Booking your session is a pretty seamless process and can all be done electronically. It usually starts with a simple email from you letting us know you’re interested in photography services and moves forward from there. So you’ve contacted me via email, booked your session/ event and sent your contract and invoice….now what? The next steps would be the phone consultation! I usually reach out to my clients 1-2 weeks before their session or event to schedule a phone call. They last no more than 15 minutes, but are very important and set the stage for the day of the event or photoshoot. Although we’ll always go over some basic logistical details, the real key to this time is when I turn the conversation over to you and ask “do you have any questions or concerns for me?”. This is a great time to ask some of those things that although you might find insignificant, can really put your mind at ease and have an impact on the success of your session/ event. Here are a few example:
• I hate my (fill in your least favorite body part): I’m not here to lecture you on body image and how you should love yourself just the way you are because I totally get it! I struggle with those same pesky insecurities myself. My job is to capture pictures you’re going to love and want to display in your home, in the office and all over social media. And if you hate your arms in every single shot, well that doesn’t make me or you happy. Although I do not provide body alterations in photoshop (we limit our retouching to skin/ blemishes/ small wrinkles), there are slight posing adjustments we can do during our sessions to minimize those body parts that you’re still growing to love and accept. But guys, I need to know you feel this way first! Which brings me to my next step point…
• What should we wear: This is super important, especially if you stated that you’re not a fan of a particular body part. I’m in no way a style guru, but I have photographed enough people over the years to know what works and doesn’t in front of the camera, especially when trying to minimize or accentuate a particular body part. I also have a good idea of what colors work best during a particular time of the day and/or setting. I’ve written a few blog posts on this topic listed below for easy reference. But whenever in doubt, please do not hesitate to ask.
What to Wear for a Winter Session
What to Wear for your Maternity Session
How to Dress for a City Session
• Some of my guests don’t get along: I come from a blended family, so I know those dynamics can be hard to navigate at times. That’s why when talking about your upcoming event, you should let me know of certain groupings to avoid to minimize the awkwardness. I don’t need to know all the gritty details, but if mom and dad recently went through an ugly divorce, then please let me know that I can skip pics of mom and dad together. I am sensitive and discreet when it comes to all your concerns, so no matter the circumstances, feel free to loop me in.
• These are the people you should focus on: Although we should go over this during the phone call, we can review it quickly on event day as well. Unless I’ve photographed one of your events in the past, I usually walk into the room not knowing any of your family / friends. This is where a little help from you (or a trusted point of contact) can go along way. Pointing out who’s important to you and who I should try to capture in photos ensures that you don’t receive a gallery full of distant relatives that you rarely see and don’t know all that well. Help me capture the pictures YOU want to receive.
These are only a few suggestions, but the phone consultation time is for YOU! It’s a time for us to get acquainted and put any questions and concerns at bay before the day or your event or shoot, so please free and ask away! I look forward to talking with you soon!
