Children's Welcome Guide

CHILDREN’S W E L C O M E

G U I D E

2018-2019

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR SESSION SUCCESS!

NEW!

Boutique Shop What To Wear P.24

Cake Smash p.24-26

W E L C O M E !

Thank You so much considering Violet Lace Photography to photograph your child/children. I look forward to working with you and guiding you through this photographic journey to capture your babies (no matter what the age!) the best way I possibly can. I take this opportunity as an honor to be a part of my client’s lives. My hope is that you enjoy this overall experience to allow me to keep photographing your children years down the road and watching them grow personally and photographically.

A B O U T

T H I S

G U I D E

This guide is filled with information just for Children Sessions. If you book a family session in the future, you will receive the Family Session Guide when you do that as well.

As you read through, you may think some things are common sense or “Why should she have to tell me this?” Honestly, the main reason this guide was created is because of my experiences. Old sticky tattoos on skin, really dirty toes and feet, Kool-Aid-stained faces, things not fitting, things forgotten, kids scheduled during their nap time, kids coming for an evening session after they’ve been to the beach all day, etc. I’ve seen it all. If it’s in here, there’s likely a reason for it. While these are you images, this is my work. This is my life’s

work. +Please know that I’m intending to help you prepare for a successful shoot and great portraits. I’m straight forward so there’s no loop holes…and hope you like it that way! There is a TON of information in this guide. Its not perfect by no means, but I did my very best to be informative. Don’t be afraid to read it twice…even three times in case you missed anything! Happy reading and I can’t wait to take your children’s portraits! +There will be some Q&A’s at the end of some sections! +If you see anything underlined, click on it!

T A B L E

O F

C O N T E N T S

About The Photographer

1

Investment

5

My Style

7

Infant Sessions

9

Cake Smash Theme Choosing A Cake What To Bring

11 12 16

Session Locations + Studio Q&A’s [About Locations + Studio]

19 20

Preparing For Your Session Outfits Hair + Shoes Requirements + Suggestions List of Tips For Prepping for success

21 23 25 27 30

What to Expect During Your Session What is Expected of Parents

31 33

Boutique Shop

40

Post Production Turn Around Time Photoshop

45 46

Print Release Payment + Extra Stuff

47 48

Copyright © 2018 Lindsey Gerner, Violet Lace Photography No part of this Welcome Guide may be reproduced, shared, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means without written permission from Violet Lace Photography.

A B O U T

T H E

P H O T O G R A P H E R

I am a self-taught, photojournalistic photographer. Photography has always been a passion, but was never--or could never be a dream back then. I know, I know—that doesn’t sound right. Let me explain. Do you notice how everyone is trying to be a photographer lately? Have you noticed some older photography businesses go out of business? 10+ years ago, a photographer needed to understand all concepts of photography and posing. Today, that’s changed. Yes, you need to understand exposure, apertures, ISO, and a gazillion other things with cameras and lighting, but its deeper than that. Many new photographers that are thinking this looks like fun, don’t realize that this isn’t about taking pictures from Pinterest. (In fact, I really despise photographers taking other

photographer’s unique ideas.)

I have no idea where it comes from within me, but there is a strong, passionate, uncontrollable true love for what I can see and foresee when I look through my lens. Its not just having the ‘eye’, its having a connection with my clients who are likely complete strangers, but am able to pull the most beautiful features of a human being— both inside and out, stopping that moment in time.

I always have a purpose to give my clients many images to choose from. Really though, my real intent is to be able to give you just ONE picture in your child’s gallery that made you feel that you couldn’t put a price on that portrait— on that moment.

www.violetlacephotography.com

violetlace@live.com / v i o l e t l a c e p h o t o g r a p h y

/ v i o l e t l a c e p h o t o

/ v i o l e t l a c y

-1-

-2-

“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen�

-Winnie The Pooh-

I N V E S T M E N T B A B Y

P L A N

[Newborn, 4m, 8m, 12m]

You will receive a $50 print credit to purchase anything through your web gallery! If you have a cake smash, VLP will make you a custom 12x12 collage. (Total value of $95). You pay for each session as you book it, not all at the same time!

A L L

S E S S I O N S

I N C L U D E + One infant + Each session allows 1-3 outfit changes + All these sessions are done in the comfort of the studio

+ Time, talent, and experience with Lindsey, owner of Violet Lace Photography + Your final image choices with fine art editing

+ This detailed Child Session Guide to prepare for a successful session. + A countless amount of seating and props to use towards your session. + Props carefully chosen based on location and outfit styles and colors + Top of the line equipment

CHILD SESSION

+ No limit of images. I take as many as your children is willing.

This session focuses on your child’s milestone.

(4m, 6m, 8m, 9m, 12m, 18m, 2 year, 3 yr etc.)

+ Fine art editing of your images + Personal viewing gallery with a password protected link for your convenience

+ One infant/child + Includes 1-3 outfit changes

+ Personal gallery to view, order, and share with others. + Affordable portraits with no minimum purchase required or packages + No pressure to purchase + Digital Print Release for a one time fee of $50

M U L T I P L E

S E S S I O N

This session focuses on all the children together and individually. Recommended when the youngest child is at least sitting up on his or her own---better yet---running! These are typically during the warmer seasons.

NEW! B O U T I Q U E

C H I L D R E N ' S

+ Price is for up to 3 siblings (additional child is +25)

W A R D R O B E

+ One outfit (additional outfit +.25) Don’t want to shop? Don’t want to spend money on outfits baby won’t wear again? Don’t want to worry about colors and styles? NO problem! VLP now has added her own baby Boutique Wardrobe to the studio for babies up to a year old.

Outfits cost up to $120, but you may rent an outfit for $15. These include matching hair pieces, props, and posing layers.

Come pieces already in the studio are in the back of this guide.

+ Includes various poses with children together and individually

PORTRAIT PRICES -5-

CHILD SESSION PRICES -6-

M Y

S T Y L E

My

style of portraiture is journalistic, organic, simple, modern, and candidstyle photography.

The more photography I do, the more I’m finding my signature styles relate with earth tones since my forte is natural lighting just before sunset. I love soft, neutral tones as well as the popular cold palette's of the season. I love bare feet, boat shoes on boys, cute coats, and layers.

S T R E S S

I am totally open for your suggestions and desires on the types of portraits of what you do and do not like. I do feel it’s important that I stay close to my style and signature look of my photography. I don’t like to take another photographer’s art. I do try to keep my Pinterest page updated with outfits that fit my editing style and that you can purchase at affordable prices.

F R E E

My

little clients enjoy the stress-free sessions where they aren’t forced to sit still and are allowed to just be themselves.

Their mommies love this style because they don’t have to wait in long lines, children aren’t forced to pose, mom isn’t forced to choose only a select amount of pictures, required a minimum purchase, or pay an arm and a leg for portraits. It’s a joyful, fun, happy time.

I simply refuse to allow children to be miserable in my photo sessions. If they are not happy, they are going to dread coming to get their photos done again.

That’s the last thing I want and quite sure it’s the same for mom and dad! The session does not need an hour to take pictures, yet sometimes a child needs more time to warm up. This time allows for that as well.

-7-

-8-

I N F A N T

S E S S I O N S

[3, 6, 9, 12m] or [4, 8, 12m]

R E E S E | four

months

R E E S E | eight

months

R E E S E | one

year

Whether this is your first baby or not, I want to try to help you prepare and let you know about things you can expect. While most parents have their child’s 4, 8, 12 month portraits done, some parents opt to just do a 6 and 12 month session, while others do 3, 6, 9, and 12 month session. There’s no wrong way and I have no preference.

No matter what the month is the age of your baby (whether you do a baby plan or not), your baby will be photographed in the comfort of the studio. You will find more information later in this guide regarding this age, too.

The newborn session is so different from these sessions.

Mom barely touches baby during a newborn session, but at these sessions, VLP barely touches the babies. Funny how that works, right? I really just use my judgement on what babies are comfortable with new faces.

A LITTLE ABOUT 3-4 MONTH OLD BABIES:

A LITTLE ABOUT 6-8 MONTH OLD BABIES:

A LITTLE ABOUT 1 YEAR OLD BABIES:

Baby is not sitting up on her own. Her neck is stronger than last month, but still has a wobbly neck and head. Her neck and arms aren’t quite strong enough to push her body up to be on her belly yet.

Six month olds are close to sitting up on their own. (If you’ve booked a 6 month old session and baby is not sitting up as the date is approaching, please text or email me. I suggest rescheduling out a couple more weeks when baby can sit up for a few seconds on his/her own. We will have way more options for posing and props!)

This age baby is on the move! He is either crawling and/or walking. Some are walking and standing along furniture and some are walking on their own. You can usually tell by now if baby is shy or fearful of others or total social bug. While most babies smile a ton at home, some babies are more curious and have no interest in smiling for others or in new places while others have a perma -grin!

Expect to spot baby while VLP is taking pictures and to help keep baby in sitting up as she may wiggle her way over. Posing baby will have to be in specific size props to help her be propped up as much as possible and on her back.

(If you do just have an infant, make sure to read further through this guide as there is way more information. This section is just to give a good idea on how VLP works with babies.)

Rompers and one pieces are great outfit pieces for this age. We don’t always see their bottom half when they are in props.

By 7-8 months, they are sitting up on their own, able to hold their head up, pull themselves up, roll over, etc. We have lots of options for posing your baby in props, seating, etc...

Why VLP loves this age? Baby is sitting up and

Why VLP loves this age? This is definitely a favorite of mine. My favorite part is being able to see all the changes they’ve made throughout all these months.

personality is really showing through. We have so many more options of poses to do, too!

Why VLP loves this age? Because she has changed SO much from being a newborn and we can now show off those smiles!

WHY NOT 3,6,9?

-9-

Bring noisy toys they are familiar with that make them excited. I have many, but commonly they just stare at amazement at them because they are new. Familiar noises of toys from home will get them excited!

C A K E

S M A S H

[ + $ 2 5 ]

Cake

smash sessions are a BLAST--no matter what the outcome! It’s a spectacular way to celebrate the milestone and capture your child reacting as he/she tears into that yummy cake!

Cake smash sessions are an additional

add-on to a One Year Milestone Session. If you didn’t add it when you booked your session and you’d like to add it, please just email or text me so there’s no session booked directly after yours. We need to allow for some extra time. Totally worth it!

Would you like VLP to take care of the entire cake smash for you and you just be surprised? I’d LOVE to! I will find a custom theme, find the outfit, take care of the décor and backdrop, and worry about the cake! Please message me right away or no later than 2 weeks prior to your session. Total Fee: $75

-11-

C A K E

S M A S H

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

B A C K D R O P S VLP has cream, lilac, pink, and gray paper backdrops. Also a dark wood floor and cream wood floor. The studio backdrops cannot get wet.

W H A T T O E X P E C T We will begin the session with the 2 outfits you bring (or rented studio outfits). The first part is comprised of your baby’s one year milestone pictures, in which we capture the personality of your little one in a variety of different backgrounds and sets.

That part takes about 20 minutes.

CHOOSING A CAKE

OR

MAKING

The cake does matter! I’ve had a few just go pick up one from Walmart quick—and its so boring. We’ve gone all out of the backdrop and décor and outfit, but the cake just ruined it all!

So, select a small cake or large cupcake, approximately 6 inches around. Whether you are making the cake, or having it made, please consider the following:

Then I will set up for the cake smash. I will have most ready to go (balloons will be ready, banner will just need to be hung up, and things set in place.) I will start taking a pictures of the ‘before’.

Once we bring the cake in, your one year sets the pace. EVERY baby is different. Some are dainty and do will only touch it a couple fingers, some dig in with two full hands and destroy it in minutes, and some absolutely hate it.

Sometimes they need a little encouragement and you will help get baby’s hands in there! Be ready to get your hands dirty and help your little one get past all that frosting to the cake underneath!

+ The cake needs to be on a something to transfer it onto the cake stand. Most bakery’s know this. It shouldn’t be sticking out more than ½ in. +Use white, yellow, or angel food cake.

Red velvet or chocolate looks really icky. + Remove the cake from the refrigerator 2-3 hours before the session to allow the frosting to come to room temperature.

T H E M E Some parents go with birthday party themes and some find something on Etsy. There’s no wrong way. Etsy is also a wonderful resource for buying custom made outfits that will make this photo session memorable.

+ DO NOT use or choose fondant. Use a whipped frosting. Fondant is not messy.

VLP has outfits in The Boutique Shop that you could rent for the session as well. The outfits that will work well for the session have a little cupcake in the corner of each outfit. I need to know the theme as soon as you have the item purchased/picked out. You can just share the link of where you purchased it.

T H E M E S S We hope that your little one makes a huge mess! That’s the whole point of this session, and most of the fun of the day. We will finish the session with a warm shower, so please bring a clean outfit for the ride home.

-13-

-14-

C A K E

S M A S H

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

C A K E R I E S These are ALL amazing cakeries. They know how to prepare them and they won’t give your baby dry cake!

CAKE GURU {Oshkosh] cakeguru.com MANDERFIELDS [East Appleton + West Appleton + Menasha] manderfieldsbakery.com CRAVINGS AKA: Kristi’s Kakes [Whitelaw] http://cakes.whatsyourcravings.com/ BETTER SWEET BAKERY [Plymouth] bettersweetbakery.com

TIP: Bring a sample swatch and/or picture of the theme of the colors you want to the bakery. If you want gold— warning---you need to tell them no yellow. There’s 647,000 shades of blue.

Don’t get me started on mint/aqua/turquoise! lol.

THINGS TO BRING + Cake + Cake Smash Outfit (unless you’re renting one from the Boutique Shop) + 2-3 additional outfits for Baby + Change of clothes for parents, just in case + Diapers + Sippy cup to help wash down the cake

Q . W H Y T H E E X T R A F E E F O R A C A K E S M A S H S E S S I O N I F I ’ M P R O V I D I N G T H E C A K E A N D O U T F I T ?

A. The Cake Smash fee is for the extra time and the props/décor. I can do 3 cake smash sessions with a $30 helium tank. I also keep a huge supply of numerous colors of balloons, tons of cardstock paper for the banners to match your theme, lettering, and paper clouds. It takes about an hour to make the custom banner for your little one along with the supplies. There’s also additional time in setting up and cleaning up.

-16-

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart�

-Winnie The Pooh-

S E S S I O N

L O C A T I O N S

+

S T U D I O Q U E S T I O N S

A N D

A N S W E R S [studio + locations]

WHERE IS YOUR STUDIO? My studio is in my home! The address is on the website and in any of my emails I sent to you, inside the first page and in the back. 402 Donna St Chilton, WI 53014

I N D O O R + All infants up to 1 year are done indoors throughout the year. + All sessions are done indoors when the weather is too cold. + I have top-of-the-line studio lighting equipment, over 80 backdrops and floor drops, 100s of accessories, props, baskets, containers, chairs, etc... I’m always updating and adding items to my collection.

WHO DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH INDOORS OR OUTDOORS? Newborns and babies who are not sitting up on their own are photographed in the studio. The studio is ‘closed’ during the ‘green’ and ‘colorful’ months...late spring through fall.

CAN YOU PHOTOGRAPH MY FAMILY IN YOUR STUDIO? I can do a very posed portrait to go along with a newborn or child/children’s session. That will at least get an updated picture for your family. When my new studio is built, I will still never allow family portrait sessions indoors, just enough to get a family portrait updated. I want family sessions to reflect family time--to be fun, mobile, and natural. Always. Not stuck in a studio with forced posing.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR YOUR STUDIO? There’s not a set age limit, but its usually up to 10 years old, but we can do older if outdoor is not an option.

WHAT COLOR BACKDROPS DO YOU HAVE OR WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? I have a lot! You can view most of my backdrops on my Pinterest page. VLP BACKDROPS MY SESSION IS SCHEDULED DURING THE OUTSIDE MONTHS FOR MY TODDLER, BUT WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD… CAN WE JUST DO THE SESSION INDOORS? We sure can, but we can usually reschedule the session if both our schedules allow.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STUDIO AND GOING ON LOCATION? There’s lots of variances, but there’s pros and cons to both. My forte’ is natural lighting and candid, photojournalistic photography. The best way to get those results and avoid the ‘posed’ pictures is being outside in a natural setting. In the studio, I just have to try to imitate a natural setting in a specific size area to photograph. Babies aren’t running around yet.

W H E R E A R E T H E L O C A T I O N S ?

They are all in or around Chilton. Some backdrop options include: Parks, trails, water view, rustic background, old buildings, railroad tracks, pear tree field, etc.

D O I G E T T O C H O O S E T H E L O C A T I O N ?

Sure! When you booked the session, you should’ve been able to enter the style you like and do not. I usually try to go with that.

Just make sure you pick attire that goes with that location. Ex: You don’t want to wear sweaters at the beach.

O U T D O O R + I have various locations I use in the City of Chilton. I will email you about a week before your session and request you to TEXT (not email) me the outfits you’ve chosen. I will decide on location and props and let you know 1-2 days prior. The location also depends on what is stated on your questionnaire you filled out when you booked, weather conditions, what the outfits look like, and the amount of children and their ages. + Your property for a location? I am thrilled to accommodate your location. It is a flat fee of $75 per hour of total travel time to accommodate time and travel fees during summer. You MUST email me to make sure I’m able to make it work the schedule.

I must mention though that small children tend to ‘misbehave’ because they are so comfortable at familiar location. Even in grandma’s beautiful yard! Children are typically more well mannered in new places.

W H A T D O Y O U S U G G E S T F O R L O C A T I O N S ?

I typically choose depending on what your color theme is, your request, what’s safest for small children, and the condition of the location due to weather results. They are influences.

W H E N A N D H O W D O Y O U L E T M E K N O W O F T H E S E S S I O N L O C A T I O N ?

Unless we discussed location prior, typically I email or text you between 1-5 days before the session. It really depends on what the weather is doing with the days leading up to the day and of course the actual day. Sun, wind, mud, rain, etc…are all reasons for not being certain for location choices. If it’s a really icky forecast, I may give you a location, but a last minute change may occur.

C A N Y O U P H O T O G R A P H A T M Y H O M E , B U S I N E S S , S O M E O N E E L S E ’ S P R O P E R T Y , O R M Y F A V O R I T E S P O T ?

I am thrilled to accommodate your location! (If its’ not yours, you must have full consent to photograph there.) There is an additional fee to cover time and travel of $.65 per mile, round trip, outside of the city of Chilton. If the travel to your location is 20+ minutes of travel, there is a flat fee of $75 per hour. If the location is personal to you, it is well worth the add-on! I usually ask if you can snap a picture of the property in the evening time around 5pm. Direction of sun is important. I do not photograph faces in the sun, but rather my lens is towards the sun. NOTE: If I have enough notice, I may be able to schedule another session in your area. If that’s the case, there will be no travel fee if its less than 30 miles.

Wanna see all of VLP’s backdrops? Sweet! This can help you decide outfits to match, too!

-19-

Click Here -20-

P R E P A R I N G F O R S E S S I O N [ a l l

a g e s ]

Y O U R

P R E P A R I N G

F O R

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

O U T F I T S Choosing outfits can be tough, but I have some great tips to make it way easier! First, consider where will you display the images from the session? Consider the colors not clashing with the décor and color palette in that room. If you want me to help—text or email the sizes. I can have options for you in minutes!

PAJAMAS! I have three headboard backdrops!

What baby or child doesn’t look super cute in their pjs!

INDIVIDUAL CHILD OR INFANT SESSION + The session includes 2-3 outfits. If you have added siblings and/or parents to join a couple pictures when you scheduled your session, we will begin with those pictures first. So, dress for that outfit. You can change your child 2 more times if you’d like.

TEXTURES & LAYERS [ACCESSORIZE!] + Adding a different color to the picture with a scarf, blazer, chunky necklace, etc… can add a splash of color or a dressy texture to the portrait. Very appealing and super trendy!

+ Choose your child’s outfits accordingly by color, pattern, and style. For example with a girl; do not choose 3 dresses. A suggestion would be to choose a dress, a romper, and capris leggings with a tunic. They should not all be pink. They should be all different colors.

+ They are Godsend to adding to your child’s cuteness!! When you’re checking out other 1 year session pictures you love---notice the props they are wearing? It just adds more to a picture. + Suspenders are super cute and a hot trend right now for boys. Just make sure they fit when they are sitting down. I also have some in the studio

MULTIPLE CHILDREN’S SESSION + I don’t recommend the “matchy matchy” with the exact same outfits (with the exception of twins). I do recommend similar color tones, textures, and pops of color for layers. The colors should all mesh together nicely.

+ Ties, newsboy hats, etc… are super cute for boys as well and can coordinate well together. I also have these in the studio.

+ Select a focal piece. If you have outfit that you really love on your child that follows the requirements and suggestions from VLP, go with that and work around that.

+ Etsy is a great place to shop for cute accessories and outfits, but make sure you allow for enough shipping time because often times items are custom made to order.

+ Only one person should wear printed material (ex: floral throughout a shirt or dress or stripes) + Shoes MATTER!

-23-

-24-

P R E P A R I N G

F O R

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

H A I R

For one year sessions or older who have not had their first hair cut, I do suggest scheduling this about 1-2 weeks before his/her session if you haven’t already.

This will even those locks up nicely and it will have grown in nicely rather than have all those thin, uneven ends. It won’t grow faster or thicker if you wait longer for more to fill in. Besides, it looks much nicer.

SHOES + Shoes are just as important as a shirt and pants. Shoes can make or break a portrait. + Babies---No need for shoes really. Since they are mostly either just sitting or crawling, we only see the bottom of their shoes anyway. We love those 10 little toes! + Bare feet are great, too! + For outdoor sessions on toddlers and older children, shoes will be warn for at least a part of your session. +Tennis shoes are discouraged. I’d really prefer to make this a requirement, but I will let you decide what’s best. Honestly though, they can ruin a portrait. Check out my Pinterest page for shoe options! + Do not allow your child to ‘break them in’ for our session if they are brand new.

Boys: Don’t be afraid to put a little gel in his hair and spike it up, add a little Mohawk spike, or comb it back in a preppy look. Seriously....just try it!

Girls: I do understand having 3 girls myself, you may want to show off her long or curly locks.

At the same time, hair in the face does not make pretty pictures and can’t be photo shopped.

Make sure your daughter can run and play and not have it falling in her face. If it does, pin it back. If it is a windy day, just put it up or bring hair items to put it up during the session.

-25-

-26-

P R E P A R I N G

F O R

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

C L O T H I N G R E Q U I R E M E N T S S U G G E S T I O N S

A N D

+ No neon or fluorescent colors. NO EXCEPTIONS. It can not be on any part of an outfit including accessories. They reflect horribly and are difficult to manage because the color stands out so much. Coral does not photograph well either. + ALL clothes should be ironed or wrinkle free + NO graphics or word art (Ex: GAP, a tractor on the front of a T-shirt, etc... These are professional portraits. SOME wording is okay. Ex: “ONE” is perfectly fine. If you have wording on the shirt, make sure it will be readable in the photos. +TRY THEM ON! Try his or her clothes on about 3-4 days before the session!! I can’t express this enough. 95% of moms tell me, “I thought it would fit him” and its either too big or too small. They can go through a growth spurt in just a couple days! Try it on, snap a picture of the outfits, and put them on hangars or bag right away, so you have that part done. + I will be messaging you about a week prior to remind you of your session date and time.

I will likely request for you to text me the outfits. I do this for a couple reasons. 1) So I know how to prep for the session with props and accessories. I can be more creative having time to think about things to match and how I want to set up. 2) To make sure you have variety in outfit styles and colors—and they are good choices.

C L E A N

C L E A N

C L E A N

+ Clean nails on both hands and feet, clean hair, wipe away eye boogers, clean feet wipe snotty noses, freshly-scrubbed teeth. The cleaner the kid, the better their photos. + Avoid colorful drinks or lollypops within 24 hours of your shoot. Don’t let them eat or drink anything that will stain their face, teeth or mouths. If they fall during the shoot, oh well—we will take care of it. + Don’t forget about old nail polish. It’s best to not wear any but if you must, pick a light color. + A little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover will take off that week old Spider Man tattoo or marker.

-27-

These are beautiful colors, BUT they are “NO-NO” Colors. I’m sure if you’ve viewed my photography, these are colors that you don’t see very often.

Coral is a very iffy color depending on skin color. If you’re really tan or dark skin, it can work. Otherwise, you have pink reflections on your chin, sides of your face and arms.

P R E P A R I N G

F O R

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

P R E P A R I N G

F O R [ a l l

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

a g e s ]

+ Do NOT bring child/children if they are sick. Just reschedule. + If you or anyone coming along with you to the studio is ill (doesn’t matter how mild or severe), you MUST reschedule your session. Nobody is allowed in my home or studio who is sick. I CANNOT risk germs infecting my family, but most importantly—my newborns. I CANNOT Photoshop boogies.

FACT: In most cases, your favorite pictures you see from my website or on Pinterest are of clients who prepared for the session and did not wait until the last minute to pull outfits together.

+ If anyone chooses to risk bringing their sick child because you’re assuming he/she will be fine—and obviously they are not, there is an $70 rescheduling fee. If I’m away from my family, I must to be making an income and not donating my time. There is a cost to be running the studio lights, heat, and equipment as well. If you reschedule PRIOR to the session, there is NO rescheduling fee. This is only if you arrive with a sick child. + Do not schedule a session within 72 hours of having vaccinations. + Seasonal: Spray extra bug spray on your child/children for at least a week before the session when they are outdoors. + Prepare as necessary to NOT bring your them hungry or tired. This just makes for a stressful mom, an upset baby, and slim-to-none on photo quantity or quality. + If you have an evening session, keep the ENTIRE day stress free and quiet. Avoid parks, beach, play dates, shopping, etc... Heavy activity is not recommended. Hang out, read, watch a movie, and keep the day mellow. + Have a quick bath before the session. For girls with fine hair, bathe the night before. Add a little gel to the wet hair and let it dry naturally. It will have nice body the next day and will stay in curls, beret’s, or pony’s better, too. + Feed children before you arrive. If you have a long drive, consider leaving even earlier if they are likely to fall asleep. It will allow them a little more time to wake up. You don’t want them to wake up on the wrong side of the car seat. + For children 2 and under– I would never want to tell a parent to medicate their child when unnecessary. I’ve had countless children arrive at a session where they just don’t seem to be themselves. It’s usually a cold kicking in or baby teeth coming through. I highly suggest to give your infant some Motrin or Tylenol to reduce the symptoms of teething or a cold that is on its way or at the end its course. It will reduce the running nose (and we all know baby’s hate their noses being wiped!), prevent the drowsiness that comes with a cold, rosy cheeks, and feeling uncomfortable and not with it. + Research (!!) ideas. + PINTEREST! I have ideas and tips on my Pinterest page, too! I do not like to mimic other photographers work (I do ask kindly to avoid showing me someone else’s art from your phone at our session.)

+ All photo shoots should be assumed they will be full length shots. Shoes MATTER! -30-

W H A T

T O

E X P E C T

D U R I N G

This section focuses on what you can expect during the session. Every baby and child is different, therefor every session is different. I still want you to have an idea of what to expect and what you can expect out of VLP.

Y O U R

S E S S I O N

I’ve seen it all! There are no cell phones are allowed during the session in the studio.

That be to take pictures or for another parent to be sitting on their phone during the session. If both parents come to session, they should be fully present and helping one another.

I know this seems crazy to have to say, but

MULTIPLE CHILDREN

[one outfit]

+ If you purchased extra time when you booked your session for mom and dad to jump in a few pictures, plan on doing this right away. + I will get all the children together and individually throughout our time. Some children are more candid than others. + For outdoor sessions: I usually start with more posed images in the beginning. You can let children who understand that if they follow directions for their sessions, we will have play time at the end. ;) We will have play time either way though if time allows! This is time to get candids. + Usually the children give us the sign they are done with pictures—or parents. The session takes about 30-45 minutes depending on location, ages of children, and how many children.

ONE

CHILD-INFANT

Did you purchase additional time for parents and/or siblings to jump in a few shots? If yes, sweet! We will do these with the first outfit and get the family portraits done right away.

+We will start photographing in your favorite outfit first. Bring him/her dressed in that favorite outfit to reduce having to change so many times. You may be worried about the outfit getting dirty on the way, but just put a bib or a shirt over the outfit. Babies and children usually don’t care to get dressed over and over though so consider that. + Mom or dad will set baby down and/or in props. I will not touch baby without your permission. + I photograph at eye level of little ones from the floor/ground. It’s important you stay close to my camera level and not be standing above me so baby is looking close to the camera and not up high. + I will do what I can to get those natural sweet smiles, but sometimes a baby/child has the stranger danger fear or is shy. If that’s the case. I stay hidden behind the camera and mom needs to work her magic. Be silly---I can’t see you anyway. Don’t worry about what I think--I WANT you to do whatever it takes to get those smiles. + I will get as many pictures as I think necessary and we can move on to the second outfit.

Typically it’s less than 10 minutes with each outfit depending on the child.

-31-

-32-

W H A T

T O

E X P E C T

W H A T

I S

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

N E E D E D

O F

Y O U

( P A R E N T )

I can pick the location, provide all the props, use top of the line equipment and get my settings just right to make the surroundings look great. Yet, I need mom and/or dad to really be prepared to be silly and do whatever necessary to make your children give us genuine smiles and laughs. Tickles, silly faces, happy dances behind me, etc...

This is a happy time and should not be miserable for anyone. We WANT the children to have some fun. Yes, they do have to use their manners and behave like they would in any public place, but with me they can be silly, be curious, and hang out with us. We don’t force anything. If your son is shy, no big deal. Let’s just sit and make small talk while he warms up.

Expect the unexpected. It all depends on the ages of babies and children, but I promise you that your child will likely not be the same personality at home as he is in a new environment.

Babies especially. Your baby might be so happy at home and always smiling---then we put him in a new environment....we can’t get a smile out of him. They are curious. I always think these babies are going to be good listeners and future engineers. Then there are other babies who smile the whole time!

-33-

W H A T

T O

E X P E C T

[ c o n t i n u e d ] M O M M Y , P L E A S E P U T O N Y O U R S I L L Y P A N T S B E F O R E Y O U L E A V E T H E H O U S E !

For younger children (especially the ones who are pretty serious or tough little cookies to crack!), you’ve got to put on your silly pants that day of your session and be ready to unwind and make the children laugh.

While some may think this conversation is crazy to even discuss, you’d be surprised at what I’ve seen. Please do not scream at your children. Don’t get me wrong, if they are being sassy and need a scolding, please be the parent.

Constantly yelling at them does no one any good.

Make it fun. Be silly and do things that would help make them smile.

I’ve had moms doing cartwheels behind me, something her kids never saw so it was hilarious. If you come serious and just stand there waiting for magic to happen—BOO! Period. They will remember you having fun and look forward to next time!

If you are worried about what I think? Tell ya what—I think you’re way cooler when you’re not worried about being embarrassed! I do understand children can act up, but

-36-

please consider the tone and how loud you speak at them.

If a small child is miserable, our portrait success will be minimal. If a small child doesn’t want to sit in that spot or be still during certain poses—so what--—we move on. If you raise your voice, they just get more mad—and worse yet, tears are about to pour. We can’t have that. Make it fun. This isn’t Sears or Picture People; and that’s why these types of shoots work so well for smaller children. Just anticipate to spend time with your children in a positive attitude.

“THERE ARE NO SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD IN THE EYES OF A CHILD. THERE ARE SEVEN MILLION.” -WALT STREIGHTIFF

NEW!

violet lace photography’s

BOUTIQUE SHOP I’m SO excited for this!! VLP is now offering clients to skip the lines, avoid online shopping, no stressing about what color and sizes, or waiting for packages to arrive, etc. These outfits are from various boutiques so sizes do vary. These timeless pieces range in prices valuing up to $100! You may rent one for $15. Done!

The attire I chose for my wardrobe collection all reflect my style. They all will look adorable with or without smiles!

The color palette of the pieces are mostly warm and organic. These will have a more vintage, classic, and timeless set up and editing style as well.

-40-

B O U T I Q U E

S H O P

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

BOYS

Jack Romper [Brown] 6-9m, 12-18m

Jack Romper [Cream] 3-6m, 9-12m

Jack Romper [Navy] 12-18m

Oliver Jumpsuit [Navy] 9-12m

Newsboy Cap [Greige] 0-3 6-12 2T, 3T

Gracelyn 8m | Wearing Victoria Lace Romper in the color Antique Yellow

-41-

I do have other bow ties in stock as well. There is no charge for a tie if you’d like to add one of those onto your outfit. I have cream, hunter green, red, wine, burgundy, black, and some patterned ones as well.

-42-

B O U T I Q U E

S H O P

[ c o n t i n u e d ]

GIRLS Any size with 12m should fit a one year old. (ex: 9-12m. It’s for a one year old, but could fit younger. If an outfit is a tad too big, we can stage the outfit in a clip for pictures.

Classic Romper [Peach] 12 m

Victoria Vintage Lace Romper [antique yellow] 6-12 m

Lace Leotard [Navy] 9-12m

Gracelyn Ruffle Top Sweater 6-9m

Lace Leotard [Wine] 9-12m

Pleated Ruffled Jumpsuit Romper - Wine 12-18m

Heart Halter Romper 6-12m

Garden Rose Leotard 9-12m

Cara Pom Pom Romper 6-12m

Cold Shoulder Flutter Sleeve Romper [Dusty Pink] 9-12

Alyse Wine Floral Romper [8-12m

Peachy Green Floral Romper 12m

Petti Rompers [Mauve] 6-18m

Floral Halter Romper 3-4m

Cream

Minty Aqua

Black

Light Blue

White

Pink

Red Deep Lilac

Other Colors Available in Petti Rompers 6-18m

Belle Floral Romper 8-12m

Violet Floral Romper 3-6m

There’s lots of head pieces, halos, bonnets, and hats. Here’s a couple of the hats in the studio.

[boutique shop] Q U E S T I O N S + A N S W E R S Q. W H A T S I Z E S A R E T H E S E F O R ?

A. Sizes are up to the first year so they all are for indoor sessions.

Q . H O W M U C H I S I T T O R E N T A N O U T F I T ?

A. It’s $15 per outfit. This includes hair pieces for the girls, too.

Samantha Flutter Sleeve Romper 12-18m

Victoria Vintage Lace Romper [Wine] 12-18m

Annabelle Halter Bubble Romper [Navy] 6-12m

Lace Halter Bubble Romper [barely yellow] 12-24m

Madeline Vintage Lace Jumpsuit Romper 6-12months

Q. H O W D O I R E N T T H E M F R O M Y O U ? S H O U L D I H A V E P U R C H A S E D T H A T W H E N I B O O K E D T H E S E S S I O N ?

A. Nope. You’re all good! When I send you that email about a week before you session, you can let me know if you’re interested in using one, two, or 3 of my outfits. Let me know all that you’re interested in (even if it’s more than 3, just in case something doesn’t fit properly) so I can get them ready for your session.

-44-

P O S T

P R O D U C T I O N

T U R N

A R O U N D

T I M E

P H O T O S H O P

It will take up to 2 weeks to complete your child's images. During these 2 weeks, there’s a process to get them completed.

+Its pretty common for people to say “oh you can Photoshop that out, right?” Photo shopping every image is not a part of the session price. Let me explain Photoshop. This is about a $2500 software that keeps changing every year …and we have to pay for new versions. Yes, it can do a lot of magic, but its very time consuming.

They are uploaded, backed up off the computer, labeled, culled (sorted), color corrected, exported to external drive, and uploaded to your personal gallery.

I do not and will never limit your images of what you can see. You view all the images that turned out. I removed the ones with blinking, poor exposures, and any blurry images.

+All your photos are touched up to an extent in the processing part, but if someone wants me to edit out something that could have been prevented, there will be a an additional fee depending on what this is. Dirty clothes, wrinkled shirt, or graphics on a shirt… there is a fee. If you need this done, you will find it in the print products to purchase under “other”.

The amount of images depends on the children.

Depending on moods, lighting, personality, etc... We can get anywhere from 20-100+ images.

Y O U R

+If it’s a child with outbreak of psoriasis or he falls over and gets a bruise on his forehead or noticeable cut on his nose, I will remove blemishes on the 3-5 top favorite images because this is something they have no control over. Typically if its really bad, we just reschedule.

G A L L E R Y

I will email you the link to your images once they are complete. Your gallery is password protected. I will include all the information in viewing and ordering as well as more information on the Print Release.

ONLINE STORAGE +If you have a scheduled session and something occurs to where it would show up on the pictures, please call me to make sure its something I can edit out.

For online storage fees for my website, VLP is charged more for inactive galleries. You will have 30 days to make your purchase. The gallery will stay active for the rest of the year once your purchase is made. There is a $20 fee per day for requests to extend the time frame. If no order is placed, the gallery will expire and will no longer be available.

PHOTOSHOP -45-

-10-

P R I N T

R E L E A S E

If you want to purchase the Print Release, you can do that at the session or wait til you view your images. You can just order that right through your gallery and download them that way. Remember, you must order a physical

image to keep your gallery active and be able to view, order, download, share, etc… as you’d like.

S E S S I O N

Q1. What is a Print Release?

The Print Release is a federal law. This is offered for some sessions by Violet Lace Photography, including the children’s sessions. It allows you to print for personal use at home while preserving the rights of the Photographer, Violet Lace Photography. It is illegal to use any images (whether you're in the image or not) without the legal document releasing the rights to print the images. This can be purchased when you, the Client books the session, at the session, or after viewing the images in your personal gallery created by the Photographer, VLP. Q2. What Can I Do With A Print Release? a. Legal document allowing unlimited printing wherever you choose b. Posting of images on your social media (per contract this is ONLY when you give the credit to the Violet Lace Photography. No photo credit, then the Print Release is voided. c. May use digital file for greeting cards, books, etc... d. Digital file to keep forever.

Q3. What Can I NOT do with images when I purchase a Print Release? a. You can not edit or distort any images. b. You cannot add any filters from any websites, software, or apps. c. You cannot transfer the Print Release to any other person. (Ex: grandma cannot print them.)

(NEW CHANGES) Normally, any clients gallery would exist for 2-3 years (or longer), regardless of anyone purchasing the Print Release or not. The photography website host has changed policy on inactive storage. They are automatically removing inactive galleries after 30 days.

When a Print Release is purchased (whether before, at, or through the website), the images are automatically removed from the website IF no physical portrait is purchased. VLP is no longer liable for the Client's images after 30 days. If you purchase a physical image through your gallery, your gallery is automatically activated for at least one year. It does not matter how many images you purchase.

The purpose of the website is the convenience for you to view, download and order your images. No client is required to make a purchase with the Print Release, BUT if the client does not need to purchase images through the website, there’s no purpose for VLP to pay storage fees when session and portraits prices remain the same.

In short, if any client wants to order at anytime, whether it be in a couple months, for the holidays, or even in the next couple years—make a purchase of an item to be sent to your home address within 30 days of your email being sent.

For more information and common Q&A’s: PRINT RELEASE RIGHTS

P A Y M E N T

If you paid just your deposit when you booked your session, you can pay cash or check at the session. Check payable to: Violet Lace Photography. (If you’re not sure, refer to the email you were able to get the link to this guide.)

I certainly hope you do book a session in the future. If you do, it is more convenient to pay the session in full. If you have to cancel for any reason, you will receive a refund for all except the retainer fee.

Did I mention this welcome guide was not perfect lol. I tried though and I hope it helped inform you! I WISH I knew how to keep things short!

If there’s anything confusing or misinformed, PLEASE let me know. If you have any further questions, please text or email me! I truly cannot wait to photograph your little ones and be on this photographic journey with you! xoxo indsey A D D I T I O N A L

L I N K S :

VLP’S EQUIPMENT VLP’S HOME STUDIO Gift Certificate Print Release

-47-

“You can only regret the pictures you don’t take because tomorrow is not guaranteed.”

-Violet Lace Photography-

!!Check Pinterest for all the different boards to help guide you through outfits, dos and don’ts, backdrops, etc.!!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR SESSION SUCCESS!

NEW!

Boutique Shop 402 Donna St Chilton WI 53014 (920)418-4455 www.violetlacephotography.com

violetlace@live.com

What To Wear P.24

Cake Smash p.24-26