Hello your guide to fantastic portrait session with gray duck studios
Welcome I am so thrilled that you are considering a portrait session with Gray Duck Studios. It is my pleasure and privilege to photograph Minnesota’s loveliest children and families. As always, I appreciate the trust clients place in me to capture today’s moments, which will in turn become tomorrow’s treasures. Please take a few moments to browse this guide and imagine your ideal portrait session. I look forward to meeting you!
OUR STYLE REAL SMILES. REAL EMOTIONS. REAL LIFE.
At every single portrait session we photograph, we strive to capture more than just how you look. Our goal is to tell a story ... the story of your family. Who you are today, right now, in this moment. Silly three year olds are allowed (and encouraged!) to be silly. Moody teenagers are never asked to say cheese. Don’t want to pose in front of the fireplace? Good, because we weren’t planning on asking you to. We’re here to help capture the moments you’ll be looking back on for a lifetime. So relax, ditch the matching outfits, be yourselves and let’s have a blast!
Before, During and After At Gray Duck Studios, we specialize in creating a personalized experience for you and your family that’s fun and meaningful. Although the goal of working together is to create wonderful images, we also strive to make the process of getting there enjoyable and memorable! Here’s how it works.
1
INITIAL CONSULTATION
2
BOOKING THE DATE
Every session begins with an initial consultation so we can get to know one another. We’d love to learn more about you and your family, your goals for the portrait session, and how you intend to use your photos. We also encourage clients to use this time for questions and ideas; and we love to show you our beautiful print products to give you a feel for the final outcome of your session. An on-line questionnaire will be provided to help “Get To Know You” that we ask everyone to fill out.
Once you’ve decided on the right photography package for your family, we’ll go ahead and get the date booked for your portrait session! In order to reserve your day, a nonrefundable session fee deposit and a signed contract are required. We’ll work with your schedule to find a perfect day and time.
WE LOVE TO LEARN ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR GOALS FOR THE PORTRAIT SESSION
3
TAKING PICTURES
4
THE FINISHED PRODUCT
On the day of your session, we’ll meet at the agreed location and time and start snapping away! A portrait session can take anywhere from 1-1/2-2 hours. There’s really no rush - or general time limit - just what feels natural. It generally takes at least 30 minutes for us to “warm up” together, meaning getting comfortable and feeling relaxed in front of (or behind!) the lens. After that, it’s really up to the photographed subject as to how long the session will last. This is the fun part - let us do the work!
The photos have been taken, individually retouched with great love and care, and now it’s time for you to see the end result of all our hard work and planning! One of our clients’ favorite parts of the entire experience is getting to see their beautiful images displayed on their walls or layed out professionally in an album to cherish for years to come. We can help determine how youd like to see your images printed. A disk a disk with your images will be delivered 2-3 weeks after your session.
Session Types
MATERNITY
NEWBORN
SIGNATURE SESSION - $XXX
-includes 1-1 1/2 hours on location -a disk with 60-90 images with full printing rights -on-line web gallery for sharing -free consultation for wall galleries and albums
HAVE A PLAN
To get the best final product it’s important to have a good understanding of how you intend to use and display your photos.
SIMPLICITY SESSION - $XXX
-offered only a few times a year -a great way to test us out - or add an additional session within the year to document an important milestone
KIDS AND FAMILY
Session Sites Choosing a place to have your portraits captured can be a lot of fun! We do our best to make it someplace meaningful or offers a great experience. Here are some example locations to get you started.
OUTDOOR EXPLORERS
LET'S HAVE FUN
This shoot will be full-on fun, complete with laughs, hugs, play time, and plenty of genuine smiles. There’s no manufacturing a good time; when you’re with loved ones, exuberance and spontaneity take over for the most natural, exciting images.
LOCAL LIFE
AT HOME
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
We will discuss where you would like to have your session (we will already have an understanding based on our prior phone chats). We might meet at your home, the local playground, or a beautiful green field. I also scout locations constantly, so I may have some fun, last minute suggestions for you to consider!
WANT TO SEE MORE FUN FAMILY SESSIONS?
Check out our website at yourstudio.com for recent shoots, session information, and current packages.
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY If Mother Nature threatens to rain on our parade, don’t worry, we can reschedule.
Helpful Hints The photographic art you place on your wall is the sum of the vision of the photographer, what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood and personality of subjects at the time of the session.
COOL AND CALM
Kids are their happiest when well rested and fed, We will do our best to work around nap times and always allow food.
GET THE LOOK
Decide before the shoot what look you’re going for. Where in your home will your portraits be displayed? If in a more formal room, be sure everyone’s clothing is coordinated to this look. If the room is less formal and more “family” keep this in mind as well. Home furnishings also be used, guaranteeing a perfect match to your decor.
PETS ALLOWED
If you bring your pet to the family shoot, make sure to get him some brisk beforehand. This will allow for a (hopefully) slightly calmer canine during your portrait session.
TREATS FOR THE SWEET
Bring snacks (but don’t tell kids). We keep wet napkins, but be careful for foods that stain clothing! You don’t want to ruin that cute top.
HAIR AWARE
Get haircuts at least a week before the shoot. It might take a few days to grow into a hair cut, especially if the scissors went amiss. This buffer allows for some growth, tweaks and perfections to the hair style prior to your session.
CAN ' T BUY ME LOVE
Build up the session to children as it really is—a time for fun and togetherness. There’s no need for bribes when the event itself is the reward.
TIME FLIES
Please allow one to two hours for our shoot. This will enable us to get the perfect amount of images with variety and allow for an outfit change if needed.
RELAXED PARENTS HAVE MORE FUN, WHICH HELPS KIDS BECOME COMFORTABLE FOR THE BEST SHOTS.
Ideas & Inspiration: What you wear is key for a successful session. Clothing complements who you are as a family, speaks to the environment in which the session is taking place, and coordinates with the home where final images will be displayed. Your style should be as unique as your family, so we’ve put together some clothing advice for a creative, comfortable session.
WEAR
- bright colors - clean nails - fun accessories - layered looks
- clean, stylish shoes - a week old haircut - glare-free eyeglasses - a squeaky-clean face
PICKING OUT PROPS
WANT TO SEE MORE OUTFIT AND PROP IDEAS? Check out our website at yourstudio.com for recent shoots, session information, and current packages.
Props are any kind of object or item included in photographs. In general, props can add detail, interest, and meaning to your images, especially when they hold sentimental value to you or your family. Ideas include baby blankets or wraps, love letters, heirloom furniture, a vintage dress handed down in the family, old photographs, handkercheifs, shoes, trophies, a suitcase, travel souvenirs, or anything else that’s close to your heart. We love working with props; if you have questions or need ideas, just ask!
LITTLE GARDENER
CLASSIC KIDDO
Bright red and navy are a classic color combination and always a hit on camera for little boys. Add in some leather sandals, a favorite teddy bear, and a red balloon to complete the look.
A warm sweater, shoes, and jeans are all your little guy needs for his outdoor adventure in the garden! A watering can gives boys a fun job to do during the shoot, keeping him focused in front of the camera.
HOW TO DRESS THE LITTLE ONES
FLOWER GIRL
A flower-themed outfit is never out of style. Pick a flower - and let the rest of the outfit follow! Hats and single flowers make great accents.
PUDDLECHASER
For cool, wet days you can never go wrong with a button-up coat, bright leggings, and comfy boots! A perfect outdoor outfit for your little girl.
LITTLE FIREFIGHTER
Patterns and stripes always look great on camera. Having a popcolor, such as a bright red against white and grey, adds depth and focal points.
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKE FOR A DOUR DAY SO HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM A SESSION WITH GRAY DUCK STUDIOS.
Why Choose Gray Duck Studios? The photographic art you place on your wall is the sum of the vision of the photographer, what you wear to your session, the environment, the lighting, even the mood and personality of subjects at the time of the session. Custom photography is ultimately about choice, experience and finding a professional who takes the time to get to know your family and your needs, giving you full, undivided attention without worry of who is next “in line,� or the feeling of a crowded portrait studio. Offering a range of products and unparalleled service, our custom photography studio: offers the finest service and portraiture available presents the best images that meet our creative sensibilities and highest standards provides images which are fully edited, color corrected and retouched keeps you and your total experience in mind. We are excited to begin our creative journey with you! Lisa Quinlan Photography