Never done a professional photo shoot before and feel a little apprehensive about the whole thing? Even if you’ve done a few portrait sessions, every photographer’s process is so unique, it can be tough to know exactly what to expect. 

That’s why I made this little guide—to show you exactly how Kiersten Marie Photo sessions work. To show you how laid-back and fun these lifestyle photoshoots are meant to be. Read on to see the six simple steps of this process! 

Step 1: Quick Chat 

Let’s start with the basics! As soon as I hear from you, I’ll answer any questions you have right off the bat. I’ll also invite you to set up a free 15-minute consultation with me so I can hear exactly what you’re looking for from your photo session. 

This is also a great opportunity to get to know each other a bit and see if we’re a good fit for each other! 

Don’t worry, this consultation isn’t a quiz. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want from your photo session, we’ll brainstorm together to see what feels right for you. We’ll chat about the feel of your session and any photo shoot locations in the Greater Seattle area you have in mind. If you’d rather skip the consult and chat via email, that’s totally fine too.

Step 2: Nailing Down The Specifics

Picking your date 

After we chat on the phone, I’ll send over a link to my easy booking system for you to pick a spot that works best for you.

Booking a newborn session? We’ll pencil in a few extra spots for you on the calendar since babies super don’t care about our timeline.

I never require clients to pick their spot on the phone because, hey, most of the time this requires a chat with a partner to figure out schedules.

Want to do an outdoor session, but worried about rain on your session date (this is Seattle, after all)? I also offer a complimentary rain date so we have our bases covered! 

Securing your spot

When you’ve picked your spots, all that’s required to reserve your spot is a $250 session fee. This fee holds your spot on the calendar and covers my time.

I’ll also send over a super important questionnaire so I can get to know you even better (plus it helps me remember everyone’s names). 

Step 3: Preparing for Your Photo Session

Outdoor Photo Sessions

Feeling a little anxious as your portrait session approaches? Don’t be! A week before your session, I’ll send over tips to help this photo session go as smoothly as possible.

These tips will range from wardrobe suggestions to day-of relaxation suggestions. If you’ve booked a family photo session, I’ll also include ideas for what to bring to keep kiddos happy (spoiler alert: snacks are involved). 

At-home Photo Sessions

If you’ve booked a Kiersten Marie at-home session (this is an option for newborn, family, and maternity sessions), I’ll also give suggestions for how to best prepare your home. 

Fun fact—your house does NOT need to be super clean (especially when you have a brand new baby in your home)! We can easily tidy any areas where we’re shooting.

Step 4: Last-minute Details 

The day before your session, I’ll pop over a decision about the weather if you have an outdoor shoot. If it’s looking like it’s going to rain, no problem! We’ll just plan on shooting on your already-scheduled rain date. Easy peasy. 

Step 5: Your Portrait Session!

The Goal of the Day

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times, it’s so important to relax on this day! Don’t worry about the weather, how you’re going to smile, or if your kids (or your hair) will behave. It’s my job to guide you through this and make it as fun and laid-back as possible. I’ve done hundreds of portrait sessions and there’s never been one where we haven’t gotten a bunch of great images. 

Let’s say the goal of this session WAS absolute perfection…SO much stress would be involved. But good news—perfection is not the goal here. Family, newborn, or maternity photos that look ultra-posed and perfect honestly make me feel uneasy. Stepford Wives comes to mind *shudders*.

So what is the goal? It’s pretty simple. In every session, I aim to capture beautiful, genuine moments. Real connections that come with relaxing and enjoying your favorite people. I want to capture honest images of your family. This approach makes photo sessions so much easier for every single person involved. 

Day-of Details

On the day of your session, I’ll meet you at your spot of choice (see how I'm currently photographing safely during covid) and we’ll hang out for either a half-hour or an hour and create some fun, beautiful images together. Many clients choose to shoot in their home as it provides intimacy, privacy, and comfort. 

We’ll take breaks as needed and essentially just mosey around (a beautiful place) or hang out at your home capturing moments together. Nothing forced, I promise. 

Step 6: Sneak Peaks + Photo Delivery 

Thought your session was fun? This is the seriously fun part.

After your session, you’ll get to see a sneak peek of your gallery on Instagram (make sure you’re following Kiersten Marie Photo so you don’t miss it)!  

Within seven business days of your session, you’ll be to see your photos in a password-protected slideshow and choose your package! You’ll receive your final images just 2 business days after that. Even better? They’ll stay online for a whole year so you can order print products at your leisure. 

Speaking of prints, you’ll also receive a print credit (aka free prints and wall art) from my incredible lab. This promo code will be good for 30 days! All photos ordered as prints or wall art will be retouched (light blemish and redness removal).

Getting portraits taken shouldn’t be stressful. My mission is to make all six of these steps as easy for you as possible and give you something you’ll cherish forever. Something to look back on and be reminded of the tiny details, the big milestones, and the beautiful in-between. 

I can’t wait to work with you. 

Learn more about Newborn, Family, and Maternity sessions today. 

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