Branding Mini Session Prep Guide
arrivAL TIPS & DIRECTIONS
Mini sessions are fast and furious. Because of the back to back nature of these kinds of sessions, arriving 10 minutes early is highly recommended. I will be at the door to greet you just as soon as I’m able to. If you are running late, I totally understand, however, I cannot add session time on the back end unless the next client is also running late — so do try your hardest to arrive on time!
Your session location is unbelievably beautiful, and located on a hilltop in Newtown, CT. The name of the home, and its address, are as follows:
24 Hundred Acres Road
Newtown, CT
There is a long, winding, uphill driveway to arrive at the home/session location. You may park in the circular driveway and use the front door to enter when you arrive.
GETTING CAMERA READY
Whether you choose casual or formal, jewel tones or neutrals, I know that you have put a lot of effort into looking camera ready and I also know that’s no easy task. Thank you! The results are always worth it! To further ready for your close-up, I recommend removing smart watches and hair ties on wrists, removing cell phones from your pants pockets and ensuring jewelry clasps are behind your neck. This attention to detail helps enhance the efforts you’ve already put into preparing for your session and, most of all, keeps the focus of the photographs on you, with minimal distractions.
Because the session is so brief, full outfit changes aren’t recommended, but blazers are super versatile because they can be easily put on, and then removed, for variety. The same goes for accessories, or a clip so you can have your hair up, and then let is down. Any color that looks great on you would work in the space, as it’s very neutral. I would simply recommend avoiding large logos as they can be distracting.
If you’d like to get your makeup professionally applied, I highly recommend Amanda Gabbard and Jen Kinford. Both are based in Ridgefield and both are consummate professionals and awesome people.
PROP IDEAS
Showing a bit of the behind-the-scenes on how you work is one of the things that is most effective about branding photos — so be sure to bring a few props to showcase you “on the job” or simply using things you love and use every day. While only you knows the specifics of your profession, and what makes you tick, here are some ideas to consider:
* Your laptop and cell phone
* Your favorite beverage — be it from Starbucks, or water in your Stanley cup or favorite water bottle
* Your favorite, everyday bag
* Your planner
* Branded “merch” — notepads, pens, cups with your logos on them
* Some of your products, if you’re a maker
AFTER THE SESSION
When the session is over, I get back to work. I cull through the raw files and delete all of the images that belong on the cutting room floor - either to test light at a different set-up, because of blinking or too much hair in the face, being mid-sentence or simply because it’s a duplicate. The images that are left will be thoughtfully selected, hand edited and placed into your digital preview gallery, from which you can select your eight (8) favorite images. You’ll receive your preview gallery within 2-4 weeks. I never share raw files because they are not representative of my final work, and seeing every image would be incredibly overwhelming to you. This part of the process is a big part of the service I provide to you as a professional. What’s wonderful is that you still get to choose your favorites from a highly curated batch of images. You may also have the option of upgrading and purchasing the entire gallery at a mini session upgrade fee of just $175.
Once you’ve selected your favorites - or chosen to upgrade your gallery - I will produce your final image gallery, where you’ll have full, download access to each of your high-resolution, digital image files.
I also love to share your images on my social media, sometimes as a sneak peek. If you’re not comfortable with that, simply say the word. If you are, or wish to share your images on social once you have your final gallery in hand…I love to see it! A tag (@katewarkphotography) is always super appreciated if you remember to!
Thank you for choosing to work with me! I can’t wait to make some magic together!