How to prepare for your portrait--scheduling and locations.

It's the holidays already.  Shopping at Costco this past week, it seems like the holidays have been thrust upon us even earlier than last year--holiday ribbon and wrap, gift baskets, toys...here we go!

And that means it's time for holiday portraits.  For some of my clients, its the holidays that signal that it's time for an annual portrait and time to think about where and when we are going to shoot.

The best location for your portraits is one that means something to you and your family.  We can go anywhere--a special beach, park, in the studio or in your home.  Perhaps it's a train station or Disneyland--let's come up with somewhere fun!  Nowadays, some locations do require permits for photography.  If you are set on shooting at a location that does require a permit, I'll make the arrangements and any fees will be included in your session fee.  I do abide by the rules because it'd be a bummer to be all dressed up and get kicked out of a great location because we didn't follow the rules!  Just know that I've got lots of ideas for great places that don't require permits!  Because sometimes permits take time, let's start our scheduling early.

The location will sometimes dictate the timing of your session for the best lighting and feel of your portraits.  Sometimes, that doesn't always jive with some of the subjects of your portrait--your kids.  If our portrait session is scheduled for late afternoon's golden hour at the beach, (which is often the dinner hour!) we'll talk about how we can optimize our time to make it fun for them by making sure they are rested, fed and ready to play!

It's important to be on time to your appointment because I've scheduled it based on the light.  I do use light modifiers if necessary, but prefer natural light.  When we scheduled our time, I also allowed for us all to relax with each other and settle in.  I find the best portraits are those that happen in the "in between" moments after you start to relax with me!  Sometimes, the weather doesn't cooperate or a kid gets sick.  It  happens.  Try to notify me in advance if possible and we'll find a new date that will work.

My goal for our session is to make it feel like playing for both you and your kids.  In between, I'll pose you casually and help guide you into looking your best.  I aim for fun, not stress!

See you soon!

"My 'high' for the weekend was the photo shoot.  Even better than scoring a soccer goal!"
Avalon, age 6