Pre-Shoot Information
Thank you for choosing Naomi Reiter Photography to capture the beauty and spirit of your family. Portraits help you remember what you never wish to forget; that moment in your childrens’ life; their childhood and your family.
Here is some helpful information to prepare you for your upcoming session...
My Style
I have a casual, unique style of photography. I enjoy capturing the special connections within families, which are most likely the expressions that you see most in one another every day. You will find me talking to you and your family a lot, with special attention in engaging your children in the moment.
If they become disengaged I will try to distract them, often being silly works a treat here! Please try not to be firm with them, as unhappy kids are hard to get great photos from. I have a few tricks to help kids forget the camera is even there, thus producing more natural expressions and smiles from them, but I will be happy to take any distraction cues from you though as you know your child best. If you have younger children, I may tell some jokes or act silly, with teens, I may pull them off to the side and get to know a bit about them first. I know family portrait time can be thought of as a stressful time, but I want you to enjoy the whole experience of creating your portraits than just your images alone.
I gravitate towards the natural posing that families do, but may offer posing suggestions as needed, in order to benefit the final look of your portraits. Also, attitude is everything, this is meant to be fun!! A grumpy disposition, whether a child’s or a parent’s, can show up in your final images, so I ask that you come to your session with an open mind, keeping in mind that you are creating precious memories that you will cherish for decades to come.
Clothing Suggestions
Family photographs are special, a legacy of who your family is for future generations to enjoy. Your photo shoot experience should be enjoyable, so here a few things to consider before your photo session.
Clothing choices are just as important for family sessions, as other sessions. My suggestion is to select clothing for each family member that is relaxed and relatively simple. Colours are great and if you are wanting to theme it in a relaxed, fun way a great idea is to incorporate colours with a similar tone, not necessarily colour, eg different blues or greens etc. Two tones can also create a great effect and as when they appear on more than one family member they look consistent but not distracting. With patterns, keeping it simple is essential, and please be wary of stripes, plaid, big words and logos on your family’s clothing, these things can be a distraction from your beautiful family. Oh, and bare feet are great for family sessions too!
The Session
On arrival we’ll have a quick chat about any ideas or vision you had for the session. Then the focus will turn to getting to know your little family. I want them to be comfortable with me and, depending on their age, I may crack some jokes or act silly. In no time those genuine smiles will be flowing and we can proceed with the session.
Getting to Know You
I know children can be shy around new people. I always respect a child’s personal space and gently work on getting them to open up to my camera and me. First you’ll see me get down on their level and introduce myself. If they are old enough, I may ask them their name and ask them to pick out a special name for my camera. Kids love this! If we are in your home, I may ask them to show me their special toys. If we are outdoors, I will lead them to interesting locations and watch them explore. I will take cues from your child and, most likely they’ll be sad when the session ends!
Say Cheese?
Those are two words you will never hear me say at your session, and I would ask that you would refrain from using those words, or any similar words or phrasing, as well. Let me explain. I strive to get honest and natural expressions from your child. When a child is asked to ‘say cheese’, they will not give a natural smile, but rather they will be performing, and this will be apparent in the images. I will work with your children, and you will soon see the natural expressions you know and love.
Food Considerations
Please feel free to bring ‘clean’ snacks for your kids if you feel they might need it through the shoot; something small like plain rice crackers or sultanas are ideal. A full tummy beforehand helps keep babies and children happy and satisfied during their portrait session, but please be careful of what foods they eat before their session. Carrots and sweet potatoes are a sweet treat for baby, but can sometimes leave an orange tint on baby’s skin. This tint may not always be noticeable to the human eye, but the camera’s lens can pick up on such skin discolouration. Please avoid bringing anything messy eg lollipops and chocolate.
If your child has a cold, please be sure to wipe your child’s nose and mouth thoroughly, because again, the camera may pick up what eyes may not notice.
Feeling Under the Weather
If your child is sick or feeling under the weather, kindly call me to reschedule. I’m a mum myself, and I understand that sometimes children get sick. I would appreciate if you could call to reschedule as soon as it’s apparent they are unwell.
No need to stress if your child gets a small mark on his or her face days before the photo session. Minor re-touching is included in my prices.
Safety First
Safety is extremely important to me and while I take all precautions with my photographic equipment, please keep watch of your little ones around the camera gear, props, etc. Thank you!
What happens after your shoot?
After your shoot we will arrange a date to view your proofs in studio. This is the exciting part where you will select your final images and at this point I will guide you through to select your framing or albums to showcase your beautiful portraits.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on 0404 866 460 and I look forward to meeting your family at our session.