Session Guide
Formal wear can be a fun option against a colorful backdrop!
These outfits are the perfect example of coordinating colors and patterns, all while looking cohesive.
The minty blue green pops against mom’s white lacy top and stands out against the muted backdrop.
These cute boys are in weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable all at the same time.
These colors pop against the fall backdrop.
Accessories set this little one apart, and keep the subject the main focus!
Light colors look beautiful in the spring and summer and stand out against greenery. There are enough color pops in this image to break up the white outfits.
hello I can’t wait to work with you! I hope you are looking forward to our session as much as I am!
In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Lyndsey and I will be your photographer. I’ve been shooting professionally for 8 years now and there’s never been two sessions alike! Even so, there are some general guidelines that will help in preparing and experiencing our session.
I hope this guide is helpful, but know that I am always available to answer questions that you have!
- Lynds
Where will our session take place?
For mini sessions, a location and time will be predetermined for you. For standard and deluxe sessions, I will refer to your questionnaire and choose a location based upon your responses. I enjoy all types of location and have knowledge of what areas are best for what seasons, lighting conditions and other considerations you’ve mentioned. If you have a specific location requested, we will do our best to accommodate that. If you have a requested a studio session, I will send you the studio address. An e-mail will be sent to you regarding your location with parking information and other recommendations. This is sent one week prior to your session. If you book a session less than a week from the session date, your information will be sent as soon as possible.
What time should I arrive?
There is no need to arrive any earlier than our session time. In fact, arriving excessively early is not recommended, especially with children. At times I may be able to accommodate early arrivers but this is not guaranteed and so you may end up waiting. As we all know, this can be problematic when working with children (and sometimes adults!). Please avoid this by arriving on time or staying in your vehicle until the time of your session. You can text me at 208-272-0119. Text is preferred, as I may be in the middle of a session and won’t be able to respond. If you are unable to find the location, I will respond to your text by calling back to help you.
What should I bring?
Families should bring themselves, a quilt or blanket, and any other props or accessories they’d like to include. One outfit change is permitted for deluxe sessions and standard sessions, as long as changing fits in the time limit.
Incentives can be fun for little ones, but M&Ms can be messy (melted chocolate), and large candies that take a while to chew can cut in to our time. Unless you’d like them in the images, I wouldn’t recommend bringing toys. However, comfort toys are adorable in photos! If this isn’t something you’d like then leave those toys at home. If you are bringing a number of accessories or props, a wagon or stroller can be helpful in transporting things.
Important: Transition lenses are a wonderful things, except when it comes to photos. Editing the dark shade is possible but will be an additional cost and often very difficult to look natural even after editing as the shade obscures the eye. Consider bringing a pair that don’t transition, especially if you wear your glasses most of the time and would not feel yourself without them.
In the heat of summer, please bring a water bottle for each family member. For sessions near water, bug and mosquito repellent is also important. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
In the winter or fall, families should also bring jackets or coats to wear between poses. Sometimes bringing blankets makes for a faster transition. It’s a great idea to wear winter clothing in the snow and cold!
What should I wear?
Short answer- whatever you want! What you feel best in- what you feel comfortable in- what you like! There are generally no rules, and anything that you desire is perfectly acceptable. However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
For more instruction, see below!
Avoid all white or all black- this is a dated look. Ofcourse this is up to you entirely. In some instances, all black or white might be appropriate (religious locations or traditions, mourning, etc) but for the most part, this is not recommended.
Start with the family member that be the most challenging to find an outfit (or the most picky) and build upon that. Think “coordinating” instead of matching. Different colors are great and the tone overall palette is worth considering. For example, olive green and neon green might not look aesthetically pleasing, but olive green and navy or mustard yellow are more complimentary, despite being different colors.
Consider the colors in your home! If you plan to bring your images and have a bright and colorful home, then maybe a very muted color scheme with browns and cream colors may not look quite right on the wall.
Patterns are important. Larger patterns look better versus pin strips. Solid colors are typically always a good option. For those concerned about what looks flattering, I recommend solid darker colors. and avoiding patterns all together- it doesn’t need to be black! Jewel tones are beautiful and draw attention to the face. Royal blue is a fantastic color that tends to look good on anyone.
Accessories can make a difference! A bright scarf against solids can really make things pop! Bow ties, hats, and jewelry are great details and can tie everything together.
Think about your shoes. If we are, for example, in the foothills, then maybe wearing high heels or flip flops isn’t the best option. If you’re wearing an otherwise dressy casual outfit, an old pair of sneakers might stand out, and not in a good way. Baby shoes are adorable but are they practical? If your baby is constantly kicking their shoes off, consider a nice pair of booties or socks.
Occasionally, a family might want to stylize a bit or follow a fun theme. This is a great idea, and I love to see families having fun with their outfit choices! If you need inspiration, Pinterest is a fantastic source. Type in “family picture outfits” and you’ll find a ton of ideas.
Last but not least, please dress appropriately for the weather. Cold kids are not happy kids. We also want to avoid wearing warm clothes on a hot day! In addition, it looks a bit strange to have a child in a short sleeve shirt with snow in the backdrop. (Yes, this has happened in a session before!) Also, it looks disconcerting to have parents dressed in weather-appropriate clothing and not children or babies. Make sure you all look like you’re in the same season!
A comb or brush can be helpful in working with unruly hair. Bows and headbands also help for little ones!
Makeup always looks great on camera! I recommend natural makeup- having your makeup done professionally can be a wonderful way to feel your best. Check out some of my recommended vendors here.
Important note: If you have paid only the deposit online, please bring the remaining balance in cash or check to your session. Checks should be made out to Melrose Photography. Checks must be cleared before you receive your gallery.
Helping our session run smoothly
- Show up on time! Arriving late and rushed causes stress and anxiety
- Relax! Easier said than done- but try to remember that being overly uptight will cause tension to everyone involved. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly.
- Feed and nap the kids. A snack and drink before session (even if dinner is right afterward) prevents that “hangry” feeling.
- Make sure everyone uses the bathroom before the session. We may or may not have bathroom access, and no one feels relaxed when they need to go!
- Don’t stress if the kids are hyper or being “difficult”. Worst case scenario? We reschedule. I am a mom too, and I understand.
- Don’t tell kids or adults to smile. A forced smile isn’t a natural one- which is the goal! Try telling a joke, making a funny noise, or singing a song instead. It’s okay to fix hair and clothing if need be, but too many “fixes” and the subject feels stiff and uncomfortable.
What comes next?
After our session, you may be wondering what’s next in the process!
Receive your gallery within 10 business days (M-F) and instructions for ordering.
Place your order and pay for any additional purchases through our website.
Make sure to place your order within 12 weeks of your session. If you do not purchase within 12 weeks, your gallery will expire and an extension will need to be purchased.
Receive your completed order of fully edited images in 3 business days if you have not purchased extra editing and 10 business days if you have.
Download your images and print release.
Access your gallery and enjoy unlimited downloads for one calendar year. If you need an extension, you may purchase this online.
Enjoy your images!
Image Storage and Printing
Your gallery will contain a folder or full resolution images.
Please make sure that you download and back-up your images (at least twice!) and print your favorites. Your gallery will be up for an entire year for unlimited downloads, and after that it will be removed from online and my hard drive.