Family Photography Welcome Guide
PRESERVING THE BEAUTIFUL CHAOS OF FAMILY
MY STYLE: A GUIDED APPROACH
I want you to approach your photo session as a special occasion to make memories as as a family. No forced poses for those wiggly toddlers or saying cheese at the camera. Instead, I will artistically preserve your family's unique story through prompts that guide you while I artistically capture all of the details.
You will run, laugh, play, snuggle, connect, comfort, and spend time loving on each other!
Come See What a Session With Ann Marie is Like
Family sessions that are more than a photo shoot, but a special experience for your family to explore, connect, and celebrate who you are together.
Session Location and Time of Day
SPECIAL LOCATION OR STUDIO: We will work together to select the perfect spot for your session. Whether a place that has meaning to you, or one of my special locations throughout the Twin Cities, it is entirely up to you. My beautiful studio in the arts district of Minneapolis is always an option too!
TIME OF DAY MATTERS FOR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS: For the most beautiful, magical, and flattering light, your session time will take place an hour and a half before sunset.
How to prepare your kiddos for a Golden Hour Session: I know that sunset may fall around bed time in the summer, but it is definitely worth it! Here are some tips that help: push that nap later in the day, have a good supper plenty of time before your session, give them a little bath to relax them, bring special toys and lovies along, and come prepared with snacks and bottles for cuddle time.
Tips for Happy Kids!
PREPARE AT HOME: As you prepare, describe your family photo session day as a fun and special occasion to go out on an adventure, watch the sunset, look for animals, and play, not as a time to "sit still and say cheese at the camera."
KEEP SESSION DAY LOW KEY AND KEEP TUMMIES FULL: Family photos are often in a new environment, little ones are meeting someone new (new), and it is often during a time close to bedtime. All that being said, keep your time before your session calm, low-key, and relaxing. Have a good supper and little snacks throughout the day, too. Full tummies help!
PARTNER WITH ME FOR SUCCESS: Work together with me to create moments that allow for both joy and quiet moments. I will give you a prompt and then you create the magic. Dance, cuddle and swing with joy, but think about slowly run your fingers through your toddler's curls, rubbing your kiddos back, holding them close, and loving on them.
A "MAJOR AWARD": (If you can name that movie, you will get a special treat, too!) As part of your photo session time, let kids know that they will receive a special treat or activity afterward as as a reward!
HAVE A PLAN IN MIND: Take a mental note of things to play together, sing together, bring a special book to read, or a favorite toy. And, let's be real, sometimes a little bribery candy in your pocket is always a good thing!
SNACKS AND TREATS!: Bring along snacks that can be easily eaten and that are not messy! Cheerios and puffs are perfect. For older kids, fruit snacks and cheerios are good too! Please avoid goldfish and granola bars because they can be gummy and messy. Avoid chocolate altogether! Tic Tacs and Smarties are good bribery treats for kiddos 4 and up!
FOR BABIES: You can stand behind me and get baby to look up into the lens, but most importantly, relax. Most babies do not want to look into a camera lens, but looking into your face brings them the greatest joy! That is the genuine emotion we will preserve. If baby needs to nurse or have a bottle, by all means do so. These are wonderful intimate moments to capture as well.
How Does Styling Work?
I take care of all the details saving you time and money!
Styling that is Effortless
A Client Wardrobe for Beautiful, Timeless Photos
My Client Wardrobe will not only take away the stress of figuring out what to wear, but this special curated collection of dresses will give you confidence and allow you to feel beautiful! Sizes range from XS-XXS and are cleaned and steamed before and after each use.
Our Styling Guide with color combinations and helpful tips will be sent to you via email 30 days prior to your session with links to the Client Wardrobe for Moms, Children and our special site with inspiration looks for Men called “Men’s Picks”.
If you still feel uncertain, we can also send you a Style Board with looks for the whole family.
Can I Try on a Dress Prior to My Session?
When you receive your Styling Email, you will be able to select your favorite dresses and outfits from the Client Wardrobe website by simply “hearting” your favorite items. We will have all of these items and more that we think may work ready for you come session day. If you would like to schedule a try-on, you may do so! I can bring dresses to you on session day or we can schedule a time for you to pick them up!
What’s In The Client Closet?
STYLING SELECTIONS
30 days prior, Our Outdoor Styling Guide or Indoor Styling Guide, will be sent to you complete with color palette suggestions, with links to our client wardrobes for women and kiddos, and suggestions for men with links to shops for ordering if desired.
Ideal Colors: Earth Tones
Earth tones are timeless and they photograph well. They also correspond best with golden hour and the light in my studio as well as my editing style. Creams, browns, light blue, olive green, rust, and dusty rose are examples of colors in my closet.
How Do I Get My Dress?
For outdoor sessions, a special appointment to see dresses beforehand can be arranged at my studio or home at least 2 weeks in advance. You may take your dress home or I can bring it on the day of your session and you can use my special portable changing room. I will even take care of all the cleaning after. For Studio Sessions: your dresses will be hanging on a rack and waiting for you when you arrive.
Styling Tips to Follow
Do: Choose Colors that compliment one another. Start with a pattern and compliment the colors in that pattern with the other outfits.
Don’t be “matchy” or wear the same color!
COLORS TO AVOID: Bright or contrasty colors like black, magenta, or bright whites do not photograph well, so, we want to focus on earth and warm, neutral tones. You will not all wear the same color or busy patterns. The goal is combine colors that compliment each other!
One Pattern is Good!: Choose one outfit with a pattern and the other outfits compliment colors pulled from that pattern
Color Choice Matters: Wear Earth Toned colors! They are timeless, flattering for all, and correspond with my editing style. Avoid bright whites and colors, blacks, magentas, or dark navy blues.
Add Texture: Layers or sweaters add visual interest
Nail Color: Choose for natural nail color. No bright colors!
Shoes: No shoes in the studio is preferable, boots or sandals for outdoor sessions but NO HEELS! For for men, opt for a brown boot or shoe.
It’s Session Day!
Keep the hours before your session relaxing and low key.
Take your time getting ready and don't sweat the small stuff. You are coming to your session to relax, explore, and love on your kids.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING? Here are some essentials to make things comfortable: bring a small bag for bottles of water, diapers or back-up shirt or pants for little ones in case of emergency, bug spray (it is Minnesota!), and a small snack/goldfish, etc. and most of all a lot of joy! Special lovies and family pets are welcome too!
WHEN YOU ARRIVE: Call or text and I will come and meet you and guide you every step of the way. I provide quilts and blankets. Stickers or treats may be abundant.
RESCHEDULING: Life (and Minnesota Weather) is unpredictable! In the event something happens, we discuss a time to reschedule that works for both of us.
Final Payment and Details
YOU'VE INVESTED IN YOUR SESSION, TAKE THE FINAL STEP AND PRESERVE YOUR MEMORY ART
COLLECTION FEE AND UPGRADES: Your $200 non refundable booking fee is due at booking and applied to your collection balance. Your remaining balance is due when you receive your preview within a week after your session. Do you want more? Upgrade options will be presented to you when you receive your gallery Slideshow.
PRODUCT PRICING MENU: Approximately 2-3 weeks after your session, you will receive an email with a beautiful Video Preview of your Images and a link to your Ordering Gallery from which you may order a PHOTO BOOK, FRAMED ART, or PRINTS.
Trust in my expertise to create, order, and deliver the highest quality and custom designed art for your home. I will help you choose what fits your vision, budget, and home best. I will hand deliver all custom items to your door!