What to Expect
We all need new photos sometimes - even as a photographer, I am always asking my husband to go do new ones with me! There's just something so exciting about seeing the faces of your loved ones around the house and on your phone whenever you want. Investing in your photos is so important as you most likely want to place them on social media, around your home or office and of course, you want to have photos you're proud of as well as excited to show off.
Of course, I'm sure you're feeling a little apprehensive, maybe even nervous perhaps. It might have been a while since you've been photographed or you may have never been in front of a camera before so you don't know what to expect. Don't worry! You are not alone! Read through this page to get an idea of what to expect before, during and after your photoshoot to help you prepare!
Before The Shoot
01. PICK A LOCATION
In preparation for your family photos, it is important to choose a location that is meaningful to you.
Think about the places where your family spends the most time together. This place often leads to the best smiles, laughs and personalities.
Choose a spot that represents your family as a whole, a place where everyone feels good.
Examples:
Park/Playground
Open Fields/Nature Centers
Lakes
In-Home
City
02. CHOOSE AN OUTFIT
Think about the location in which your photos are being taken. Be sure to choose outfits that won't blend in with the background.
Have your clothing chosen way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive.
If you're going for a soft and natural vibe, choose colors that are neutral tones and soft, flowing fabrics.
If you want to show off the fun, spunky side of your family, choose colors and patterns that coordinate (but are not matchy, matchy) with bold accent colors, such as hues of gray with yellow or bright red accents.
Adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a modern twist and sassy flair to your images.
03. BRAINSTORM IDEAS
This is a time for your family to show their true personalities. Brainstorm ideas as a group to come up with what you want to incorporate into your photos.
Incorporating simple props like blankets, chairs/benches, keepsakes and more into photos help bring out the personalities and uniqueness of the family. Think of this as a great way to incorporate those little details into your photos to make them so much more special!
04. include the kiddos
Family photos are a great time to let the kids be themselves! It is important to include them in the planning, organizing and shooting. The more they get to feel apart of it, the more they will cooperate!
Encourage them to smile, laugh and have fun. I encourage family to keep things light and fun when trying to get the kiddos to participate - this can often lead to better outcomes when it comes time to shoot!
During The Shoot
05. breathe!
Relax!
Photoshoots with SHR Photography are all about having fun and creating new memories with family while capturing the love and happiness between everyone!
06. LOGISTICS
Each session comes with the expectation to be perfect, but lets be honest, it might be little crazy - and that's ok!
I give some direction (posing) to ensure you are in the most flattering light and position, then I let you just be so that I can capture your family interacting naturally.
This is your chance to take an hour or so out of your busy lives’ to just enjoy each others’ company.
After The Shoot
07. back up images
Your job is done! You showed up and ROCKED your shoot! Now it is my turn to work the magic.
The first thing I do after every shoot is back your photos up onto my hard-drives. I then put your photos into a case specifically marked with your name, the date of shoot and your estimated delivery date.
After downloading the RAW photos, we begin the culling process which is just a fancy word for cutting out the "bad" photos (blur, motion, closed eyes, etc.). Trust me, you don't want these!
08. EDITING
Your job is done! You showed up and ROCKED your shoot! Now it is my turn to work the magic.
Typically, editing takes 2-3 weeks, depending on my queue of shoots lined up. Within one week of your shoot, I will be sharing a sneak peek gallery with you of 5-10 photos!
These photos will contain my watermark but once you get the full gallery, they will be off!
Most galleries usually contain a mix of colored images and black and whites! I am a sucker for black and white images
- especially if they display great emotion and detail!
09. Create Your gallery
This is the best part! You're one step closer to getting your images. Once I have your images ready to go, I send you an email letting you know we are in the final process of uploading, saving and transferring.
This is a 20-30 minute process so be ready to check your email when I let you know we're in this step of the process.
10. grab the popcorn!
Your gallery has arrived to your inbox! Grab the fam, a bowl of popcorn and get to clicking!
Your images have been uploaded into a password protected online gallery for you to view, download, share and order from.
When setting up this awesome gallery, I ensure that your Gallery Assist is turned on for you to have an easier time going through everything. During this phase, I will follow up with you to schedule a zoom call to go over your images one more time together, answer any questions and order any special items you may want!