Welcome to The River Sessions
I’m over the moon that you’ve chosen me as your photographer. Allowing someone into your family space is not a decision that’s made lightly. I’m honored to document this beautiful moment for you.
Mood
We’re creating intimate family moments with the magical Colorado River as the backdrop. Your session will be filled with snuggles and laughter, and quieter moments of strength and tenderness. Tousled hair, simple clothing, and bare feet all lend to the emotional connection of these Fine Art Photographs.
Styling
Clothing
Please note, you will get wet and sandy/muddy during the session. That’s part of the fun! Bring towels :)
Arrive to your session dressed and ready to go. No outfit changes are offered. Show as much skin as you’re comfortable with. Wear shoes to walk to the location, you’ll remove them during the session.
I have three easy guidelines to remember for every session:
Don’t put everyone in matching clothes :) It’s better that your clothes compliment each other instead of being too matchy-matchy.
Avoid logos, graphics, and words on clothing. The eye will be distracted by that instead of focusing on your love and connection.
Wear something that you love and makes you feel good about yourself. Many of my clients use clothes they already have.
Bonus tips:
Dress your family based on your own unique culture. All styles are beautiful so embrace your casual or fancy family personality, and anything in between. From jeans to formal dresses, it all photographs beautifully and it’s importance dims in comparison to your love.
If you’d like to display your photos in your home, keep in mind accent colors that you may want to compliment. Consider the colors and style in the space where the photos will live and base your styling around that. This is completely optional of course!
Children: Swimsuits, sundresses, and simple summer clothing. Floaties or safety vests are welcome for those that can’t swim.
Couples: Swimsuits, coverups, sundresses, and simple summer clothing. Coordinate instead of matching.
Maternity: Swimsuits, coverups, sundresses, and simple summer clothing. Wear something that shows your belly if you’d like baby belly photos.
Boudoir: Swimsuits, coverups, sundresses, and simple summer clothing. A swimsuit with a coverup, button up shirt, denim shorts, blanket, etc. gives us lots of options to play with.
Make-up
Keep it light and soft, and whatever is comfortable for you. A full face of "date night" makeup will look out of place in the laid-back, relaxed setting.
Hair
We’re going for a “beachy” look. Down and loose with natural wave. Avoid straightening and embrace any natural curls or waves. It’s fine to add curls and waves but keep them tousled and natural looking.
Important
-Check your child’s face for “crusties” :) Every kiddo tends to have something around their eyes, nose, or mouth at some point. A quick wash in the sink or with a baby wipe will do the trick.
Feel free to email clothing pics or questions to vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com.
Check out this gallery for styling examples. Please note that styling is very simple which enhances focus on the people’s love, energy, connection, and beauty.
Session
During the session
Please know that I do not use professional models in any of my work. I photograph everyday, beautiful people. I will direct you and/or your kiddos throughout the session. It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous or uncomfortable in front of the camera. I will talk to you, make jokes, have you take deep breaths or shake the stiffness out of your pose. My families end up having a pretty good time during the session! I will encourage the kids to play and show me tricks, and chat with them to capture quiet moments.
Please don't stress over the behavior of your children. I'm a mom of three and have been photographing families for years so there's not a behavior that I haven't seen expressed. Be sure that they're well rested and have a full tummy. With younger kids it's nice to have a treat on hand (we're not above bribing) and with older kids a treat after the session is a nice way to encourage cooperation. Of course, we're happy to let babies eat whenever the need arises and we often capture beautiful photos during that time.
Sessions are a half hour but please allow an hour for the session and arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and walking to the location. If you arrive late your session will last only to the end of your time block.
After the session
A gallery of at least 25 unique hand-edited digital images, in both color and black and white, will be emailed to you within ten days of your session. From this online gallery you may download the 8 digital images of your choice included with your session. I offer high resolution digital images because it’s important to me that you have the archival quality images to keep forever, and print from whenever you’d like.
For your convenience and to ensure the quality of your prints and products, you may also purchase additional digitals, prints, canvases, and more from your gallery. Digital photos will be emailed to you for download with print release. Prints and products will be shipped to the studio and available for pickup. Galleries will be open for seven days with a fee of $50 to re-open. Sales tax will be added to all prices at checkout.
Your session time and location will be confirmed the week before your session.
I can’t wait to meet you! Once in front of my camera, I will love you forever <3
Please reach out with any questions at vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com.
Interested in a family or newborn session? I talk about the importance of family photography HERE.
Terms as agreed to upon purchase
Deposit is non-refundable but may be used for future mini sessions.
In the event of illness, please do not attend and your sitting fee may be used for another event. Email vanessabrackphoto@gmail.com in the event of illness or emergency.
These are not full family sessions and are limited to couples, children, maternity, boudoir.
An adult is required to be present with children.
No more than one support person may accompany those being photographed as spectators can be distracting.
There are no guarantees to the poses or shots we capture. Reshoots will not be given for client wardrobe, hair, makeup and appearance, child/children temperament, or any other reason.
I have an emotional, artistic style. I want your photos to look like art pieces. However, I don't do "photoshopping" to make someone appear thinner or change features. I will remove blemishes and sometimes will soften lines and wrinkles. Your photos will look like you and your family, just as beautiful as you already are. Also, I cull and edit at my discretion. If you love my work then you will love your photos!
