WHAT TO EXPECT- CHILDREN AND FAMILY

Session Length, Poses, & Props Family sessions usually last one to two hours. As far as poses/inspiration images go, I cannot guarantee that we will get any specific images, but I will surely do my best to get the images that are of most importance to you and your family. Please either email me some examples of pictures and poses or share with me on Pinterest so I can have a better idea of what you want your pictures to look like. In my style of photography, I prefer not to rely heavily on props, but love to use them as accents when it fits. If you have any specific props you would like to use, please let me know and we will incorporate them into your pictures. I love using family heirlooms, favorite toys, or special items to personalize your session.

Style: Posed vs. Lifestyle Posed photos are more formal in nature and usually have (most) members of the family looking at the camera with the purpose of displaying these pictures on your wall or for a Christmas card. Regardless of the formal structure, my main goal with any family session is to capture your family being well, you! I want to share with the world how uniquely awesome you are and how much you love each other. Even if you are posed, we will still have fun! With lifestyle photos, there may be some posing but the intention is to capture your family interacting without always looking at the camera or smiling. Personally, I value both types of styles. You can choose to have your session more posed, more lifestyle, or a wonderful combination of both.

Location When you schedule your session, one of the first questions I will ask is, “Do you have a location or type of place in mind to take your pictures?” I love outdoor photography and have several go-to locations that I know work, but if you have a certain place in mind that’s awesome too! I will be working with you on what “look” you are going for: lake, creek, field, mountain, urban, trees, etc… and then we will pick a location based on the time of year and time of day your shoot is taken and special needs of your family. Each Holly Savage Photography Family Session includes one location of your choice up to 30 miles. A travel fee will be applied for any location outside that area. I am also comfortable taking pictures in your home or at a different indoor location. (I love coffee shops!!)

What to Wear Besides location, this is the most asked about question. There are many things to think about, but please do not stress. At the end of the day it won’t be about what you wear, but the emotion and love felt through the photos. That being said, cohesive colors and fun textures can really add to the feel of your photos. Remember to think about your location and compliment your chosen environment. Also think about patterns pertaining to each other AND your background. Stay away from distracting patterns and logos. Layers and different types of fabrics translate really well to photographs. And no, you don’t have to be matchy matchy… but complementing colors are a good idea. Don’t feel like you need to buy new outfits (unless you want a good excuse to do so- then go for it!). Start with yourself and find an outfit/color that makes you feel just amazing and coordinate the rest of the family around that. Whatever look you are going for, make sure it is comfy and easy to move in. And don’t forget to accessorize…remember I love shoes!!!! Have fun with it! With your Holly Savage Photography session, there is no limit to wardrobe changes. If you have specific questions, please feel free to ask. For more help, this is the best online resource I have found: http://paintthemoon.net/blog/2013/03/wear-clothing-tips-children-family-photosessions-paint-moon-photoshop-actions/

Before Your Session DON’T STRESS! This is so important so that everyone is relaxed and ready to have fun. Make sure everyone is well-rested and fed…plan the session around naps and meals. Feel free to bring snacks or have a special treat for after the session. Plan for travel time to the shoot and give yourself some time to get ready yourself as well.

During the Session Be prepared to be flexible. If there are small children involved, I take my cue from them. Allowing your kids to be themselves will help me capture what makes you love them so much. Having your children enjoy being photographed makes the session more enjoyable for everyone and for future sessions. Try not to tell the kids to smile or look at the camera, instead stand behind me and make them smile and laugh…you know them best. And remember, the goal isn’t always a smiling-atthe-camera photo. If you are in the picture with your kid(s), make sure you are ready and following the directions I give and I will take care of getting your kids’ attention, that’s why you hired me. I will be guiding you through different poses or positions. Communication is key, if you need more clarification, please feel free to ask. And be ready to laugh- A LOT…we like to have fun on our sessions.

Safety The safety and comfort of your family is a priority for me. Please be watchful and help me keep everyone safe. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable, let me know and we will adjust. No picture is worth compromising you or your family’s well-being.

Your Photos After your session, I will share a few sneak peeks on Facebook for you as I edit your pictures, so don’t forget to “Like” my page so you can see them. Within three weeks of your session, you will receive notification that your pictures are uploaded to your private online gallery.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I want this to be a very enjoyable experience for all of you!