Do you know what I love about doing photography sessions? They are fun! They should be fun! I spent many years in drab studios with my oldest daughter while she whimpered (and all out bawled at times) and gave fake smiles and sat uncomfortably in positions she would never normally sit in. That is not a fun photography session, neither for the parent or the child.
I think that is why I love working on location, whether it be in your backyard, at the park, on the beach or on a downtown street, no one is ever forced to look like or be someone they aren’t. The kids can get up and move, they can laugh and dance and run around and just be themselves. And after all, isn’t that what you really want to capture? You, your child, your family…exactly as you are and feeling your most relaxed.
A typical question I hear regarding a photography session is, “What should my child wear?” My answer: whatever they are comfortable in. If you have a 4-year-old who likes to dress her/himself like mine does and you don’t mind, bring them in their own fashion creation. If you want to wear bright colors or muted colors or just a tutu…I’m all for it. What you wear is the least of my concerns. My only sage advice - don’t color match your background. If your session is in a wooded forest preserve amongst the trees, don’t wear all green or camouflage. Unless you are going for that “Where’s Waldo?” look.
Being that I am a natural light photographer, I prefer to work outside. I do not like to use flash. Flash photography is not flattering. Natural light is going to give you the best looking portrait. If you don’t know where you want to hold a session, I will be happy to recommend a place. Sessions are usually held in the a.m., before 10 a.m., and in the late afternoon, after 4 p.m. This way we avoid the squinting eyes and funky shadows that the sun casts. Because I work outdoors, we are at Mother Nature’s mercy. Yes, I have had to cancel sessions due to inclimate weather, and that’s a real bummer. But we can always reschedule. I promise.
Once your session is complete, your images will be edited and then uploaded to a password protected gallery on my website (www.leighwilcoxsonphotography.com). Turnaround time for viewing your edited photos is approximately 10-14 days. After the photos are uploaded to your gallery, I will email you with your password, and you have two weeks to place your first order. If you have not placed your order in two weeks, your gallery will be deactivated and a fee of $25 will be required to reactivate your gallery. Once you have placed your order, your gallery is available for viewing and ordering for two months. If you need it open for longer than two months, a fee of $35 will be required for each additional month.
If you have any other questions regarding photography sessions, please feel free to contact me at LeighWPhotos@aol.com