Contents
What can I expect during a session?
How do we choose a location for our session?
What is your studio like?
How do I book a session?
What should I wear?
What exactly is a print release?
How far in advance should I book my session?
Helpful suggestions to a smooth running session
I have been on both sides of the camera, so I know how it feels to look forward to a photo session…to be excited about the end result, to fret over what to wear, to be anxious about my children’s behavior and willingness to cooperate! I believe that because of my own experiences, I can offer you and your family patience and understanding and a custom experience that I would want if I were on the other side of the lens.
What can I expect during a session?
You can expect me to be patient and understanding. You can expect that I will offer suggestions on poses but that I will aim to capture your child or your family in their natural state of being – the laughs and pouty lips that happen in between the posed moments are my favorite. Come relaxed and ready to have fun and play, and your session will be a great memory, and your images will be full of life!
A typical session can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on location, number of people being photographed, and general moods that day! I block out plenty of time to allow for snacks and breaks and anything else that keeps everyone happy.
A newborn session usually lasts 2 to 3 hours and includes lots of cuddling, feeding, rocking, swaddling, and shushing in a hot room. The studio makes a great location for these sessions because I have all of my props accessible, but I do love to hold these sessions in your home – it’s often a great choice for the new parents to be able to relax in their own home during those first special days, and I think images of babies in their first surroundings are so precious! I can travel with all of my gear, so the in home session is a great option to consider, especially if you like a more lifestyle approach.
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How do we choose a location for our session?
Northwest Indiana has an abundance of beautiful parks and beaches, so it shouldn’t be hard to choose a gorgeous setting for your session. I also love when families choose a location that means something to them – even your own back yard! The options here really are limitless, and other than pouring down rain, I’m game to shoot in any kind of weather! I always tell clients to think about what you want the end result to look like hanging on your wall…do you envision the greens of a natural park setting, the creamy colors of the beach, or perhaps the rich hues of fall? You will be proudly displaying these images in your home, so imagine what you would like to see.
What is your studio like?
My studio is in my home and is all natural light. Studio sessions are available for newborn through 1 year. I do not photograph families in my studio.
How do I book a session?
Simply e-mail, call, or send me a FB message to discuss details and dates. You can also use my super easy Contact Form! Please pay your session fee and sign your contract within 7 DAYS to reserve your date. Your date will NOT be held without payment and contract.
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What should I wear?
Ah, this is a tough one! Whatever you do, don’t wear matching denim shirts
Think COORDINATING and COMPLIMENTARY. While I am a sucker for matching my boys, I don’t think the WHOLE family needs to match. Different prints/solids in similar shades are a great idea for a family session. Little details like jewelry, hats, scarves, and even fingernail polish show up in the images and can make a huge difference. Once you’ve booked your session and we’ve chosen a location, we can make a plan!
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What exactly is a print release?
Digital media is a whole new world, and copyright is tricky. Basically, until you purchase the images from me, they are my property. To download, print, or e-mail the images from my blog or my FB page is THEFT, plain and simple.
Once you purchase a CD of images from me, you may print them and share them as you choose. More information regarding where you may print your images can be found on the pricing tab. However, I ask that you NOT RECROP the images. I spend time both during the session and afterwards when I’m editing trying to achieve the perfect composition. Please respect the image and my work and DO NOT CROP it. Also, when sharing images online via FB, your blog, or other social networking, I would be honored if you’d give a little shout out to Balee Images!!! Good word of mouth is the absolute best advertising I can receive, and I thank you in advance for sharing me with your friends and family!
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How far in advance should I book my session?
Most of my sessions take place on weekends (though weekdays are available during the summer). I do not schedule sessions for every weekend of every month; these are the only days my entire family can be together. Therefore, if you are wanting to schedule a session close to a birthday, anniversary, or other holiday, booking in advance will help your chances of your preferred day being available. Please keep in mind that depending on my volume at the time, it can take one to three weeks for your gallery of images to be ready, and ordering prints and products requires additional time as well. Also, high volume times of the year like summer, fall, and Christmas will fill up fast. Book those EARLY.
*Maternity sessions are best done between 32 and 37 weeks, and I prefer to photograph newborns within the first 10 days of life. It is never too early to get on the books for either of these sessions!
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A few suggestions to make your session run smoothly:
When scheduling your session, please take your family’s schedule into consideration. This is probably THE most important thing you can do. When are your children at their happiest? Before or after naps, before or after meals? Morning or evening? And what to do if you book a session 3 months in advance, and you realize the time you originally scheduled is now right in the middle of your little one’s nap? CALL ME! I’m flexible and want happy smiles and will do whatever I can to accommodate you.
GET READY EARLY. Please, whatever you do, do not wait until the last minute to get outfits together and hair combed. Don’t try to squeeze a session into an already busy day. Remember that you are trying to capture a moment in your family’s life…make a special day of it so you can relax and enjoy it. If you are running around, stressed and worried about timing and details, neither you nor your children will be ready for the FUN that a session should be! Come rested, come with full bellies, come ready to enjoy the experience!
Pack your bag. I love when parents come with a bazillion bags. It makes the organizational nut in me secretly so happy. I know they’ve thought about outfits and hair and all the details…a lot of which go by the wayside once we start shootingWhat is the most important thing to put in your bag? Bribes. There I said it. Please bribe your children. I don’t care what the bribe is, and I won’t judge you. I’m keeping a mental list of the bribes parents have used, and I have to say that ice cream tops the list in popularity (don’t pack this in your bag, please, but feel free to use it as leverage). I know several families who have promised a special lunch/dinner/dessert outing after their session, and I think this just makes the whole day feel special (see #2), but a little fruit snack or piece of candy never hurt anybody eitherSmarties and mini-marshmallows work well because they don’t melt or make a noticeable mess.
