It’s only August but most of us photographers are officially launching our Fall and Christmas sessions so I figured this would be a great time to post about this. I feel like over the past 5 years that I have been a photographer, I have seen it all but yet! Every year comes with it’s whole set of new things to learn from. I’ve read many articles from other Photographers with their set of things “they wish clients would know” and it gives me some great comfort to know that we all face similar situations so I feel like my “5 things your photographer wished you knew” will be very relatable to other photographers as well…
1-Dad… RELAX! I already know that your wife was the one who booked this session and I already know that this is not on your Top Ten List of Favorite Things to do on a weekend, but its 20-30 minutes and you’re here, so why not make the best of it? I’ve always found that the dad’s attitude can make or break the shoot… if he’s low-key, engaged and showing a little love, Mom relaxes, the kids have fun and the photos reflect a genuine family connection. If he’s cranky and critical, Mom is stressed and the tension trickles down to every last child. I promise to make the shoot as painless and quick as possible… I’ve got your back! :)
2. Momma… BREATHE! I’m not judging you AT ALL. Your children are not the worst I’ve ever photographed. Your hair is fine! That outfit is okay. I know you might be uncomfortable, but remember that I want you to look your best. If I move you or ask you to tilt your head, I PROMISE it’s because I want you to look your best! One aspect I think all of us women struggle with is appearance. We worry about that extra baby weight, our arms, our waist, you name it! I think for this very reason, many choose to not be in the pictures (I hear this all the time: “I want a session just for my kids”), but mamas I am here to tell you….STOP WAITING. The time is now and it’s flying by right before your eyes. Getting in front of that camera and capturing these beautiful moments with your family is something that you will never forget or regret. In fact, your children will never look back on those pictures and say, “I wish my mama waited to lose the extra 10 lb.!” Instead, they will smile seeing the memories that were created into a still image on that day.
3. All kids are crazy. Nothing stress parents more than seeing their children misbehave or get a little crazy during a photo-shoot, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret: they ALL do! Mine do too! I need to establish an authentic connection, so I might need to excite and play with them but I am also great at calming them back down and centering their attention onto the camera when it’s time for pictures. So trust me and let me be in control, I promise I will ask for help if I need it! There’s no need to stress that your children are being “bad”… they’re being kids and I honestly love it!
4. Wardrobe Matters. And it really can make or break a session. If you are having trouble, visit my Pinterest “What to wear” board or reach out to me, I’d LOVE to help you style the perfect outfits for your session! As a rule, try to stay away from busy patterns, matchy-matchy colors, and neon. Red and white are challenging colors for some skin tones so keep that in mind. Try to coordinate your colors as best as you can and stay away from wrinkly clothes and clothes with stains on them when possible.
5. I am HUMAN October and November can be HECTIC for me. Some days I can answer right away, and others it may take me a few hours to respond. This could be from shoots taking place, my full time job (YES! I have one!), my children needing some undivided attention, editing marathons where I need to focus, or I might just be taking the day off to recharge. I’ll answer as soon as I can. I promise!
And I can’t finish this blog without telling you one more thing…
I LOVE MY CLIENTS. So much. Literally, without you, photography wouldn’t be possible. I am thankful for you. Don’t you ever think you are just “one more”, you are NOT!
I always feel a connection with you… from the time I’ve chatted with you about your session, spent time with you loving on your kids, embarrassing your teenagers asking them to kiss your cheek (knowing they secretly love it) and capturing your family, to the time spent reliving the shoot through culling and editing, I’m invested!
After I deliver your gallery, I am literally DYING to know if you’re happy with the finished photos, so next time you do a session with me, don’t be a stranger! I will be waiting to hear back from you! You have no idea the happiness of my heart when you tell me you love your photos!
Thank you for reading and whether you choose me or someone else, I hope you remember these and find them helpful for your next session!
XOXO
Ana
Pic below is from past clients who happened to nail these! :)
