Before Your Photoshoot
Decide On A Season & Location
Have a think about the kind of backdrop you'd like. White sand dunes, mature woodland, open meadows of soft grass, or in your own home - the options are endless. The season will also play a huge part in the outcome of your images. Would you prefer the oranges of autumn or the fresh greens of summer? Talk to me if you're unsure, I'm happy to help!
Get In Touch & Book Your Session
Once you've chosen your shoot location, get in touch with me on 07593996068 or at info@cbarnesphotography.co.uk to have a chat about what you have in mind. Weekdays are most readily available, but I work 7 days a week and will always work around the best light (avoiding the middle of the day when the sun is high).
All bookings are weather dependent (with the exception of home sessions for newborns), so if the weather forecast is looking bad a day or two before your photoshoot we can touch base and reschedule.
Shoot Fee
The session fee is due on or before the day of the shoot, and can be paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer. If you choose a location that charges for entry the price of my ticket will be required on top of the session fee.
Decide What To Wear
Overly vibrant colours, or heavy patterns/branding can be distracting! Try to pick more subtle or muted shades, or pick a palette of complimentary colours to avoid an overload. Don’t go for something that will date quickly - simple, classic garments that are well-tailored will keep the photos looking current for much longer.
Feel free to dress up or dress down - a smart outfit (suit trousers, dresses, heels, bow ties) can look just as amazing as a casual one (chunky knit jumpers, wellies and scarves). Just make sure that whatever you choose is practical enough for you to stay warm, comfortable and safe during your photoshoot.
For indoor newborn sessions, simple, light clothes photograph best. It's important to capture your baby's tiny fingers, toes and newborn crinkles, so it's best for them to wear very little - a nappy is fine.
During Your Photoshoot
Approach
My approach is very different to the traditional portrait sessions of the past - the main priority is making everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. Your shoot will be light-hearted and fun, and natural interaction will be encouraged with minimum of instruction from me. Little ones will be allowed to play, run around and be themselves!
Logistics
The average portrait session lasts around an hour to an hour and a half. You’ll have your photo taken at several different spots based on where the light’s good, with leisurely walking in between while I choose the best locations. There will be some moving and some stationary shots, and a lot of the time I'll ask you to ignore me! Feel free to bring along a picnic blanket if you'd prefer not to sit on the ground.
After Your Photoshoot
Processing Time
This depends on my workload, but the average turnaround is 1-2 weeks after the session. Feel free to ask me at the session when I expect your images to be ready by.
Online Gallery
Once your images are ready I will be in touch with the link and password to your online gallery. Here you can view all of the images from the session and download them in high-resolution. Online galleries usually stay live for 2 or 3 months so you have time to download them!
Purchase Extra Products
You are more than welcome to produce your own prints, however professional prints & canvases are available for purchase in the online gallery. Click on the photo you wish to order, select your product from the list and add it to your cart. You can then click on the cart and follow the prompts to complete your order and payment.
Enjoy Them!
Once your images have arrived, I want you to enjoy them and get the most out of them! If you would like advice about printing companies, local framers, or even safely preserving and backing up your digital files, please do not hesitate to ask. You are more than welcome to upload your images to social media too; a credit to 'Catherine Barnes Photography' is always very much appreciated.