Hello!
I'm so very excited to make amazing pictures for you! The pictures from your session will be so meaningful to your little family. They'll tell a beautiful story of your life with your new bundle of joy, teething toddler and/or rambunctious bigs. They'll feel your smile and hear your laugh when they look at your pictures. They'll see how you looked at them, and they'll see how much you loved them. All that, and you'll have a great baby announcement, Facebook profile picture, and/or Christmas card. Win. Win.
Where do i go?
I’ll meet you at Burkes Beach, mid-island (60 Burkes Beach Rd, HHI). I’ll be on the beach to the right. Apologies in advance. It is a hike to get to the beach. It’s a solid 10 minute walk… but, it’s the BEST beach for pictures so that’s a plus, right? ;)
What do I need {really} to know?
1. It’s windy on the beach, be prepared to pull your hair back so you don’t have hair in front of your face in allll your photos. ;)
2. Pre-plan incentives. Let your kids know in advance, if all goes well they will get X. At some point, all kids need a little boost to keep them going (ice cream after the session, a new toy, staying up late...). I’ll have a little something too for the littles.
3. I'll ask a lot of your littles but I don't actually expect them to listen to any of it (I also have a 5- and 2-year old) so don’t stress if they’re having more fun than listening. I will let you know when I need help, promise!
4. Try, try, try to get the kids napped/rested and fed prior to the session. This is really important.
5. Every session has a different feel and flow, but ALL make amazing pictures. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn't feel like it's going perfectly. Life is imperfect, but somewhere in all that imperfection {real} memories are being made.
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
Step 1: Check out my 'What to Wear' Pinterest board, then head to your closet.
Step 2: Decide on a style and coordinate your entire family. Sunday Casual. BOHO. Denim. Preppy. Any style will do as long as it's You.
Step 3: Toss all the outfits together so you see how they mesh. Then head back to the closet or start pondering a little shopping.
Step 4: Send me a picture of all the outfits together. I'll help guide you to perfection!
A few helpful wardrobe hints:
Wardrobe is the most important aspect of your planning. It will dictate the look and feel of your entire session. Beach sessions are best in pastels or light colors. And family photographs are best when each person shows his/her own style (i.e. no matching).
Little kids: Add an element of texture, delicate pattern, or colored pant to the outfit to make it pop. A hair bow to keep hair out of little girls’ eyes. And bloomers or bikes shorts for girls under dresses.
Dads: Depending on the style you chose, light blue collared short sleeve-shirts or vintage t-shirts look great. White isn’t my favorite, but if you love it, I love it. Plan on something breathable that doesn't show perspiration.
Moms: Necklaces and layers look fab. Long flowey skirts look great! As do light-colored skinny jeans and dressy tops if it’s fall. You’ll be sitting on the beach for some of your photos so be caution of short skirts or shapeless dresses. And, be prepared to pull you hair back. Some beach sessions are very windy.
Newborns: Babies are best photographed in clothes specifically made for newborn photography or a simple or lightly patterned onsie. A well fitting outfit looks best. If you’d like to purchase a newborn photography outfit, I’d be happy to send some links to vendors.
And, unless you a barefoot complex, no one wears shoes. ;)
KIDS!
Let's be honest. They're the reason we're taking photos. If it were just the two of you, you'd snap a selfie and call it a day. So, I bend some rules, allow a bit of mischief, listen to the littles intricate stories, tickle some toes, and go with their flow. Kids' eagerness to make photos comes and goes in waves throughout the session. It's A-OK. I like to surf. ;)
WHAT should i have on hand?
Pacifiers if you have a baby. Lots of them—because sand. Something to pull hair back. And, a pre-planned present for the kids for after the session. That’s pretty much it. OH. And a towel for the car. Sometimes kids accidentally fall in the water. ;)
WHEN CAN I SEE MY PHOTOS?
After I leave your session, I spend hours on my little computer turning your amazing moments into the story of your life. I edit. And, ponder. And edit, and ponder. When I sit back and smile at your gallery, I know they're ready for you. Then, I send them on over. This normally takes about 3 weeks post shoot.
how do i order prints?
You can order prints of any image in your online gallery. Just click on the image and then the shopping cart icon. You can best see the products offered while viewing on a desktop computer. Holler if you have any questions!
Thank you.
Thank you for the honor of making your family portraits. I am so grateful to be able to take a moment in time last forever. I know it sounds kitchy. But, I promise you, it’s heartfelt. Pictures, especially of my loved ones who are no longer here, have a very special place deep down in my heart. Thank you.