Photo Shoot Style Guide
First of all
All you need to do is be YOU. Everything will be easy and fun. I will gently guide you, but at the same time avoid posing as much as possible. Most of the times it’s just to let you stand in the best light, or for example to place your hand on someone’s cheek. In fact, the less you look at me, the better. Enjoy the time with each other. Have fun, giggle, cuddle, dance and play. I usually switch between documenting you as you are and getting you to interact with each other, sometimes by giving you some minor instructions. By doing this, we will get those beautiful in between moments too. I want to capture you as a family, just as you are. So that you can go back to these photos forever and ever and relive these valuable moments all over again. I do not only want YOU to have a tear roll down your cheek when you look at these photos, but also, I want your KIDS to feel how much they are loved. It is incredibly valuable for them to look back on these photos in the future.
What to wear
The most important thing for me is that you feel and look like yourselves, so you can be as comfortable as possible during our session. However, to get an optimal result, the choice of your outfits is absolutely important. Some general tips:
Use natural tones and soft colors, rather than bright and harsh colors. The latter stand out too much, while the focus should be on you and not on your clothes.
Colors that always work well are natural and earthy tones, such as off-white, rust-red, sand, olive, oker. Alternate between these colors in your outfits, so that you are not all dressed in off-white or all in blues. That will make a cheesy, family portrait in color dress code and that is something we definitely want to avoid!
I personally really like a subtle print here and there. A summery flower dress often looks great in the photo! But please avoid imprints, images and texts on shirts, this is totally distracting in the photo. I also recommend not to use black (and really dark) colors, because shadows and details disappear, and it often contrasts too strongly with pale skin. Especially baby and children's skins.
Please be aware that the type of clothing you choose also determines the atmosphere in a photo. Formal clothing, such as a shirt or neat blouse, give a formal look. A t-shirt and jeans give a casual look. Make sure it fits together. Personally, I would choose casual over formal as these photo shoots are meant to be more personal.
Try to avoid crinkles and stains. Not only for the obvious reasons, but it also comes out stronger in photos.
Newborns
We all love bare feet, legs and arms. These are just so cute and you definitely want to see those again later in time. Therefore do not let your babies or children wear too much clothing. I would say, the less, the better.
Keep a nice blanket at hand where you can wrap your baby in, or that we can use as a base underneath your baby. It also comes in handy to keep your baby warm when we take photos with only little clothing on.
Keep a hydrophilic cloth or baby wipes handy for snotty noses etc.
Maternity
Wear loose clothing prior to the session to prevent belly marks. Maternity pants are often also not preferable during the shoot, because you can see them through your top or shirt.
A smooth and soft kimono with a nice lingerie set or tight top underneath is perfect to capture your bare belly, without feeling too naked. A long dress is also perfect to make your belly come out beautifully.
Think already in advance whether you want to have your bare belly taken or not. Whatever you feel comfortable with, I am ok with, and used to, everything.
I am happy to answer any question you have, and you are welcome to send through some photos of your ideas too!
In home or outdoors
Both options are great! In home means that your little ones are comfy, warm and happy. This also helps a lot if you want an intimate and relaxed photo shoot, as it avoids the distraction of a new outdoor place to explore. We turn all the lights off and we only use natural light in the house. We will find all the great little nooks and the best window light in your house. Your home is the heart of who you are as a family and it is a beautiful way to remember all of its details. Outdoor sessions are also incredible. I truly love creating beautiful images of a person surrounded by nature. It has a more timeless feel and for me communicates a certain sense of ultimate freedom. We can schedule the session during the golden hour, for that magical light. I am happy to discuss and find the best optional location for you!
If the session is in home, please don’t stress over getting your house to look perfect. It doesn’t have to be. Clear the clutter, but keep things looking ‘lived’ in. Because I want your photos to be honest, not fake. We will probably use the master bedroom, sometimes the kids bedroom or nursery, a lounge room or living room, and anywhere there is great light. As we will probably also take photos on your bed, please keep in mind to have your bed nicely laid out, and to use neutral bedding, no dark colors or prints and texts.
Let's have fun and create some beautiful photos together!
Madeleine
Finally
Children can hardly be controlled. With a few tricks we can always try to get them in the direction we want, but don't stress if they don't cooperate right away. They sense that, and if you pull them more and ask for their attention, they will cooperate even less. By now I have experienced all the shades of gray of children during shoots. My experience is that it always works out, as long as you let it go ;-)
Terms and conditions
- The agreed price is in euros and includes 21% VAT, and excludes any shipping, travel or parking costs. For locations outside of Amsterdam, € 0.35 per driven km from Amsterdam is charged.
- I would like to retain the right to use the photos for promotional purposes, such as my website, social media or printed matter. If there is an objection to this, please state in advance.
- Full payment is made after the photo shoot, but before delivery of the photos.
- All images provided by Madeleine Bolle Photography may be used by the customer royalty free for their own use. The use of the images is not permitted by (commercial) third parties, unless prior permission has been granted by Madeleine Bolle Photography.
- The use of images provided by Madeleine Bolle Photography is exclusive to the client. All images provided by Madeleine Bolle Photography may be used royalty free by the client for the intended purpose.
- Madeleine Bolle Photography should be clearly mentioned when the photographic work is used, or be referenced to in the publication, online and on social media.
- It is not allowed to give away, sell, offer through an image databank or deploy the photographic work as stock work in publications of other organizations.