WHAT TO EXPECT GUIDE
Sitter Sessions & Birthday Sessions
Thank you for choosing Candace Mata Photography to capture this special time in your lives.
Lifestyle or Studio-Style or Outdoors
You may choose to have an in-home studio-style session using props and backdrops or a lifestyle session using the rooms in your home as a backdrop. We can also do a mixture of both if you'd like. Just be sure to let me know your plans before your session so I can bring along anything we may need.
We may also meet up at an outdoor location of your choice. If you don't have a spot in mind I can help you with choosing one, just let me know.
Cakes are included for cake smash sessions, just send me an example of what you'd like and I'll bring one along.
Setup
For studio-style sitter or first birthday sessions, I will need a small space to set up in your home. A 12’/12’ space will work well. I bring along my lighting for studio-style posed setups, so don’t worry if the space is dark. I will need access to a plug for my modeling light.
If you'd like the spaces in your own home as a backdrop we can do that. Before your session please send me photos of the spaces you’d like to use. The nursery or master bedroom makes for beautiful lifestyle backdrops! It’s best to have any clutter that you’d rather not see in your photos put away. After I arrive I’ll ask you to take me on a quick tour of the spaces you’d like to use so I can give any needed recommendations.
Session length
Plan for the session to last between 1-1.5 hours. For in-home sessions, set-up & tear-down will take about 20 minutes before and after your session.
Session Styling
A variety of props, furs, wraps, headbands, hats & backdrops are available for your use during the session. I will decide what to bring based on the answers you give me in the "Style Questionnaire” that is completed by you before your session. If you have a special item that you would like to incorporate please send me a photo or description before your session so I can bring what is needed to incorporate the item. If there is a specific prop, backdrop, headband, or wrap you’ve seen me use in my work and would like me to bring it, please let me know. I'd be happy to bring it along for you!
What to wear
It helps to think about how you are planning to use your images. For example, if you want to use images for wall art, it may be best to choose clothing with a color scheme that will look good in your space.
You will first need to decide if you’d prefer a neutral color scheme or something more colorful.
I love layers of soft texture in neutral color schemes! The differences in texture help give each person their own space in the photograph but still keep a very simple color scheme that draws the viewer to the faces. Check out some examples of families using a neutral softly textured theme below.
If you’d like something more colorful, first choose your color palette, then you can easily build outfits. It’s helpful first to choose something for yourself that has all the colors from your color palette and then have everyone else choose a coordinating color. This approach works well because the layers of color and texture in the outfits add interest and give everyone their own space in photos.
The families shown below opted for a more colorful color scheme. I love the subtle textures of some of the outfits and how the Mom's outfit brings everything together.
If you need color scheme inspiration please check out my boards on Pinterest. The boards are organized by season. I also have a neutral newborn color scheme board. Feel free to browse those and see what colors grab your eye. The link is below...
Feel free to text me ideas or outfits so we can collaborate! I’d also love to see what you have in mind before our session!
Health & Safety Procedures
Your family's health is of utmost importance to me. To keep everyone safe and healthy I use the following protocols...
- If you’re sick or have been around anyone who is sick please reschedule. If I am sick or have been exposed to anyone who is sick I will contact you to reschedule.
- During your session please be sure to have a parent within arm's reach of your baby if we are positioning them in props.
- If you would prefer, I can photograph your baby with a hands-off approach. I can direct from a distance how to simply pose and position the baby.
- I receive annual flu vaccinations and am fully vaccinated for D-TAP.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to working with you and your family!
Candace