_Here are some details to make your portrait session more successful...
Allow plenty of time for your portrait session. We reserve approximately two hours for your photo session. This allows plenty of time for diaper changes as well as clothing changes, or for your baby to nurse. We want you and your children to be comfortable and relaxed, so it is important that we don't rush through the experience. Our patience helps assure an enjoyable and memorable day.
We are always happy to hear your special requests. Your own personal input into the photographic session can add the personal touch that makes your portrait timeless and unique.
If you have special interests, consider including objects or settings that bring elements of those interests into your portraits. For help with this, call us for a free consultation.
Hints for better portraits of infants and children
Healthy child
We want your child to look and feel his or her best. So when children are feeling under the weather, have a cold or fever, bumps from their latest playground experience, etc., let's wait to photograph them when they are feeling more like themselves.
Well-rested
All of us parents know how difficult it can be to reason with or have fun with a child who is simply too overtired. It's best to bring your child after he or she has had a nap or when they are feeling their most alert and cooperative.
Well-fed
This is especially important for infants. Be sure to bring a bottle for your baby and snacks and sippy cups for your toddlers.
Smiles
Please don't have your child practice smiling or saying "cheese" at home. That will usually result in a smile that is not natural, that is not "them." Also, while each child has a beautiful and distinct smile, capturing additional expressions can be even more powerful and lovely.
Timeless treasures
If you have any particular clothing, toy or family heirloom that you would like your child photographed with, be sure to bring it along.
Keep it simple
You don't need a lot of props or complicated backgrounds in your child's portrait. The most powerful, moving, and lasting images are simple.
Bring your calendar to schedule a viewing of your images the following week.
Hints for better portraits of teens, adults and families
Clothing
Bring as many outfits as you'd like, but remember, plain (solid colors—no patterns or prints) clothes are best. Bib overalls work great for toddlers. While flowered or patterned dresses are beautiful for little girls, they don't photograph very well. If you have any questions about clothing, please call us for a free consultation.
Simpler is better: instead of prints or patterns. You may not want to dress alike as a family everyday, but in a family portrait, harmony in your clothing is very important. Color coordination is the key when it comes to your family's clothing selection. Clothing with long-sleeves and solid colors work best for more traditional and even casual family portraits. Again, avoid clothing that has patterns (stripes, plaids, pictures) and be sure to wear similar-colored shoes. There are some exceptions, but it really depends on what type of artistic portrait you are looking for, and we are more than happy to provide you with a free clothing consultation.
Make-up
Don't go overboard. Wear what you normally do. Bring some along for touch-up purposes.
Glasses
If you normally wear glasses, you should wear them for your portrait. However, eyes are very important. So, we ask that you borrow a set of frames (without lenses) from your optometrist for your session. Most places do this free of charge.
Tan
It's okay to be lightly tan, but don't get sunburned! We can make you look more tan than you really are, but a sunburn will detract from your appearance.
Hair
Now is not the time to try a new hairstyle. Wear it like you normally do. We are not hairstylists, so you may want to bring along your hairspray, curling iron, etc.
Clean-shaven
If you want to appear clean-shaven for your portraits, shave before you come.
Location
Weather permitting, part of the photographic session is often done outdoors in our gardens. If you have special concerns about this in any way, please let us know.
Rain
For outdoor sessions, if the weather looks questionable, we should be in touch. We will still be able to do your indoor portrait session. Don't assume we'll reschedule because of grey skies . . . grey skies are perfect!
Remember, if anything is unclear or you have further questions, please call. We’re happy to sit down and talk with you concerning your questions… over the phone (978-649-7783), via email (photoart@ellaprints.com) or during a free pre-session consultation.
We are always happy to hear your special requests. Your own personal input into the photographic session can add the personal touch that makes your portrait timeless and unique.
If you have special interests, consider including objects or settings that bring elements of those interests into your portraits. For help with this, call us for a free consultation.
Hints for better portraits of infants and children
Healthy child
We want your child to look and feel his or her best. So when children are feeling under the weather, have a cold or fever, bumps from their latest playground experience, etc., let's wait to photograph them when they are feeling more like themselves.
Well-rested
All of us parents know how difficult it can be to reason with or have fun with a child who is simply too overtired. It's best to bring your child after he or she has had a nap or when they are feeling their most alert and cooperative.
Well-fed
This is especially important for infants. Be sure to bring a bottle for your baby and snacks and sippy cups for your toddlers.
Smiles
Please don't have your child practice smiling or saying "cheese" at home. That will usually result in a smile that is not natural, that is not "them." Also, while each child has a beautiful and distinct smile, capturing additional expressions can be even more powerful and lovely.
Timeless treasures
If you have any particular clothing, toy or family heirloom that you would like your child photographed with, be sure to bring it along.
Keep it simple
You don't need a lot of props or complicated backgrounds in your child's portrait. The most powerful, moving, and lasting images are simple.
Bring your calendar to schedule a viewing of your images the following week.
Hints for better portraits of teens, adults and families
Clothing
Bring as many outfits as you'd like, but remember, plain (solid colors—no patterns or prints) clothes are best. Bib overalls work great for toddlers. While flowered or patterned dresses are beautiful for little girls, they don't photograph very well. If you have any questions about clothing, please call us for a free consultation.
Simpler is better: instead of prints or patterns. You may not want to dress alike as a family everyday, but in a family portrait, harmony in your clothing is very important. Color coordination is the key when it comes to your family's clothing selection. Clothing with long-sleeves and solid colors work best for more traditional and even casual family portraits. Again, avoid clothing that has patterns (stripes, plaids, pictures) and be sure to wear similar-colored shoes. There are some exceptions, but it really depends on what type of artistic portrait you are looking for, and we are more than happy to provide you with a free clothing consultation.
Make-up
Don't go overboard. Wear what you normally do. Bring some along for touch-up purposes.
Glasses
If you normally wear glasses, you should wear them for your portrait. However, eyes are very important. So, we ask that you borrow a set of frames (without lenses) from your optometrist for your session. Most places do this free of charge.
Tan
It's okay to be lightly tan, but don't get sunburned! We can make you look more tan than you really are, but a sunburn will detract from your appearance.
Hair
Now is not the time to try a new hairstyle. Wear it like you normally do. We are not hairstylists, so you may want to bring along your hairspray, curling iron, etc.
Clean-shaven
If you want to appear clean-shaven for your portraits, shave before you come.
Location
Weather permitting, part of the photographic session is often done outdoors in our gardens. If you have special concerns about this in any way, please let us know.
Rain
For outdoor sessions, if the weather looks questionable, we should be in touch. We will still be able to do your indoor portrait session. Don't assume we'll reschedule because of grey skies . . . grey skies are perfect!
Remember, if anything is unclear or you have further questions, please call. We’re happy to sit down and talk with you concerning your questions… over the phone (978-649-7783), via email (photoart@ellaprints.com) or during a free pre-session consultation.
