pim The Portrait Guide 2018
Thank you for making a booking! I am so excited about our session; it is going to be a lot of fun This booklet was specifically created to prepare you for our time together. From what to wear, what to prepare and most importantly- how these images can become the heirloom piece of art that you will forever treasure. I can’t wait to meet you and your family.
YOUR SESSION CHECKLIST OUTDOOR SESSIONS require a bit more preparation as far as what to bring. The following is a suggested checklist for on location portrait sessions. 1. At least one extra outfit for children and towel for the beach session 2. Bring suncreen, hats and drinks and a “Just in Case� snack. 3. An emergency touch up kit. Even if you booked your hair and makeup appointment professionally, plan to bring a small kit that includes lip color, a hair brush, bobby pins, safety pins, etc. It is always better to be prepared, especially if we are photographing on location. 4. Comfortable walking shoes. Often on location we need to walk a short distance to where we will actually be photographing. You can always slip on your heels or other shoes of choice when we start taking pictures. Please take note that some young children do not like their skin in contact with the sand or spiky grass
5. A tote bag that is easy to carry. We are often far away from the car, and a tote bag with all that you will need for the session will save you a trip! 6. Make sure the children are well rested and fed before the session INDOOR SESSIONS Ensure the room with good natural light is clean and clutter free
WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE FAMILY SESSION What the subjects are wearing in a portrait is just as important as all of the other details such as lighting, location, emotions and the pose. Poorly selected clothing can really take away from an otherwise great portrait. When choosing what to wear it’s a great idea to pick a color scheme. Creating a color scheme can add a more artistic touch to your photos. Try to co-ordinate with your partner or family, and aim to dress in no more than 2 or 3 main colors. You shouldn’t be aiming to match, but try to pick colors that tone in together.
It’s especially important to avoid logos and clothes with written slogans. Logos or wording on your clothes can really pull attention away from the important parts of an image – your face and expressions. Simple accessories are great and can add interest, but avoid too many as this can be overpowering.
It’s wise also to think about your background. If you’re having a photo shoot at home, consider how your clothes will work with the backdrop. Likewise, if you’re having your portrait taken at the beach, choose clothes that work well with the natural surroundings.
My style of portrait is light and airy, this type of photography lends itself well to a light and fresh color scheme such as pastels, pinks, blues, greys, creams and beiges.
THE WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE MATERNITY SESSION What to wear for the session Wearing the right outfits will definitely enhance your look for the photoshoot. These are some ideas that will help you and your beautiful belly look stunning. The Maxi Dress. Long or mid knee length maxi dresses with a chunky necklaces photograph well. A maxi dress highlights that beautiful baby bump and covers up any areas you feel are “problem” areas. Wearing long sleeves top can camouflage the swelling on the upper arms.
MATERNITY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY Because we believe women should feel beautiful no matter the stage of life you’re in. Pregnancy is such an amazing time in a woman’s life, and we think you look absolutely radiant!
WHAT TO WEAR FOR THIS SESSION Lingerie and laces Soft texture dress Seamless underwear
THE NEWBORN SESSION Newborn portrait sessions can last longer than regular sessions as we have no idea how they will be feeling that day, so be prepared to spend anywhere from 3-4 hours at your session. We never rush newborn sessions; I clear my schedule to allow for the feedings, diaper changes, and mood swings that can occur.
NEWBORN AND TODDLER SIBLINGS
A session photographing a brand new big brother or sister comes with its own set of challenges so we need to be well prepared. Here are some tips that works for me Give our toddlers LOTS of attention before the session. When I arrive the house, I make sure my whole attention is given to our siblings before anyone else. Tell the toddler that Pim is coming to our house to photograph him/her and ‌the baby. Not the baby and him/her Ensure our big boys and girls are well fed and rested before the session The first thing we will do is – the family photo- everything else is a bonus from there The key point to having siblings to cooperate in a newborn session is to always give them the choice. If they feel forced to do anything, they will probably do the opposite of what you want them to do. So my session workflow is entirely built around the siblings.
THE WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE NEWBORN SESSION The most important idea to consider when planning the outfits for your newborn session, is that less is more, and simplicity is everything. For mothers I recommend wearing what is most comfortable, often a maxi dress that fit during pregnancy works well as your body is in a season of healing. Knit shawls or sweater cardigans that wrap around your shoulders work really well to add texture, and also flatter your upper arm area if desired. For fathers I recommend a solid, neutral colored button up Newborns are always held by the mother or father during these sessions. Be mindful of outfits that bunch up easily. Head pieces for baby girls are alright only if they are not too large or distracting. My goal is to provide you with timeless portraits that can be adored for generations. WRAPS FOR NEWBORN Natural style of wraps will be brought to your house MAKE UP AND HAIR Natural, fresh and effortless is the best Please let me know if you would like to have hair and make up service
FEEDING We try to keep the feeding as close as possible to the photoshoot time, the best is to feed only we I arrive your house. In this way the baby is calm and relax throughout the attire shoot. Make it a very full feeding. If not possible to hold this feeding close to the photoshoot time, feed the baby only in diaper and swaddle. It is easy to transfer the baby in different wraps or outfits later. INDOOR SESSIONS Ensure the room with good natural light is clean and clutter free
MY TOP SESSION TIPS
Be yourself. I will guide you and suggest different posing when needed. If something doesn’t feel right or you become uncomfortable, please feel as though you can say something. If you are feeling discomfort, it will definitely show in your images. I strive to create a session atmosphere that is very relaxing. I want you to authentically spend time with them, while making an effort to be extra close. Hold hands, kiss foreheads, nuzzle together, and wrap your arms around each other. Look for those opportunities to be intentionally affectionate with one another. If a child is present at the session, please do not encourage them to “Say Cheese”, or anything similar. Remember, we are wanting to create authentic moments of happiness, and I am more interested in photographing your connection and real emotion, than I am getting them to look at the camera. Consider bringing along an extra family member or friend to help. When the child isn’t being photographed, you want to be able to focus on the camera. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be more than happy to answer any querries.
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