FAMILY & CHIILDREN’S STUDIO SESSION 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 us get the most out of your session!

How long does a Studio photography session last?

Studio sessions generally last around 1 to 2 hours.

What should I bring to the session?

Please arrive at the studio ready to start your session! You are welcome to bring the clothing you would like to wear at your session to change into on arrival – particularly good for kids who might be having snacks in the car on the way over! Please bring a couple of clothing options for each person to your session. I also have a collection of dresses available at the studio that we can make use of and we usually start off your session by having a chat about clothing options, so we can discuss this then.

Other things I would suggest bringing with you on the day are snacks (these can prove very useful to gain children’s cooperation!), as well as some baby wipes/usual change bag supplies, depending on your child or children’s age. 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 plain, well fitting clothing that you are comfortable in.  Please avoid patterns, logos and prints and instead opt for two or three colour tones that compliment each other. Although you might not generally like dressing ‘matchy-matchy’ as a family, for photo shoots, this actually looks great! 

Below, I’ve put together a PDF to download, for some colour ideas and options for you to consider. These are only guidelines, but from experience I would suggest for family portraits you choose from the warm, earthy tones palette or  the cool, neutral tones palette or for Children’s portraits, jewel tones and earthy tones work really well too – for example an emerald green dress or a rust coloured shirt paired with jeans or brown trousers.

Download our PDF Clothing Guide here; Studio Sessions What To Wear.

For a brief visual guide on clothing ideas, check out my Pinterest board here.

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 (i.e. siblings) 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 if you’re booked in for a family session I will capture family photos, along with images of the kids together and separately (if applicable). We’ll do a range of standing/seated images and I always ask that shoes & socks are removed, as honestly, they never look good, so pleased be preparaed to pop these off!

For Children’s sessions I will work with each child to create a range of images both posed and some a little more relaxed, depending on what you’re after. I incorporate props and accessories into the shoot to add extra interest and depth to your images. 

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 everyone being photographed, particularly children.

Sickness Policy

To protect the health of all families, I kindly ask that you do not attend your session if you or anyone in your household is unwell.

If you (or anyone attending) has been feeling unwell in the days leading up to your appointment, please get in touch as soon as possible and we will rearrange your session.

For any illness that may be contagious – including sickness or diarrhoea – a minimum 48-hour symptom-free period should be observed before attending.

If anyone in your household develops symptoms of a contagious illness in the week leading up to your session, please contact me to reschedule. If you have tested to rule this out and are feeling well, you are very welcome to attend – I simply ask that you keep me informed.

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.

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.

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 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 (above Imagine Hair & Beauty Salon).

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/