Planning for your Find out how to capture moments that EVOKE true EMOTIONS
Want photos that remind you of ”ACTLY how you felt at this very moment
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I’m Meghann, I love to work with people that are sentimental at heart. I crave to capture that love, connection and laughter we share with our loved ones. the moments when the kids just turned to bed and dad steals a kiss from mom in celebration of another successful day in parenting… the belly laughs over a tickle fest. These are the memories that truly mean something, right? I help families preserve these memories through relaxing and fun, photo sessions with a freeing, documentary approach. In documentary photography, the most beautiful moment is the moment of truth. At times, I’ve almost felt sad and in a panic over moments and stories with my family that have passed. I live to preserve these signature family stories for my clients with my camera. Once my son asked if he could build a cubby house with some old fence palings. I thought it was so cute and said yes. What child hasn't made a cubby house at some point in their life? I was so worried about the kids stepping on an old, rusty nail and thought someone was going to end up hurt. The idea of documenting this with my camera didn't even cross my mind. It is difficult to be fully present for the kids and photograph well at the same time. Building this cubby house was a monumental moment in life, and mine as a parent, as we can’t can always wrap our children in cottonwool. Sometimes, we need to let go. After dinner, he announced he was going back outside to finish his cubby house and I had the sudden urge to document this. I see my son growing into independence with each day. da Looking back at the photos of that day he built a cubby house, where he took charge, a little on the danger side in my eyes, I feel connected and closer to the early days that have now passed. My heart is filled with more joy, because it’s not just the milestones that are important. Your family grows, evolves and changes daily, which is a beautiful thing and is hard to find in a selfie, or staged photo. Write down three things that you enjoy doing as a family today. Were you doing the same things a year ago? Do you have photos to remind you of these? How does it make you feel to think about it? Documentary photography is my approach to family photo sessions - which is a fancy way of saying: I will help you ensure all of those good feelings you feel about your favourite memories will last a lifetime and beyond. How? Through creating unique photos that will keep your memory of family stories tack sharp, not just for you, but for your children. Keep turning the pages in this guide to learn more. I cannot wait to have the opportunity to work with you!
Meghann Maguire Photography
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Your photos will {ULY be a storyline, rather than a bunch of STAND ALÂ…E images
"%&/2% Your pre-consult session is held at your house. It would be really cool if everyone was present. This is so we can get to know each other a little and be a bit more relaxed on the day of the session. Also, I can get a feel for what each of you want from this session so everyone feels included in the process (which is always way more fun :) If you live in Melbourne or I’m having to travel, this is fine we can skype or just have a chat over the phone. Thats when filling out the questionnaire is really important. If you already know what you want me to document that’s great, but please remember to fill out the questionnaire provided. It really helps me to get to know you and your family better and I can really catch those important details. During this consult, we plan 3 to 4 activities so that when I come over to shoot your session you know what you are doing and I don’t have to direct you too much. This helps to keep your session authentically you. If you’re not sure what you want me to capture? That’s fine. I have a ton of ideas and answering the questionnaire will help us figure out what to do. Also, you will need to sign the model release forms and contract at this stage, which I will bring along to the pre-consult. Pre consult is also when you make another payment of $300. I will send you an invoice and friendly reminder. UST BE Y‹RSELF o AND
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Meghann Maguire Photography
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Besides knowing what activities you are going to do. You really don't need to do much. I just want everything to be as it normally would. I don't want you going out buying new outfits that you’re never going to wear again. Unless your family usually match their outfits, it’s not necessary for everyone to match, just wear what you would normally wear. wea If one of the activities you choose is usually done in your pyjamas, then wear them. If your daughter wants to dress up as Spiderman, like she usually does, let her (this is my daughter’s favourite outfit). I’m probably wasting my breath here, but you don’t need to clean the house before I come. I’m not going to be taking photos of your dust-bunnies, if your craft room is exploding with a creative mess – awesome! As you can see from the photos of my mum’s craft room, it’s beautiful chaos. So let’s keep your session real. Try not to worry about anything. Just be you, and I’ll try and be a little fly on the wall. At first you may feel a little uncomfortable, but soon you won’t even know I’m there. I will interact a little with you, but mostly just small talk.
It will take me around a week to edit your images. I will put a sneak peek up on Facebook. (Only if you want me to.) I will then put together your storybook. I’m sorry but there will be no preferences or proofing of the album. All images go into the album. This takes about 1 1/2 weeks to be delivered. It will take no longer then 3 weeks before you receive your products. If you decide you would like some prints, canvas, frames or another album. I have a price list on page 10. After you receive your images, I will blog your session with my favourite images so you can show family and friends your pictures. Thank you for taking the time to read all this. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I can’t wait to meet you and capture your little life treasures.
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3ESSI PACKAGES AND PRICING
It is very important to me that you get something tangible to hold onto, something you can sit together as a family and reminisce over. Something that I know is not going to get corrupted, lost, or put off forever. Something that becomes part of your family history and passed on for many generations to come.
Storytelling creative fee $200 (non refundable)
So with all my sessions you get to take home your very own Storytelling Treasure Book.
This secures your session date.
Something that is going to grow more valuable over time. This is the real treasure. It’s not just
This includes = A pre consult to build your story and get to know eack other
for today, but for years from now. Your book is a photographic time capsule that you don’t need
Me for around 3 hours photographing your family life
to bury in the back yard - you can just pop it on the coffee table! I love catching my children on the couch looking at their photo albums and laughing. My
Chapter One package $295 This includes = 15o online gallery to choose your favourite images 50 images in a storybook album
Storybook package $495 This includes = 150 images in a storybook album 150 high resolution images on USB with print release
daughter will often pick her albums as her bedtime book. But don’t don worry, I know you want those files too. So I have included a package where you can purchase these, but I want you to know that this isn't what you will really want. I totally get that you may think it’s a better deal to get your digital files and get your prints through a cheaper printing lab. I love to save money too. But I want you to have the best. I don't want you to get your prints from a cheap printer and find your skin has a green tinge. Not only that, I know we all get busy and have good intentions, but time slips by and the next thing you know two years has gone past and you lost that USB before you even got anything printed. Let me do the work for you - you will love it!
AND REAL LIFE STORIES Meghann Maguire Photography
Meghann Maguire Photography
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).$)6)$5!,)3% YOUR FAMILY PORTRAITS Can you imagine having a session that is personal to you like no other? Or, having a canvas hanging on your wall that doesn’t have the same pose, location, white backdrop, the same forced smile as everyone else? When you look at these types of portraits side-by-side, often the only real differences are the people. Sure, it looks nice. The lighting is just right, compositionally it looks balanced and maybe the colours even pop, but when you look at these non-candid photos does it make you feel anything? Does it remind you of a time in your life that you love? Does it tell you something about your family and their adorable little quirks? Does it tell us anything about your life, your story? If you’ve ever had that style of portrait photo it’s possible you’ll remember the drag that it was organising your family. Maybe you bought matching outfits, Maybe your husband was uncooperative, like the kids, and all of them had to be bribed. Substantially. And after hours of what felt like pulling teeth, you only liked one photo… kind of. A documentary photography session with me is easy, because you just have to be you. You could choose an
Meghann Maguire Photography
activity that you and your family love to do and I photograph it. Awesomely. No bribes needed. No forced smiles. No pulling teeth. So the moment I discovered documentary photography, everything changed. I went from the stereotypical portrait photographer in search of the perfect locations, lighting, outfits, and twenty perfect poses, to a moment seeker and it all just clicked. Well, to be completely frank, I panicked. I had just spent the last 3 years taking all the wrong pictures. I had missed the simple day-to-day stuff my children did because I wouldn’t touch my camera for weeks while I waited for the perfect creative moment. I got lost trying to find my niche. Ironically, the reason I started learning about photography was so I could take better photos of my kids growing up. I was capturing their physical growth, but I missed the opportunity to capture their little personalities growing too. That is documentary photography. It’s not just your photo – it’s your story. Now, I want to make sure that I get every stage of my children’s growth, from learning to do a somersault on the trampoline, to playing with dinosaurs while having a bath in the kitchen sink. I now document my whole family’s life and you can see a few photos of those sessions on my website.
Meghann Maguire Photography
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What others are saying
I recently had a documentary style photo shoot with Meghann, she came to our house and spent some time just taking photos of our day to day life. It was very relaxed and natural, perfect for small children who do not "cooperate" for posed photos. I cannot express how much I love the book of photos I received today, she has managed to capture our normal life and make it look so special and beautiful. Something to treasure forever. The presentation and also the inclusion of a USB with all the photos on it is exceptional. Thank you Meghann!
*ADE
Meghann Maguire has taken some outstanding photos of myself, my babies, my family and my bush home. Many of these we have in pride of place on our walls and some in a photo book which gets many positive comments from our visitors. Meghann's photos are both creative and realistic and have a sense of life about them. Meghann can take an ordinary moment and bring out all that's special in that moment. Meghann is very professional in the way that she works and I would have no problem recommending her. We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful and accurate record of our lives here in the bush with our children, one that we can pass down when our kids have their own children. Thank you Meghann
-INAMI
Meghann has worked with us on a few occations since the birth of our daughter. Meghann’s gentle approach has always made us comfortable during photo shoots and we’re always been satisfed with final products. We love how Meghann’s work show the true side of us and her works are our treasures. I’d recommend Meghann to any body. I’m sure your experience would be fabulous. Thanks Meghann! Meghann Maguire Photography
Meghann Maguire Photography
It’s not ALWAYS just about the KIDS As long as I can remember my mother has been into some kind of craft. My earliest memory of her craft projects was wheat weaving. I remember her soaking her wheat in water and then making decorations which she displayed all over the house. She used to make our clothes, I especially liked the fancy dresses. She's also been into needlepoint, quilting, spinning, knitting, she always has socks on the go, felting (i have about 20 felt bags) scrapbooking and her latest art journaling. You name it she probably tried it.
She spends hours in her craft room working on her journals. She has different projects she works on daily, weekly and monthly. She just recently had her birthday and when I asked the kids what we should get her they replied "craft stuff." So cute. The kids now have their own art journal that they work on when they go to visit.
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Your PHOTO APHIC time capsule Imagine documenting your teenage daughter in a way that takes a glimps at her blossoming into adult life. Do you find yourself trying to hold onto these last few moments of her being at home before she ventures out into the world? I would love to have some pictures of myself when I was a young teen. To have details of what it was like to be a young me hanging out in my room with my hyper colour top rockin’ my bad boy sunnies, listing to the radio and pressing record on the tape player to catch my favourite songs. Man, the world has changed so much since I was a teenager... More then likely, likel it‘ll be the same for your children - they are going to wish they had a photographic time capsule of their younger years. Wouldn’t it be so cool to show your children when they’re older how much has changed, how much they’ve changed? How funny will it be checking out how cool they thought they were back then. When I look at pictures of my parents in the 60s, not only does it make me laugh, but it makes me want to be in that era and gives me a connection with them even though I wasn’t there. When I started documenting Rachel and looking through these photos, I knew this series of photos would be something she would always be able to look back on and feel a sense of great pride and accomplishment regarding her achievements as a young fashion designer. Not only that, but this photo series also showcases the bond Rachel and her mum have in their sewing room, and the love they both have for creating beautiful things. A little part of their relationship is captured in this series, which is something really special. At the moment Rachel’s Rachel mum has the album from this documentary session and she loves it. Later down the track she will pass it on to Rachel.
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&REQUENT 7Â…DhS
I’d love to meet you before you come and take our pictures for a few hours, But I don't live in Launceston.
You probably have some concerns and question about this types of session, as it’s probably a new idea and you haven't seen any thing like this before. Check out these common questions and I hope they answer queries. If not please don't hesitate to get in contact with me.
I really encourage that we meet up first and like to do this during our pre consult. It really helps with the awkwardness before the session. I will travel up to an hour. Anything further then that we could meet up half way at a park or having a coffee. If we have a hard time setting a date we could always chat on the phone or have a Skype date.
What do we wear?
Can we include extended family?
This is probably on of the first things you will think about. But whats great about a session like this is you don't really need to put too much thought into it. Please don't go out and buy anything new and not something you would normally wear. Be comfortable and you. If your daughter dresses up in a fairy costume when you do arts and craft I WANT to see that and you want to REMEMBER that. If you love hanging out in your black leggings and thats what you always wear, then please don't put on a fancy dress just because I’m coming over to take your pictures.
In a word, yes. The ability to incorporate grandparents, cousins, etc into a session can be a rewarding photo session. Depending on the session dynamics, it may cost a little more to have more people involved, because I have to work even harder to create images with everyone in the frame, individual relationships in the frame, and documentary photos of people individually as well. If you have more of an event in mind, please send me details via email. That being said, I have the best memories of visiting my grandparents and miss them all dearly! So, I encourage you to think outside the box and consider a session where you visit Grandma’s house on a Sunday or invite me to the big, family dinner you have once a month.
I don’t think my husband will want to have a photographer in the home or following us around for a few hours. I’m positive that your husband will much rather spend time with his family doing the things he love’s, rather then a session at the local park dressed in something you made him wear and having a photographer telling him what to do. If we get him doing something he loves to do, hanging out in his zone, like listening to music? Working out in the garage? Tinkering with his tools? I bet he will be much happier with the idea.
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Will candid images look good on our walls? Oh my gosh can’t can you just picture it now, walking past your hallway gallery filled with lasting memories of images that really take you back to a moment in your life, those are really the pictures that last forever and never get tiered of looking at. We got our family photo’s done of when our first child was 18 months old. We had then taken before I new any better in a studio with the white back drop. To be honest with you I have no real attachment to them and got sick of them being on my wall after awhile. They just didn't represent us as a family.
I Have no idea what would be good enough for us to document? Letting go of your fears and saying yes takes and exceptional amount of trust. It’s not everyday you let a pretty much stranger into your life in such a personal way. It doesn't matter if we spend a day at your home together,or take walk to your favourite park, or live out a family tradition with me present. It’s not about the activity - it’s about the togetherness. In your consultation, we’ll build a session based on some of the responses you tell me are most natural/special to you. You may not be able to envision the session yet, but that is where I come into play.
I don’t want to have a session in my house. NO?! No one says you have to. But, if you’re worried about your house being messy, or you have unfinished renovations thats been happening for the past few years, or it’s just not picture perfect, let me tell you this. Your home is part of your journey. Whether you’re a family or a couple, you will be able to picture your home when looking back at it later. When I look back at photo’s from last christmas, we had missing floor boards, no plaster on some of the walls. This year we have a beautiful lounge room that I am proud of. It reminds me that all that hard work was so worth it. I bought my home when I was 20 and I love looking back at all the different stages, from a young adult just moved out of home with my old handy down furniture and 90s decor. I can see how far I’ve come, not in a materialistic way, as I grew it into a family home. Your home is a character in your story and I encourage you not worry about how it looks in the photos. Life is happening now.
My kids are older, does this still work?
I don’t like how I look in photo’s. I’m not sure I could do the unposed thing.
APPSOLUTELY ,YES! Older children and young adults have really begun to develop their own story as individuals. Whether you share a family night together, time doing something special, or you want me to make it all about them coming into their own, I could follow them as they practice the sport they’ve been playing for years, maybe they have a special talent playing a musical instrument, or dancing is their passion - magical photo stories happen at any age!
Think of your typical portrait. You are aware of the camera and that smile is forced. You may be stiff from a funky pose or uncomfortable having people in your personal bubble. Sure, there may be a uniform smile, but is there really any life inside of the image? When you are in documentary photos, your best self is being presented. We are our most beautiful when we FEEL good. Good can come in a variety of forms: laughter, peace, .FHIBOO .BHVJSF 1IPUPHSBQIZ
snuggled with our loved one, in our element doing something we love. The relationship we build is vital to the strength of emotion inside of the photos.
purchase the storytelling package.
beautiful wall gallery I can sure help you with this.
Can we purchase and see more of the images you have not edited?
Is it ok if I want to print my own prints from a local lab?
Do we have to pay for your travels expenses?
No. I do take a lot of images but not all of them turn out. Maybe I missed focus or the composition just did not work. Trust me I will be picking all of the best images and you will get them all. The rest will be deleted.
This is totally fine, but I can’t promise you the quality of these. As I have access to pro labs and guarantee you the finest products offered to professional photographers.
At the moment I’m not charging travel for Melbourne or Tasmania, depending on how far I will be traveling. If I need to fly to you in other parts of Australia, you will need to purchase the air flight ticket. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of ordering the ticket - you will receive an invoice from me for the amount. I’ll purchase and pay for my own accommodation if I need it, other wise ill need you to provide me with travel from the airport to your home and back again - whether that be a ride from you or you may opt to purchase a cab or other means.
Our session includes some paid-fun, like to an amusement park or zoo. Do we need to pay for your adventures? Yes, my clients pay for my excursions.
Do we get the raw images? I’m a photographer, I can edit them myself…
Can my family (grandma) order prints? Are we allowed to share the photos on social media?
Yes, all sessions will receive the images ready for web sharing, perfect for on the social media, but I’m worried my children or husband wont participate while you’re shooting? not great for printing.
Will we receive print rights with our digital files? Yes, you may print for personal use only meaning, don’t hand the files over to a business to hang in their store. If you are a professional photographer, photographe I trust you to print from a pro lab. Copyright always remains with me. You may use your digital files to market your business via your website, client packets, etc. You must leave written credit to me in using your images on social media.
No. This is like asking an author for the rough draft pages. My editing is part of my art and part of your experience.
Do we have to meet you if we want to place an order for prints or other products?
Do we get the high res images?
No, you will have your beautiful album to view your session and if you fall in love with some of the images and decide you want to make a
You will only recieve high res images if you
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Appsolutely, Just contact me and I can put your order in. Products list is on page 12
They will be so busy engaged in whatever we had planned that their attention will be off of the camera. Don’t worry about this! This really is so much more relaxing then a traditional portrait session. I love a good tantrum it’s all part of life.
I don’t want my images on the internet. Do we have to sign a model release? You have the choice to sign a model release and give me full use of the photos - after all, my work and the ability to use in for marketing is what generates new business... which is my livelihood. But I totally understand if you choose not to.
Meghann Maguire Photography
I will BREAK the mould of portrait photos
for you by capturing the true
moments of your life
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Meghann Maguire Photography
STILL NOT SURE ABOUT A DOCUMENTARY-STYLE SESSION? I dare you to take the quiz! This quiz started as a challenge to photographers that my
The results If you have 13 or more highlights, you are in good shape! This means you already value the preservation of memories and likely have a handful of photos to represent each person on your list. That is a treasure! Most people have not had these results.
wonderful mentor from Fearless and Framed (community for photographers) If you have 12 or o fewer highlights, this means most of your most precious memories are stuck in your mind. You can share these stories through your words, but don’t have a way to visually share the stories to others or to refect upon when the memories become fuzzy. 1. Grab a piece of paper, a pen, and a highlighter. 2. List 5 family members and/or close friends. Leave some space between each person, as you’ll have more writing to do. 3. Next to each person, write the first 3 memories that come to mind of a time you’ve shared with each person. 4. Back to the top, go through each person again. Next to the memories, list the first two things that come to mind when summing up who each person is. For example, Grandpa Dan loves woodworking and can be found in his workshop or Melissa loves to dance and has a generous, giving soul.
What to do to obtain more memories in the form of a photo? Ask yourself: Do I love a night of sitting on the couch, glass of wine in hand, + a good conversation about the good ‘ol days, feeling of paper memories between my fingers? Do my days in life seem to be rushing? Even last week is starting to become a blurry, distant memory?
5. Highlight the memories you have photos for WITH YOU in them. Then, highlight the character summaries that you DO have photos for that represent the spirit of each person.
Do I want my future generations to feel a connection to our life as it is now?
6. Add up the number of highlights you have photos for and the number you do not.
Can I be just a little bit fearless, let go of my reservations, and trust Meghann to photograph and reveal the love that surrounds me every day? Yes?! Book a session with me. You may not be able to say this about a new purse, but you absolutely will never regret preserving your memories.
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! VISUAL MEM R EMAIL ME TO BOOK. mmpstorytelling@gmail.com
ALL CONTENT AND IMAGES © MEGHANN MAGUIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
-EGHANN -AGU E Storytelling Photographer www.meghannmaguire.com mmpstorytelling@gmail.com