NEAR AND DEAR

We enjoy photographing families, children and other family-like units representing those who are near and dear to you. Our goal is to show your family's unique dynamics, personality and style.. We don't want you to just appear happy, we would like to make our time together a fun and genuinely happy experience for everyone. Most of our clients will tell you we are very easy going and have a lot of patience. During our 1-2 hours together we will take large group shots, smaller group shots and individual photos, as time permits. We provide a professional clean style to our portraits no matter what creative ideas you have. Typically we have time to photograph everyone in 1-2 outfits. Near and Dear sessions take place at non-studio locations such as the beach, a park, your home, your friend's home, a farm, a rented space, a hotel room. Please make sure you have permission for us to photograph at the location you choose. Below are a few recent Near and Dear sessions as samples of our work as well as preparation tips for your session.

Please make yourself familiar with the new details and prices reflected on our Investment page before you Book A Session Orders of any type over $200 Print/Download/Gift/Card include a complimentary video slideshow of the images ordered. Thank you!

Just Be You

Clothes: We get many emails asking about what to wear/bring to a session and our answer will almost always be to bring 2 outfits that vary in either color (1 bright & 1 neutral), or that vary in style (1 classy & 1 casual), or something that has sentiment to you (your favorte team jersey, your favorite band etc). Patterns can be distracting so we do suggest avoiding something too crazy unless that is your goal (to look crazy funky). Your entire family doesn't need to "match" in color but photos do look better if everyone is close to the same style (all casual, all formal, all beach wear etc). It is important to show your style in the photos so that you will be comfortable.

Props: We suggest preparing a bag full of goodies to play with during the session. Things of sentimental value to you. Anyone can have photos with props used by hundreds of other people at a cheesy photo studio - but sessions where you incorporate props that mean something to you will be much more valuable in the future. Accessories; Hats, scarves, shoes, hair clips ... Hobbies/Talents/Collections; musical instruments, sports equipment, uniform, books, stuffed animals, vintage items, old childhood photos, empty photo frames without backing, art supplies, 4 wheeler, jet ski, surfboard, skates, flowers...etc

Pets: please remember to bring a friend/handler to help with your pet :) We usually cannot hold your pet/s while you are in the photo.

GENERAL PREP TIPS

Avoid too much sun right before your session, red or tan lines are not usually a desired look for photos, sun burns on the face will look swollen. Orange tans are also something to avoid...please do not Spray Tan within 72 hours of your session. There will be additional charges per edited image if skin color editing is required due to accidental discolorations.
While choosing wardrobe please keep in mind what body parts you do or do not want to be emphasizes. We suggest wearing 3/4 length shirts if you do not like your arms and full length pants or skirts if you do not want your legs to show. Black/dark colors typically thin the area they are on. Avoid strong/active/crazy fun patterns, these will make viewers look at your clothing instead of your photos.
It is OK to practice poses at home!! As a matter of fact we think its very helpful. We will be able to help you with our expertise in placement and body poses but your favorite smile or facial expression is very hard to explain. Just 10 minutes in front of a mirror while nobody is home can go a long way. Finding how to smile with not only your mouth but your eyes without crinkling your forehead can take a little practice at first. We will do our best to make sure you're having fun and your smile looks natural but it never hurts to check and see if you're smiling the way you'd like your pictures to reveal.

Guys Prep

Yes, guys it is still important for you to prepare for photos as handsome as you are.

Please make sure that your face has been washed and moisturized with a oil free lotion. Your nails should be clean. Please bring chapstick that is non-glossy & water if you have a tendency to get cotton mouth.

Clothing should be wrinkle free and stain free. One of the most common wardrobe malfunctions we encounter with guys are shirts that are thin and show the under shirt (or nipples). It would be a good idea, especially if you are wearing a light color, to put it on and check in a mirror that you cannot see through the chosen shirt/s- unless of course that is the goal.

Avoid too much sun for a couple days before your photos please!

EAT!! Please eat & use the restroom before the shoot. This will help you be relaxed and able to enjoy your time. We wouldn't suggest eating to the point that you have to unbutton your pants but being in front of the camera takes energy.

Children Preparation

Please make sure your child has eaten, gone to the bathroom and has had their nap before their photo session. Those are the 3 magic ingredients to a happy smiling kiddo.

We suggest bringing snacks and/or extra formula incase we need a snack break - we don't mind taking a break...but if its chocolate you'll have to share (just kidding) Nothing is better than a reward at the end of the session and some snacks/rewards make fantastic photo ops! Like giant lollipops, gumdrops, even fruit can be fun if they are wearing an outfit that matches.

Please bring your child's sentiments that will make the photos even more memorable, if they have a favorite blanket, toy or even book we would love to include it in some of the shots. Playing with bubbles, airplanes, finger paints, coloring, playing on the playground can all be fabulous action shots to capture your child's personality a lot more than someone saying "smile" and they will probably think the photos are fabulous too if you let them enjoy being themselves instead of a stiff pose.

*if you have any tips on a way to make them laugh let us know in an email and we will try to pull it out of our sleeves if we need them to make a real smile. Thanks!