- Photoshoot locations
So you booked your session. What happens now?
Via e-mail, we will discuss location selection and wardrobe selection and answer any questions you have. I will also email you on Monday before your session with a remainder.
I am excited to capture you and your loved ones. Custom photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest photos of your family and children. The goal is not to get a stiff and posed shot with everyone looking at the camera but to capture the true essence of your family. I take a documentary approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.
Location
Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. We can shoot in your home as long as your home has adequate natural light. Many clients prefer their home because of the intimate and personal feel it provides. I have many locations that I love to shoot at regularly, but I am always open to new locations as well. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality. I can help you with this decision. See my BLOG POST for some photoshoot location ideas.
Time
If we are shooting in your home, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. If we are shooting outdoors we will shoot either in the morning or in the evening. The light is typically too harsh midday.
If your children are up for it, shooting one to two hours before sunset provides gorgeous light and atmosphere. Many families tell me that they simply have the kids take a late nap or have some downtime prior to their evening session.
Length Of Session
The good news is, I am super fast! My family portrait sessions usually last about an hour. Do not worry we are not going to rush anything. I want you to have fun. I will make sure you are all relaxed and happy with me capturing your memories.
Behind the scenes
A family session should be fun and stress-free. During the photo session, we create not only beautiful photos but also memories of the moment. It is extremely important to me that you have a fun and positive experience of the whole process. I will not force anyone to smile, I will make you smile. I always give my best to make you feel at ease, so you can be yourself not anybody else just the real you.
What To Wear
Remember that I am documenting a day in your life; wear what you’re most comfortable in and be yourself. I encourage light neutral colours without logos or bold patterns.
Choose your clothing in advance and coordinate, but if possible, do not match outfits. I love long, flowy dresses or skirts, or a great pair of jeans for the ladies. For guys, blazers and nice sweaters are preferable to just a dress shirt. The key is to dress up a bit, but be yourself and be comfortable.
Kids & Babies
For kids, let them be themselves. If your daughter doesn’t like to wear dresses, don’t put her in a dress; similarly, if your son doesn’t like button-down shirts, he won’t be comfortable during the session. Kids can still look clean and nice if they aren’t super dressed up! Letting them be themselves without stress during the session is important.
Dress babies as babies. Collared shirts and ties tend to look uncomfortable on anyone under 6 months.
Check for broken nails and chipped nail polish, the camera can make these details very visible in the photos, and they are very hard to retouch.
Clothes and location
Fit your style to your location. Choose complimentary colours to your location when choosing your outfits. Strive for colours and textures that coordinate with your location. If you have opted for an in-home session, pick colours from your home to coordinate with.
Keep clothing simple. Use muted colours and minimize busy patterns. Neutral and natural is my favourite combo! Pick a colour palette with 3 or 4 colours and then incorporate the colours throughout the outfits in varying patterns, solids, and layers.
Shoes & Accessories
Don’t forget about the shoes! Unless we’re at your house or the beach, then please do forget the shoes. If we are on-location, just remember shoes are part of the outfit (especially if they’re adorable kid boots!)
Accessories are fun! Think big hats, cool jewellery, and scarves with a pop of colour are fun to photograph. If you feel more “dressed up” in heels, I highly recommend wearing wedges. You will be moving and walking a lot.
Props
I do not use props during my sessions; however, if you have something in mind, please let me know.
Your Children
One thing you will NOT hear me say to your child is “say cheese”. I never force a child to sit still and smile at the camera. Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural selves. Don't worry if your child is running about and active; most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child or hold the child, and we go from there. To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play; however, I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non-messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session. Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them; it's best not to surprise them.
Please arrive on time!
Be ready to start on time. Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It is important that we start on time. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early.
Pets
Do you want to put your pet in your photos? Amazingly, I love dogs and know how important family members are. Family members come in all shapes and sizes; some are extremely hairy.
PREPARING YOUR DOG FOR A PHOTO SESSION
Exercising your dog before your photo session will help the dog to relax and behave well. Large dogs, especially, can benefit from the opportunity to get their energy out. Plan for this to ensure you have enough time for a walk or play before your photo session.
WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR family PHOTO SESSION with dog
Bringing an item that will motivate your dogs, such as treats or a toy, is essential. We can use them to draw their attention and reward them for good behaviour. Please bring water for your dog to stay hydrated during the session.
Depending on the fur type, grooming them before the shoot and bringing a lint roller might also be a good idea.
Behind the scene
Behind the scenes of your photoshoot could not only be helpful for me as a photographer but to YOU too. Seeing me in action and your family members being photographed and getting the end product to compare. Feel free to take photos from our photoshoots and share them with me, and I will add them to my gallery and use them on my social media. Thank you in advance :D
AFTER THE SESSION
Your online gallery is ready!
I aim to deliver your online gallery within 2 weeks after the photoshoot. You’ll receive a link to a beautiful online gallery where you can view and download and order your product.
HOW TO CHOOSE FROM ALL THE IMAGES?
You don't have to choose! My pricing has been created so that you get the very best savings when you purchase all of your images. I can never choose a few images from a gallery of my children, so I don't want you to have to choose either! I also offer a lot of images within your gallery so that when purchasing all images, you get a lot of value from your investment.
Your gallery will be available for viewing and ordering for 2 weeks. You may share your gallery link with family and friends. Please be prepared to back up your files. Your images can take up to 4 GB of space on your computer.
If you do not have enough space on your device, you can buy a USB with your images for an additional £50.
No RAW files are available for sale.
Photos that languish on a hard drive break my heart – I love to see how you can use the images we create together to really make your house a home.
Depending on your location, you’ll also be able to order high-quality prints and photo albums directly through your online gallery .
Your photo shoot is just the start, next you get to choose how you want to share and enjoy your beautiful pictures.
Products that you can order after receiving your gallery
Prints
Bring your photos to life on the finest-quality paper designed to be enjoyed for a lifetime. Printed on professional-grade archival paper for increased colour gamut, excellent skin tones, sharpness, and brilliant image quality.
Accordion MINI BOOK
AT 7X7 CM / 2.7X2.7” PANELS
Simple, fun to use - the photo product that anyone can keep, anywhere.
Ideal gift for grandparents or even as an extra Christmas gift. Customisable and suitable for any occasion and photography type.
Photo Album
A book that tells about the most important moments of your family. This premium quality Photo Album, designed exclusively for professional photographers, is far and away above what is commonly associated with photo books.
10 thick, 800 gsm spreads in this luxury Photo Album. Lay-flat binding allows you to show your photo uninterrupted over a double-page spread.
If you would like to create this beautiful keepsake simply let me know and I would be honoured to create this amazing memory book from your session.
1+2 Album Family Package available.
This package includes 3 identical albums.
One main album 12x12" and two smaller downscaled versions 8x8".
The perfect gift for grandparents or other loved ones.
Mounted Prints
Matted Prints that are mounted in a refined elegant frame.
Perfect as a home decoration or as a wonderful gift to a family or friends.
Photo TRIPLEX
A tri-fold centerpiece with the look, feel, and quality of our Photo Albums.
The perfect complement to any home. Perched upon a bookshelf, fireplace mantel, dresser, or desk the Triplex makes the ideal add-on to an album or other large print product purchase as a gift for a friend or relative.
It also makes for the best photography display for wedding, newborn, and pet photography.
Click on the photo and see short video about Photo Triplex
I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Feel free to email dorota@markowskaphoto.com with any questions you might have.
Thank you, and I look forward to capturing you and your family!
Dorota xxx
