Your photoshoot consultation by Victoria J Photography, Shrewsbury

With all my photoshoots I offer a phone consultation after booking which allows to us plan your photoshoot together. I aim to make each and every photoshoot the perfect experience for you and your family. So what does this include and what can you expect during your consultation?

Your consultation will be a quick 20 minute chat at a time that is convenient for you. We can go into as much detail as you like. There may be things that you are undecided on which is absolutely no problem, we can discuss these things again when your arrive for your shoot.

I've put together a short list of questions that and things to consider when booking a photoshoot. These are the topics that we will discuss during your consultation.

1. What images are you hoping we will achieve?
For newborn sessions this is chosen from- sleepy shots, awake shots, props, sibling images, family images. Of course sleepy shots and awake shots are achieved in each photoshoot but do you have a preference?

 

In the studio I have a small selection of props suitable for newborns - are there any that you particularly like and would like to include in your session? Do you not want props at all in which case we will stick to poses on the beanbag. Looking through my portfolio or my instagram page would give you a good idea of what images you prefer here. You are more than welcome to send some across if there are images you particularly want to capture.

Would you like to be included in the images? This is something that I always try to encourage. Your little one will only be so tiny for such a short amount of time and if you don't like the images, they get deleted and you don't need to have them. My style for family images is fairly relaxed--you don't need to pose and smile as such.

For babies and family photoshoots who will be included in the session? And do you want to capture family images, individual images, specific groups?2. What colours would you like included in your session?
For this, I always ask clients to consider the colours that they have throughout their home as this is most likely where you will display the images from your session. Do you use more neutral colours or bolder colours? Do you like block colours or patterns or a mixture of the two?
Of course, neutral colours are more timeless but pops of colour throughout your gallery can be fun too.

3. What do you plan on wearing?
It is here that I am usually asked for advice. For all my photoshoots I recommend fairly neutral tones. Whites, greys and blues always look great. I recommend avoiding bold, bright colours, large logos or bold patterns. For families and groups, you don't need to match but try to wear colours with similar tones in colours that compliment each other.For newborn shoots I suggest parents wear clothing without embellishments or patterns. Whites or blacks work great here and keeps the focus of the image on your newborn.4. Where are you thinking of displaying your images?
Whilst you may not expect to think about this until you have received your images, thinking about where you may like to display your images will help me create an image which suits your space, and recommend wall art products that perfectly compliment your home.

How would you describe your home? Is it traditional, modern? Do you prefer frames or something a bit more unusual?

Do you have a specific room in mind? Are there certain colours that you would like to bring out? Does your nursery have a theme that we can include?

5. Do you have anything sentimental that you would like to include in your images?
This could be an item of jewellery, a first Teddy, a family heirloom or simply something fun that you would like to include. I will always do my best to include these into the photoshoot- depending on the item, these images can be incredibly special.

6. Any questions?
For new parents, especially, the photoshoot is often the first outing with their little one so I expect you to have lots of questions. I pride myself on the relaxed nature of my newborn photoshoots and I want that to begin the moment you book. If there is anything at all that you are unsure of please feel free to ask away. For newborn sessions you will also be sent a short preparation guide to help you prepare, know what to bring etc.