it adds interest and subtle depth to your photos
  • Less is best.  Simple clothing works best for kids.  For little girls accessories work well for individual portraits but can become “too much” for a group shot
  • Dress for your location.  Relaxed casual for the beach. Long pants and layers are great in a winter park
  • Be comfortable, it will show in your photos.  Avoid clothes that are ill fitting at all costs
  • Ensure your buttons don’t pucker, it’s just not flattering and if you are a little self conscience about your weight, wear sleeves that at least come to your elbow. Your arms take up more skin area than your face, drawing attention to them
  • Avoid large logos on shirts and tops, it’s one of the first things you will look at when you get your photos
  • Avoid bold colours on just one person as your eyes draw to dominant colours
  • Knits photograph well and collars frame your face
  • Shoes, ensure they are clean and neat prior to your session
  • Little girls under 2, consider how the dress sits when your daughter is seated on the ground – a nappy cover is always a great idea
  • Ladies avoid horizontal stripes, in a nutshell its not flattering unless you are a supermodel
  • Don’t apply “more than the usual” makeup.  It works for a glamour session but not a family portrait
  • Classic colours that work for both genders are cream & beige, both light and dark grey tones, blues and greys
  • Instagram is a great resource to get ideas on how to dress the family, start a collection of your favourite images to use as inspiration
  • Don’t over think it!  If it looks good and suits your family’s style, then go with it!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

Thanks for taking the time to read this information prior to your session. If you have any further questions, please just ask! We can’t wait to meet you soon for your portrait session.

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