2015 Session Guide
“There never is a perfect time. Life isn’t perfect. It’s wild & crazy & busy & beautiful. What do I want to remember about this crazy ride? That I forced four people to smile at the camera in stiff clothes until they got “the shot?” No. Not so much. I want to remember it just as it is. Bare feet. Squishyness. Giggles. Sweetness. Love. & all the crazy too. I want to capture US. Just as we are.”
- Shawna, repeat client
Welcome to the KLP Thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to take your family photos. I’m so excited to work with you!
Because I know that having your photo taken can potentially be a very stressful experience, I’ve compiled this guide to help you know what to expect. Please don’t feel overwhelmed; I know there’s a lot of information in here, but you can always toss this guide in the recycling bin, show up on the day of your session, and I promise we’ll have fun no matter what.The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your photos, and if this guide helps with that, then we’ll be ahead of the game.
If there’s anything that I haven’t covered in this packet and you still have questions after looking it over, please feel free to call or email! You can reach me at (617) 651-1075 or kate@kateLphotography.com.
Happy reading, and I’ll see you very soon!!
xo Kate
P Family!
What to E
Expect at your Session • I never shoot in one place for too long! We’re going to stay on our feet, so don’t expect to get too comfy ;) Please bring shoes that are easy to walk in, and try to minimize the amount of bags you’ll need to carry with you. • Sessions are super informal. We’ll spend a lot of time chatting -I want to get to know who you are and what you’re about! • We’ll set a general game plan before the session, but please be prepared to be flexible once we start shooting. Sometimes I think we’re going to shoot at a certain location, but in the car on the way there, I’ll see something out of the corner of my eye and I’ll ask you to pull over. Just look at it as an adventure, and we’ll have fun! • Everyone has their own style of parenting, and I totally understand if you are against bribes. BUT, if you’re willing to make an exception for one day, a lollipop, favorite toy, or trip for ice cream after the session can make a huge difference in attitude ;) If you do bring edible bribes for your kids to have during the shoot, make sure to pack some extra wipes for messy mouths.
What Should
More than any other question, clients alwa
family session. Coordinating your outfits c
to be! Here are some tips to help you wit text photos of potential outfits to my cell
d We Wear?!
ays ask what they should wear to their
can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have
th styling. If you get stumped, feel free to .
Clothing: Choose Yo • The biggest misconception I get for portraits is that everyone in the picture should be matching. This isn’t true! You probably don’t walk around your house wearing white shirts and khaki pants, so why should you do that in your pictures? • Choose two main hues you love, and develop your color scheme around them. Use the brightest color — also known as the accent color — sparingly. It’s okay to mix patterns and fabrics as long as the colors tie everything together. • People with lighter skin tones should avoid light colors like pale yellow. Similarly, people with darker skin tones should avoid dark colors such as navy, dark purple, dark brown, or black. Portraits look best when there’s significant contrast between skin and clothing. • Neon is also best avoided as it creates unflattering skin tones. • Try to avoid wearing white clothes in your photos. Eyes naturally jump right to the brightest point of a photograph, so people will be looking at your white shirt or dress instead your face. If you have your heart set on white, try ivory or off-white instead.
our Colors
Clothing:
Consider Comfort • Comfort is key! There’s no need to wear overly formal dresses, suits, or skin-tight outfits (similarly, avoid overly baggy clothing—the camera won’t add 10 pounds, but ill-fitting clothes will!) • Please avoid strapless clothing, as certain crops can make you look like you’re not wearing clothes at all. It’s also no fun to keep tugging your dress up all evening. • Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc. to make sure nothing hangs out that shouldn’t. ;) • If you love an outfit but need help keeping it in place, I highly recommend fashion tape. You can pick this up on Amazon or in most department stores. • For outdoor sessions, don’t forget to bring shoes that are easy to walk in! We’ll be on our feet a lot during your session.
Clothing: Extra • Layer it up! Layers create visual interest and will keep you warm and cozy, especially during the colder months. Think tights, cardigans, hats, blazers, and scarves. • Don’t forget accessories! Pieces like suspenders or a flowery headband will take your ensemble to the next level of cute. • Avoid logos, busy patterns, and anything that will take attention away from your face. • If people wouldn’t recognize you without glasses, then wear glasses in your shoot! However, lens glare can detract from your eyes in photos. You can have your lenses removed from your frames for your shoot, or you can visit an inexpensive company online and buy a suitable pair of duplicate frames without breaking your bank account. I love WarberParker.com. • You’re welcome to bring an extra outfit for individual photos of your kids. Think outside of the box for these — dress-up clothes can make for especially fun photos (Halloween costumes, princess dresses, etc.)
a Tips
Style Inspiratio
on: Fall/Winter
Session “Having our pictures taken is always so much fun. It’s like a family outing with lots of laughing and playing. We interact like we normally would while Kate gives us a little direction, and the outcome is always perfection.”
- Ashley, repeat client
Timeline
Before Your Session ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SESSION: • Pick out what you’ll wear for your photos. Once we’re at your session, I can give you additional help with your clothing if you’d like, or you can text photos of potential outfits to my cell phone. • If applicable, check out your session location on Google Maps to make travel plans. • Consider bringing personal items that reflect your family to help make your session more meaningful. Some ideas to get you started: books that you like to read together, a jump rope, chalk, bubbles, balloons, giant lollipops, costumes, sunglasses, Radio Flyer wagons
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: • Please fill out a client information form and sign the studio policies. Those links can be found on katelphotography.com under the Clients tab. • Submit your session deposit. This deposit is required to reserve your session date and is non-refundable. However, in the case of bad weather, illness, or emergency, this date may be rescheduled for no additional fee. If you would rather not submit your session deposit online, please make checks payable to Kate L Photography and mail to: Kate L Photography | 51 Melcher St. | Floor 7 | Boston, MA 02210
THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SESSION: • Just a friendly reminder that your session balance is due in full on the day of your session. Please review your invoice link and bring a check made out to Kate L Photography. • Iron your clothes and hang them the night before your shoot. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it in the car on the way to the shoot – just change at the location. • Avoid colorful drinks or lollipops within 24 hours of the shoot, and don’t let your kids eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths.
During & After Your Session 7-14 DAYS AFTER YOUR SESSION: • Your images will be available for you to review in an online proofing gallery. This gallery will be live for 7 days. After your gallery expires, a $25 re-activation fee will apply, so please place your order before this time. Feel free to share this gallery with family and friends if you need help selecting your final images. I can also give input if you’d like. • If you’ve purchased Collections B, C, or D, we can meet at my office and work together to design your album and/or wall display. I’m happy to show you product samples and walk you through design options — I want to make your life as easy as possible! If you don’t live in Boston, we can meet over Skype instead.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION: • Due to the time-sensitive nature of sunlight, try to allow plenty of time for traffic and/or lost Uber drivers. Ideally, please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session time to avoid stress. • In case of bad weather, we’ll decide whether to shoot about 3-4 hours before your scheduled session time. Please have your cell phone with you so I can reach you if plans need to be changed. • If your child is still of napping age, make sure they nap before the shoot. • Double-check that you’ve packed all your clothing and props. • Please make sure everyone has eaten, washed their faces, and gone to the bathroom before you leave.
1 WEEK AFTER PLACING YOUR ORDER: • Your retouched digital images will be ready for you to download, and you can begin using them immediately. Your flash drive will arrive shortly after that with a backup copy of your images. Please make your own image backup as well — it’s best to have multiple copies in case of hard drive failure.
2-3 WEEKS AFTER PLACING YOUR ORDER: • Any image products you’ve ordered (including prints, canvases, and albums) will be ready for pickup at my office. I inspect all of these to make sure they look gorgeous before you take them home with you.
Location-S
Specific Tips
Natural Outdoor L MOSQUITO SPRAY They seem to bother me more than other people, but it’s better to be safe than sorry during mosquito season!
SOMETHING TO SIT ON I often ask people to sit down so that I can shoot from a higher angle. If you’re concerned about your outfit getting dirty, please bring along a small towel or blanket that you can sit on.
COMFY WALKING SHOES Bring shoes that are easy to walk in, preferably ones that cover your toes. These will help protect you from bugs, itchy grass, other not-so-lovely things.
CHECK FOR TICKS In my 8 years of shooting, I have never encountered a tick. However, they are present in Boston. Immediately after your session, check your skin thoroughly to make sure you don’t have any unwelcome visitors.
Locations
Urban O
Outdoor Locations PARKING Be prepared for parking challenges - it’s helpful to have quarters on hand in case you have to park at a meter. It’s also a good idea to have cash on hand for parking garages.
LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME. I will never take us to a dangerous area of town, but it’s still a good idea to leave valuable items at home instead of in your car.
COMFY WALKING SHOES Bring comfy shoes for walking from location to location. Nothing makes a session less fun than blisters!
BATHROOM BREAKS Bathrooms can sometimes be hard to find, so bring an extra bed sheet or two for privacy while changing outfits.
Home Sessio LIFT THE SHADES Raise all of the blinds in your home completely before your session to let in as much natural light as possible. We’ll take a tour when I arrive to find the best rooms for photos.
STOP CLEANING! Don’t worry too much about cleaning, since we’ll move things around as we go (and I’ll put them back after we’re done). I’ve seen it allll as a family photographer, so nothing fazes me. Promise!
STEP LADDER If you have a small step ladder I can use, I would greatly appreciate the extra height!
PETS Unless we’ve discussed that your pets will be part of the session, please leave them outdoors or in another room.
ons
Tips for New
wborn Sessions Please call me immediately when your baby is born so that we can schedule a time for your session. Ideally, I photograph babies between 7-14 days old. Babies change immensely in their first weeks of life, so we want to capture them when they are as tiny and new as possible! For early deliveries, we’ll aim to schedule your session around the time of your original due date. Most importantly, the safety of your baby is my very first priority. Please stay within an arm’s reach of your baby at all times during the session. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, please say something!
Tips for Newborn S HOUSE PREP
BABY PREP
Don’t worry about cleaning before I
Please keep babies aw
arrive! Most newborn photos are taken
before the session. Th
using a very small amount of space.
but it’s important so t
ily during their photo Turn the thermostat up to 80 degrees
15 minutes before the
about two hours before the session. We
awake + milk = sleepy
might be a little sweaty, but your baby will be nice and toasty.
However, if they don’t
that’s OK too! It’s no Please open all shades/curtains so I can
breaks. Newborn sess
easily find the best window light when I
than regular sessions,
arrive.
spend some time rela
I clear my schedule fo Sometimes we take family shots on the
to allow for the feedi
bed, so it helps to have it made ahead of
and mood swings that
time.
We’ll do some of the
diapers (posed modes
baby doesn’t have any
photos, please loosen
an hour before the se
Sessions (continued)
P
HELPFUL ITEMS
wake for TWO hours
The following items are always useful to
his might be tricky,
have around:
that they’ll sleep eas-
os. Please feed them
• A hair dryer to use for white noise
e session. Two hours
y babies!
• Any blankets, baskets, or props you’d like to use (pictures ahead of time
’t want to sleep,
would be useful). If it’s ok with you, I’ll
ormal to need lots of
also bring a couple of my own clean
sions can last longer
blankets. I use non-scented baby de-
, so be prepared to
tergent for washing newborn props.
axing between shots.
or newborn sessions
• Trash bags for layering in between
ings, diaper changes,
blankets (for the diaperless shots)
t can and do occur.
e photos without
• If you do have a special outfit, I recommend keeping it to just one
stly!). So that your
as babies tend to get cranky during
y diaper lines in the
outfit changes.
n diapers about half
ession.
“Life is hectic and with a husband, a dog and two little ones, there is never a dull moment. Each year I am amazed by how much our family has changed and how my kids have grown. I never want to forget these moments and often want to freeze a certain image in my mind. Luckily, I always know I can count on Kate to capture our family ‘right now’.
- Shika, repeat client
Frequently As HOW DOES RESCHEDULING WORK? In case of inclement weather, illness, or emergencies, we’ll reschedule your session as soon as possible for no additional fee. If something comes up, please contact me at least 48 hours
expensive than labs like S
and colors are much bet
detailed printing advice w
HOW MANY PHOT
before your session so that I can reserve a new
I generally shoot at least
time for you. As Boston’s weather is notoriously
photos guaranteed for yo
unpredictable, I typically do not call off a session
make sure that we end u
due to weather until the day of.
50 final proofs, I’ll shoot
and then narrow them d WHERE SHOULD I PRINT? I recommend mpix.com, which is an online-
CAN YOU PHOTOS
based lab that offers professional-quality prints.
100% yes!! We’ll work to
After you upload your digital files, they mail the
you’re completely happy
prints straight to your home. While slightly more
and I ask for any particul
sked Questions
Shutterfly, Mpix’s paper
before and after your session. Bruises, blemishes,
tter. I give clients more
scratches, wrinkles, and moles are just a few of
with their flash drive.
the things that can be easily fixed in Photoshop — the software is quite magical. With all photos,
TOS DO YOU TAKE?
t five times the amount of
our session in order to
up with great photos! For *at least* 250 frames
down for you later.
I also lightly smooth skin in a way that still looks natural. DO YOU PROVIDE HAIR/MAKEUP? While I don’t work directly with a hair/makeup artist, I’m happy to provide a list of recommendations upon request. Please be sure to allow
SHOP BLEMISHES?
ogether to make sure with your final files,
lar editing requests
plenty of extra time in case your appointment runs late. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me at kate@kateLphotography.com!