WHAT TO EXPECT

Extended Family Session

Greenwood, Indiana

6/2021

BEFORE: How to prepare for your session

1) Review and respond to emails.

There is nothing worse than not knowing what to expect which is why I pour a lot into the emails I send you. You can look forward to a confirmation and "week of session" email.

Your confirmation email will include your session details, a questionnaire, and a bunch of information to help you prepare. I have created the questionnaire to get to know you {& your family} and create a vision and plan around your answers. From picking a location to "must-have" shots you'd like from your session... This is where is ALL starts. Please take the time to complete the questionnaire. Believe it or not- sometimes this is the difference between a "good" and "great" session.

2) Plan your outfits.

In your confirmation email- I include a link to my Style Guide and an outfit inspiration board. I am not a fashion expert {nope- not even close} but I have learned a ton about what looks great on camera so please use these resources. Once you have designed your outfits- send me a picture. I will cheer you on or, if you are having a hard time, I can make some recommendations or small changes to the outfits you've chosen.

3) Set aside the session day.

I say "set aside" for a reason. If I was a doctor- the prescription from session day would read "Stay home & take it easy." Play board games, take a nap, kick up your feet, watch a movie, read a book, or go to the salon to get your hair and nails done. If you schedule it like every other day- it will feel like every other day. I want you to feel rested and special because you deserve it!

For family sessions- pack snacks, water, and most importantly, your children's favorite "comfort" objects. Whether is a ball, bear, or blanket... pack it! Some of my favorite captures come because of these objects-- either in the shot or behind the scenes. These objects get Session MVP every time.

I would also plan something for your kid's to look forward to after the session. Ice cream sundaes, dinner at their favorite restaurant, or a sleep over at Grandma's house. It helps me to help them have a great time!

DURING: How to pose during the session

Some people cringe when they hear the word "pose". I get it! We have all seen stiff and uncomfortable poses and some of us {including me} have even been "pretzeled" into them. This is not what I do!

It is my belief that posing is less about the pose and more about the person. I use a combination of simple set-ups and prompts to invite natural and comfortable interactions- with each other and with me. This comfort and trust allows you to live in the moment- whether that means squeezing your eyes shut to enjoy an embrace or holding a kiss extra long because your sweetie is looking extra beautiful. The more moments you spend forgetting I'm there, the better.

AFTER: What to expect after your session

1) Get excited.

Hop on Pinterest and see all the latest and greatest ways to use your family pictures- canvases, Christmas cards, gallery walls, books, blankets, magnets, mugs, and more. Now is the time to let your mind wander!

2) Turnaround time.

I guarantee a 1-3 day turnaround time. (3-5 days for newborn sessions) Believe me- I am just as excited to edit and deliver as you are to receive. It is just that simple!

3) Delivery.

Your images will be presented to you in an online, high-resolution gallery called Pixieset. Within your gallery- you can view, download, and order prints {and beyond!}. In your delivery email- I will provide you with even more information- from downloading to issuing payment.

*** Important Side Note: You will need a computer to download your images. The images will be too large to download to a handheld device. If you don't have a computer- you can use the library or let me know in advance so you can pick up your gallery on a flash drive {extra fee} instead. ***

Last thing- my prices have changed this year. I'm sure some of you have noticed. This change was made to reflect a long-standing goal of mine. I reduced session prices to make my services more accessible. I never want someone to miss out on having their moments captured because of price. Never! With this change- I have also lessened the amount of edited images included with each package. For those of you who are not satisfied with the 3 images included, rest easy. I will still be editing every image from your session. Upon delivery- I will always give you the option of buying more or all of your images. Please help me to get the word out there! Everyone deserves beautiful captures on their walls and now they can. :)

-Yvette Cherie

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Senior Session

Fort Wayne, Indiana

April 2021

I wanted to use this session as an excuse to talk about locations- as this session was Part II of a senior session series I did with this special girl. Her sessions showcase that we are blessed enough to live in a beautiful city with plenty of variety. There is no disputing this! {Here's the link to her Fall session with me!}

And when you book with me- I always discuss location with you. I genuinely care which city or nature features you prefer. It is- in part- my goal to match the current decor and established aesthetic of your home so that your moments will inspire you to print and display them there. But- please do not let this confuse you. Location is far less important to me than you. You are the focus of every single capture which means everything else is just a backdrop.

I am hoping that this clarification will help to alleviate some of the "stresses" associated with your session. When you are reminded that you- your genuine smiles and giggles, embraces, etc.- are my focus, it hopefully frees you up to follow suit and focus only on getting swept up and carried away by the moments.

-Yvette Cherie

FAMILY OUTFIT INSPIRATION

Inspiration taken from YCP Favorite Family Sessions from 2020

I realize that building outfits for an entire family can be hectic...

This post is aimed to make this process as smooth-sailing and care-free as possible for you. I have used some of my favorite sessions from last year to design color palettes as well as compiling an entire Pinterest board of color palettes and actual outfit inspiration. No surprise here but I am not a fashion expert but there are a ton of talented people out there so let's lean on their expertise to create beautiful moments.

{Top Picture: Medium Gray, Plum, Steel Blue, and Blush}

{Bottom Picture: Color Scheme: Royal Blue, Salmon, Cream, and White}

The palettes above are ideal for Spring and Summer sessions. Light/pastel shades pair beautifully with the vibrant blooms of spring and bright sun of summer.

{Color Scheme: Navy Blue, Rust, Beige, and Light Grey}

Compare this palette to the one just above it. The colors used here are the same only bolder and darker to contrast and complement the changing leaves and sun-faded grasses of the fall and winter. Also notice how these shades are paired with longer lengths- dresses, pants, and sleeves- and layers to keep everyone bundled up and stylish.

{Top Picture: Mustard Brown, Rose, Light Sky Blue, Light Grey}

{Bottom Picture: Navy Blue, Slate Blue, Antique Brass Brown, and Blush}

Here's another example for you. This family used a similar color palette as the family captured above it- only deepened the blues and grays and paired their outfits with layers- i.e. sports jacket, cardigan, and knitted tights.

{Top Picture: Hunter Green, Ruby, Navy Blue, and Medium Gray}

{Middle Picture: Hunter Green, Navy Blue, Khaki, and Cream}

{Bottom Picture: "Christmas" Red, Black, Gray, and White}

As I'm sure you can guess- these palettes are ideal for fall and winter sessions. The top and middle picture are wonderful examples of what I call "jewel" tones- those decadent, dark colors contrast well against the seasonal evergreens and beyond. The bottom picture is featuring a very cute "Christmas card" vibe with the traditional color scheme and wintery warm layers.

To continue to help and inspire you- I will share my favorite family sessions & their color palettes at the end of every season.

Also- here is a quick link for the Pinterest board I mentioned earlier in this post. {Click here!}

I really hope this helps & I can't wait to see all the outfits you build.

-Yvette Cherie