Priscilla Leggett Photography: May 2009

HOW TO BEST PREPARE FOR YOUR FAMILY OR CHILD’S PORTRAIT SESSION

TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Schedule your portrait session during your family is best/refreshed time of day. Choose a time when your child is upbeat time of day, after naps and feedings, so that he/she can enjoy the experience. Choose a time and day that considers your family’s schedule and habits. Tired and Cranky does not make for a photo session, and you want to get the best experience for your time and efforts.

Arrive 10-15 minutes before your session. Use this time to relax and enjoy a little bit of a calming period before the camera starts clicking.

BE OPEN MINDED
Sometimes a frown, a wail or even a sleeping baby can make a great portrait. Don't shy away from capturing a variety of expressions that capture your child/baby's personality.

MAKE IT PERSONAL
Bring along necessary items to help keep your child happy and clean, including diapers, wipes, snacks, favorite toys and blankets. Bring along some personal props -costumes, hats, or toys that showcase your child's personality.

Consider what to wear to best capture both age and personality. You will also want to consider bringing in personal items that have special meaning or highlight the occasion.

IT’S ALL RELATIVE
Include other people in portraits with your baby or child. Consider poses such as: Holding hands with mom and dad or big sister kissing her new baby brother on the nose. You will cherish these images for years to come. And don't forget your pets. They're part of the family too.

MIX UP THE WARDROBE
Be sure to try outfits the day before the photo shoot so that you are positive: things fit properly, there are no spots or stains, any loose belt loops are tacked down and/or missing buttons are replaced. Iron out the wrinkles as necessary, on some occasions these cannot be retouched. There is nothing worse than getting to a photo shoot and realizing the baby, child, or other family member has outgrown a favorite outfit you planned to use.

When picking out your child's wardrobe, think bold and bright, something simple, no busy stripes or patterns. For family portraits, it's best to dress everyone in the same style, color or mood.

Bring a variety of outfits with you. I suggest a variety of casual, formal, or something to reflect the personality of your child, yourself, and your family’s personality. It will help us to capture your family's true self. Since some portraits may show the child from head to toe, make sure your children wear matching shoes and socks or consider going barefoot.

Browse your favorite magazines for poses and looks, and share your preferences with the photographer. During the session, your photographer will try a variety of classic and contemporary poses to best capture the moment.

Make a gift list of the names of friends and family and what you would like to give them, that way, you’re sure to order enough portraits. You’ll also be ready to start sharing your portraits right away.

A little planning and preparation is your key to a successful portrait session; the photographer will review and bring all the choices together for you, ensuring memorable results.

SENIOR AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS

WHAT DO I WEAR?
When choosing your outfits, the most important thing is that you like them. You'll want as much variety as possible. Most seniors choose some casual and some dressy outfits. Avoid sleeveless and very short-sleeved shirts, because upper arms can be very distracting - especially women's.

GUYS - For more traditional portraits, a suit or sport coat with a tie is good. Medium to dark sweaters photograph well. For casual and outdoor photos, comfort is the rule – jeans, shirts, sweaters, shorts and sweatshirts.

GIRLS – Bring the colors and outfits you feel best in – dresses (even formals), sweaters and lace for the more traditional look, bright colors, skirts, jeans, and shorts for a more casual look. If you like an outfit, it's probably because you look good in it!

SHOES – Often shoes will show, so they should complement your clothing: changes may be necessary with different clothing styles. Many prefer barefoot poses.

WHAT ELSE CAN I BRING?
Here's where you can start having some fun! Priscilla Leggett Photography works hard to bring out the unique parts of your personality in your portraits. Bring your favorite hat, musical instrument, pet, sunglasses, hobby, letter jacket, car, motorcycle, uniform, sports equipment, class ring or anything else you feel would show off the real you. No idea is too crazy!

CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME?
Absolutely! Some people find it more comfortable to bring Mom or Dad, a friend, brother or sister along to help ease the "camera jitters." You are always welcome to bring someone with you.

WHAT ABOUT A SUNTAN?
Too much sun darkens your skin unnaturally, dries out your hair, makes skin appear shiny and greasy and shows bags under your eyes. Strap marks will show as white marks on bare shoulder poses. These on some occasions cannot be retouched. Keep your tan even. Don't overdo the sun for a portrait – it looks great, but only in moderation. Reschedule your appointment if burned.

WHAT ABOUT MY HAIR?
Try to have your hair cut and/or permed at least one week before your session, to give it a chance to "fill in" a little. Don't try a radically different haircut or style – chances are you won't feel it expresses the "real you." Wait until you have seen your previews before trying something new.

WHAT ABOUT MAKEUP (guys, you too)?
Here's a quick hint that will greatly enhance your portraits: just before your session, stand two feet in front of a mirror. Dab a small amount of cover-up makeup on any noticeable blemishes. That's it – if they're gone in the mirror, they'll be gone in your photographs. GIRLS – keep your makeup natural and fresh! GUYS - a fresh shave is a must. If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it's neatly trimmed. Your photographer will do her best to proof these blemishes, usually with success however, on some occasions these cannot be retouched.

WHAT ABOUT GLASSES?
If you wear glasses most of the time, you'll want to wear them in your portrait. To eliminate glare and reflections, call your optician and arrange to borrow a pair of empty frames like yours, or have the lenses removed from your own glasses. Most opticians will gladly do this for free (make sure you give them plenty of notice). This totally eliminates glare and distortion and is the most important way to improve your portraits if you wear glasses. It doesn't take much effort, and it sure makes your pictures look better! Glare on lenses is something that is rarely correctable, and should be taken into consideration before your portrait session.

WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Summer and autumn showers come and go quickly – it might be raining where you are, but sunny here. If the weather seems to pose a problem, we'll call you. If you don't hear from us just before your session, assume that your appointment is still on! It's easier for us to reschedule the outdoor portion of your session instead of the entire session.

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
The only thing you need to bring to your session is your session fee (unless you have already prepaid it). This covers the cost of the photographer, plus the expenses for your portrait session. It does not include any photographs, but it does include the best senior photography you can get anywhere! (Remember to bring any applicable coupons).

WHEN WILL MY PREVIEWS BE READY?
Your proofs will normally be ready for viewing within one week, depending on my schedule. You can also view your previews online on a personalized slideshow at an arranged. This slideshow can be put on a CD can be taken from the studio for a few days, but a $50 down payment is required and will be applied towards your final order, reminder that these photos will NOT be print quality. If you just want to purchase a CD, other limitations apply, see package information.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY PORTRAIT SESSION?
First, expect to have a great time, because you will! It's okay to be a little nervous at first, but you'll soon relax with our easygoing manner and creative photography!

Plan on arriving fifteen minutes before your scheduled time, dressed in one of your outfits. This will also allow you time to freshen up. We will spend a few minutes with you going over your clothing choices. Remember, we want you to have fun – and being late will only result in your feeling rushed and having less time spent on your photography.

Bring your favorite music. You are welcome to bring your own CD player or a radio, and don’t forget fresh batteries for your on location photo session. We like all kinds of music.

Be sure to wear one of your outfits to save time. Pick the one that you consider more traditional. Its okay to bring more than the recommended number of outfits if you're not sure what would look best – we will help you pick the most photogenic ones.

Please remember your session fee via cash, or checks. If you wish to pay with credit card you must contact me and clear your payment before your session. Credit card payments must be prepaid using paypal.com. We will collect your session fee up front.

If you're unsure of something or have any questions before or during your session, please ask! We want you to feel comfortable so you can get the best portraits of your lifetime.