F.A.Q S



Frequently Asked Questions and what to expect/how to prepare for your session



The "get what you pay for" philosophy and investing in quality made custom portraits:

If you have always wondered why professional custom portrait photography can cost so much more than your standard posed portraits taken at many store chains then click below.




What to Wear:

Wear clothing that is comfortable but, simple to give your portraits a classic feel. You are welcome to bring as many clothing changes as you wish.  Choose outfits as a group or family that coordinate in color but, not necessarily match for a unified look. Also, textures such as denim, corduroy, and chunky knits look great in pictures. Bright colors in the spring & summer and darker, bold colors in the fall/winter.  Check out your local stores' outfit suggestions such as Gap, Old Navy, Target, Gymboree or Children's Place to help you get started.  If you don't mind assisting me in the commercial side of my business you may also wear any of the props I am reviewing/highlighting for some WAHM Etsy businesses.

Stay away from wearing white shirts, logos or cartoon characters. 



What to Expect

***Families
I first like to meet each and every client involved in the session and especially get to know the children.  Once we are through the getting to know you period I will start by taking pictures of the entire family/group while the children are less fidgety.  Next I will take individual pictures of each child and then group shots of the children together.  Finally I will take some pictures of just Mom and Dad. I love props especially heirlooms or items of sentimental value so please feel free to bring your child's favorite stuffed animal, doll, family memento or anything else of importance to your family.  I strive to capture precious moments in time of your family and in doing so I believe all facial expressions are important.

***Babies
Being a Mother myself I have a special place in my heart for babies, especially the adorable chubby ones! I strive to allow their little personalities to shine through in the pictures. Babies look best in nothing at all or just a diaper, but you are welcome to bring as many outfits as you would like. Babies not yet sitting up look better in one-piece outfits or onsies. Please feel free to bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or prop that you would like used in the pictures. It is best to plan photo shoots at a time when you know the baby is rested and shortly after he/she has been fed. During baby sessions, we can take as many breaks as needed for feeding, changing and whatever else may come up. 

***Newborns
Newborn pictures should be done before the baby is 10 days old if possible, as this is when the baby still curls up in a cute little ball. Parents, please wear a long sleeved black shirt if possible as it looks excellent in black and white photos. Newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home and we can take as many breaks as needed. If you are pregnant and interested in me photographing your newborn you are welcome to book a date ahead of time and then we can adjust it, if necessary, when your baby arrives.

***Maternity
Pregnancy portraits capture one of the most precious moments of your life. An ideal time for a shoot is in your 7th or 8th month. Dad and any future big brothers & sisters are more than welcome to be included.

***Location
I am an on-location photographer based in Dayton, Ohio. I can travel anywhere in the Dayton & Cincinnati areas (a small fee to cover gas expenses may be required however). The location of your shoot is up to you. It may be a park or your home may be the perfect place where everyone feels comfortable. Let me know what kind of pictures you are looking for and together we will figure out the place to make it happen. The optimal lighting for outdoor sessions is in the morning and in the last 2 hours before sunset.

Here are a few locations I have already visited so, you can see what they have to offer (some of these photographs include little C who is the daughter of A, from A Spears Photography.  Over the summer we took portfolio building trips to nearby parks/gardens and our little ones enjoyed some play dates together.  They are photographs I have taken however and all rights to them belong to Fawn Stith Photography.)
 


Hills and Dales





Carriage Hill Farm







Wegerzyn Children's Discovery Garden (this area also includes a separate formal garden for family portraits)







Smith Gardens







We also took a trip to Aullwood Gardens but, I have not yet had a chance to upload the pictures from that trip.


Here is a wonderful link to many other places near the Dayton Area we can visit:


http://www.metroparks.org/