Welcome, I’m so excited you’re here!
Custom photography is special because your photos won’t only capture this moment in time, but will show the essence of your family and the personalities of the individuals that make it special. I use my knowledge of equipment and natural light while guiding your family to have fun and spend some focused time together so I can get some really special images. I don’t aim to photograph rigid poses with forced smiles. You will get images that you can hang on your walls and pass on for generations to remember this time in your parenting adventure.
You will soon receive an invoice for your booking fee and our contract. Next, over email, we will discuss location selection, wardrobe, and any questions you have. This week, please also fill out the questionnaire linked below so I can get to know your family a bit now to be best prepared for our session.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session:
Communication
My hope is that you find everything you need right here on this welcome page!
Maternity: I'll email you a week before our session to make sure that your scheduled time is best with the forecast. I'll also confirm the location and time to meet.
Newborn: Please add me to the list of people who are contacted when your baby arrives. This may be your partner or friend’s responsibility as I know you’ll be busy! We can adjust our session timing based on baby. Anytime from when you arrive home to when baby is 3 weeks old is best.
Location
Maternity: I’ll help you choose a location that is best fit for your family. I love in home sessions and I have favorite spots for woods, beach, or fields that I can recommend. We’ll have a fun time playing in our natural environment!
Newborn: I’ll photograph at your home using natural light. When I get there, I’ll turn off all the lights and use just light from the windows. My favorite rooms to photograph in are the living room, master bedroom, and baby’s room. Have any special blankets, hats, or toys ready that you want me to include. If it’s chili out, pump up the heat a little so babe is warm if we do some naked pictures.
Timing of your session
Maternity: For outdoor sessions, the light is best around sunrise or sunset. Midday light is harsh and won’t provide light needed for the photos I want to take of your family. We’ll work with the sun and your children’s needs (if you already have kids) to schedule a time that works. Many families tell me they have their kids take a late nap or afternoon downtime before a later session.
Newborn: I do newborn sessions in the late morning. We can base the timing on any older child’s nap schedule if needed to be sure the whole family is present. It doesn’t matter if your newborn is awake or asleep- I’ll cater to his/her needs when I’m there.
Length of your Session
Sessions are usually about an hour but can take longer based on your family's needs.
What to Wear
Wear what makes you happy! Some families like to coordinate their clothes, but I don’t recommend matching. Avoid big prints or logos. Wear layers if it’s chili out so you’re comfortable.
Maternity: Long dresses tend to be comfortable for pregnant women and they photograph beautifully!
Newborn: I like white onesies on babies, but if you have something special go for it. We’ll also get your babe naked and swaddled. Avoid big prints or logos. If you are a nursing mama, wear something that will make it comfortable to nurse if you’d like during our session.
Props
I’ll use your blankets, but don’t use props in my sessions. If you have something in mind, let me know!
Preparing Siblings
Bringing home a new little brother or sister is a very big event in a child’s life. My pictures are just as much about your older child(ren) as the new baby. Since I don’t like taking rigid “cheese!” photos, you can be assured that your children will be able to feel free to be themselves. Sibling pictures are so special in this early time. I want to photograph them being who they are, and they are perfect just the way they are.
Of course, please do your best to have your children well rested and fed before our shoot. If they need a snack during our session, please offer a dry snack so it’s not too messy. I’ll continue shooting even when they eat. Tell your children that your friend Anela will be meeting up with you all to take pictures so they are not surprised.
Please be ready to start at our agreed time.
I’m honored you’ve chosen me to photograph your family! Don’t hesitate to ask any questions.
~Anela