PREPARING FOR YOUR SUMMER-SKIN SESSION | questions answered

 

Prepare your | SUMMER SKIN SessioN

If you are reading this document it is because you have taken the plunge, you chose to have me capture you and/or your special little clan in a way and place that is super close to my heart, and I can't thank you enough for trusting me to do this for you! Below I have answered a few common questions my clients often ask.

 

1. THE RESERVATION

The date is locked in my schedule upon receipt of the signed contract as well as the non-refundable deposit. I will contact you a few days before the date in question to confirm details!

 

2. THe Location

For my Summer Skin Sessions I almost always have a place in mind where I want to shoot. If you are reading this, the location should have already been chosen, so if you aren’t sure of where we are meeting please contact me ASAP!

Planning  for your shoot doesn’t require too much from your en, a part from your clothing and hair/makeup styling, but otherwise there is no big setup or unnecessary stress. I will give you very liberal guidelines if necessary on how pose(without actually feeling posed) if need be, but really the idea is to capture you and your crew as you are today in this very moment. 

 

3. ARRIVAL TIME

Timing for our sessions is very important, especially when we are working on daylight (sunrise/sunset) because it is limited. But I also have three young children, a dog, cat and a husband so I know what it's like to try and get out of the house on time.. isn't always easy! I will do my best to be on time, but of course things arise. I sometimes have unexpected events come up when en route to a session, but I will always notify you if ever I am running late, and I greatly appreciate it when you do the same for me!

4. TAKE THE TIME TO TAKE THE TIME

My Summer Skin/Seaside Mini-Sessions are different from my other sessions in that so much of the focus in these sessions is the environment. The water, sand, sea grass, etc all play a huge role in every photograph I capture during out time together. So please, I highly recommend you arrive a little early for our session. Don’t book 15 activities that day so you are running around like a maniac right before. Try to relax; maybe take a walk along the water, let your kids collect seashells, try to unwind. Do a few minutes of yoga on the jetty.. or hey, you could even bring a bottle of wine and a picnic blanket and have a drink on the beach before we start! Whatever will help get you in a fun, relaxed state of mind because you will see all of the difference when you are able to decompress and enjoy our experience together.

 

5. What To Wear?

Good question! If you need a little advice in this department, I can help! This is the BIG question, what do we wear?? Especially for a Summer Skin or Seaside Mini Session. Truth is the answers can range, depending on you and your personal style. BUT.. one of my favorite parts of doing sessions on the beach is the wind! I LOVE that movement we see when our hair is across our face and our skirt is blowing off to one side. Something about that ocean air and salty wind renews us and brings these images to life! Flowy materials and light colors are great for catching that setting sunlight. I don’t recommend you going out and getting your hair styled perfectly, as that will most likely come apart the moment we step out into the sand. But some loose waves or curls are great. Let your hair down! Let your daughter’s hair down. This is an opportunity to let your wild, carefree side come through.. no restraints, no perfect poses. It’s just you, the me and the wild sea(or seaway).

Try and plan your outfit a few days prior, so you aren't scrambling the day of! A few other things to keep in mind;

  • NATURE’S TONES - I do normally love big, bright colors and of course if by any means bold color speaks to you then go for it! But these sessions are different than my other sessions simply because of where we are. The ocean and the beach in sunset light is so calming and it’s natural palette so so inspiring. Let that be your inspiration! Of course, as I said, bright color can also be incredibly moving against such a neutral backdrop, but if you do go in that direction perhaps don’t overdo it. Perhaps your dress is going to give that punch of color, but don’t dress everyone in the same thing. Or you can add it in an accessory; earrings or a necklace or even a blanket or hat! Whites, beiges, and creams with one pop of color can do so much for a photograph!

  • MOVEMENT & TEXTURE - find a flowy skirt or dress, a shawl that you can play with, a braided woven blanket. Remember that the wind is our friend during these sessions; the more movement the better! Patterns are also wonderful but try not too get tooooo busy, it can become a lot on the eyes (and on the camera!)

  • DETAILS - jewelry, embroidered sweaters, hats, TEXTURE! all good stuff.. but remember we might get wet so I’d recommend leaving your iphone and apple watch in the car.

  • ACCESSORIES/PROPS - the ocean and beach are our props during a sunset beach session so you don’t need to worry about bringing much.. but I do love beautiful, neutral, textured blankets(especially on a cool day)! And you may want to bring a towel and a change of clothes as you will most likely end up getting wet!

  • THINGS TO AVOID - Perfectly matching outfits.. you know what I mean... Please just don't do it!

 

6. WE AREn't photogenic

Just be yourself. It may seem like an obvious response, and I know it's easier said than done, but it’s the truth. Don't do what you think you should do, but what comes naturally. Try not to look at the camera (unless I ask you to!) Have fun, dance around in the wind, walk down into the water if you’re up for it (I ALWAYS AM), hold hands, laugh with each other, talk, make jokes, or just cuddle close and close your eyes and be present.. whatever feels right.  Tell your children that you love them, kiss your partner, lots of hugs, play, dance, roll in the grass with your little ones and just HAVE FUN! I will of course give you little suggestions here and there when needed, guide you toward the best light, etc. but my goal isn't to stage you in cliché poses, rather to to allow you to be yourself; to relax, and to enjoy our time together in my favorite place on earth; by the sea.

 

7. your CHILDREN

I often see parents stress during photo sessions about their children's behavior. Trust me, there is nothing I have not seen in my own home! Your children are perfect just as they are. They will not be asked to stand like a statue and smile endlessly anyway; we will move, laugh and make faces if it feels right. If I can give you a little extra advice coming not only from a family photographer but a mother of three young children, and as hard as I know it is to do, it is best to try and avoid raising your voice or reprimanding them if their behavior is not up to your expectations. This will often (as I'm sure you already know) just cause them unnecessary tears and stress, and trust me that's the last thing you want during our short time together! Of course if a little tantrum does arise, we will work with it. Just try and remind yourself, there is no right or wrong way to behave during these sessions; just relax, smile and laugh a lot.. and be yourselves!

 

7. HELP, I'M AFRAID OF THE WEATHER / WE'RE SICK!

Don't be afraid of a little rain! Some of my most favorite images have come from rainy, cloudy, cold shoots. Bring a blanket if it’s cold, and most of my Seaside Sessions end in the water anyway, so a little rain only adds to the beauty of the session! But if it's really looking bad (thunderstorms, etc) or you are very sick, call me as soon as possible, let's talk about the problem (860-930-8684) and we'll see what we can do. Depending on the situation, it may be possible to postpone to a later date. In this case, the deposit would simply be applied to the new date that would be chosen based on our common  availabilities. In no case will any amount be refunded in the event of cancellation by you. 

9. WHEN AND HOW WILL WE RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS?

In the days following your session, a small preview will be sent to you by email or posted on my Facebook/Instagram pages. Please follow along, your support means so much! You can find me on Facebook here and here and on Instagram here and here. The sequel will come in 2-3 weeks later in an online gallery(unless otherwise specified). You will receive your fully edited, high resolution images in a folder for download and you will be able to choose one of these images to order in a 8x10 size professional print.
 

10. WILL OUR PHOTOS BE RETOUCHED?

All the high resolution photos you are given are ready for printing. They are retouched to adjust the exposure, contrast, sharpness and hues.

 

11. WHAT IF I WANT TO SHARE THEM ON Social Media or my Blog?

OMG please do! A link to my website www.jennifermarcuson.com in the caption for your shared image is the best gift you can give me, as word of mouth is the most effective advertising out there. We photographers get 90% of our new clients from referrals by other clients so you sharing my work is so very appreciated! Thank you <3

  WEB files are optimized for sending by email or sharing on various social networks, these files are not dedicated to printing so please always verify your file size before printing. A personal publication on the Internet is authorized, provided that the name of Jennifer Marcuson, Photographer and my website is clearly associated with it and the images are not altered in any way, as stated in our written agreement!

 

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any other concerns or questions. I can't wait for our session!