Family session prep guide
Thank you for booking a Family Session!
I can't wait to capture your family just as you are!
I've put together this Preparation Guide so you know exactly what to expect during your session and the time leading up to it.
Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions or concerns.
- Marjorie
cell: (626) 497-9091
marjoriecohenphotography@gmail.com
Family Sessions take place inside your home. I'm happy to capture some moments outside at your property as well if the space allows. I shoot using natural light, so I ask that you open all your shades before I arrive. This will give your photos more depth and beautiful colors.
I don't impose a time limit for my sessions. Because of the nature of documentary photography, I wait for moments to unfold naturally. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours, which will allow us to cover a variety or activities that are meaningful to you. These activities might include, meal time, bath time, crafts, coloring, baking, playing, and reading.
Once you fill out the questionnaire, we'll have a rough plan for the session. From there, there's always room for surprises and on-the-spot ideas!
Preparing for Your Session
Once I arrive, I like to take a few minutes to get to know everyone so we can all be comfortable around each other. I aim to create a relaxed and stress-free environment where you can be yourselves!
When it feels natural, I'll take out my camera and start snapping away. We will be in communication the entire time, and I will guide you through the session. I will bring notes with me from your questionnaire - like what activities you'd like me to capture and mood words you'd use to describe your family dynamic.
My goal is to capture the essence of who you are and your relationships with each other. Also... this should be FUN!
The Session Itself
I recommend dressing in a style that represents you. There is absolutely no need to dress up for the photo session. Most of all... keep it simple.
Here are a few things to AVOID, to make sure you and your children are the highlight of the photos:
• All black or all white
• Distinct/distracting logos
• Bold patterns
• Large text
Once I arrive, I'll do a quick wardrobe check to make sure there aren't any issues that would show up on-camera.
What Should We Wear?
After your session, I'll narrow down your images so we're left with the best of the best. Your gallery will contain at least 75 images, usually more.
Two weeks after your session, you will receive an email with a link to view your Slideshow. Your slideshow contains all the photos from your sesison. I strongly recommend watching this on the biggest screen you have, with the family gathered! It should feel like an event! The slideshow will remain active for 24 hours, starting from when you open it. You'll be able to view and share it as much as you like during that period.
The next step is to select and purchase your Collection. I offer 3 different Collections (detailed below), each containing a specific number of digitals and a certain amount of print credit. From there, you'll have access to all your photos for the next two weeks while you choose your favorite images for download, as well as your products from my online store. You'll receive a coupon code which will unlock your product credit.
After the Session
While everything I offer in my digital store is printed in professional labs and guaranteed to be beautiful, I recognize that you may want to print your images yourself - and you absolutely can!
I recommend mpix.com for online prints. Be sure to de-select any color correction options. Your files should allow you to print up to 20x30".
As the photographer, I retain the copyright of the images.
However, you are free to post and print your images wherever you'd like.
I only ask that you not alter the images in any way - no filters, cropping, converting to black & white, etc.
You may NOT resell your photos or use for business/commercial purposes.
copyright info
printing your images
Once you've selected your favorite images, you can download them directly from the gallery. I suggest having two copies of your images - one on a hard drive and a backup copy located on a cloud service (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
downloading your files
• All (75+) high-resolution digital images
• $500 in print credit
• Slideshow
• 30 high-resolution digital images
• $250 in print credit
• 15 high-resolution digital images
• $100 in print credit
collections
collections
$750
Information about your packages, pricing, conditions. Includes all the details here. Booking conditions and terms, etc.
family milestones
$550
Information about your packages, pricing, conditions. Includes all the details here. Booking conditions and terms, etc.
studio session
$450
Information about your packages, pricing, conditions. Includes all the details here. Booking conditions and terms, etc.
Lifestyle session
family packages
contact me for quote
Information about your packages, pricing, conditions. Includes all the details here. Booking conditions and terms, etc.
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS 2
sTARTING AT $950
Information about your packages, pricing, conditions. Includes all the details here. Booking conditions and terms, etc.
commercial projects 1
$650
Information about your packages, pricing, conditions. Includes all the details here. Booking conditions and terms, etc.
personal brand
branding packages
Q: WHAT IF MY PLACE IS A MESS?
Don't drive yourself crazy trying to make your home look impeccable! When it comes to tidying up, I suggest focusing on the two most used rooms in your home. Tuck away the most visually unappealing objects (such as cables, laptops, phone chargers, purses, dirty dishes, etc) and we can deal with the rest of it as we go.
Q: WHERE IN MY HOME WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Typically, we spend the bulk of our time in the main living room. This is where we'll have the most space to play around in and usually, the most light. I also love having cozy, cuddly photos on your bed. It's a great opportunity to get portraits that include everyone just being together. If there is a specific area of the house you'd like to feature in the photos, just let me know when I arrive!
Q: WHAT IF MY KIDS DON'T COOPERATE?
The most important thing I can tell you is that 90% of Family Sessions will feel like total chaos! Don't worry! We will still get great photos! It's unrealistic to expect little kids to want to cuddle and smile and hug you for the entire time I'm there. In fact, I can tell you with certainty that it will not happen. And that's okay. I recommend focusing on yourself - stay positive and relaxed - and those moments will come.
Q: WHAT DO WE DO WHILE YOU'RE HERE?
Once you fill out your questionnaire, we will have a rough plan in place based on your favorite activities to do as a family. From there, I recommend setting up little stations so your child can choose the order in which you do the activities. Especially with toddlers, it's best to let them take the lead. Think of this session as your special time with them where they tell you how they want to play and you just go along with it.
Q: WILL YOU BE TELLING US WHAT TO DO?
I will absolutely guide the session and ensure that everything you're doing is also working for the camera! I am NOT a fly on the wall. Of course if an intimate moment presents itself, I will stand back and let it unfold, but generally, we are in constant communication. I'll let you know when it's time to move onto a different activity or a different area of the home, or simply let things play out if they are working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking at your photos on a screen will never compare to the feeling of seeing them on your walls everyday, or flipping through the pages of an album with your children.
Choosing your products is perhaps the most important part of the whole process. Take a look at some of the items I offer so you can start thinking about how you'd like to display your images.
Products
fine art albums - Starting at $750 for an 8x8 album with leather or linen cover
framed deckled prints - Starting at $250 for an 8x10 print
photo ledge with mounted prints - starting at $20 for prints
Looking at your photos on a screen will never compare to the feeling of seeing them on your walls everyday, or flipping through the pages of an album with your children.
Choosing your products is perhaps the most important part of the whole process. Take a look at some of the items I offer, so you can start thinking about how you'd like to display your images.
Products
fine art albums - starting at $750
framed deckled prints- starting at $250
photo ledge with prints - starting at $60
Thank You!
Thanks again for trusting me with your family's memories! I'm excited to work with you!
Please feel free to reach out at any point during the process if you have questions or are feeling overwhelmed. I'm here to help!
Call me: (626) 497-9091
Email me: marjoriecohenphotography@gmail.com