
What to expect and how to prepare for your upcoming session.
Warm Welcome!
I am thrilled that you have chosen me to capture beautiful and timeless moments of your family through our portrait sessions. This welcome guide is designed to provide you with important information and tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
My Approach:
At Kirstine Photography, I believe that family portraits should be a celebration of love, connection, and joy. My goal is to create authentic and heartfelt images that reflect the unique personality and dynamics of your family. I strive to make the process relaxed, fun, and memorable.
Pre-Session Consultation:
To better understand your vision and preferences, we will schedule a pre-session consultation. This can be done either in person, over the phone, or via video call. During this consultation, we will discuss location options, wardrobe choices, and any specific requests or ideas you may have. This helps me tailor the session to your family's style and preferences.
Choosing the Perfect Location:
Selecting the right location can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your family portraits. I can recommend several beautiful outdoor locations or discuss the possibility of an in-home session. Ultimately, the location should be meaningful to you and your family, reflecting your lifestyle and interests.
Preparing for the Session:
Wardrobe: Choosing clothing that coordinates well together, without being too matchy-matchy, can create visually pleasing portraits. We recommend solid colours or subtle patterns, avoiding large logos or distracting prints.
Props and Accessories: If you have any meaningful props or accessories you would like to incorporate into the session, please bring them along. These can add a personal touch and make the images even more special.
Rest and Nourishment: Prioritise a good night's sleep and ensure everyone is well-rested and well-fed before the session. This helps to keep energy levels up and ensures everyone feels their best.
During the Session:
On the day of the session, my aim is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for you and your family. I will guide you through a series of poses and also capture candid moments that showcase your genuine interactions and emotions. Don't worry about being "perfect" or posing perfectly; our goal is to capture the essence of your family.
Here are some positive and practical tips to ensure you get the best results:
Embrace Eye Contact: Encourage family members to look at one another with genuine affection and smiles. The power of eye contact can bring warmth and intimacy to the photo.
Hold On: Show the love by holding on to your loved ones - whether it's a gentle hand on a shoulder or a hug. Physical connection communicates emotional closeness.
Close the Gap: Reduce the physical distance between couples and family members. When standing close by, ensure that your bodies touch or are just inches apart. This closeness signifies unity and togetherness.
Mind the Placement: Make sure not to cover someone's face with your body or limbs. Everyone's face should be visible and unobstructed in the photo.
Natural Poses: Bend your joints slightly - knees, arms, and even elbows. Relaxed, natural poses often look better than stiff, straight positions.
Shift Your Weight: To avoid appearing too rigid, encourage family members to shift their weight from one leg to the other. This will create a dynamic and relaxed stance.
Have Fun: Most importantly, remind everyone to have fun and enjoy the process. Genuine smiles and laughter make for the best family portraits. You're not just capturing a moment; you're creating a memory.
Remember that the key to a successful family portrait is capturing the love, connection, and joy that family members share. So, keep the atmosphere positive and relaxed, and you'll end up with a beautiful and memorable photograph.
After the Session:
Once the session is complete, I will carefully select and edit the best images from the session. This post-processing stage takes time to ensure the highest quality results.
Within 2 weeks, you will receive an email with a link to an online gallery where you can view and select the images.
Custom Products and Prints:
In addition to digital files, I offer a range of high-quality prints, albums, and products that allow you to showcase your family portraits in a tangible and timeless way. You will find more information on these options when receiving your final images.
Frequently Asked Questions:
To address common inquiries, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions on my website HERE. This covers topics such as rescheduling, cancellations, definition of editing, and more. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any specific questions or concerns.
I am truly honoured to be entrusted with capturing your family's precious moments. If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything, please don't hesitate to contact us at 0401 271 286 or kirstine.photography@gmail.com
I am excited to embark on this journey with you and create lasting memories for your family.
Warm regards,
Kirstine Hanlon