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