Hi there and firstly I’d like to apologise for the lateness of this post. I’ve gone through not the best time trying to get this new website up and running and there has been way more roadblocks on the way - more than I could have imagined! It’s been somewhat like building or renovating a house - nothing is quite on the timeline as originally expected.
But now - now I’m all yours and so so excited to meet you for the Christmas photoshoots in a few weeks.
It’s going to be so cosy and magical and I really can’t wait to see you all ❤️
The styling tips will be a bit further down, but I always start with the directions to the studio so
PLEASE READ THIS BIT CAREFULLY:
LOCATION
You can find my studio in this location right next to the Killarney library car park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kvbuh6J9pXBgnFcA9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Just drive up this drive in the picture and I’m in that yellow flat roof extension next to Kerry Osteopathy. There is parking behind me so on the top of the drive, but as there is only 4 parking spaces between the two businesses, please arrive promptly only for your own session and park in the car park next doors if you're planning to have a wonder in town before/after.
This building is called Glenmore house with the big sign for Kerry Osteopathy on the road (where the Bepro therapy sign is in this picture),
directly opposite of O’Shea’s tyres on St Anne's road. I can nearly guarantee you have all driven past this a million times.
Please make sure you look up the exact location well in advance as I will not have time to give directions on the day. I will also not give the Eircode, because that brings you to the dentist on the next drive up (trust me you don't want to be walking all the way from there to the studio 😉)
As I only have 30min allocated per family it is crucial you'll be on time. I know traffic happens and leaving the house with the kids can be a whirlwind, but if you arrive late, your session will be shorter.
Unfortunately there is no waiting space in the studio itself so please wait for your turn in the car or outside. I will meet you at the door.
STYLING
This year's set up is cosy, warm and quite “busy” backdrop full of nostalgic elements and therefore to compliment the set up, I would go with fairy classical look.
all the above clothes are from Next, H&M and Marks and Spencers, but I would also check Zara or even Dunnes stores.
I think knitted outfits, velvet, tulle, plaid, cable knits, corduroy etc. always look amazing. I think everyone usually look amazing in what ever you choose in your personal style and I would maybe list things that in my opinion are NOT the best choice for this year’s set up.
as the backdrop has quite a few green elements this year, it might be a colour to avoid this year or otherwise it might blend in too much. I also would avoid anything black.
as usual I would avoid any sporting logos or sports trainers
I would also avoid anything too tight light skinny jeans or slim pinafore dresses for girls as they always ride up, when sitting like here below:
tight ponytails generally are not the most flattering, but instead plats and pigtails look very sweet. Hair accessories bring out a festive feel.
for dads, the main tip is that as you will be sitting down quite low, slim fit shirts will not be the most flattering option. I would also leave smart watches out, but will remind you of this on the day.
moms you will look sensational regardless, but the same goes: very tight mini skirts will be too uncomfortable to be comfortable with your children. I think beautiful materials together like satin with a knitted top, or wide trousers, wrap around dress will be amazing, but I think too much sequins might not work too well this year. You can bring a bit of fun with big collars, or nice jewellery, but I would perhaps stay away from very high turtle neck jumpers. You’re very welcome to wear heels/shoes in the set up.
girls can wear tights or bare legs and please have neat shoes or socks for all. Such little thing can really make a huge difference. Feet will more thank likely show in the pictures. I would kindly ask you to only change into the shoes your wearing in the photos at the studio as we're onto the wet/muddy season.
I shoot with very warm tones so full tan will look very orange. I would opt for gradual tan 3-4 days before the shoot or no tan at all. Your hands will be in the photos and tanned knuckles are almost impossible to edit out so as rogue as it sounds, I would rather leave hands with no tan and I’ll match them during editing to the rest of the body.
If you plan to change into Christmas pyjamas only for a few of the photos, please note the photoshoot time is only 30 minutes so all outfit changes have to be done within that time frame. So perhaps think beforehand if you feel like child/children will co-operate on this rather than stress out.
A FEW IMPORTANT TIPS:
I always strive for the natural smiles, joy and connection so I find the best way to go about it is to literally be natural 😇
What I mean by this is not to hype up the photoshoot too much or especially not practice “cheese” at home rather than genuinely enjoy the experience, cuddle your children and trust the process! Photoshoots with children will always be extra busy, but I only love it ❤️
However:
Please make sure you fill in the customer form even if I’ve photographed you before as it gives me enough info what way to approach your children ❤️ A simple thing like knowing your child’s exact age this year is super helpful.
I would resort to mobiles for music or youtube as the very very last resort and it is perhaps a really good idea for you to put them away altogether for the duration of the shoot. Often - toddlers especially - only have to see a mobile to be distracted.
Make sure everyone is well fed, bellies full (dads included 😉) and if you feel like your kids will need a little encouragement, mini marshmallows, raisins or white buttons can be brought, but NO wet food, or chocolate or anything crumbly like crackers please.
CHECKLIST
please make sure you have filled in the customer form before the photoshoot as it is your contact form and model release and I can't photograph you without it 🙏🏻
make sure you know exactly where the studio is well in advance and contact me if the instructions above aren't clear enough. I still won't give the eircode, but will explane better 😅
start thinking about styling now and please message me if you have any questions around this. I have had people whatsapping me pictures of their outfit ideas or what they're thinking about ordering. I'm super happy to help with this any time.
make sure all little faces are cleaned before of dry bits and food stains. Also possibly worth having a look that the teeth are clean/no food stuck between teeth as we'll be (hopefully) smiling lots. If there is any scratches, bruises, bumps, pimples etc. they are super easy to touch up so don’t worry about anything like so.
The remaining balance of 200 euros is due on the day and I will send you a payment link for on the day on the day of the photoshoot.
If you pay with cash, please have the exact amount in an envelope with your photoshoot date/timeslot, your name and email address written on top.
AND LASTLY...
I can not wait to see you ❤️
The Christmas minis are truly my favourite time of the year and we always have such a lovely time. Thank you for booking and see you soon 🥰
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there's any questions between now and then!
Love, Sara xx
