Top 10 Tips for making the most of your Portrait Experience
1. TALK TO US - BEFORE THE SHOOT!
In order to create artwork that will truly help you to see, feel and celebrate what means the world to you every day it’s essential that we take the time to talk about what it is that’s important to you about your family, pet and relationships so that we can reflect this in the photographs.
The more these conversations happens the better. Sometimes, until we are asked what is unique about our family or our pets, we have not given it any thought.
What is unique about your family or pets? What keeps you united? Take a breath, think about each of your loved ones individually, what is it about them that you absolutely love the most?
The more you discover about what it is you love the most about your family and pets the more you will love your photographs. Fact!
2. VISUALISE ARTWORK IN YOUR HOME
Where would love to display your artwork so that you can see, feel and celebrate what ‘means the world to you every day?
Think about your home, where can you envisage your artwork being displayed to give you the most benefit?
Where you love to be able to enjoy it everyday and have it impact your lives the most?
Where can you display it so that, every day, every time you look at it, you and your family can be reminded of how loved and important you all are to each other?
3. GET EVERYONE INVOLVED!
In order for this to be the most awesome experience doesn't it make sense for everyone in your family to be involved? (and willingly!)
Sometimes, because of a previous experience, or perhaps how you feel about the way you look, the idea of a photo shoot can be uncomfortable. Teenagers can be particularily self concious, young children can often be shy and Dad's sometimes might not initially see the value in a portrait session.
However all of these can be turned around by, a photographer who's willing to take the time to, get to know, and find out what is genuinely important to these individual family members. What do they love most about each other? How do they see themselves within the family? How would they want to be represented?
As a father myself, I don't know how anyone could photograph what I love most about my daughter first thing in the morning, what it is my wife does that makes my heart sing everyday or what my dog’s utter devotion to me looks like to me without asking me first about what they were!
4. WHAT TO WEAR
To make sure that your portrait is a success we recommend ‘formal’ or ‘smart casual’ attire - you want to make sure you’re looking your best, as these photographs will be on display in your home for years to come. Think classic, simple and neutral!
Shoes
Many of our portraits are full length so we’d advise that you wear smart shoes.
Dark or Muted tones
In general, we recommend you wear plain dark/muted clothing so as to keep the light reflecting on the face and eyes; not the clothing (black, navy, burgundy, dark green all work well.)
Also, a style that will look acceptable 20 years down the line, as many people make the mistake of wearing ‘trendy’ clothing only to regret it when fashions change. Remember it’s your face and eyes that should draw the attention in the portrait not your clothing.
Ideally everyone in the family should be wearing similar tones.
Comfort
It’s advisable to feel comfortable in what you are wearing, if you have a skirt that you need to keep pulling down or a shoulder strap that keeps dropping off, it will become a distraction to you throughout the session.
Things to avoid
Scruffy Jeans
Trainers
Busy patterns (stripes, spots florals, checkered, patterns, plaids)
Bright colours or white as it will draw attention away from the face
Be wary of ‘high fashion’ outfits that might look dated by next season!
Large obtrusive brand logos or prints can also be distracting.
Make-up & Hair
Be careful not to overdo the make-up or tan. Think fresh and clean! If you can it's a great idea to get your children's haircut a few weeks before your shoot.
If you require hair and make-up on the day please inform us well in advance so we can ensure our make-up artist is available - there will be an additional cost for this service.
In Brief
Ultimately these photographs are about you and your family, about your expressions of love and contentment, so wear something you feel good in as whenever you look at these pictures you will remember how you felt when you were taking them!
5. PLAN AHEAD
Being organised will most definitely lessen stress!
Make sure clothes are ironed and ready the day before, pack the things you want to bring the day before too, so that you are not rushing about looking for ‘that favourite book’ when you should have left the house 20 minutes ago (we’ve all been there!)
If your design consultation is on the same day as your sitting there will likely be a few hours between taking the photographs and when you get to see them, so why not make a day of it?
Perhaps you could plan to do something as a family during this time, go out for lunch, visit one of our stunning local beaches or go for a walk.
Enjoy this time reflecting on the session whilst your excitement is building to see the results!
There are a number of great places to eat locally that are kid friendly, dog friendly or something more sophisticated should you wish. A few of our favourites are The Quay Cafe, The Williams Arms, Heanton Court, Hang Loose Bar & Grill, The Beachside Grill, The Blue Groove, The New Coast Kitchen
6. WHAT TO BRING
We are often asked "What should we bring?"
The simple answer is "What did you and your photographer talk about BEFORE THE SHOOT that was truly important to you about one of your family members or relationships that required props?"
For Example
Did you talk to your photographer about the look you get from Archie when he's finished his lego tower and can't wait to show you what he's achieved? If so then you might want to bring Archie's favouirte lego!
Does your doggy have a favourite toy or particular high value treats that he’ll do ‘anything’ for?
Ultimately please feel free to bring whatever you would like, that is meaningful and important to include in the photographs such as toys, favourite books, special blankets etc!
That said, props are not essential. You are each others ‘props’, so if there isn’t anything that you've discussed, or that springs to mind, then it is absolutely fine to just bring yourselves!
7. GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR CHILDREN
Have a good night’s sleep
Try and ensure a good nights sleep for everyone the night before your photoshoot, although sometimes this is not always a realistic tip especially when your little people are particularly little!
However, if your little people are very small and still take naps, plan your photoshoot for a time during their day that they are at their best!
Bring along some treats, snacks or favourite toys, to reward and encourage them. We will make sure they are made to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Happy children = Happy parents!
8. ARRANGE CHILDCARE FOR YOUR DESIGN CONSULTATION
We recommend that you have someone to look after the children during your design consultation.
The design consultations are an amazing experience and can be quite emotional, however your full attention is paramount for you to benefit from your experience as much as possible.
Organising someone to pick up and look after your children, so that you can focus on creating your wall art during the Design Consultation without distraction will make for a more enjoyable experience.
Not only this, but it will make decision making easier, and you’ll be able to discuss with each other in peace whilst designing your perfect artwork
We know the children will be excited to see the results so why not create a grand unveiling of the artwork you have chosen for the children when it's been hung on your wall in pride of place? We love to see videos of their reactions!
9. ARRIVE EARLY
Try and arrive early and relaxed, leave plenty of journey time, arriving stressed because you have been running late all morning will not have you in the right mind frame to enjoy the experience and this is something that you deserve to enjoy as much as possible.
We have 6 parking spaces right in front of the studio so you won’t have far to walk and there’s plenty of grassy areas close by if your doggy needs to stretch their legs before the shoot.
10. PREPARE YOURSELF FINANCIALLY
Be prepared to want everything!
You will want to buy! During our telephone conversations we will have given you an idea of the cost of artwork for specific places in your home. While at no stage are you under any pressure, from us, to purchase anything, we can pretty much guarantee that you will want to!
So, maybe clear a credit card, or put some money aside in the weeks leading up to your shoot. You know you will want to surround yourself with these photographs which will represent the love that surrounds your family or pets. It could also be a great opportunity to purchase a truly special gift for family members who aren’t taking part in the experience.
This is your chance to do something awesome, so make sure you discuss this with any other decision makers before you come to the studio.
Your order will be placed and paid for in full at the end of your Design Consultation, so to avoid disappointment, please prepare financially and be prepared to love everything!
To ensure that you can have everything that you fall in love with, in addition to accepting all major credit cards, we also offer flexible interest free payment plans to give you a little more time to pay for your art.