shootinfo

General Information
Time
In order to get the best results from your session it is important that the experience is enjoyable and relaxed.
To this end it is as well to leave plenty of time for getting to your shoot as well as setting aside plenty of time for the session itself.
Your session can last anywhere from ½ an hour up to 3 hours depending on a number of factors:
If there are children involved (working with children doesn't always go as planned) I like to leave plenty of time for breaks, outfit changes etc.
Sessions with adults tend to go smoother and quicker than sessions involving children. (Though not always)
Sessions on location tend to take more time than studio sessions.
The more subjects in a session the more time required.
Maternity sessions tend to progress at a slower, more relaxed pace than other sessions.

Location
Children are often more relaxed being photographed in familiar surroundings. In the studio bringing along favourite toys, teddy bears etc. can help put them at ease.
When shooting at an outdoors location it is better to bring too much than forget something.
Outdoor locations, however ideal at the time of choosing, can be totally unsuitable on the day of the shoot. Not least because of the weather. Be prepared to be flexible.

What to wear
The best advice is to think what effect you are trying to achieve, and dress accordingly. In general:
Solid colours are vastly preferable to stripes or distracting patterns.
Medium tones are best. Black, White and Denim all look great.
Children are encouraged to go barefoot. Newborns look lovely without clothes.
Bright colours (as long as they are complimentary) work well on children but can be distracting on adults..
With groups there should be some uniformity, all casual, all formal, same colour shirts etc.
Choose clothing in similar colours or neutral tones so that no single member at the session stands out,
because the clothing is too light or bright compared to the rest of the group.

For maternity shoots; Classic pure black or white are always excellent choices.
Many of our Mums-to-be go for a simple white shirt. If you are uncomfortable being photographed nude or in your underwear,
then clothing which buttons up the front allows easy access to your bump, whilst allowing you to feel more ‘clothed’.
Denim jeans can also look great on mothers-to-be as can white or black sleeveless tops.
If in doubt bring lots of outfits and we'll work on a suitable "look".

What to bring
If you would like music during your session, please feel free to bring CDs with you.
Any clothing, props or drapery you feel you would like to use.
For children, favourite toys, various outfits, snacks.
For babies, everything for feeding and changing

Portrait Sessions
As with all other sessions, it helps if you have an idea of what style of portrait you are looking for; casual, business-like, formal, or glamorous.
At home, in the studio or on location, we are happy to discuss your requirements and offer advice.
Family portraits can be simple mum, dad & child affairs; or they can involve many generations and extended branches of the family tree.
Small children and babies cannot be expected to be very co-operative in front of the camera. That’s why I try to keep the actual photography part of these sessions relatively short. Time spent by the photographer around the children before any shooting starts can help them to feel more relaxed as can being surrounded by favourite toys and playthings.
Also the familiarity of the home or well-known location is often a more sensible option than a studio.
Older children can be more patient; however, they may feel more self-conscious and again need to be made to feel at ease. At these sessions plenty of time is left for feeding, changing etc.

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Maternity Sessions
Although pregnancies last nine months, and sometimes it feels like it’s never going to end, it is really a very short time, and a maternity album can be the perfect reminder.
This is the time when women are at their most feminine.
Probably the best time for maternity photos is from weeks 34 - 38
Clothed, semi-clothed or nude maternity shots are all possible options for prospective mothers; and a pre-shoot meeting can be useful to discuss your requirements.
Some mothers are more comfortable having the shoot in their own homes. Others like the neutrality of the studio, again the choice is yours.
By all means bring your partner along. He doesn’t have to join in, but it’s always nice to include you both.
If he can’t make it (or it’s a surprise for him), then we do suggest you bring someone with you – mum, sister or friend are always good choices.
And of course any other children are more than welcome to join in maternity sessions – though you may find them a distraction if you’re looking for some personal quiet images of yourself. It all depends what you are looking for from your pictures.

Nude Sessions
The most important ingredient for a successful nude photo session is trust between the photographer and the model.
A pre-session meeting is particularly helpful for the photographer to discover what type of images the client has in mind, romantic, artistic, sensual, erotic etc.
And helpful for the model to establish a connection with the photographer and to ease any worries or apprehension they may have.
Whether the photos are for a model portfolio, your own fulfilment or for sharing with someone special, the images we make together will be something to treasure and be proud of for ever.
Perhaps you would like to bring your partner to the shoot with you, or another family member. This can help to make you feel a little more secure and help with those initial nerves.
Very quickly though, the nerves will disappear and you can start to enjoy your time in front of the camera.
Of course most nude photos will be personal for the client only and not available for public viewing. Therefore the selection in our Nudes Gallery is only a small indication of a few possibilities. Call to arrange to see us and discuss what would suit you.

Prior to nude sessions, or maternity sessions where you intend to be naked or topless, it is important not to wear anything elasticated or tight fitting (underwear or jeans etc) that may produce marks visible on your photographs.