Can the portrait session be outside?
The session can be in your home, outside (at a local park, the beach, your garden, etc.), or combination of locations. If the weather is warm and your children are old enough to move around then your home and/or local outdoor spot is the best option. Winter and fall sessions are also great outside but the balance between indoor and outdoor shots might need to be shifted so that your children do not get too cold. Outdoor portraits work particularly well as the children will be active and the backdrop varied. The best locations are those with textures: trees, old buildings, over-grown fields. Older children and adults might also enjoy urban settings, for a more edgy fashionable feel to the photographs.
When do portrait sessions take place?
Portrait sessions usually take place in the morning, when the children are well rested. Or late afternoon (especially for engagement, and senior portraits).
How long does the portrait session last?
A typical baby or family session is about 2 hours. If you have a baby that needs to be fed or changes, I am happy to take longer. Other sessions last usually 1.5 – 2 hours.
What should we bring to the session?
If we are meeting away from your home, please bring along few favorite toys for the kids, snacks, and drinks, wipes, blankets, or any other props you would like to use.
What is the best time to shoot?
Assuming we are photographing outdoors, the best time, although, not always possible is just after sunrise and just before sunset are the best possible times for taking pictures. The light at that time of day is generally flattering and pleasing. I recommend scheduling the session for early to mid morning or late afternoon into the evening and dusk. Midday light is the most unflattering.
When should I schedule my newborn portrait session?
During the first 2 weeks. A newborn session should be scheduled around the 37th week of pregnancy. I will keep my schedule flexible for the due date time period in order to capture your baby in the first 14 days of life. That is the best time to capture those sweet sleeping poses and to have a cooperating baby.
How many photographs will you take during the portrait session?
A lot! You will end up with at least 45 images. Some families end up 3 times that many. It will depend on how many people are present during the session and how much fun they are having.
What if the weather is bad or my child is sick?
If it rains, then I am happy to move the session to another day or to do the session just in your home. Overcast and foggy weather is deal. If your child is sick, please contact me as soon as you can to rearrange the session free of charge.
What should we wear?
Clothes, hair and makeup matter. Sometimes they make the difference between a nice photo and a stunning photo. Women: do not be afraid to wear that stunning dress or a fabulous hat. Guys: dress those jeans up. Casual does not have to look boring. The idea is to go for something that is stylish, classic, but still you. For a classic look, simple clothing in neutral and solid colors photograph best. Denim or khakis with solid shirts work well for a casual look. On the other hand, for a modern “fashion” look, feel free to bring along some trendy outfits with fun and fashionable colors. When in doubt, feel free to have on hand several outfits. When photographing more than one person, please consider their outfits as a whole and keep colors uniform.
- Infants: Newborns are the sweetest photographed in bare skin (you can also have t-shirts with diapers, but I think less is more).
- Families: for family portraits, choose colors in the same tonal range so that no single individual stands out. Avoid graphic shirts with lots of words on them. For older children, simple styles, bold colors, and bare feet work great.
- Couples: think about something you would wear to go out but still be comfortable. Keep in mind your locations too. If you are taking pictures on the beach, a summer dress with a print is a perfect choice. Paying attention to colors that flatter you, avoiding patterns and stripes especially around your face is a good idea.
How do I book the session?
Please email me at dorota@dybalaphoto.com or call me at 630.550.7460 to discuss the details of the session and what you are looking for. The full portrait session fee and signed photography agreement are required to schedule the session.
After the session
When can I see the pictures?
Within 10-14 days of your portrait session. A custom web gallery will be created that you may share with your family and friends. It will be password protected and your friends and family may order photographs from our secure web site.
Can our friends and family order prints?
Of course! Pictures from your portrait session will be uploaded to an online gallery, where your friends and family can view and order any prints they like.
Can I buy the photographs on a disk?
You can buy a disk with low resolution prints for social networking sites or a DVD with high resolution images. A print release form will be included with the high resolution images.
How long do you keep our images?
I archive the images for 6 months, after that they will be deleted. Keeping everyone’s images forever would be nearly impossible.