What to Expect
Carlson Photography offers studio or on location sessions in Orange County.
The studio is mobile, ready to be set up in the convenience of your home, or at another location.
Location sessions often take place at a beach or park, though they can be almost anywhere. Don’t forget – your backyard is also a possibility!
Booking the Session:
Please call or email me for my availability. Sessions are available by appointment only.
When we talk, we’ll go over your vision for your images: wall portraits or a session storybook? Studio or location? Formal or casual clothing? Gifts for the family or just something for the home? I’ve found that talking about the end result – the finished images being used by you in your home – can help us better plan your session schedule.
Once we’ve scheduled your session time, I will hold your time for 24 hours to allow you to complete session payment. The session retainer is nonrefundable and is required to hold your spot. You can pay here.
Before the Session:
Spend some time deciding on the clothing to be worn by each person being photographed. I suggest simple solids and color tones that blend harmoniously together. See “wardrobe” for more suggestions.
Once you have a clothing look in mind, please let me know what you’re planning so that I can bring appropriate backdrops (for studio style sessions) and props.
Preparing your Child for the session:
It’s my goal to make photo day as stress free and fun for children as possible.
And to avoid performance anxiety in the children, I recommend keeping the news of the upcoming session as a fun event your family will be participating in. Let your children know that I’m coming to visit (or we’re meeting at _____) and we’ll play some games with them, and that I’ll be bringing my camera. But don’t have them practice their smile; just let them know we’re going to have fun together.
And if you don’t own a toy camera, this is a great opportunity to get one! I went to a newborn session once where the child was showing me his bright yellow toy camera and how he too takes pictures with it. Role playing behind the camera can help children get more comfortable in front of it.
The Day Before the Session:
Make sure all the outfits are clean and ready to go the next day.
Keep to your regular schedule, and try to keep things relaxed. This may be a contradiction for some as I know we lead busy lives! But the goal is to keep from pressuring the children into a state of high performance expectations, letting them be well-rested and ready for the next day.
Today is likely the day that one of the children will manage to scratch his/her face, or have some other minor disaster occur. It’s okay, and normal! Those little things can be easily retouched.
However, if your child is sick and miserable, call me and let’s talk about rescheduling: we want your child to be happy and ready for the photos. Sick children never photograph their best.
The Day of the Session:
It’s finally here! Let the children know this is the day and keep things normal until then.
If I’m coming to your home, I’ll arive with all my gear and check in with you about where we’ll be shooting. We’ll go over outfits briefly and I’ll show you what I brought and get set up. A lot of the time the children like to watch me get ready and ask about the different things I’ve brought. I have found that this oppertunity to bond before we start the session makes them more comfortable with me and in front of the lights.
If we’re meeting on location, I’ll arrive at our meeting place with my equipment, and we’ll quickly go over the session plan, and then dive right in!
Once we’re ready to go, I’ll often have the more confident children help me take a few test shots to get them warmed up, and then we’ll start having fun and photos!
Special Things to have on hand for the session for Babies & Toddlers – Emergency bottle and snacks like Cheerios that don’t make a huge mess. A pacifier, if they take one, and wipes in case of spit up. If there are any toys in the room we’re shooting in, make sure you like the way they look as they might end up being dragged into the pictures by an insistent little one.
If we’re meeting on location, double check that you’ve packed everything, bring yourselves and the children, and I’ll see you there!
After the Session:
Once your session is complete, we’ll make plans for your ordering session which usually takes place about a week later. We’ll schedule a day for me to come to you to show your images.
Until then, watch the Carlson Photography Facebook Page for a teaser image!
Ordering sessions start with us going through the individual image proofs and finding your favorites. Then we’ll narrow those down to the ‘must haves’ and decide what you’ll be doing with those favorites: wall portraits, collages, albums, and more! Throughout the process, I will be there to help answer questions and show samples of the print sizes, albums, canvases, and other products and help you finalize your order.
Once your ordering session is complete, I’ll be sure to post your complete online gallery for friends and family to view as well. (Grandmas, etc. are welcome at the ordering sessions too). The gallery is password protected and will be up for 7 days.
Once your print or digital file order has been placed, please allow two weeks for its completion.
I also offer storyboards, collages, cards for holidays, birth announcements, session books, and more in my online store. Order completion times vary depending on the products ordered.
Once your order has arrived, I’ll contact you to arrange for pick-up, or you can choose to have your order shipped directly to you.