Thank you for choosing Laura Reive Photography to capture your family together. Here you’ll find information and suggestions for your upcoming family session.
Location & Timing
Family sessions take place on location, outdoors at a nearby apple orchard, fields/farm, trails, and the beach. Because I am a natural light photographer, I prefer to photograph families 1-2 hours before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. I understand this can be a tricky time for young children nearing bedtime but if you think your young child(ren) can maintain good spirits, I recommend booking in the evening for optimal lighting.
Preparing for your Family Session & What to Wear
I am calm, patient, and very easygoing by nature. As a mom and a photographer, I appreciate and respect individuality. Little ones can be very shy around new people and I like to allow them space to warm up before we jump into photographing. We might play silly games and sing songs, run and skip, pick flowers, and pretend to be explorers. Capturing connection is very important to me. I love to photograph families tickling, laughing, and snuggling together. I never ask kids to “smile!” or “say ‘cheese’!” and I ask that you don’t coach them ahead of time or at the session to do so. Our goal is to lift any expectations they might have in terms of posing and direction so that they can be free to be themselves without any added pressure. This allows them to relax and enjoy the session while providing me with the opportunity to capture genuine, true expressions.
Clothing selection is very important as we want to produce timeless images. Think casual and simple. I suggest wearing clothing that coordinates well but isn’t too “matchy.” Soft, neutral tones are timeless and keep the focus where it should be: on you and your little ones being together. Please avoid: bold patterns, logos/graphics, bold colours, stripes, and stiff/formal clothing. Stark white and black are also not recommended.
Props/Session Styling
If you have a vision for your family session in terms of including particular props, please let me know. Maybe you’d like pettiskirts in the orchard, a teddy bear picnic, an antique bed in a field, or a bunch of balloons to mark a birthday milestone. I’m happy to plan this with you. Just let me know before your session so we can discuss the details and have everything ready.
Illness & Rescheduling
It’s important for everyone to be feeling well at your session. As a mom, I understand that illness can’t be predicted. If you need to reschedule, please let me know as soon as the illness becomes apparent so that we can set up an alternate session date.
After the Session
Your password-protected, online proofing gallery will be posted 10-14 days after your session. The gallery includes 30-35 carefully selected and retouched session images. Minor retouching is included. As with my shooting style, my editing style is clean and natural. If you have any concerns or requests, don’t hesitate to let me know. Orders are placed by phone or email and I’m happy to further discuss what display options you’re most interested in, and to answer any pricing/product questions you might have.
The proofing gallery is posted for 7 days for ordering purposes. After this time, there is a reposting fee to have the slideshow posted for another 7 days. Keeping to a timeline, allows me to provide you with excellent care and service. I will process your order so that your finished prints and beautiful final products are in your hands and on your walls for you and your family/friends to enjoy as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to photographing your family!
info@laurareive.com | 705-322-6546