Pick Your Style
When you book a session to be Shot by Megs, we will discuss the type of session style you are looking for.
As an artist, I realize the importance of expressing yourself. Although every photographer has a style of their own, I still believe that it is possible to reflect the style of the individuals being photographed. As your photographer, I can give you to opportunity to do that.
Here are some styles of photography that you may want to keep in mind as you decide what type of session you want:
- Urban Feel
- brick
- graffiti
- buildings
- parks
- city lights
- Red Rock (pretty self explanatory)
- good for family shots
- dramatic silhouettes as the sun goes down
- Outdoorsy
- lots of foliage
- lakes/water
- sun through the trees
- tall grass
- flowers
- a step back from the close ups, scenic landscapes with you as a part of it
- Country
- farms
- haystacks
- fences
- wagon wheels
- portraits with horses, livestock
- porch swings
- Comfort of Home
- homey props
- comfortable
- in your natural atmosphere
- your favorite family activities
- newborn babies with their new family
- Antique
- vintage
- worn look
- sepia
- retro props
- black and white
- Fun
- colorful & bright
- fun props such as balloons, hats, swings, umbrellas, etc.
- fun textures (crocheted items)
- bright skies
- goofy and playful
- candid moments
- shabby chic
- Classic
- crisp and clean
- professional
- dramatic
- glamourous
- black and white
When we discuss what kind of style you want, we will pick the location(s) to fit your style. If you have one in mind already, feel free to tell me about it! I love to find new places!
Newborns
When to Schedule
For a newborn session, it is usually best to schedule around the 37th week of pregnancy. This allows for me to be more flexible with my schedule if the baby is early or late. To get the ideal newborn shots, it is best to squeeze the session in before your newborn is two weeks old.
If you do not want your newborn's session to be in your home, early morning, or evening sessions are best to work with outdoor lighting. If you do want them done in your home, you don't need to worry so much about the time of day to schedule. We can work with diffused lighting from a window, etc.
Props & What to Wear
Newborns are almost always photographed with props because they can't just stand and strike a pose. You are more than welcome to provide your own props, or I can supply some, depending on what you are looking for.
Newborns & babies can be photographed with a special outfit, or blanket. For girls, hair pieces can add some color.
Additional Ideas
If you like the black background with your hands in the picture with the newborn, you can wear a long sleeved black shirt to make the poses easier to work with. You will also want to pay attention to some details, like having your fingernails cut and cleaned. Also, make sure to tell me, so I can bring a black background.
It's always good to consider how you are going to use your images when you are done. What color of wall will you hang the portrait on? What color are you using in your announcement? You don't want the colors in the portrait to clash with the colors that will be next to it.
Older Babies & Children
When to Schedule
I usually require bookings to be made at least a week, if not sooner, before you want your session.
I generally suggest to book sessions for mornings or evenings. Because I usually shoot children's portraits outdoors, these times are best to work with the natural light. Midday often makes it hard to get away from harsh shadows, unless it is overcast. Also, you know what time of day your child is usually happiest, so try to work around that as well.
Props & What to Wear
Kids like props. It gives them something to be entertained by. Bubbles, books, fishing poles, lollipops, or anything that a child can hold, are good ideas.
It's always good idea to dress children in something that is comfortable. It's so much easier than worrying about whether or not they are tugging at an uncomfortable shirt,etc. An uncomfortable outfit might look great, but not on a child who doesn't want to wear it.
Additional Ideas
If you want more than one child to be have individual portraits, it's a good idea to bring along another adult who the children are comfortable with, so one can entertain the children not being photographed, and the other can help with the child being photographed.
Don't be too stressed if your child isn't cooperating exactly how you want. It happens more than you might expect. Toddlers especially can be all over the place, but it doesn't mean that I can't get some good candid shots. Also, chances are that if you are more relaxed, your child will be too. You don't want them to have a forced smile.
It is easier to choose one location with a variety of backgrounds for children, instead of getting in and out of the car to different locations.
It's always good to consider how you are going to use your images when you are done. What color of wall will you hang the portrait on? What color are you using in your announcement? You don't want the colors in the portrait to clash with the colors that will be next to it.
Teens
When to Schedule
I usually require bookings to be made at least a week, if not sooner, before you want your session. If these are your Senior portraits, and you have announcements to send out, remember that it normally takes at least a week after the session to receive your images.
I generally suggest to book sessions for mornings or evenings. Because I usually shoot teens' portraits outdoors, these times are best to work with the natural light. Midday often makes it hard to get away from harsh shadows, unless it is overcast.
Props & What to Wear
You are more than welcome to bring props that express who you are. Remember the style you want and go with it. If you are casual, go casual. if your dressy, go dressy.
Also, keep in mind that I usually photograph teens at various locations, so if you want to change outfits, we can stop somewhere for you to change.
If you want friends to join you, use some “what to wear” ideas from the Groups & Families section on this page.
Additional Ideas
It's always good to consider how you are going to use your images when you are done. What color of wall will you hang the portrait on? What colors are you using in your announcement? You don't want the colors in the portrait to clash with the colors that will be next to it.
Couples
When to Schedule
I usually require bookings to be made at least a week, if not sooner, before you want your session. If you want bridals done, as well as engagements, make sure to let me know, so I can schedule for both. Remember that it takes at least one week to get your images back after your session, so plan your schedule accordingly for your announcements, etc.
I generally suggest to book sessions for mornings or evenings. Because I usually shoot couples' portraits outdoors, these times are best to work with the natural light. Midday often makes it hard to get away from harsh shadows, unless it is overcast.
Props & What to Wear
You (couples) often make the portraits interesting enough with interaction that you don't necessarily need to use props. But of course, you are more than welcome to bring umbrellas, bikes, something meaningful to the both of you, etc.
Coordinate, but don't necessarily exactly match.
It's always fun to have just a hint of something in the picture, such as shoes, or accessories, with colors (maybe your wedding colors) that pop!
If you want to wear simple clothing, sometimes it is fun to go to a location with a more interesting background.
Also, keep in mind that I usually photograph couples at various locations, so if you want to change outfits, we can stop somewhere for you to change.
Additional Ideas
It's always good to consider how you are going to use your images when you are done. What color of wall will you hang the portrait on? What colors are you using in your announcement? You don't want the colors in the portrait to clash with the colors that will be next to it.
Remember the theme and colors of your wedding.
Groups & Families
When to Schedule
I usually require bookings to be made at least a week, if not sooner, before you want your session. If you are sending your portraits out for the holidays, plan enough in advance that you can wait at least a week after your session to receive your images. If you have children in your group, try planning a time when they seem to be happiest (not when they are tired or hungry).
I generally suggest to book sessions for mornings or evenings. Because I usually shoot group portraits outdoors, these times are best to work with the natural light. Midday often makes it hard to get away from harsh shadows, unless it is overcast. I do have access to some locations indoors if weather or if mornings and evenings conflict with everyone's schedules.
Props & What to Wear
Because of the number of people, props aren't necessarily used a whole lot in group portraits, but that doesn't mean we can't sneak something in. If you want to add something to the portrait, It's always fun to have just a hint of something in the picture, such as shoes, or accessories, with colors that pop.
Especially in group portraits, it looks best when you pick a few colors and coordinate. I wouldn't recommend that all your outfits look exactly the same, but rather that you keep a little variety while still maintaining unity. Mix it up a little by having some people in skirts, some in pants, etc. while still keeping your basic colors.
Don't be afraid of patterns! But don't go overboard. If some are wearing patterns, have others wearing coordinating basic solids.
If you want to wear simple clothing, sometimes it is fun to go to a location with a more interesting background.
Additional Ideas
If you have children in your group, also refer to the Older Babies & Children section on this page.
It's always good to consider how you are going to use your images when you are done. What color of wall will you hang the portrait on? What color are you using in your holiday announcement? You don't want the colors in the portrait to clash with the colors that will be next to it.
Bridals
When to Schedule
I usually require bookings to be made at least a week, if not sooner, before you want your session. If you want your bridal images to be displayed at your wedding, remember that it normally takes at least a week after the session to receive your images. Also, schedule to have a bouquet ready for your session if you would like have one in your bridal portraits.
I generally suggest to book sessions for mornings or evenings. Because I usually shoot bridals outdoors, these times are best to work with the natural light. Midday often makes it hard to get away from harsh shadows, unless it is overcast. We can also shoot indoors, by windows, etc.
Props & What to Wear
A bouquet or umbrella, etc. are a good props for bridals, but you don't necessarily need anything.
I always think it's fun when brides add something unique to their shoot, whether it be colorful shoes, an interesting hair piece, or if they are willing to wear a bridal gown that they are not afraid if it gets dirty or wet. Remember your style, and be prepared to be able to express yourself as the unique bride that you are.
Additional Ideas
It's always good to consider how you are going to use your images when you are done. What color of wall will you hang the portrait? What colors are you using in your wedding? You don't want the colors in the portrait to clash with the colors that will be next to it.
Weddings
When to Schedule
I usually require bookings for weddings to be made at least two months, if not sooner, before your wedding. I limit the number of weddings I will do, so the sooner you book me, the better!
If you are scheduling for a Just the Two of Us Wedding Package, you need to schedule only one week before you want to have your session.
I understand that mid-morning to midday weddings can accommodate more people, but please keep in mind that the natural lighting is best to work with in the mornings or evenings. The Just the Two of Us Wedding Package is designed for those who want to schedule a shoot for the bride and groom at the temple, or another location before or after their wedding date to take advantage of the best lighting, and capture some great shots when the schedule is not so hectic.
If you do have a midday wedding, and are not using the Just the Two of Us Wedding Package, don't despair! We can still get some great shots of your wedding, but remember that the lighting takes a little more time to work with.
Props & What to Wear
The floral arrangements are the only usual props, but feel free to add something more if you wish! I always like to see something unique at weddings: shoes, accessories, etc.
Most people already have an idea in mind of what colors they want their wedding party to wear. For ideas on the group shots, see the Groups & Families section on this page.
The Wedding Photography Schedule
***Please note that this schedule is flexible to your needs! It is just a general outline. After you have booked your wedding with me, I can email you (upon request) a list of ideas of shots that many people wish to have taken at their wedding.
- For those getting married in the temple, I will capture you coming out of the temple and greeting those who are waiting for you.
- For those whom I will be photographing during your ceremony, the schedule usually is similar to those getting married in the temple. The biggest difference is that I photograph the ceremony.
- As soon as all the hugs and quick congratulations are over, I usually gather everyone together for a big group shot of everyone in attendance. It's best if you let people know about this group shot beforehand, so you don't have to take the time to find and round up people.
- After the big group shot, immediate family portraits are usually taken. Please keep in mind if some people need to leave early to help prepare for further activities of the day. Those who need to leave early should go first.
- After immediate family, I usually then take the bride and groom around the grounds for shots of just the two of you.
- After the wedding party group shots, I get a pretty good idea of who to focus on in my candid shots of your wedding during your luncheon and reception.
- Many people arrange for the wedding party to arrive at the reception a little early to get more group shots.
