Hello! I’m so excited that we get to work together! I can’t wait to create some beautiful images for you and your family.
To make things as easy for you as possible and to help you understand the process, I’ve answered all of the most frequently asked questions that come up before a session.
I want you to feel calm, prepared and ready to make the most of our time together, so I can create beautiful timeless images of you and your loved ones! You can reach me anytime at shawna.shenette@gmail.com
Where should I have my session?
I’m sure you have some idea of where you want your session, whether that’s a session at my Millbury, MA studio, an in-home session or an outdoor session.
I love creating images in your home or outdoors at the beautiful locations we have here. In-home sessions are very sentimental, and I always make sure I incorporate your home environment into your images. This is the place you spend the most time, and it embodies so much of your story. It’s a beautiful thing to have documented as so often what happens under our roof changes so frequently. You do not need a beautiful Instagrammable house by any means to have a shoot at home! Come as you are and leave the rest up to me.
If you would prefer to have an outdoor session, I absolutely LOVE shooting at dusk during the golden hour. The light is incredible, and we can certainly go to a favorite place of yours, or I have lots of beautiful locations up my sleeve that I can suggest that you might not even realize are the perfect photo locations.
To help you decide, have a look below at some full sessions shot at different locations.
The day of your session
What to expect
OUTDOOR SESSIONS: We’ll meet up at our arranged location. If you’re delayed or stuck in traffic, please text (508.685.0885) and let me know. Once at the location, I’ll show you around and let you know where we’ll be shooting. I’ll spend some time getting to know your little ones and helping them feel comfortable with me before we start the session.
I totally understand that your children may be shy, nervous, tired or just having a bad day. I’ll do my very best to make the session fun and as relaxing as possible for everyone! I will not ask your children to smile or behave in a certain way! All I ask is that you show up ready to explore together and be open to getting close, connected and engaging with one another.
A family session is actually a beautiful time to stop and really take in what you have created and the incredible family that you are.
IN-HOME SESSIONS: When I arrive, I’ll introduce myself and spend some time getting to know you and your children. Then, I’d love for you to give me a little tour of your home so I can determine the best lighting. Natural light makes for beautiful images, so I’ll get you to open up blinds and curtains and turn off any bright overhead lights if needed. The rest of the session will be fun and relaxed.
I’ll give you some direction about what to do and where to go in the house, depending on the style of shoot we are doing. All family sessions will last for around an hour. I want these sessions to reflect you as a family and what you love to do together!
To get your house ready, tidy and clean up a little, but please don’t feel like you need to make your home sterile and lifeless. Just remove clutter and distracting objects; I still want your home to feel lived in.
What to wear to your session
Everything you need to know about choosing clothes for your shoot
One of the main questions you might have now that you’ve booked your session is “what on earth do we wear?”. I want you to feel beautiful and relaxed in your images, and I want them to reflect you and what you feel amazing wearing. Here are some key pointers when it comes to choosing what to wear:
The biggest tip is to find something you feel beautiful wearing. If you’re uncomfortable or self-conscious in your outfit, it will show in your images. Start with one piece that you that you love, your dress or another outfit for example, which may be plain or patterned and then use this to coordinate the outfits for the rest of your family.
COLOUR + PATTERNS
I often suggest muted and neutral tones in a range of shades or some soft patterns. Often the environments we shoot in (such as the beach/ fields / or your home) can have lots of colors. Wearing bright colors can clash. Browns, mustard, yellows, dusty pinks, oranges or earthy greens, creams or white clothing all look great.
To add a bit of variety, choose one patterned piece, such as a long flowy dress for yourself, and then pull some similar colors from that pattern for other family members to wear.
TEXTURE + MOVEMENT
Layering different textures when choosing your outfits is a great way to really bring your outfits together and add more interest. Think linens, textured clothing, such as waffled materials or lace, chunky knits and anything that flows! Clothing that allows for some movement always photographs beautifully, especially outdoors when it’s a little windy.
CREATIVE PROPS
Think along the lines of blankets, picnic rugs, linen throws, greenery, baby wraps, hats, or a warm blanket or shawl for winter sessions. Props such as these are a great way to enhance a session and add something a little extra. Once you have chosen your outfits, you can source props that work well or have varying textures and colors that compliment your outfits. I also have some of these items in my studio wardrobe, so it’s best to coordinate with me before the shoot.
FOOTWEAR
I’m all for barefoot sessions, especially if we’re at the beach or at home, I always suggest leaving shoes off as this suits these environments well. If we are in another outdoor setting, wear suitable footwear that works in well with your outfits and is easy to walk around in (ditch the heels and opt for flats!).
HAIR + MAKEUP
I’m all for natural hair and makeup for home and outdoors sessions, so don’t feel any pressure at all to get professional hair and makeup done for your session. However, if that’s what you opt for, and it makes you feel your best, then go for it! When we are in the studio, you will have the option to use one of my professional hair and makeup artists right at the studio.
A FEW THINGS TO AVOID
Steer clear of large brand names on your clothing, the ‘jeans & white shirt’ combo for the whole family, or dressing everyone in black or all dark color. Try to mix up the color palette.
These photographs are going to be images that are treasured for generations to come so take time to find something that you love and that captures your personal style.
GET IN TOUCH + SOME INSPIRATION FOR YOU
You are always very welcome to text me photos of your outfits so I can help you decide on what looks great for the session.
I’ve also created some Pinterest boards for you with lots of clothing combination ideas so you can get some more inspiration about how to put outfits together.
FAQ's
What if it's raining on the session day?
I shoot outdoor sessions in any kind of weather except the rain, so I’ll make a call on the session day about rescheduling the session if rain is forecasted. We can reschedule the session to the next available date.
I'm worried my child won't behave or handle a late afternoon session?
Don’t worry, I totally get it! Late afternoons can be tricky but here are some great ways to help the session go smoothly for your little ones.
Bring snacks - anything not too messy or hard to eat.
Comfort toys - something your child loves and will help calm them. These are also really special to photograph if they are muted in color.
A quiet day or a late nap - adjust your child’s routine for the day, so they are feeling a little more rested and full of energy for the session.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or the session - I want you to feel relaxed and just enjoy time together as a family at a fun location that is special to you all. Maybe you can make a night of it with a special dinner or treat afterwards.
What happens if we get sick?
If you or your little ones are sick on the day of the session, I will happily reschedule for another day. Same goes for me - if I’m not well, I’ll let you know asap and we will find another date. I’ll never turn up to a session not feeling well, especially if you have a newborn baby. There is no fee to reschedule your session due to illness.
Will you retouch my images / make me thinner / smooth out skin etc?
The quick answer is no. I spend hours editing your images to achieve the look and feel that I love and which is cohesive with my portfolio of images. I remove clothing puckers, background distractions and small blemishes, such as pimples, scratches or prominent bruises, but I do not offer heavy photoshopping or image manipulation with your regular photography session. If this is something you would like, a separate quote for high-end retouching will be provided.
What happens after your session
The fun part! Your photo reveal & choosing your images
After your session, I will get to work on culling your images down to the very best of the best (typically around 40 images), editing those images and getting them up into your online gallery. Within 2-3 weeks of your session, I’ll be in touch with your image gallery!
When you get your gallery link, I encourage you to make an event of it! Queue it up on your tv or a large computer screen and gather the whole family around… the first time you see your photos is always the best.
Have additional questions?
Feel free to email me at shawna.shenette@gmail.com or call 508.685.0885. I do my best to answer everyone as quickly as possible.