OUTDOOR SESSION PREP GUIDE
HOW TO PREPARE AND WHAT TO EXPECT
So your session can run as smoothly as possible, I have compiled a prep guide to help you get the most out of your photo shoot!
Booking your session
You can book in for a family or children’s outdoor session at any time of the year, but I recommend that outdoor shoots take place between the end of April and the beginning of November.
Outdoor scenery is at it’s best in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Spring (May-June) is best for capturing backgrounds full of wildflowers, whilst Autumn (October-November) is perfect for warm colours and running through leaves.
My outdoor sessions are scheduled in the evenings during Spring & Summer and during late afternoons in Autumn, this is to ensure that we have the best lighting conditions for your portraits. I do not offer outdoor shoots in the middle of the day, due to the lighting conditions not being conducive to giving us the best outcome. You can expect outdoor shoots to be scheduled for around 2-3 hours before sunset.
If you would like to include extended family in your session, that’s not a problem, please just let us know upon booking.
How long does an outdoor photography session last?
Around 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Please try to arrive on time, as a late arrival may mean that your session will need to be shorter in order to run on time for other booked sessions (or because it’s getting dark!). If you are running late, please message me on; 07956114916.
What should I bring to the session?
Please arrive at your session ready to start! Feel free to bring a change of clothes for children, as we may be able to do a change part way through (also handy in case their clothing becomes wet or dirty), a snack and a drink for kids (these can prove very useful), as well as your usual changing bag supplies for babies/younger children. Do bring baby wipes and/or tissues to deal with any runny noses! A hairbrush is also useful for long hair. Please feel free to bring one or two of the kids favourite toys along (in a bag preferably, as small children may want to cling on to them at first!).
What should we wear?
I suggest wearing neutral, well fitting clothing that you/your children are comfortable in. Please avoid patterns, logos and prints and instead opt for plain colours and clothing (unless bright and patterned is your personal style of course!).
For Spring/Summer I suggest light and airy tones, such as white, cream, beige, tan, grey, light blue, light pink or any pastels.
For Autumn/Winter I suggest deeper, richer tones, such as brown, navy, mustard, rust and olive.
I also suggest you avoid wearing black wherever possible – this is because the eye will be drawn to the darkest (or lightest) part of an image and therefore, away from the subjects faces. The best colour pallete is one that is of similar tones to each other, so as not to be distracting.
Although you might not generally like dressing matchy matchy as a family, for photo shoots, this actually looks great!
Download our PDF Clothing Guide here; Outdoor Sessions What to Wear
For more clothing inspiration for your session, please check out my Pinterest boards;
How should I prepare the kids?
Please ensure that young children arrive to the session fresh from a nap (if applicable) and well fed. Children should arrive in clean clothes (or with a change of clean clothes if you intend to change them on arrival).
Please ensure that any chipped nail varnish and/or temporary tattoos have been removed prior to the session (including adults!), unless you want these to be in your photographs.
Do tell your children all about your session! It is worth explaining that they will be meeting me and having their photographs taken outdoors, so they know what to expect from our time together. However, please don’t worry about telling them that they must smile/listen, as it can be counter-productive!
Having worked with children for many years, I take a few minutes to grasp your children’s personalities and tailor my approach to each child before taking any photographs and whilst some children may be raring to go, others will take their time to get comfortable – either way, it’s all good.
It’s REALLY important that young children who usually nap during the day, have a good nap on the day of their session. If children are overtired, or hungry, it can be very difficult to gain their co-operation and whilst I try to be a miracle worker, there are some things I can’t be all that magical with!
What if the kids don’t cooperate?
It’s really important that you read this prep guide in full before your session to ensure we get the best outcome possible. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to ensure that these guidelines are followed (feeding/sleep advice etc.).
I will always do my best to capture a lovely range of images for you, but I can only capture what I can depending on your children’s mood on the day. If I feel we have achieved a full gallery of images then I won’t offer a reshoot of your session. Any offers of a reshoot are at the sole discretion of the Photographer, are subject to availability and subject to a charge being made for additional session time.
Please ensure that young children have had a good nap before the session and that all children are well fed. The Photographer cannot be held responsible for the co-operation (or lack thereof) of children and we highly recommmend that our guidelines are followed as closely as possible to ensure the best outcome.
How will you pose us?
I aim for a variety of poses, so you/your children may be walking, sitting or laying down, giving piggy back rides or tickling. I may ask you to sit on the ground – I always bring a blanket with me, but if it’s dry, then images look great amongst just the grass & trees. The aim is to have fun and engage with your children, to bring out their personalities.
Can I bring my extended family or friends to the session?
Only immediate family (i.e. those participating in the session) should attend the session, as having other’s there causes unnecessary distractions for children – unless you have arranged a multi-generational session, in which case, only those participating should attend the session.
Need to reschedule?
If you need to change your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.
Your session fee secures your booking in the diary and is non-refundable. I do allow one reschedule within 14 days of your original session date, subject to availability.
If you need to contact me within 48 hours of your appointment, please do so by text message or email.
Outdoor sessions are weather dependent, and the decision to proceed, postpone, or reschedule due to weather conditions will always be made by the Photographer. This is to ensure the best possible results and overall experience for your session.
If you do not attend your session, or arrive more than 30 minutes late, a new session fee will be required to book another appointment.
What if the weather isn’t great on the day?
Outdoor sessions are planned with the weather in mind, and I will always guide you on whether your session will go ahead.
If light or intermittent drizzle is forecast, your session will usually still go ahead as planned, as this won’t affect the overall outcome of your images. However, if the weather is unsuitable (for example, heavy rain or strong winds), I will reschedule your session to a new date within 14 days, subject to availability.
I will always be in touch the day before your session to confirm the plan, so you’re never left unsure.
If you choose to cancel or request to reschedule due to weather conditions when I have confirmed that the session can go ahead, this will be treated as a cancellation, and a new session fee will be required to book another date.
Sickness Policy (Outdoor Sessions)
To ensure the best experience for everyone, I kindly ask that you do not attend your session if you or anyone in your household is significantly unwell or highly contagious.
If you (or anyone attending) has been unwell in the days leading up to your session, please get in touch and we can decide whether it’s best to go ahead or reschedule.
For any illness that is clearly contagious – particularly sickness or diarrhoea – a minimum 48-hour symptom-free period must be observed before attending.
For mild symptoms (such as a slight cold), sessions can often still go ahead outdoors, but I do ask that you keep me informed in advance.
If anyone in your household develops symptoms of a contagious illness in the week leading up to your session, please contact me to discuss. If symptoms have passed or have been ruled out and you’re otherwise well, you are very welcome to attend.
When will I see my photographs?
At the end of your session we will arrange your viewing & ordering appointment to take place in approximately 2-3 weeks time and this is when you will view your beautifully edited and enhanced gallery of around 25-30 images, choose your package and wall art and place your order. Payment for an order is due at your viewing & ordering appointment. I always advise that all decision makers are present at the viewing & ordering appointment, as you may find you need help choosing your portraits! I also recommend that children (with the exception of babies) do not attend viewing appointments, so you can relax and choose your photographs without distractions.
When will I get my order?
Once you have placed your order at your viewing and ordering appointment, you can expect your digital download containing your purchased digital images to be sent to you via a link in an email within 1 week, whilst print orders will be ready for collection from our studio in approximately 3 weeks time. If you have ordered wall art or an album then these will be ready to collect in around 6-8 weeks time.
Where is your studio?
You can find me at; First Floor, 29 Station Road, Steeton, West Yorkshire, BD20 6RL.
Please enter via the front door on Station Road and head up the stairs, where you will find my studio on your right. There is no on-site parking at the studio, but I will advise you of close-by on-street parking options before your session. Please try to arrive on time, but if you are running late, please message me on; 07956114916.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all and as always, if you have any questions, please just ask!
For full booking, cancellation, and rescheduling terms, please take a moment to read my full Terms & Conditions here: https://www.sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/