What to Expect

Preparing for your Studio Photo Session with Lindy

This guide is designed to help you get the most out of your session. Please read this thoroughly, it’s in your best interests, I promise!
Feel free to let me know if something is not clear or you have any questions.

My studio is located at the very end of Aurora Lane, at 37 Aurora Lane, Wanaka. This road is just off Anderson Road and directly opposite Mataraki Place. Drive to the end of the sealed road and continue along the unsealed driveway. Follow this around to the red brick house and a gravel parking area. There is a space for you to park directly in front of my studio.

. You can text me on 021 803 114 if you’re running late, but don’t stress over 5-10 minutes.

Please refrain from taking any photos or videos on your phone during the session. I understand how hard it is to resist snapping a picture of everything when you’ve got a new baby, but now for couple hours you can just sit back and relax – we’ve got the photos covered.

HOW TO PREPARE

  • Wash hair the day before
    Washing hair the day before the shoot usually has hair looking it’s best for the day. This usually works well for children and adults but go by your own regime if you have one that you knows works.

  • Avoid oily skin products on the day

Oily skin products such as coconut oil and oil based mosituriser can make skin all shiny during the photoshoot. Please apply it the day before to let it soak into the skin.

  • Full tummies and relaxed Children
    Children are usually more calm during photoshoots if they have a full tummy and are not tired. So bring snacks and water. And avoid overly tiring your child before the photoshoot, for example, try to avoid swimming before the photoshoot.

  • Prepare you child
    Let your child know about the photoshoot beforehand. Explain what is going to happen. And then when you are in the studio don’t worry about how they behave. I’ll chat to your children to let them know what we are doing. I find if parents are relaxed and not focused on your child smiling your child relaxes more. For younger children, bring a favourite toy or rattle or download their favourite songs onto your phone.

 WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Working with children is unpredictable
    Children are unpredictable. I understand as I have two children myself. I can’t guarantee particular photos but I have my shoot workflow and we usually get some beautiful photos. Some children need time to open up and some children will get their best photos in the first few minutes. Either way I will take enough time to create a gallery for you.

  • If you arrive early
    If you are early, send me a text on 021803114 as I may be ready for you, though it is not guaranteed I will be ready.

  • When you arrive
    Let me know if you have a younger child who needs a feed before we start. Don’t worry about the time it takes as I would rather happy fed children for the photoshoot.  After you get here, we will choose outfits and then take photos using my backdrop and umbrella light.

F

 PARENT PHOTOS

  • Be prepared to get close.
    It may feel a bit strange being so close at first, but it photographs beautifully when you’re all connected. I’ll often simply move your heads and arms to where I want them, so just let me know beforehand if you’re not comfortable with being touched. We will likely shoot these towards the end of the session.

  • Dress in something cohesive.
    While you don’t all have to be perfectly matching, you ideally want to both be wearing shirts of a similar style and tone. Take into consideration which colour backdrop you prefer, as lighter warm tones tend to look better on our signature cream, blues, greys and cooler tones look better on our stone white, while darker clothes tend to look better on our rich brown. We love texture, so lace and wool tops.

  • For the Mums.
    Wear something nice, neutral but something still comfortable. Earthy tones look great as do creams.

  • For the Dads.
    Wear plain T-shirts. Ideally with a v-neck and some sleeves. We also love woollen tops. Avoid wearing any logos or loud patterns as these will stick out in the photo. You can both bring along a couple shirts along if you aren’t sure, as there is a bathroom to change in.

  • Wear some nice, neutral jeans or pants or long skirts for mums.
    They may appear in the photo, especially if we are getting a larger family photo. You can also bring along an extra pair if you need to wear something more comfortable for the session.

  • Clean and trim your nails.
    Please ensure that both of you have clean nails as they will make their way into the photos, and we may also use them for newborn poses on the beanbag. If you paint your nails, apply a solid, fresh coat a day or two before to avoid chips.

  • Avoid fake tanning.
    The undertones of fake tan doesn’t photograph well, especially next to the skin of your baby/children.

Sickness
If I am sick or there is sickness in my house I will postpone the photo session.
If you or your family are sick please let me know and we will postpone the photo session until you are all well. There is no fee or loss of your booking fee to postpone your session due to sickness. If you need to message me my phone number is 021803114.
I adhere to the Ministry of Health Guidelines regarding Covid-19 when preparing for and photographing your family session.

Editing Your Photos Your digital photos will be returned within 2 to 4 weeks of the photo session. After our photo session I go through the photos and choose the best ones for you. They will be delivered as a private online gallery which you download to your computer. Photos, framed prints and albums are also available to purchase and you are able to do this through your online gallery that I send to you afterwards. I print my photos and artwork through Queensberry, the professional-photographers’ printing company who produce high quality prints and albums.

Social Media and Referrals My business relies on posting on social media and referrals. In the contract I have a model release clause for you to consider. If possible I would love to post your photos to my website, facebook page and instagram. However, if you wish to have nothing posted on my website and social media accounts, please let me know and I will respect your wishes.

I am looking forward to photographing your story . If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Lindy