FAMILY session prep guide
let's get ready!
I can't wait to capture joyful and unscripted moments of your family! I've put together this Preparation Guide so you know exactly what to expect from our time together.
Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions or concerns.
thank you for booking a FAMILY session!
- Marjorie
cell: (626) 497 9091
hello@marjoriecohenphotography.com
preparing for your session
before your session
When thinking about an upcoming photo session, people often focus on everything they have to get done. I'm going to suggest something a little different: make mental preparation the priority. If you are able to maintain a positive mindset and adapt to whatever comes up, you will have a wonderful, relaxed session packed with moments of deep connection. Your photos will reflect your family life in the most beautiful way. Everything else is secondary to this, in my opinion.
But let's talk about the logistics...
The first step after booking your session is completing the questionnaire. It will give me a great idea of who you are as a family, and most importantly, what activities you enjoy doing together. Family sessions are centered around activities for a few reasons:
1. It gives you something to do together
2. Activities keep the kids happy and engaged
3. The act of doing something with your child helps you focus on them versus the camera
Activities can be anything from reading a book to baking blueberry muffins. The activity is just a gateway for you to connect with your child. And they will LOVE getting all that undivided attention!
As far as getting your home ready, I suggest focusing on 2-3 main rooms. These are usually the kid's rooms, parents' bedroom, and living room. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to make the home look impeccable. But please go ahead and store any eye sores such as laptops, computer cables, phone chargers, dirty socks, etc. I also suggest having a simple bright-colored comforter on your bed (off-white if you have it) so we can take family photos with a simple background.
Here are some helpful articles in case you want to do a deep-dive into a specific topic:
• 9 Best Activities for At-Home Family Photos
• The Secret to Relaxing In Front Of the Camera
• Preparing Your Child For A Photo Session
• 5 Easy Recipes to Make With Your Kids
what to wear
what to wear
I recommend dressing in a style that represents you. Keep it simple and keep it comfortable. Make sure you can move around, play with your kid(s), and sit on the ground without your outfit getting in the way.
In terms of aesthetics, consider your home decor when picking outfits - colors, patters, textures - as those elements will effect the look of your photos. We want everything to work together.
Play with layers and different textures, and don't forget to have a backup outfit available for the little ones!
Here are a few things to AVOID, to make sure there outfits don't create any distractions in the photos:
• All black or all white
• Distinct logos
• Crazy patterns or neon colors
• 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.
If you want more tips on outfits, check out my article on What To Wear For Your Family Photos for a more complete guide.
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 words you'd use to describe your family dynamic and if there are any specific photos you wish to get.
My goal is to capture this stage of your life in a way that feels real.
I don't impose a time limit for my sessions. Family Sessions can last 1-2 hours depending on everyone's needs. I make sure to allow time for kids having big feelings, needing a break, etc. We'll wrap up when the session comes to a natural close.
during the session
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 session. 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. Once you purchase a collection, 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
copyright info
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.
downloading your files
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.)
printing your images
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".
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
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
copyright info
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.
downloading your files
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.)
printing your images
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".
ALL high-resolution digital jpegs with print release
$500 in print credit to be used in the online store
collection c
30 high-resolution digital jpegs with print release
$250 in print credit to be used in the online store
collection b
15 high-resolution digital jpegs with print release
$100 in print credit to be used in the online store
collection a
family photography collections
Each Collection contains digitals and print credit so you can select your items of choice from the online store.
$650
$850
$1050
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 mounted prints - starting at $20
Thanks again for trusting me with your family's memories. I'm excited to work with you!
Remember, this process should feel easy and stress-free. It at any point you find yourself overwhelmed or unsure of the next step, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Cell: (626) 497 9091
Email: hello@marjoriecohenphotography.com
thank you!
Cell: (626) 497 9091
Email: hello@marjoriecohenphotography.com
