Whenever we schedule a Tampa photo session, whether it is for a couple, wedding, expectant mother, newborn, family, or graduating senior - we try to let our clients know what to expect.  It can be challenging to share everything over the phone so we thought we'd write a blog post that may give our photography clients a better idea of what will happen during their photo session.

Q:  What should I expect to experience at the photo session location?  

A:  Most of our photo sessions are at parks or beaches.  Check out our Locations we Love page for photos we've taken at beautiful locations in the Tampa Bay Area.  Wind can be an issue - more often at the beach than the park.  Expect wind blown photos from your beach photo session, and sometimes the wind can be pretty intense.  If this is concerning, you may want to consider another location or wear your hair up.  We will position you as best we can to ensure your hair is not blowing in your face.  If you are up for getting wet - great!  Just let us know and we can get some great shots in the water.

Because we are in a natural environment, you may also encounter ants, mosquitoes or other insects.  Some poses are best when you are sitting.  This means you may be sitting on grass or sand depending on the location.  We bring green towels if you prefer not to sit on the grass at the park.

Q:  Will I have to bring ideas?  

A: No.  Your photographer will have plenty of ideas for poses during your session, but feel free to let us know about any ideas you may have for the photo session.  You can send them to us before the session (preferred) or bring them the day of your session.  Rest assured, your photographer will do his best to bring your ideas to life.

Q:  Can I bring props?  

A:  Sure.  We don't consider ourselves to be prop photographers per se, we typically like to utilize the beauty of the environment in which we find ourselves.  We can bring baby blankets, baskets, wooden bucket, wooden blocks, fancy chalkboard, etc.  Just ask if you are interested in any of these items.  Also, we will definitely incorporate any props you bring to your session.  Keep in mind, too many props can be a bit distracting because the props become the focus of the photo and not you.

Q:  Will our photographer arrange us for the photos?  

A:  Yes.  Your photographer will arrange you for the group photos to ensure the best composition.  Posed photos can be nice, but we also take candid photos.  Sometimes these are best photos of the session. 

Q:  Will our photographer have ways to get our kids' attention? 

A:  Yes, we do have a few tricks to get the little ones' attention.  However, feel free to bring someone to assist your photographer in getting and keeping their attention.  Just let them know that it is best to follow the photographer's lead and to stay behind the photographer so the kids looking in the right direction.  Also, repeatedly calling out the child's name or saying "Look at me!" is actually not as effective as making a sound right before shot.

Q:  What if the kids don't want to cooperate?

A:  Most likely there will be at least one moment during your session that the kiddos won't cooperate.  We've seen plenty of meltdowns in our many years of being photographers.  So no worries, we're used to it.  Your photographer is VERY patient and patience is a virtue in these situations.  The best thing you can do is remain calm and trust the session will get back on track.  Having a well-planned day and a calm drive over can be very beneficial to the overall mood of the session.  Read more about this in our "Tips for your Tampa photo shoot" blog post.

Q:  What do I wear?  

A:  This is our most popular question.  Feel free to review our What to Wear Guide with helpful tips for your photo session.  Comfort is key, and women - try to wear something you won't continually have to adjust or worry about an exposed bra strap.  You will be moving around quite a bit, so clothes that don't wrinkle easy are beneficial as well.  Leave the sunglasses in the car, and don't wear transition lenses.

Q:  How will the photo session be structured?  

A:  We typically start out with group shots, especially if there are little ones involved because they tend to be more engaged and agreeable at the beginning of a session.  Then we will move on to other areas of the park or beach and take other posed shots.  In between locations we try to get a few candid shots.  We will shoot a variety of groupings, i.e., family shot, Mom with the kids, Dad with the kids, the kids individually, Mom and Dad together, etc.  We will keep the session flowing, and if there are younger children we may take mini breaks so they have a moment to roam around a bit.  Yet another opportunity for some great candid shots.

Q:  Will my photographer position me in way that is most flattering?  

A:  Yes, absolutely - as much as possible.  We have a few tricks up our sleeve concerning getting the best angles.  Will your photographer be able to make you look 20lbs thinner?  (This is not an uncommon question)  Maybe not, but he will capture the most flattering angle he can in each pose.

Q:  How many photos should I expect to receive from a 1hr session?  

A:  This can vary from session to session depending on the circumstances.  Newborn photo sessions typically generate fewer photos because there is time in between each shot.  Usually, we can get through quite a few poses in our engagement and senior portrait photo sessions.  Our family photo sessions fall somewhere in between, and if little kiddos are involved that may mean fewer photos.  Overall, we usually come away with no less than around 10 poses for the newborn photo sessions, 20 for family photo sessions and we can usually easily get through at least 30 poses for senior portrait and engagement sessions.  Again, these are all estimates because each session is different.

Q: When can I expect my photos?

A: We will send an email invitation to view your photo gallery within 2 weeks of your photo session date.  VERY IMPORTANT - keep this email!  This will answer most questions you may have and guide you through your ordering process.  Of course, we can be contacted during business hours to answer any questions.

Ready to schedule your session now?  Great!  Click here to contact us or call 727-946-8129, and get ready to sit back and enjoy your session while we capture Moments that Last a Lifetime.