Not sure how far in advance to book a photo session this year? Want to know what the process is? Then this blog post is for you.
Let’s start with a general overview
It is always best to book any photo session a few months in advance. This gives us plenty to of time to get the location, contract, and invoice squared away. Then we move on to wardrobes, which you will want plenty of time for in case something doesn’t work out as planned. If we only have a few weeks we won’t be able to spend as much time in the wardrobe planning stage.
Fall is the busiest time of year between fall foliage and holiday sessions. October is generally fully booked for family photo sessions by early September. Once I am booked for a certain month I can add you to my waitlist in case there is a cancellation.
Here is what to expect when booking a photo session With Me
We start with determining how long of a session you are looking for. If you’re not sure I can help you figure that out based on your budget, family needs, or the experience you are looking for. Most of my sessions are 30 minutes unless you request longer. A session with extended family is 60-90 minutes. I also offer 15 minute mini sessions on specific days throughout the year if that better fits your budget.
Next we discuss locations. I have lots of locations I am familiar with around Litchfield and Fairfield counties. Plus a few more along the cost of New Haven County. But I always like to know if you have a favorite place you enjoy. Taking photos at a location that has meaning to you and where you are comfortable will give the photos that much more meaning. When you look at them you will remember that time in your life when you spent a lot of time at the beach, your favorite hiking trail, the lake, etc. You will also enjoy yourself more on the day of your session and that joy will show in the photos.
Final Planning Stages
Please read through the entire contract and get back to me with any questions you have. It is important we are both on the same page and have the same expectations for the photo session. I request a 50% payment at the time of booking and 50% one week before your session date. The contract is signed electronically and your invoice is paid online with a credit card through a secure portal.
Next you will receive a Questionnaire to fill out. This helps me get to know you a bit so we can make the most of your session time. It’s a place for you to tell me what you are looking for out of the session.
Now we move on to the final stage which is wardrobe selection. We can do this a few ways. If you already have outfits you would like to wear for your photo session, you will email me photos and we can discuss how they work together and with your location/time of year. Keeping the temperature in mind is essential so that everyone is comfortable.
If you don’t already have outfits and want to purchase new we can discuss your personal style and stores you usually like to purchase clothing from. Then we can look at clothing options in your style and budget.
I hope this helps you plan for your upcoming photo session in 2024! Get back to me with any questions you have. I’m here to help!
