Not long now…and I’m really looking forward to having you in the studio soon for your Christmas mini Shoot.
Please find below some tips for your shoot. PLEASE read through it all to find out how to get the most from your session, your kids and also some general T’s & C’s 🙂
The Studio Address is: Hillview House, Garryspillane, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, V35HX25.
Here is a google maps link to it; https://goo.gl/maps/w7VyGuWjByAXrzYL7
Sessions cost €130 and include 5 qty high resolution digital images from 1-2 (maybe 3) backdrops. To reserve your session you have already paid the €30 booking fee.
The balance of €100 must be paid on the day via revolut (https://revolut.me/trishfitzpatrick) or in cash on arrival.
NB: It is assumed that by showing up on the day for your session that you have read and are in agreement the below points:
HAVE FUN!!
TIPS FOR YOUR SESSION:
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
- Plan ahead of time and use google maps to determine how long it may take to arrive at the studio. Also take into consideration any traffic that may affect travel time before your Christmas mini session.
Your Mini Session is allocated a very specific time. If you are late, unfortunately that means you will be cutting into your OWN mini session time. I can not extend sessions due to clients being late. Mini sessions run back to back and this means that I need to finish at our allocated time so that I can tidy the studio before the next shoot. Please try to be five minutes early to your session to allow for any unexpected things. - Please come wearing the outfits you want to wear for the shoot. If time allows you can then change into other outfits in the studio waiting area.
- Feed your children/babies before the session to ensure they are full and happy. Arrive a little earlier and do this in the car if needed. Feel free to bring anything as bribery. 🙂
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
Please wait in the car until I wave you in.
There will be plenty of private parking available in front of the studio.
One adult will be asked to wait with the children in the waiting area, while the other comes in to pick the backdrops they’d like to use.
We will be starting shooting straight away after you arrive.
FACILITIES:
There is a toilet and changing area in the studio waiting area.
I would ask that there is no eating in the studio itself.
WHAT TO WEAR:
- There will be one/two indoor backdrops which would suit Christmassy clothes and/or Christmas PJ’s.
There will also be one/two outdoor backdrop(s) which would suit wintery outdoor clothes like a jumper, winter coat, hat, scarf etc. - Please come wearing the outfits you want to wear for the shoot. If time allows you can then change into other outfits in the studio waiting area. As it is a 30 minute session we don’t have time for lengthy outfit changes. If you do want to change you can do this but please note that you will eat into your 30 minutes so that is entirely up to you. You could for example start your session in all of your finery and then end the shoot with a winter outdoor look wearing coats and hats in my outdoor scene. Or start with coats and hats on and then move to your Xmas clothes and then change into PJ’s if time allows.
- Try to dress in similar tones…and avoid any one person wearing very bright colours that will stick out compared to the others in the photo.It is always good to pick three coordinating colours that go well together and one of those colours being a neutral colour (eg red white denim). You don’t necessarily need to be all matching in identical outfits / Christmas jumpers etc. Mix it up a little with textures too but stick to your colour palette. Consider the colours in your home when you’re planning your outfits. your portraits will ultimately hang in your home and need to fit cohesively, reflecting the personality and style of your family! (see attached photo for ideas)
Please also avoid any large logos on clothing.
I suggest not to wear cheesy themed Christmas fancy dress outfits, you want your images to be timeless. Remember, if your children are comfortable in their clothes, then they will be relaxed and calm during the session. - I may be asking you to remove footwear for the shots, with the possible exception of the outdoor backdrop. Also, please avoid wearing high heels.
- Clean your children’s faces (eyes, nose, mouth), it’s amazing what is always left behind. I have wipes in the studio for you to use too.
- Remove all hair ties or kids watches before the shoot to ensure no marks are there. I cannot edit out hair ties or watches.
There won’t be any editing of clothing or hair post shoot – so please bear this in mind. - Please avoid children wearing nail polish as this won’t be edited out post shoot. Word of warning – pony tails can sometimes look like no hair from certain angles.
- Parents don’t forget about yourselves!! Do your hair and make up before the session. 🙂
PHOTO OPTIONS:
There will be a couple of backdrops to choose from. Your session fee includes getting photos in front of 2 of these…from which you can choose 5 images.
If we have time you can opt to take some in front of a 3rd backdrop and additional images can be purchased as an added extra after the shoot.
DURING YOUR SHOOT & DEALING WITH CHILDREN:
- Christmas mini sessions and run for 25 minutes maximum to provide you with the best 5 images. Sometimes, they can be less than 25 minutes, don’t freak out, it’s less because you guys have been awesome and nailed every pose! 🙂
- It is really important that you allow me to build a great connection with your children. Please allow me to interact with your little one while I’m shooting before you get involved unless your child is upset. This way they’re not overwhelmed and are hopefully looking at me and the camera!
- As a mum to two often crazy and energetic boys we all know children can often have a mind of their own and while I will be doing my best for you – I simply and unfortunately can’t guarantee to get shots with/of children who aren’t smiling/ cooperating / looking at camera etc. in the allotted time.
- Should I require assistance, I will call you to come and join me on the floor and get their attention to help get a gorgeous smile and giggle. If and when I do this, please do not stand behind me as your children/baby will be looking up then in the photographs I take. You need to SIT right behind me (next to my camera).
- Sometimes, it’s unavoidable that we are unable to get picture-perfect shots if your child is nervous or shy. There is no pressure on your children to perform at the session, natural shots are always best and I like to shoot in a fun, relaxed and easy manner so there is no pressure on them to be perfect or looking at the camera with big perfect smiles in every shot.
- Sometimes a photo shoot / dealing with a stranger can be a bit overwhelming for some children, so what happens if your child does not want to participate? I will do everything we can to encourage your child to interact, but sometimes nerves and tears are unavoidable. It may be that we need to ask a child to step out for a few minutes in order to calm down, or sometimes even you as parents. It’s amazing how kids can change when their parents are out of the room!
- It is critical you supervise your children to ensure they don’t damage any props..or themselves on the day. There will be a lot of props/ lighting cables etc in a confined space…so it’s important that children and adults 🙂 be supervised for their own safety. Sometimes, for everyone’s safety, it may be necessary to stop briefly and calm over-excited children if little hands are getting too touchy. After all, kids are kids and it’s natural that they want to touch ALL THE THINGS!
AFTER YOUR SHOOT & VIEWING YOUR PHOTOS:
After your shoot please remember to take all your belongings as once the next group is in their session I won’t be able to allow you to access the studio again.
Also, please check that you/your babies aren’t accidentally taking any props home…they can get a bit attached sometimes! 🙂 🙂
After the shoot your photos will be available for you to view and order from an online password protected gallery.
All orders MUST be placed by the specified date. Otherwise the order will not be given priority and may not be received in time for Christmas.
The gallery will remain open for 48 hours from the time it is sent, to allow you time to choose your photos.
GENERAL STUFF:
Your booking fee is non refundable and non transferable and in the event of a no-show you will lose this booking fee.
Sessions are geared towards children and small families – and there is a max of 5 people per session/backdrop. Ideally children should be old enough to sit unaided & follow instructions.
No mobiles – During the session you are not permitted to take any pictures with your mobile phone while I am shooting. It is a quick session and this will distract children and make them look away.
It is assumed that by showing up on the day for your session that you have read and are in agreement the above points.
HAVE FUN!!
I look forward to capturing your Christmas memories!
If you have any questions please contact me at info@pipandapplephotography.ie or on 0879693730
