So you booked your session. Now what?
Via email, 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 candid 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 hotel if your accommodation has adequate natural light. I have many places I love to shoot at regularly, but I am always open to new locations. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality. I can help you with this decision.
Length Of Session
The good news is, I am super fast! My travel 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 ensure you are all relaxed and happy with me capturing your memories.
What To Wear
The wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. Make sure you wear enough layers of clothes, including hats and scarves, to make you feel warm and comfortable. As you probably know, I like to have fun when I work and take some energetic shots, so be ready to take your jackets off in the cold for a few minutes at a time. A nice cup of hot tea after the shoot is highly recommended! See my PINTEREST board for some what-to-wear guides that can give you an idea of what I am talking about.
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 essential.
Dress babies as babies. Collared shirts and ties tend to look uncomfortable on anyone under six months.
Check for broken nails and chipped nail polish, the camera can make these details visible in the photos, and they are very hard to retouch.
Clothes and location
Fit your style to your location. Choose complimentary colours for 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, 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.
Posing
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process, beginning with prompts that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it will make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to ensure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
Props
I do not use props during my sessions; however, please let me know if you have something in mind.
For families with children
Your Children: Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best to give the children time to relax 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 "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 good 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 take photos of them; it's best not to surprise them.
Please arrive on time or be ready to start on time. Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It is essential that we start on time. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early.
AFTER THE SESSION
Your online gallery is ready!
I aim to deliver your online gallery within 2-3 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 best savings when purchasing all your images. Personally, I can never choose a few images from a gallery of my own 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 downloading for 6 months. 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.
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.
I CAN NOT 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
