Lay back, act natural and let’s take some photographs.
This isn’t about a photo session, or even the pictures, it’s about You. Forget about posing and feeling stiff in front of the camera. Imagine going on a walk with an old friend, who just happens to have a camera with them. My process is free and flowy, and my only goal is to capture your true self.
The real You framed into a timeless portrait
01.
To Begin
Once you have decided book a session with Maddie Dean Photography, please complete the session questionnaire, and I will be getting back to you as soon as possible. The session questionnaire, contract and non-refundable retainer are required to secure your calendar date.
02.
2 weeks prior
So that everyone feels comfortable and we are all on the same page with your vision, I will have a quick phone consultation with clients approximately 2 weeks prior to your session to discuss locations, clothing choices, props and any special requests you may have for your session. I will contact you via your preferred method with in 48 hours of the session for final confirmations.
03.
Picture time
The big day! We’ll meet at the location, talk, connect, and get to know each other for a few moments while I prepare my equipment and check my proper settings so that we can jump right into photos. I strive to make good use of the session time, have fun and capture the perfect photos for you. No need to drag out the session! Please see the session hints below to learn how you can help the big day run smoothly and ensure a beautiful outcome.
04.
Delivery
In 10-14 business days, you will receive an email with a link to your professionally retouched photographs in a password protected gallery to see yourself in all your natural glory.
You may download the photos directly from the gallery to a computer, I recommend not downloading to print from a cellular phone - the quality will change, however sharing to social media and texts from your phone will be fine.
I do offer the option to purchase a USB drive with your images already loaded. I highly recommend purposeful back ups as I may not always be able to replace images lost due to computer malfunctions or natural disasters.
My approach to sessions:
The art of photography to me, is much more than just producing a photograph on paper. It's about capturing the essence of you and your family in a stress-free and relaxed environment. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is getting to know you and your children so that I can create portraits that reflect your family unit. My hope is that the images captured in your session may be treasured for years to come. I look forward to working with you.
The process:
Depending on the package you choose, we'll shoot for one or more hours on location. This includes the time it takes to set up my equipment, client outfit changes and moving from one location to another. We'll take a lot of photographs over the course of those hours, some which will become forever favorites proudly displayed in your home. After our session, I will go through all the photographs taken that day and choose the best ones to professionally edit; unflattering photos, or any that don't meet my standards, are permanently deleted from your files. This turnaround time typically takes 10 - 14 business days, though I strive to be much quicker. Please remember that I work as a nurse and have a busy family, so as much as I want to live in front of my computer, I simply cannot. I will try to post a few sneak peaks on my social media pages (Instagram and Facebook) to tide you over within a day or so. I know that waiting can be the worst and truly appreciate your patience and understanding while I get your gallery ready.
What to wear:
A common question among clients is what they should wear to their portrait session. Clothing choices are in integral part of the final prints, so for that reason I'm outlining a few things to consider when selecting outfits. Of course I am available for clothing consultation should desire a little extra help planning and coordinating!
Coordinate Colors
Coordinating colors tend to photograph better than outfits that are perfectly matched. Consider selecting a palette of 3-4 colors and choose outfits within the palette for each family member. Avoid looks such as white shirts and jeans for everyone and mixing multiple prints - stripes, plaid, houndstooth, animal print.
Add Some Layers
Layering vets, jackets, and scarves is an easy and natural way to give depth and texture to your final images. While it's fun to play with accessories, try not to overdo it or they may end up distracting from the subject(s). Please make sure hair ties aren't stored on wrists and cellular phones aren't an unwanted pocket accessory!
Fit Style with Location
Be mindful of where your session will take place when choosing your outfits. You obviously wouldn't want to wear dark and moody clothes fall clothing to a beach session, likewise a swimsuit and flipflops probably aren't great for downtown Shiner or a local pasture full of wildflowers.
Be True to You
My goal is to capture authentic images of your children and/or your family. Select clothes that reflect your personal style and taste rather than forcing yourselves into something
trendy or outside of your comfort zone; the camera truly picks up on anyone feeling uncomfortable and it will show in your final images.
Please make sure your clothing is clean and pressed.. Maddie Dean Photography does not offer digital laundering services to edit stains, holes, wrinkles and other wardrobe malfunctions; reshoots are not offered for unsatisfactory appearances.
Session Success:
A few helpful hints to ensure you have an enjoyable and success portrait session
"To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them" ~ Elliott Erwitt
Sit back & relax
It is natural instinct for parents to want to coerce their child into smiling by telling him/her to "say cheese" or by doing something silly. I pride myself on being able to engage with kids to be able to elicit a natural and emotive response. It works best if parents are able to stay back and allow me to work one-on-one with the subject. My photos tend to be more candid and natural rather than a child forcing a smile directly at the camera.
Special Treats
I encourage you not to bribe your kids or offer special treats prior to the session. In my experience children can be so focused on wanting the treat that they rush through the session. With your permission, I would like to offer your child a special prize as we near the end of the session. It often gives us just a few more photos we may have missed as they become intrigued by a new reward. I have non-editable items if you would prefer your child not have sweets, please let me know ahead of time so that I can plan accordingly.
Break time
If your child becomes restless at point during the session, please know that it is not uncommon for me to sit my camera down and play with your child for a few minutes. This gives your child a break and helps them trust that I have their best interest in mind. They are usually ready to begin after a short breathers.
Please Remember
~ Change of clothes
~Brush or comb
~Snacks
(small, clean and easy to eat!)
~Water bottle
~Special items you would like included in the photograph.
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