LMP Session Guide, 2024
Welcome to the LMP family!
Before we get started, I want to let you know that in no way is this a rule book - it's meant to help you make the very most out of your session and our time together. Over the years, I have been asked countless questions regarding location recs, outfit ideas, how to pose (my answer every time - you won't be posing, so don't worry!), what to do with the kiddos when they lose their minds, what if the baby gets fussy... I've heard it all, and so I decided to create a guide to help with these questions and so much more.
I want you to hear me when I say: IT'S ALL OK!
Please know that I have your best interest at heart + I want your session to be a success - probably more than you do! Let's talk about a few big ticket items + we'll let the rest fall into place.
let's get started!
I am a lifestyle photographer specializing in the capture of milestones; motherhood, newborns, families and beyond. Each session flows just a little differently depending on what kind it is. Family and maternity sessions usually top out around an hour, and are built around connection and play. Newborn sessions can take a bit longer - babies are on their very own timeline - amirite?! For the newest and sweetest babes, I want to capture all the love and comfort of the first few weeks home. All you need to know is that we will shoot until we feel happy with what we've got. As I mentioned, each session is its own; no two sessions should look the same. I don't want you to spend hours combing Pinterest looking for images that you want to "copy" - two reasons, that gallery was crafted for those people + more importantly I won't duplicate someone else's work. I take pride in creating something with you that is entirely your own.
What to wear
When it comes to choosing outfits, or what to wear, I only have a handful of tried + true guidelines that I think work best for everyone.
1.Pick one statement piece and work everyones outfits around that one item. (Mom's dress, dad's shirt, the dogs collar...you get it.)
2.Avoid loud prints + vibrant colors (there's this thing called color casting - wear a hot pink shirt, and your skin will look hot pink.)
3.Please, no logos of ANY kind - nothing is worse than a really well put together group of outfits, and a giant NIKE swoosh cuts through it all.
4.Try not to be too matchy-matchy. What I mean - everyone in jeans and white shirt ... or everyone wearing one color.
5.Dress for where you will be - high heels aren't ideal for sand just like a tank top isn't ideal for snow.
6.Try and avoid strong trends - you don't want to look back and be able to say "hey 2018, nice floppy hat / kimono / cut off shorts!"
7.As much as I know they are here to stay, please removed and stowe your Apple / Samsung / Fitbit Smartwatches :) ... you're welcome.
Wherever we end up, you'll likely want to be able to move around a bit. Especially the kiddos! I definitely recommend waiting to dress the younger ones until you arrive - my best friend's 2 year old daughter emptied the contents of her stomach all over her dress on the way to their session - no bueno (needless to say, we rescheduled). If you build in a little time before your session starts to get everyone together + ready, you'll have less to worry about! If we are outdoors, dress for the season. If it's cold, layers are key - if you warm up a little, layers can peel off. If you start out warm + get chilly, back on they go! A note on footwear: nothing worse than bright white kicks at a Christmas tree farm in December the day after a rain storm! 'Nuff said.
Newborn Sessions
Babies have their own schedule ... their own agenda. Let's be real - I have never had a newborn session that has been less than an hour, but I have also NEVER needed one to last 4 hours either! My sweet spot is usually 1.5 - 2 hours, and that includes any diaper changing or feeding or really anything you or babe needs! Your newborn session shouldn't be rushed or panicked in any way. I love taking a "fly on the wall" approach to these sessions, as the beauty and the magic live in the in-between moments. I encourage you to let your session happen naturally. If baby needs to eat, please feed them. I will only shoot breastfeeding with permission, and take images that show the bond between you and that sweet babe.
Dressing your babe in light, neutral fabrics will read best and won't go out of style. It is best to have several options on hand, as babies never stay in one outfit for very long! If you have any family or heritage pieces (bonnets, booties, nightgowns, blankets...) let's use them! Muslin swaddles + soft knit blankets are best for wrapping baby with and gently draping over them while they snuggle with you. Please avoid bright colors and busy patterns - simple is best. I am not a prop photographer when it comes to newborns, as I really want to capture connection and not a vignette. That's not to say that a pacifier or a stuffie isn't welcome! Of course they are - in fact, I love shooting around the babies space a little to collect images that help round out their story even more.
In terms of what you and your partner can wear, I want you both to be comfortable. You will most likely be 2-3 weeks out from delivery and your body is still healing. Be kind to her! Wrap her up in soft fabrics that stretch and move with you, that are neutral in color and classic in their form. Leggings, sweaters, cardigans, light and flowing dresses (think linen, cotton, spring + summer style dresses), simple tops with little to no detail are best. Encourage your partner to dress is whatever helps them feel relaxed and cozy.
Family Sessions
Family sessions are the best for so many reasons. They can celebrate something happy, or even something sad. They can represent a new chapter in your story, or the end to an old one. They can even be just because. I firmly believe that really doesn't even need to be a reason for a session, other because you want one! I have done family sessions in peoples homes, in old historic buildings; I have done these sessions in sand, snow + everything in between. What ever vision you have for your session, let's talk about it! I want to learn what makes you + yours tick. I want to help you preserve your legacy to pass it down for years to come.
When styling everyone, pick one statement piece and work the remaining outfits around it with solids, neutral patterns and accessories to tie it together. If you have one outfit that speaks to you and sets the tone you are looking for, go with it! If it's a dress with a floral pattern, you can pull a color from said dress and grab other pieces in that color for the rest of the family. You can have the littlest one wear a simple pattern, and have the older kiddos wear solid colors that compliment that pattern. In terms of shoes - please choose sensible shoes for where we will be...but if you prefer, shoes are optional :)
These sessions are meant to tell your story - they are meant to show the world what makes you + yours as awesome as you are. Families are what they are, come in all shapes + sizes, and sometimes theres not a drop of blood between them. Please know that I am here for it all, and I can't wait to find that connection that you all share and shoot the heck out of it!
Motherhood Sessions
Motherhood sessions are some of my favorite. Having two babies myself, I can say without hesitation it's the most beautiful I've ever felt in my life ... and I was VERY pregnant in July! You journey into motherhood is yours. It looks different for everyone and that's what I love to capture. As with every other session I do, it's those in-between moments that really tug at the heartstrings. Your hand resting softly on your belly, a tiny smile as you think about meeting that little life earth-side for the first time ... it's all pure magic.
When you think about what to wear, think comfort. You will likely be 32-34 weeks at the time of your session, and that's the beginning of the end! Long, flowing dresses, soft fabrics that move with the slightest breeze. Light, neutral colors are the very best. It's calming, not at all distracting, and really speaks to this season of your life. If bright, bold colors are your thing, be careful of the ones you choose ... the reason is a phenomenon called color casting - if you are wearing hot pink, your skin will look very pink where the fabric touches. Let's talk about how hard that is to manage in post processing - whoever it was that first uttered the statement "you can photoshop that out, right?!" had NO idea what they started! I would also try to avoid large patterns + logos. Small, sweet patterns are ok, as they usually blend pretty well and don't distract. If your other half is joining you in your session, the same suggestions apply.
Barefoot is always an option - feeling mother nature under your feet is such a grounding sensation that really speaks to this season of your life. If you prefer to wear shoes, let them be comfortable. Of course in warm weather, sandals are the easiest choice. In cooler weather, as long a your feet are warm, that's all that matters. Bonus if you wear a long dress - no one will see your feet, so wear those cozy Uggs! Bottom line I want you to feel beautiful and as comfortable as you can.
... and remember, I am here to help in ANY way I can! Let me know how I can serve you best.
Tangibles
There is no art more precious than images of you and your people. Taking your session to the next step by adding in tangibles, such as matted prints and heirloom quality linen bound albums, makes your session come to life. Being able to look back on the different seasons of your lives is such a gift. I would love to help you curate the perfect collection to carry with you always. Most of my families choose to enrich their experience with the addition of prints and albums. They value their final gallery so much so, and understand the importance of taking their pictures out of the cloud and into their hands. Below you'll find three collections to choose from.
no. 1
350 AUD
twenty-five 5" x 7" (12cm x 17cm) prints
three 8" x 10" (20cm x 25cm) matted prints
digital high-res gallery of all edited images
no. 2
500 AUD
11" x 14" (27cm x 35 cm) deckled edge print on cotton rag paper mounted, matted + framed ( wood or metal )
two 5" x 7" (12cm x 17cm) matted prints
one 8 x 10" (20cm x 25cm) matted print
digital high-res gallery of all edited images
no. 3
750 AUD +
10" x 10" (25cm x 25cm) linen album
20-30 images
lay flat, archival quality
cover foil embossing
*there is an additional fee for additional images over 30
digital high-res gallery of all edited images
If you are interested in expanding your investment beyond a digital gallery, I would LOVE to help you choose what works best for you. We can even create something outside of these packages to honor your session + the beautiful collection you will hold so dear. I have access to and have wonderful working relationships with professional print labs and studios. Rest assured your final prints, frames + albums will be the very best.
Cheers to you for choosing me - I will take the very best care of your story.
I know how important it is to get it right.
Testimonials
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