Christmas Mini Shoot Guide Blog
How to get the most out of your Christmas mini shoot for families, couples, children, dogs and friends.
I am thrilled to announce the opening of Photography by Liz at The Cowshed in mid October.
To celebrate, I have a special promotional offer for Christmas mini shoots, which are a wonderful way to capture the spirit of the festive season. The mini shoots are quick, enjoyable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone's faces. In order to make sure your photo shoot is a success, I have put together a mini Christmas preparation guide to help you get ready. I can't wait to meet you and create some magical memories together!
What shall we wear?
Some people like to completely match their outfits and there are a lot of affordable family options available, others prefer slightly less uniformity. If 'matchy, matchy' isn't your style, then I would suggest co-ordinated colours. Choosing a palette of three colours works well, e.g. denim, cream and red. You can all wear different clothing, but sticking to the same palette unifies the look and has the biggest impact. Please avoid writing and logos as they are distracting and also age the photograph quickly.
If you have chosen an outdoor scene then matching hats and scarfs can look good, but again, think neutral colours.
A mini session is as it says. If you want to have a second outfit then that is possible, but it will be part of your studio session time and may not be sensible if your child is likely to get stressed. You can, of course, book a standard hour long session if you want to explore more options.
Bring along any small props and accessories that fit your vision. I do have a small selection of additional items that you are welcome to borrow but consider accessories that finish your outfits.
How does it work?
You will arrive at the door at your allotted time (I only have one set of clients in at a time to avoid distractions) and be welcomed in. We will have a brief discussion on who it is that you want me to photograph and whether it is groups or individuals or both. I will arrange the models accordingly and we shall double check that everyone looks as they should do! You shall have an ID board for the first test shot - a double check that the right photographs are put in your gallery.
I shall show you all what happens with the lights when I take a photograph. At this point I will ask that parents to sit back and give me space to make connections with your children. I have previously worked with children for over 20 years, so unless they are really overwhelmed or I ask for assistance, please let me take the lead uninterrupted.
Sometimes, especially with babies, toddlers or people who have additional needs, I may need you to help me get their attention to illicit that smile and giggle that will make everyone coo!
I like to work in a relaxed, fun, okay, silly manner to get the most natural images of people. There is no pressure on your child(ren) to perform or to be looking at the camera with big perfect smiles in every shot. This is usually counterproductive. We nearly always manage smiles and laughter in the end. Very occasionally it might mean that your record in time is the terrible twos, but the photographs are often priceless in a way that will have the family laughing for years to come.
You will receive an email within 4 days of your session which will give you the link to your private gallery. You can choose one of the pre-advertised packages. Orders should be made within the following 5 days to guarantee the print offer prices. Payment instructions will be in your gallery. Please note that products will not be ordered/ delivered until payment is made in full. Products are non-returnable unless they have a manufacturing defect.
You will be informed when your physical products are ready for collection.
Hot Tips!
Please:
arrive a little early so that you are all relaxed. Enjoy views of the windmill and fields for a few minutes so that everyone is relaxed.
check that faces are clean and hair is doing what is supposed to!
make sure that anyone being photographed is presented as they wish to be photographed. There is no editing of bad hair days, chipped nail polish or food stains etc
times things so that there are no grumbling tummies. Please ensure that your children aren't 'hangry' before their session.
leave any objects of bribery (food or toys) in the car. They become a distraction and a focus or even a battle...
don't heavily coach your children before their session. We want them to be excited by the experience, not walk in dreading it because they've been endlessly told not to smile this way or that way - it doesn't work anyway! ;-)
remember yourselves. Parents always come last but you need to feel good too!
walk your dog for a final wee/poo just before coming in and take any waste home with your (or use the dog poo bins in Usk).
Studio Rules
The Cowshed is designed to be a safe, relaxed and happy environment. There are a few rules that must be adhered to:
Please:
keep children/pets, who are not on the set at any time, under very close supervision. They should not be allowed to roam or play with props.
do not eat in the studio (drinks and snacks in the car please)
do not use recording equipment including phone cameras during your session. You may do a family selfie at the end of the session (watch out for photo-bombing photographers)!
keep your dogs on a lead at all times outside and bring them into the studio on a lead. If your dog is fear reactive then please discuss this when making the booking. Please clean up any dog mess and take it away with you.
restrict dreadful cracker jokes to three per session.
have fun!
Please spread the word. It is a new business venture and I welcome your support.