Your session with April Williams Photography

How a portrait session with April Williams Photography works.

After calling me to book a session, and discuss pricing, we will be meeting at a pre-determined location.

Unless we’ve set up the session in or around your house, we’ll be going somewhere out doors for your portrait session.  I’m all about creativity and fun – if you’ve got a place you want to go, let’s talk about it.  I can also suggest some  interesting places within the Susanville/Westwood area that serve as great backdrops, if you don’t have a place in mind. Sessions farther than 25 miles from Susanville will incur an extra fee.

The best time for a portrait sessions is later in the day.  I like to start about an hour and a half before sunset.  The lighting is much more preferable.

A change of outfit is allowed, and there is no limit on the number of people per photography session per family. However, please keep in mind that very small children do not last very long and do not tolerate too many changes!

I have a very simple style of photography.  I tend to use minimal, if any props during the session as I feel they distract from the main subject.  However, please feel free to bring any personal or sentimental items along to the session to be included with yourself or your child in the photographs.

Family and group photo sessions are one-two hours  long, allowing everyone time to enjoy themselves without rushing. This amount of time allows time to change outfits, touch up hair and makeup, soothe a crying baby or give a little one a few minutes of a break.

Clothing should be simple, and normally subdued so the attention in the final portraits will be focused on the subjects. Avoid bold patterns such as plaids, stripes, polka-dots, flowers, etc., and brilliant colors such as red. Normally, low-key colors (medium to darker tones) photograph best. It is important in a group portrait that colors and styles of clothing be compatible so they do not clash. All white, and all black are a no no! Pick a color or two and co~ordinate. A belt, a scarf, a hat. Accents are always great.

I welcome pets, but know that I give NO guarantee that they will be looking at the camera. I will try my best, but I have found often times in a family setting, when I call the pet’s name, the kids eyes go right to the pet. We would much rather have your kids looking at me , and not the pet,unless of course it is a candid.

 

NEWBORNS

Just prior to your session, feed and undress your newborn, keeping your little one warm in a favorite blanket. Hopefully, he or she will fall asleep so that we can capture some “lullaby” moments.  I ask that you be  prepared to have your picture taken while holding your baby in some of the shots. Please know that newborn and baby photo sessions are somewhat unpredictable, so if your baby gets fussy we will reschedule another session at no additional charge. If I am coming to your home, I ask that you please turn up the heat in one room, or have a space heater ready.  warm babies are more sleepy, and pose-able. If the session is to be shot with no parent, once I arrive, I will ask that mom not be too close(although in the same room is fine). ESPECIALLY if breastfeeding. Baby knows you are near, and may get fussy. Newborn sessions will ONLY be scheduled if the baby is less than two weeks old. After that , it is just too hard to get them posed.

Maternity

Maternity photos are the perfect keepsake. In addition to your individual portrait, you may want to include images of you with your partner and your children. The best time for a maternity photo session is at 7 – 8 months of pregnancy. Most mothers-to-be are looking for semi-clothed poses. Men’s dress shirts are a good wardrobe choice, revealing only what you want to. Solid colours and pastel tones are best. I have a drape I will provide if you feel comfortable with this option.

COUPLES

I have learned some amazing techniques to get AUTHENTIC, emotional shots. I will be asking you to be very personal with each other.  I just ask that you come to these with an open mind.

FAMILIES

Family session are generally scheduled for two hours. The sitting fee is always the same.  These sessions are the heart of what I do. I have planned these sessions to be the way I would want them to go if my family were having it done. Here is how each one will go. I would prefer to start in your home. If this is not ok , that fine. We have plenty of fabulous locations.  Home is the heart of the family, where everyone is usually most comfortable.

First we will do formal portraits. That way all the posing is out of the way , then we get to have fun and relax.

Next we will do play time. This is me following you around as you play with your children like you would do everyday. These moment are precious, and your children will be grown before you know it.

Then we will do quiet time. I will spend one on one time with each child.  If we are in the home, they can show me their favorite things. If we are on location, we will just chat while I take the portraits.

If you have any further questions after reading this, please be in contact with me before the session! 530-310-4751