Newborns: These sessions are usually scheduled before delivery. Newborns are best photographed at 4-10 days, but we jokingly say, “… just swing on by on the way home from the hospital!” We’re not sure who loves these sessions more, baby or Mom & Dad. These sessions last 3-4 hours; we play with baby while Mom & Dad relax, have a latte or cool drink & snacks here at the studio while you put your feet up. Go ahead, take a nap. We know you’re exhausted. The studio will be a toasty, perfect-for-new-baby temperature. Since Darcy’s style focuses on the art of the sleeping newborn, we’ll send you some tips for keeping baby sleepy. We encourage parents to bring a book, laptop, or DVDs to enjoy during their down time.
Toddlers and Children: Please stick to their usual nap and feeding times – this is critical for a successful session. Please feed your child and take care of bathroom or diapers right before the session. If you object to sugar bribes|props, please let us know! The outfit can really set the tone for styling your child’s images. For this reason, we like to be included in choosing and approving outfits. We are happy to come browse your child’s closet or send you links for ideas in the days before the session. Layers, layers, layers! Bring lots of accessories: tights, scarves, hats, headbands, jackets, vests. Diapered babies are often modestly photographed diaper-less. Ruffle butts and diaper covers make cute accessories. Check out Darcy’s ideas for outfits on Pinterest. Please reschedule if your child has a runny nose, is running a fever, has any vomiting or leaky diapers in the last 48 hours. We have newborns in the studio weekly and it’s important you don’t bring your child’s germs into the studio.
Families: Please make sure all family members arrive on time, waiting for latecomers means fewer photos. We love photographing families in their natural environments. We also know some beautiful natural and urban places – perfect for Iowa’s warmer days… or bundled up on Iowa’s colder days. Be prepared for our lame jokes and ice breakers!
If boyfriends or girlfriends come for the shoot, they may be asked to sit out for a couple of the portraits. Nothing is more awkward than a treasured family portrait with so-and-so’s ex-boyfriend in it. We state this up front to avoid any hurt feelings at portrait time. This is something we do at *every* family photoshoot, not to single out your relationship or say anything about its predicted success. We know he or she is probably a keeper! ;)
Teens & Seniors: Senior portrait sessions usually take place at more than once location and with several outfits. These are really fun sessions! Plan to bring a parent or friend to help with changes and location moves. Minors will need parent approval for sessions and locations. Our senior girls loved being pampered – a makeup artist will help you look your best, cover any teenage-skin issues, and bring out your best features! Bring lots of outfit ideas and accessories. Check out Darcy’s ideas for photo styling on Pinterest.
Models, Actors & Corporate: We know your headshots can get you the job & promote your brand and you need them to be amazing. We can help you with your comp card, updating your portfolio, or getting that perfect image for your business card. We’ll help you feel comfortable – so we can get natural expressions. Relaxed, low-key, fun sessions here in the studio (come have a latte!). We are available for in-studio with lighting set up and on-location for beautiful natural light images. We’ll help you line up hair and makeup, too.
What not to do before a session
The following things should be avoided immediately before your portrait or event:
a new hair cut, style or color
tanning
piercing
shaving the mustache you’ve had for 20 years
anything that involves bleach, dye, tattoos, or permanent markers
What to wear
Comfortable, layered, classic looks photograph best. Be your authentic you.
We love accessories – sometimes a splash of color in the form of a scarf, headband, clip, hat, leg warmers or shoes can be just the touch you need. Want to brainstorm ideas together for a fun session? We’re all ears.
If you have a large family group, take your cue from the matriarch or patriarch of the family. If Grandpa wears a jacket and tie and Uncle Joe wears jeans and a concert t-shirt, it won’t look right. In the same breath, if Grandma wears khaki slacks and a blouse and Aunt Sally shows up in a cocktail dress and stillettos, the photo will look disjointed. Let the matriarch or patriarch set the tone. Everyone else follow suit. Think simple. Timeless. Authentic. However, If Grandpa wants everyone to wear matching track suits, feel free to talk him out of it.
Avoid clothes that restrict positioning. You may be asked to sit on the ground – especially if we have many people to get in a photo. We super don’t want to see anyone’s unders.
If it looks a little wrinkled in person, it looks a lot wrinkled on camera. Wrinkles cast shadows. This is very obvious on camera.
Unless your family typically dresses identically, this makes for an awkward photo. Coordinating is good. Matching is awkward. See Awkward Family Photos. “Wear black” or “Wear jeans and fall colors” is fine. “Let’s all wear the same Old Navy flag t-shirt” is just uncomfortable for everyone.
Red and yellow stand out a lot in photographs. Avoid them or wear in small doses as accessories. (A red tie = good. A yellow blazer = not so good.)
Think timeless. Remember hammer pants and that one-sequined glove phase? You want to avoid anything that will look immediately dated. For example, be very judicious about the “I love Justin Beiber”, “Team Jacob” or “Palin in 2012″ shirt you were thinking of wearing. (Aw, c’mon… you giggled!)
Make Up & Grooming
Make up should be natural-looking. We work closely with several amazing makeup artists in the area, particularly for our senior girls. Our girls love being pampered and feeling beautiful! Contact us for pricing and details. This isn’t Glamour Shots at the mall! We want you to look authentically you!
Be attentive to foundation lines. Your neck and face should be the same color with no obvious transition lines. If you color your hair regularly, time appointments so your roots look natural. Contrast is more obvious on camera than in person!
Avoid over-grooming children. Helmet-like, hair-sprayed heads will be something you all make fun of in 10 years. We want kids to look clean but natural. Children + makeup = unnatural. Wash faces and noses right before the appointment.
Guys – shave if you normally shave, trim if you don’t.
Most of all – HAVE FUN. Portrait sessions are a good time. We know you may feel self-conscious or shy. We do our best to make everyone feel at ease. After all, if you don’t look good, we don’t look good!
