What should I wear during the photoshoot?
Personally, I believe that ‘simple’ goes a long way. Choose clothes that you love and mean a lot to you but keep in mind that the focus is on you, therefore, simple clothing choices are best for creating timeless portraits. Avoid busy bold patterns or logos/words, especially cartoon characters on children’s clothes (if you want to have a wall print of your child’s portrait, you probably would not want Winnie the Pooh to steal the focus away from your child). Classic attires that photograph well include jeans, shirts, simple sundresses in the summer, plain winter clothes that colour-coordinate, but not necessarily matching. Do contact me for specific advice on what to wear before your session if you are stuck for ideas.
What should I expect during the photoshoot?
If you have chosen an lifestyle on-location photoshoot or in your own home or your local park, we will come up with a plan for the session based on your requirements. Lifestyle photoshoots usually involve plenty of candid captures, a family activity and some portraits. I will be in touch with you again nearer the time of the shoot and re-confirm our prior booked arrangements. I will arrive at the agreed location on time (unless otherwise prevented by unforeseen circumstances) with my equipment and if previously agreed, with my assistant or second shooter.
If you have chosen to come to my studio Studio L, as well as an in-studio time, part of the session – weather-permitting – will be at the local park for some outdoor shots.
The time I will spend with you during your session includes conversations to get to know you a little bit and connect with the you and especially the children to be photographed. I am not a ‘luck’ photographer; I choose my moments and often wait for the right moment to get the shot I have envisioned in my head. I do tend to take more images when I photograph children to make sure I have enough to choose from. The best images will be edited and shown to you.
Some of the time I will be engaging in conversation with you as this helps in capturing natural images. I also like to use some natural posing that I believe helps makes a strong photo. Occasionally, I will be providing some direction on where and how to stand, where to put your hands, where to look…. Please feel free to communicate with me about anything you want me to know before your shoot.
What happens after the session?
Within 2 weeks of the session, you will receive a gallery of your images. Turnaround time for prints is usually up to 2 weeks. Other products such as canvas, wall prints and album take up to 4 weeks.
If your package does not include high resolution images, you will receive a viewing gallery which will be available for 5 days to give you time to decide on which images to purchase. After that time, your gallery will be archived and a £25 fee applies to view them again.
Can I share the images on social media?
I would be honoured if you share your images on social media. To make this easy for you, low res email-friendly and social-media-ready versions of all your images will be provided. They will have a simple watermark at the bottom to protect copyright.
Can I make my own prints and what else can I do with my images?
Yes you may print your photos using any print lab of your choice if digital files are included in your package. Having the digital files also mean you can make your own albums and print your own wall art and canvases. However, as my monitor is only calibrated to the professional print lab that I use, I cannot guarantee exact colour match if you choose to print your images using another print lab. You do have a choice to print directly using the secure gallery I provide for you. This gallery prints directly from the professional print lab my monitor is calibrated to. You are also able to share this gallery and your images with family and friends.
What can you do with my images?
First and most important of all and before any photography takes place, a binding contract must be signed by both parties: you and I. This means that you have given me consent to photograph you. By signing a separate and optional Model Release Form, you consent that your name and photos from the session may be used by Lily Sawyer Photography for the purpose of display, portfolio, advertising, website or any publication to promote my business and name. You also agree that the images can be used only for these purposes without additional compensation to yourself. I would only choose a selection of your images in telling a short story of your day on the blog. If you opt out, I fully respect your privacy.
Will I get both colour and black and white images?
Most of the images I will give you will be in colour. Some will be in black and white. If you have a specific preference, please discuss this with me beforehand.
“After only seeing the first 20 pics we feel like we have got our money’s worth! The pictures are beautiful! Thank-you so much for your patience with us…we are still entertaining ourselves by perusing the Dropbox folder!” Michael and Laura