Planning Tips - Mandy Hall Photography

FAMILY SESSION TIPS

Planning a family session can sometimes get stressful in a hurry. Usually parents start to fret over the clothing, accessories, etc being just right. And while, yes, clothing can make a great image even better, I am most concerned with your beautiful family. Start looking for clothing first in your own closet! You will be amazed what you can make work with what you already own! Don't be afraid to reach out to me for help. I've got a lot of experience styling my clients and I would be happy to help you too!

Here are some things to keep in mind while planning your clothing -

-Dark jeans & dark shoes/socks are best (especially for men).

-If you don't like you arms or legs, don't show them in the photos.

-Fingernails will show - clean or nude colors are best.

-Don't be afraid of accessories, they add more fun and whimsy to your images! Hats, scarves, necklaces, etc.

-Layer and use texture - this will add to the "feel" of your images.

-When matching colors choose a cohesive group of colors and go from there (2-3 is best) Pinterest is a great source for ideas!

-For larger groups - stay away from loud patterns, we don't want to draw attention to any one person.

-Stay away from solid shirts - especially white. One or two people in a solid top is ok - but put everyone in that and your image will be boring.

-If you glasses get dark outside have your lenses removed or borrow a frame from your optometrist. I cannot fix very dark glasses.

If you have small children included in your session, please don't lecture them before you arrive. Let them know we will have fun and there may be a reward at the end! (maybe ice cream after or a small gift??) Tell them it will be quick and easy! If they come in nervous and stressed we will get off on the wrong foot! Bring a snack and drink for them to have if needed. Please DO NOT bring messy snacks (m&m's will melt and make a mess, suckers are sticky and hard to take away) Goldfish, smarties, fruit snacks, raisins and grapes are all good options. Feed them a small meal or snack before you arrive - do not come hungry!! This goes for everyone! :)

WEATHER CONDITIONS - let's face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, we will more than likely have to reschedule your outdoor session. Wind can also be a big factor. Don't worry about a cloudy day - that won't bother us, but rain and extreme wind will. I will call you if we need to reschedule due to weather. I build in extra session times for "rain dates". If your session can only be done on a specific date, we can always move your session indoor.

CHILDREN SESSION TIPS

Planning a child's session can be a ton of fun - we can use our imagination!! If you have a specific idea please let me know as props may need to be purchased. (Cost of session can vary depending on props needed). Clothing can be more fun for kids - but if we have a group we still want to stay cohesive (see above under family tips for clothing)

Please don't lecture your children before you arrive. Let them know we will have fun and there may be a reward at the end! (maybe ice cream after or a small gift??) Tell them it will be quick and easy! If they come in nervous and stressed we will get off on the wrong foot! Bring a snack and drink for them to have if needed. Please DO NOT bring messy snacks (m&m's will melt and make a mess, suckers are sticky and hard to take away) Goldfish, smarties, fruit snacks, raisins and grapes are all good options. Feed them a small meal or snack before you arrive - do not come hungry!!

Plan your session around nap times - sleepy cranky kids do not make for great photos.

Please try your clothing on before you arrive. Do not assume it will fit as you expected. Ill fitting clothing does not photograph nicely. Pants or shirt sleeves that are too long, just look messy and unkept. Make sure everything fits a few days before your session.

If your little one has a stuffed animal, blanket or doll that they love - bring it along. Not only can it be adorable and treasured for years in your photos; but it can help us get some great smiles if needed.

If you have a shy child, please be prepared for us to just hang out for a bit - sometimes it just takes a while for them to warm up to me and we just have to be patient.

Come ready to help - little ones can make us work for it sometimes and I may need your assistance in singing, playing games of peek-a-boo, etc. Dress comfy and have an attitude ready for FUN! On the flip side, if you see that maybe you being there is not working well, feel free to step out of the room and let me work with your child alone.

Want special clothing for your session but don't own it or don't want to spend the money to buy it? RENT IT!! I have a couple places that you can rent the most beautiful dresses, clothing and accessories! Cost is minimal ($10-$40) and they have a huge range of sizes. Retail for this type of clothing can be hundreds of dollars. Just ask and I will get you the details.

NEWBORN SESSION TIPS

I suggest booking your newborn session as soon as possible. I can always rearrange if needed after baby arrives, but getting you on my calendar early is important. I try my best to photograph newborns within their first 2 weeks of life. At this age they are still very squishy and seem to stay curled up in a ball easier. (they haven't yet realized they can stretch out!) Babies are also extremely sleepy at this age.

Newborn sessions can take up to 2+ hours of time. Come prepared to spend some time just hanging out with me. Sleepy babies are best and we may have to rock, feed and cuddle your little one a lot. (oh, darn!) If you plan to do family images with your newborn, we will do those first and then you can change into something more comfortable and cool. (We will keep the studio space very warm!) It is usually best if dad and siblings can leave after these are done.

Keep the clothing simple for mom/dad and siblings for newborn photos. Black, white/cream, pale tones, etc. are all great.

My goal is to create images for you that capture the details and the beauty of your newborn. I gravitate towards simple and clean with a few props, etc. If you want to style your newborn session with a theme - remember newborns are small, so keep it simple. It is best to do a fun theme when they are 6 months + and we can include the child into the scene a little more.

Newborns don't fit into clothing very well and clothing that is too big just looks weird. I like a naked baby, a swaddle, a diaper cover or even a cute pair of pants, etc. You can find lots of cute things on Etsy to bring in, but I also have a ton of things as well. If you have clothing you want to use, just be sure it fits properly before you come into the studio.

Hats and accessories are adorable for newborn photos! BUT, hats need to be small enough for a newborn. Try them on - if they are too big - just keep and use at a later session! Again, I have tons of options at the studio you are free to use.

Have a special prop, blanket, toy, etc. you want to include? Not a problem - bring it all in. I would rather you bring it in than wish you had later. We may not use all the items, but we will try to include what is most important to you.

Keep in mind your newborn will dictate our day. I have had rockstar newborns that let us take a ton of images and several different setups, and then I have had fussy newborns who only let us do one or two setups. You just never know. You must be patient and just go with the flow. Please try and stay relaxed. This is my job and I know what can happen - you are not wasting my time, please know that if you are stressed baby can feel your energy and will become stressed as well. Just stay calm and relaxed and all will be good! And if we all end up a little wet or messy, just know this isn't the first time I've been peed or pooped on and it won't be the last! Sh*t happens! :)

If you are breast feeding - I have a comfy chair for you to use and rock your babe in. If you are bottle feeding, please bring more formula than you think you may need. I also suggest bringing in a few extra diapers, receiving blankets, etc. Bring a couple pacifiers if you have a paci baby. Don't worry about the shedding skin or bumps a newborn can get - those blemishes will be edited out of your final images.

Any other questions or concerns - call or text me.

SENIOR SESSION TIPS for GIRLS

CLOTHING - Bring in a variety of colors & styles. Mix it up - don't be afraid to show your own personal style! Vary the dress level bring in some dressy & some casual. Make sure your clothing flatters you and your body. If you don't like the way your arms or legs look - then don't show them. Sleeveless styles can make an arm look fuller. And shorty-shorts can make thighs seem larger when in a seated position.

Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. Bring the shoes you would normally wear with every outfit. Bare feet are just fine too!

I do not tell you what you can and cannot wear. That is totally up to you and your parents. I photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Be sure your clothing fits you well! If it is too tight, it will look tight in the photos and look as if you are "stuffed" into your clothing. Not a good look - plus it can be hard to pose someone in something they can't move in. If your clothing is too big you will end up looking larger than you actually are. Plus it looks unkept and sloppy.

GROUP YOUR OUTFITS TOGETHER ON HANGARS! It is amazing how many times a senior has come into the studio with a plastic bag stuffed with clothes and wondered why it was all wrinkled!?! Make sure they are ironed; the wrinkles will show! You may also want to grab a lent brush, you will be surprised what shows up in your images.

When out on location we will not always have access to a changing room. Many times, the vehicle will become your changing room, so plan accordingly.

Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is best. Also, if you need a strapless bra, be sure you bring one!

MAKEUP - Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. If contouring your face, avoid too much highlighter - it can REALLY show up in your photos. A little is fine, but don't go overboard! Summer is hot and you will sweat - summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder than knocks out shine without adding additional color. On those HOT days you may need to use a powder to keep the shine down and you may want to consider bringing along blotters for the sweat. Be sure your lips are not chapped - it will show. Please bring along chapstick or lip gloss and apply often.

FINGER/TOE NAILS - Nails will show! If the paint is chipped, it will be noticeable. Have your nails looking as nice as possible. Bare or natural colors are best. If you want to have a color, just be sure it is not too bright and will look cohesive with your clothing selections.

HAIR - Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but we will not have time for you to curl a full head of hair. If you would like to have two totally different looks, I suggest doing the Ultimate Senior session and split your session into two different days.

JEWELRY - If you have different jewelry for each outfit, please put each set in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hangar with your clothing. This can save lots of time, plus helps you remember to change your jewelry! Simple is always best when it comes to jewelry.

PROPS - Bring them!! Some popular choices are - sports equipment, sports uniforms, music instruments, vehicles, hobbies, pets, etc. You are responsible for bringing any sports equipment you would like to use in your photos.

GLASSES - Most glasses glare! Some prescriptions more than others. If you can have your lenses removed or borrow a frame from your optometrist that is best. If you have lenses that get dark outside - those must be removed before your session!

SUNBURN/TANNING - Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top to keep from having dark tan lines. Tan lines can be edited out, but can also add an additional charge. AVOID a sunburn - try to stay out of the sun or keep sunscreen applied the week or so before your session.

COMPLEXION - I will retouch all blemishes, so don't worry about breakouts. Same goes for a scar or rash. Scars are not automatically retouched or softened, but can be at your request.

WEATHER CONDITIONS - let's face it, we are at the mercy of mother nature. If it rains, we will more than likely have to reschedule your session. Wind can also be a big factor. Don't worry about a cloudy day - that won't bother us, but rain and extreme wind will. I will call you if we need to reschedule due to weather. I build in extra session times for "rain dates".

SENIOR SESSION TIPS for GUYS

CLOTHING - Try to avoid too many strips or plaids. Vary your tops. DO NOT bring in 3 of the same style black/grey plaid button down shirt. Even though they will be slightly different, they will photograph very similar and all your images will look the same. Don't be afraid of a little color, all muted colors will be boring. Avoid large, bold brand names and words on clothing - it will not look the same on and posed as it does on the hanger. Even though I am sure you live in t-shirts, mix it up! Maybe even throw a couple in that mom likes!!??!!

Some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan outfits completely. Bring the shoes you would normally wear with every outfit.

When out on location we will not always have access to a changing room. Many times, the vehicle will become your changing room, so plan accordingly.

SHAVING - Please make sure you are clean shaven when you arrive. Retouching stubble costs extra and still does not look as good as a clean shave.

HAIR - Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Have your hair cut a week or two before your session date.

COMPLEXION - I will retouch all blemishes, so don't worry about breakouts. Same goes for a scar or rash. Scars are not automatically retouched or softened, but can be at your request.