Congrats on booking!
I’m so looking forward to our time together to create some magic.
Below, please find a comprehensive guide to best help you prepare for an easy and stress-free session and to get the most out of your experience.
Of course, if you have any additional questions not answered here, please feel free to email me anytime and I’d be happy to help anyway I can.
Thank you and see you soon,
Victoria
Location
If location hasn’t yet been confirmed, I’m happy to help choose a perfect, personal location to best suit the vision for your session. Whether this is in your home, outdoors or renting a photography studio, each location is unique for each photo session.
With an extensive list of beautiful shooting locations – both outdoors and photography studios - around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area as well as Muskoka, I’ve got you! Would love to hear your ideas as well, and what is most important to incorporate for your session.
In home sessions:
Please prepare your spaces by tidying and removing all clutter from key rooms in your home (including the primary bedroom, nursery, living room and any other rooms you would like to shoot in) and open all blinds, to allow as much natural light in as possible. The best time of the day for our session will depend on when natural light is the brightest in your home.
Styling & Wardrobe
Above all else, the best advice is to wear something you are comfortable and feel great in, as it will show in your images. We want to see your personality!
This often means clothes that fit well, that aren't too tight or that you have to constantly adjust. And of course, don't wear something that you normally wouldn't, just for photos.
Refer to these additional easy tips and tricks when selecting your outfit(s):
Dos:
wear solid, muted, neutral colours – earth tones photograph very well
choose a colour theme or colour palette that's complimentary so the images look cohesive
prepare your nails to be photographed as sessions often focus on hands and detail shots
use fabrics that flow a bit and have moment in them work well – for example, long dresses for the women
dress for the conditions if your session is outdoors in layers that can be added or removed as needed
wear proper footwear for outdoor sessions to walk on uneven surfaces such as sand, dirt or trails
bring back up outfits for everyone in the session, just in case (because accidents can and have happened!)
Don’ts:
wear patterns, logos or graphic shirts - we want to minimize the distractions and keep the focus on your faces and interactions
dress identical to others in your family - no jeans/white shirts for everyone, as this significantly dates the style and look of the photos
go overboard with accessories, jewelry and shoes - keep basic and classic
wear something that doesn’t feel like you - we want to capture your personality, style and authenticity
A note for coordinating large groups and extended families:
When photographing large groups of people, such as extended families, it’s important to coordinate outfits as this is has a significant impact on the overall visual impact of the final images. Designate one person to delegate and determine what colour palette and/or accent colour will be used, and the overall style. Keeping everyone’s outfits as classic and simple as possible, without logos and patterns, is key.
Of course, I’d be happy to help with wardrobe selection and coordination – feel free to email or text me what you’re planning to wear and I can help with any feedback and thoughts.
Furry Family Members
Pets and animals are not just welcomed, but strongly encouraged to attend and participate in your session.
If your furry family member(s) will be joining us, here are some helpful guidelines:
On the day of our session, exercise your pet as much as possible in advance
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to the location, to allow your animal to settle in, get out any excess excitement and energy, do their business and smell around
Owners are responsible for picking up and disposing appropriately after their animals
Please notify in advance if your animal has previously shown any signs of aggression – animals participating in sessions must be well behaved, balanced and able to be approached and touched. If any biting or aggression takes place, the session will end immediately for the safety of all involved
Items to bring for your animals to the session:
A baggie of their favourite treats in small pieces – this always helps for attention and rewards!
Collars and leashes that are solid and neutral in colour – leather leads photograph very well and do not distract from the animal
Portable water container to provide hydration breaks as needed
Poop bags
Their favourite toy, or a meaningful comfort item
Personalized dog tag with their name
Preparing Children for Photo Sessions
Photographing children means expecting the unexpected and going with the flow. As a mother myself, I completely understand all the excitement, nervousness and stress (both for you and your children of preparing for a photo session with kids – we’ve been there many times!
Leading up to your session, it’s a great idea to speak to your children about what to expect and what will be happening – but to keep this fun and light. Let them know my name, that I’m coming along to play or go for a walk with your family to have some fun, and I will also happen to have my camera with me to take some photos. By focusing and highlighting the play aspect, they will feel more at ease and excited.
Often the most treasured photos are those candid, natural in-between moments – not the perfect smiling at the camera. After all, we want to freeze this moment, the relationships, this age and their authentic personalities.
And parents - do not worry, I’ve seen it all.
The Day of your Session
It’s here – the day of your session has arrived. Some day-of items to keep in mind:
Timing
Your session will begin promptly at your designated start time. Please aim to arrive a few minutes early for your session. Arriving after your scheduled start time may mean that your session might have to be cut short. To maximize our time, please arrive camera ready.
A late arrival fee may apply for those more than 15 minutes late.
Weather
If your session will take place outdoors, the weather radar and forecast will be closely monitored in the days leading up to your session. If we are expecting inclement weather, we will be in constant communication to make a custom weather plan, based on a number of personal factors unique to your session, such as: number of people involved and distance to location. Only if need be will your session be rescheduled at the photographer’s discretion.
Illness
All members participating in the photo session are asked to be in good health. If you or anyone in your family is feeling unwell in anyway on the day of, I ask that you please message me as soon as possible. We will then postpone the session until everyone is healthy.
What to expect during your session
After All Photography sessions are documentary and lifestyle based – meaning that the focus is on capturing candid, natural and authentic moments, relationships and personalities. After settling in and allowing time to warm up, we’ll capture what makes you and your loved ones unique, all the quirks and personalities.
Most people think they will be awkward in front of the camera, but please take comfort in knowing that not only will those perfectly posed, looking at the camera images happen, but so too will all the little, spontaneous candid moments in-between, while you’re connecting with one another and not even realizing I’m shooting.
You will be gently guided with prompts, and I highly recommend that we have an adventure together, whether it’s going on a walk, playing at the beach, or exploring a park.
What Happens After Your Session
Within 3-4 weeks following our session, you will be emailed a personalized link to review all your edited images in an online gallery.
You will then have 2 weeks to select your favourite images and finalize your photo order. Additional image and full gallery purchase options will be provided. Please email me once you have selected your order.
Within a few business days, your ordered images will be delivered via a gallery link, where you can download the edited photos, both in high-resolution and social media sized files.
Be sure to download, save and back up your images (suggested to use an external hard drive or cloud storage program) within the 2-week allotted window, otherwise an additional $50 gallery fee to re-upload and re-activate your gallery will be applied.
Preparing for Your Cake Smash Session
Leading up to your session, it’s a great idea to speak to your children about what to expect and what will be happening – but to keep this fun and light. Let them know my name, that I’m coming along to play or go for a walk with your family to have some fun, and I will also happen to have my camera with me to take some photos. By focusing and highlighting the play aspect, they will feel more at ease and excited.
Pick up the cake the day before.
Leave it out the morning of the session so the frosting is soft and easy to smash.
Bring a few outfits: one for family photos, one for the cake smash (simple & neutral), and a comfy change of clothes.
Personal items (favourite toy, book, or chair) and minimal birthday decor (a "1" balloon or banner) can add a special touch.
Don't forget a cake topper!
Bring wipes, a towel, paper towels, and a garbage bag for cleanup.
If baby isn’t into the cake, have a favourite snack handy for some fun action shots.The session is about 30 minutes of portraits, then 30 minutes with the cake—time flies!