Where will the photographs be taken?
We use a mobile studio which will generally be set up in either Hamble memorial hall.

What Clothes Should Be Worn?
The aim is to take relaxed and fun photos. It is best to wear clothes that you and the children feel comfortable in. There are no “rules” about what to wear, but the following clothes do work well;

• Denim trousers or skirts.
• Bright shirts or T shirts, bright yellow, red, blue, green all work well.

It is generally best to avoid;

• Pastel colours, except pink.
• Logos.
• “Busy” patterns with lots of small details.

There is always time for a change of clothing during the shoot, so it is possible to photograph the children in at least two outfits.
Generally everyone will be asked to remove their shoes and anyone being photographed will be bare foot.
Mums – if you plan to have photos taken with the children it is best if you do not wear tops that are too low cut or are likely to show parts you do not want on the photos – it is not that sort of photo shoot!

What Should I Bring?
Most importantly the children to be photographed! Please also bring a signed consent form.
Children’s favourite toy is a good idea, especially teddy bears etc. This helps to relax the child and can make lovely photos when they interact with the toy.
I will also have some “props” such as balloons, party blowers etc. for the children to play with. I will often have music playing to get children to jump and dance around, if they have a favourite CD bring that as well.

How Long Will It Take?
I allow 90 minutes between bookings, so a shot can be up to 75 minutes long, this is plenty of time to take enough pictures. Generally a photo shoot of two children will be complete in 30 to 60 minutes. But this all depends on the children.

What Happens If The Child Refuses To Have It’s Photo Taken?
There are lots of ways to persuade a child to have their photo taken, so hopefully it will not come to this. However if they are clearly unhappy there is no point in upsetting the child and an unhappy child will not make good photographs. So if we can not take the pictures we will re-schedule the photo shoot. But there will be a £30 fee to cover the hall hire fees. So far we have never had to rescedual a shoot.

Can Family Pictures Be Taken As Well?
Yes I am happy to take pictures of the children and parents, or any other people.

How Long Will It Be From The Photo Shoot To Seeing The Pictures?
I aim to have the proofs available to you within 7 days.
Once you have told me which images you want printed I aim to get the framed pictures back to you within 14 days. If you are in a rush for your pictures let me know as this process can sometimes be speeded up if needed.

Do The Photos Have To Be Done In Hamble?
No. The studio is mobile so the pictures can be taken in any suitably size room, including your own house if you have a very big room. Alternatively I maybe able to hire a hall near your home, this is often helpful if it is a hall/room the child is familiar with as they are more likely to relax. There may be a surcharge for this.

Do the Photos Have To Be Taken In The Studio?
We are  happy to do photo shoots on location, the beach, woods or a place special to your family can all make great locations.

Other Tips and Information

During the photo shoot you will remain fully responsible for your child and its safety.
The aim of the photo shoot is to produce fun, informal and relax pictures that you will treasure. There will be little posing of the child or telling them to say “cheese.” The aim is that the child (and parents) have fun and forget all about being photographed!
Generally it is also helpful if the adults help to direct the child to assist me. This will involve trying to keep the child within the “studio” area and generally encourage them to have fun.
It is best to avoid demanding the child does a particular pose or action as this may upset them, if they do not want to do something we will just move on. Very often children have their own ideas or just get on with playing, this works best. If the children are happy and having fun the result is lovely photos.
It is also helpful, particularly at the start, if the parent stands close behind me helping to get the child to smile and laugh in a natural way. Mums and Dads pulling faces behind me or doing “rabbit” ears etc. is often a good way of getting the children relaxed and smiling.

Whole Family Pictures

For pictures involving the whole family I will generally “pose” the parents, often with the kids as my assistants. I will ask the kids to join the pose, or even “sneak up on Mummy and Daddy and tickle them,” or something similar.