lifestyle session GUIDE

 

Never had professional pictures? Surprisingly I haven't either, not even senior pictures. So if you're someone that hates having your picture taken I can relate. Don't worry about not knowing what to do or being awkward (in fact awkward people usually end up with the cutest pictures). I can offer as much direction on posing as you would like.. The most important thing is that you have fun being together.

 

WHAT TO WEAR
There is tons of inspiration for what to wear on pinterest! Search "what to wear for family sessions" or “maternity sessions” and you'll get tons of ideas. I also have a board with outfit suggestions. These are colors and textures that will photograph well.
WHAT TO WEAR : Maternity & Family
Try to stay away from neons, very bright colors and thin stripes. Those colors and patterns don't translate well

Try to decide if you'd like your session to be formal or causal. This will help determine the location as well.

While it's fun to shop for something new to wear to your session, make sure your session isn't the first time to wear your new outfits. Taking your new clothes out for a test drive first will let you get a feel for how well you can move and how the colors look in different lights. You may notice underwear lines, creases or other things you didn't before in the changing room!

WHAT TO BRING
I don't recommend bringing too many props. They can get in the way and can be hard to tote from place to place.
Here are some suggestions:
• Blanket
• Favorite toy
• Little shoes
• Favorite book


Pets are also always welcome, provided the location we choose allows pets. It's always a good idea to bring an extra person to watch your pet(s) or take them home after they are done with their picture. Like kids they only have so many pictures in them before they're finished ;)

 

WHERE TO GO
Decide if you would like for your session to be dressy or casual, urban or outdoorsy. Once you decide that, we can narrow our choices down.

These are the places I shoot at most often but I am always open to suggestions!

  • Bernheim State Forest*

  • Clark State Forest*

  • Hubers Winery*

  • Deam Lake*

  • Blackacre Farm

  • Brown Park

  • Anchorage Trail

  • Tom Sawyer Park

  • Farmington Historic Home

  • Belvedere/Muhammad Ali Center

Also consider if you have any family that owns property who will let you come for your session. 

*Requires an entrance fee or appointment 

WHAT IF IT RAINS
Unfortunately we are rather limited in the area we live with indoor options. I try not to take more than one session a day so if changing the time of your session will help us avoid the rain that is a possibility. If there is no break in the rain we can consider powering through with cute umbrellas or rescheduling. While I'll do my best to accommodate your schedule if we have to reschedule keep in mind that  Saturday afternoons & evenings are usually booked with weddings. Your session may need to take place on a week day or early Saturday morning.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER OUR SESSION
Completed sessions are delivered 1-2 weeks from your session date.
Your gallery will be emailed to you and be active for 14 days. Please place all orders in this time.

 

 

I'm so excited to get to know you and your family!

 

Session Policies

Attire

When you arrive at your session, please be dressed and ready to be photographed. If you are concerned about clothing getting dirty or wrinkled before you arrive, then please arrive before your session is scheduled to allow time to change.

Questionnaire

Please remember to fill out your questionnaire on my site to help me get a better understanding of what you desire from your session.

Proofs

Depending on the season within 1-2 days of your session you may see a few previews from your session on Facebook or Instagram. If you would like to friend request me so that you can tag yourself in your pictures feel free. However if you decide to use one of your images for your profile picture or cover photo do not crop, edit or add a filter to the picture.

1-2 weeks after your session, you will receive an email with a link to your gallery. Galleries expire after 2 weeks.

If you would like to purchase additional retouches please contact me to do so before downloading your photos. Light photo edits are included in all sessions. This includes:
• color
• exposure
• tonality
• white balance
• shadow/highlight adjustments
• removing minor skin blemishes and redness where needed

Images are delivered as hi-res digital instant downloads from your gallery. If you would like to purchase a backup usb of your images please contact me to do so.

Contract

You will receive a contract and model release form shortly if you haven't already. Check your spam folder if you have not received them within 24 hours. Please sign and return these prior to your session.Both forms must be filled out completely and returned before your session begins. Fill out the model release for everyone who will be present in the pictures. This includes ANYONE that will be present in photos . No images from your session can be viewed online until these documents have been signed.

Rescheduling / Weather

If you need to reschedule your session please give 24-48 hours notice.  I will attempt to reschedule you for the next available date of your preference.  Due to the high volume of sessions/weddings during the months of March-November sessions can only be rescheduled once at the original session price. Rescheduling a second time (or more) will require an additional 50% retainer to book a new date.

Shooting in the rain is negotiable. For chance of rain greater than 50% let me know if you want to consider shooting anyway. I do have clear bubble umbrellas that are large enough for 2 people in the event it starts to rain.

If the temperature is below 32 degrees on your scheduled session date I will be contacting you to reschedule.

Custom orders

A wide range of graphic design products such as invitations and collages, centered around your session's images are available!

Copyrights

Lauren Morris retains the copyright to all images. It is illegal to scan, copy or reproduce my images in any manner, including images posted to Facebook, Instagram or the blog.  I thank you for respecting my artistic property. I also reserve the right to use images for personal advertisement, web, publication and display.

Please do not bring your camera or video camera to a session.

Payment

35% of your session fee is due as a retainer to hold your date. Check your invoice for payment due dates and options.

  • Photography & Design By Lauren accepts cash, check and payments through PayPal, Chase QuickPay and Venmo.

  • The remaining session fee balance is due by or at the date of your session.

  • Print orders should be placed within 2 weeks.

  • Print payment is due when the order is placed.

  • Please allow at least 2 weeks for all order processing to be completed.

  • All sales are final.

Thank you for taking the time to read about how I work and my business policies.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.

I look forward to your session!