The Portrait Guide
For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also.
LUKE 12:34
meet the artist Let me extend a warm welcome to you and your family from Amanda Foote Photography. Hi! I'm Amanda. I'm a nerdy vegetarian living in Norman, Oklahoma. I've been photographing professionally since 2010, but I've been picking up a camera since I was a little girl. I love books, cats, the moons, the ocean, and dad jokes. I live my life in pursuit of laughter, and I aim to bring lots of laughter and happiness with me to every session. I am happily taken by the most loveable, sweetest guy I know named Philip, and we spend most if not all of our free time cuddling our two pets, our spaniel puppy Abigail, and our black cat Nova. I spend a good portion of my time reading and writing, as well as running both my photography and Etsy businesses. If you ever want to know more about me, just ask!
your family's story
Shy smiles. Tousled hair. Cheek kisses. Bear hugs. The reminders of love, laughter, and lives shared. Authentic stories of your family, wonderfully told in beautiful custom portraits. I'm a storyteller, and these are the images I create.
For me, photography is an unconditional labor of love, and family portraits hold a special place in my heart. It's why I love capturing the unguarded, fleeting moments that hold such special meaning for the families I photograph. I create timeless images that you will be proud to display in your home everyday, as happy reminders of moments you will cherish forever. Let's capture your cherished moments forever.
What to Wear
A GUIDE FOR FAMILY PORTRAITS
Why would you not want to show off what you've created?? You have carefully crafted and are living your dream alright, maybe not every day, because families fight and have bad days. If yours doesn't, you might not be human! But hopefully you have more good days than bad ones, and being able to capture the candid happy moments is one of the best ways to preserve that feeling. I hope this guide will give you some peace of mind on the day of your photo shoot because there's nothing quite looking at a photo and being flooded with the good memories of that day.
I loved how incredibly patient Amanda was with Ella! It was close to bedtime and dinner time and Ella was getting cranky but Amanda was still able to get the pictures I wanted! There really isn't anything I would have changed except maybe the sun stay out a little longer. Amanda was able to do everything I wanted and the pictures turned out way better than I could have imagined! I will definitely be using her again in the future!
Julia Dunagan
General Donts & Their Solutions WRINKLED CLOTHES The easiest way to avoid wrinkled clothing is to just plan ahead. Once you know what everyone is going to wear, lay it out the night before. This way, if you notice that the perfect shirt you planned for the theme has clearly been in the bottom of the clothes for a few weeks, you have time to iron it! BUSY PATTERNS My advice would be to generally stick to solid colored clothing. If you have a favorite pattern that you HAVE to include, consider coordinating solid colors on the rest of the family that compliment the pattern you're wanting to use. Avoid logos too!
General Dos COORDINATING COLORS
It might sound daunting, but trust me, it's easier than you think. Neutral colors are an easy go-to; navy blue, tan, or white seamlessly creates a classic look. Is your family a little more bold? Picking colors like dark red especially in the fall - creates a dramatic contrast. The easiest place to start is by planning your color palette. Think "coordinated," not "matched." I like to find color inspiration on Pinterest. Begin by choosing a mix of complimentary neutral colors, like I listed above, and punctuate those with pops of brighter colors on individual clothing items and accessories. Your goal is to create a pulled-together, coordinated look that's natural without being overly "matchy" or "uniform."
CREATE INTEREST WITH LAYERS Using layers and accessories is a great way to add visual interest and create different "looks" for each family member. Simply adding or removing items like sweaters, vests, or jackets can give you a quick "wardrobe change" between shots. Carefully chosen accessories like scarves, statement jewelry, or a favorite hat are fun touches of personal style and personality.
TIMELESS, NOT TRENDY While the latest fashion trends can be great for your day-to-day look, taking a more classic approach to your wardrobe choices is typically best for your portraits. Choosing your timeless favorites - pieces that rarely go out of style - will ensure that your family portraits don't have a dated look next season. I personally love the look of chiffon maxi dresses next to welldressed boys, it's such a classic!
YOUR HOME PLAYS A ROLE You should also consider where your portraits are going to be displayed in your home. For larger canvases or framed prints, perhaps intended as the focal point of a family room or dining room, consider your wall colors and the overall decor and style in those rooms as you plan those wardrobe choices.
BE PREPARED Whether your session involves props, multiple outfits, or a two year old, having everything you need ready the night before eliminates the potential stress of being stranded on location and realizing you forgot the favorite blanket or that the tea cups were never packed.
TIPS
Haircuts are best scheduled 2-3 weeks before your session to allow hair to grow out for a more comfortable, true-to-you look. Try to avoid bold, graphic logos. Be sure your shoes fit the look of your wardrobe. White tennis shoes can be too bright and usually aren't the best choice.
What to expect
A FUN-FILLED PORTRAIT SESSION RELAX! We're going to have fun. My sessions are casual and relaxed - definitely not rushed. You and your family set the pace and tone. During your session I'll combine gently-posed shots along with capturing spontaneous, unguarded moments as they unfold - no forced smiles or awkward poses here. I encourage you and your family to interact, play and have fun so I can capture the natural bond that shines between you. Our session will generally last 45 minutes to an hour. This will give us plenty of time to capture the full range of your family story with no pressure on kids or parents. The casual tone of my sessions allows everyone to simply be themselves in front of the camera. That's when the magic happens!
Preparing For Your Session -Avoid "the grumpies" by making sure your little ones are wellrested and fed before your session. This is very important, as we don't want anyone showing up hungry! -Take any unease out of the session by talking to your kids about how much fun the session will be, and that their "job" is simply to be themselves. Don't make it a chore. Make it a fun event. Keep in mind that the positive or negative attitude you adopt at your session is the same one that will show in your pictures. -Pack an emergency bag with drinks, snacks, wipes, toys, and any props or accessories. -Work with your kids early on wardrobe. Support their choices with gentle guidance to give them confidence, and to make the process more fun.
After Your Session Sit back and relax! I will be hard at work prepping your images. Approximately one week after your session, I will email you a link to your private online gallery, where you will be able to download your high resolution images for printing, or social media sized ones perfect for sharing with friends and family. Through this gallery you will also have the option to order any prints and products of your images.
how it works Booking Your Session. My portrait agreement is a convenient form that gathers info about you and your family. It also details my studio policies, fees, and other info. Your retainer payment or deposit is a non-refundable fee due at booking to hod your session date and time. Your session confirmation will come in email form and remind you of your session date, time, and provide any info you may need.
Before Your Session. Your pre-session consultation 2-3 weeks before your session will be in the form of a phone call, Skype session, or email letter that will give us a chance to discuss your goals and plan your session to your tastes. A session reminder email will arrive 2-3 days before your session to remind you of your date and time and location for your session. I also provide a few tips to make your session go smoothly.
During The Session. The day of your session is where the fun starts! I'll get everyone feeling comfortable with a few poses and shutter clicks, and then we will let the session unfold.
After Your Session. A sneak peek of one of my favorite images from your session will debut on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Your private online gallery will be sent to you approximately one week after your session. You can download or purchase prints there.
I'm always mindful of the goals we set during our planning session.
your investment FAMILY/CHILD PORTRAIT SESSION
$275 MATERNITY SESSION
$375
45 min session Hair & makeup included 2 outfit changes 20% retainer due to book Studio or furniture rental available for extra fee
IN-STUDIO MINI SESSION
$325
40 min session 2 outfit changes Up to 5 people $25 extra per additional 20% retainer due to book Props and backdrops available for no extra cost
45 min session 2 outfits per person Up to 5 people $25 extra per additional 20% retainer due to book Studio or furniture rental available for extra fee
SENIOR SESSION
$475
2 hour session Hair & makeup included 4 outfit changes 20% retainer due to book Studio or furniture rental available for extra fee
IN-HOME LIFESTYLE NEWBORN SESSION
$299
1 hour session On site in your own home 4 outfit changes 20% retainer due to book Furniture rental available for extra fee
referral program
REFER A FRIEND AND BE REWARDED!
The BIGGEST compliment you can give me is when you send your friends to me. I have made it SUPER easy for you to do so by providing a convenient form you can fill out and send your friends to fill out too! When you send me 15 referrals, I'll give you half off any portrait session! Send me 30, and I'll give you your next session FREE!! Sign up with your email address and this handy software will track every time you send a referral my way!
amandafoote.com/referrals
AMANDA FOOTE
www.amandafoote.com amanda@amandafoote.com @amandafootephoto facebook.com/amandafootephotography