The Details

Playfulness in the park, about 30min before sunset

Detail #1…FUN First things first… these photo sessions are all about fun!That’s the biggest detail of all!  I’m here to do my job as your photographer yes, but ultimately for me to get the best out of your child, I’ll want us to both have fun!

Detail #2…LIGHT As you may have noticed I LOVE natural light.  Personally, I believe it’s the most beautiful and genuine light there is.   When is the best time to capture this light…in a perfect world what’s called the MAGIC HOUR.  The first and last hour of sunlight of the day.  I understand that shooting at 7am or 7pm might not always be possible (for my clients or for myself).  However you can arrange your shoot around it then I would certainly aim for morning or evening time.  Midday hours force us to fight the sun and the harsh shadows.
NOW – there is always an exception to the rule.  If we have a great place outside that can provide us with beautiful shade, then let’s go for it.  Also plenty of shoots can be done all throughout the day those times above are just most ideal.  MOST IMPORTANTLY … pick a good mood time of the day for your child!

Inside of an old barn with great light coming in

Detail #3…LOCATION Location, location, location.  I use to stress about this so much and sometimes still do.  I’ll pretty much go anywhere and do anything (within reason) as I do think a great location does add that ‘something extra” to a photograph.  That being said, it does not make a photograph…your child does.  We can certainly discuss this in our consult but until then here are a few things to keep in mind.
Your HOME has it’s ups and downs.  It can be great for little ones (under 2) b/c they are right their in their comfort zone and have food and change of clothes around them.  Between 2-5 it might be harder to keep their focus.  5+up can usually handle it pretty well.  You certainly know your child so if you think your home will work…let’s use it!  A great window letting in light from outside can always be great, a unique piece of furniture, meaniful pieces etc.  All great backdrops and props.

• URBAN location spots I LOVE!  Nothing brings out a beautiful young child like a gritty alleyway can.  Think graffiti, side walks, garage doors, steel stairways…love it all!  I typically don’t recommend this for the little ones, simply for the possible things on the ground they would like to try and eat.
• TRADITIONAL green spots.  These can be great and classic!  Think of a local park or lake (i have plenty of suggestions and hidden spots that you might not be familiar with).  These give the kids great space to run around in and simply be themselves.
• THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX…know of an old barn nearby, a great grassy field, an old icecream parlor, a greenhouse or botanical garden?  The ideas are only limited by your creativity and your imagination.
  

  Beautiful light in a surprising back alley...notice graffiti on the fence

Detail #4…CLOTHING What to wear for your shoot can always feel overwhelming – but don’t let it.  Again – back to detail #1 – have fun w/ it.  My photography style screams for colors, layers and textures.  Personally, I don’t encourage formal clothing or simple basics with black, white, khaki or denim.  I say COLOR COLOR and MORE COLOR.   A little trick I like to do if the parents are stumped – I say to the child…pick out the color that SCREAMS your name and personality.  Then I’ll help build something around it.  Comfort is certainly key so keep that in mind as well.

Fun colors, oversized jewelry on a Trolley

Detail #5…YOUR EXPERIENCE One of my top goals is to keep this a fun, playful time for you and your child.  In addition, I want to make sure that you have a pleasant and unique experience with your entire session (from booking to order completion).  I find that knowing what to expect out of a session helps you settle into that experience a bit better.  So here are some highlights of what you can expect out of a Jenny Watts Photography session.
After we confirm a date for your session and your session fee has been paid for up front, then we will have an pre-shoot consult.  This can be done over the phone but can just as easily be done at your home.   We can discuss your child and their personality, clothing ideas, location ideas and necessary props you’d like to use, potential products you are interested in, wall space that is screaming for a large photograph of your child, etc.
On your session day…it’s time to have fun!  I’ll hang out with them for a bit just so they can get to know me and I can get to know them.  No one loves a stranger with a camera, so I’ll quickly become their friend.  Unless you feel like your child won’t cooperate with you out of sight, then feel free to stick around.  Most of the times, I find they react better when the parents aren’t over my shoulder.  Just consider me their playmate for the next couple of hours.
After your session there is alot to look forward to.  I typically try to post a few standouts from the session on my blog, those will be emailed to you within 2 to 3 days.  Then roughly 2wks following your session you will recieve your online proofs to go over.  At that time we’ll also work on scheduling your ordering appointment.  After we have met and ordered your images/albums/canvas etc then I’ll activate an online ordering cart for any out of town family that would like to order prints.    That’s it…then I hope to see you again rather soon for the next shoot with your little ones!

Detail #6…POLICIES Now down to the nitty gritty and boring details.

• Jenny Watts Photography retains the copyright to all images.  Any image can be used by Jenny Watts in the form of marketing, advertising, website usage, promotional materials etc.  All images are copyrighted and cannot be used or reproduced in any way.  All offenders will be prosecuted accordingly. A
• Also, prices subject to change at any time.  Pricing that was active when your session was booked will be honored
• All orders are subject to a 8.25% TX sales tax
• Session fees are non-refundable but can certainly be rescheduled to accommodate for weather, sickness etc.
• Payment in full is required upon booking your order.