Family Milestone Portrait Session - What To Expect?

Family Milestone Portrait Session - What To Expect? Part One

Welcome to SMK Studios by Sarah Kilduff photography. I am a portraiture photography based in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland with a vast range of portraiture experience. As family milestone photography is one of our trusted specialties here in studio I decided to write a short blog that may help clients know what to expect when preparing for their session!!

As your local family specialists we aim to document your milestones without causing any stress to you or your loved ones.

We aim to be your Photographer for life.

So When Do I Book?

At SMK Studios we need at least 1 months notice due to limited availability in studio. The more proactive you are in booking, the higher guarantee in getting your wanted date and time! Of course, we will do our best to accommodate you at shorter notice but we always appreciate early bookers!!

What is a family milestone photo-shoot?

- This can be any important gathering of your family even if it is just for a catchup! Milestones can include important Birthdays, Communions, Confirmations, Announcements and much more. In our opinion, just gathering the entire family into the same room in an attempted photoshoot is a milestone to congratulate!!

- Everyone is busy, there is always next year, there is always an excuse. Well, with recent worldly events ongoing, I think it has shown us all that there is no time like the present, especially when it comes to family. We all have mobile phones, but why settle for third class poor quality imagery that you never print, when we can document your precious moments and create bespoke wall art ready to pop over the mantle-piece or your favourite spot in the house?

It is a no brainer!!

What Does The Shoot Entail?

-A booking conversation will take place where we will discuss the client’s aspirations for the shoot, including all package information and consent/booking forms will be discussed and/or signed.

-All studio shoot must be confirmed with a small deposit.

-Family shoots usually take an hour and we can photograph up to 6 people in studio +/- one pet. If your group exceeds this we can arrange for an outdoor location shoot within the Ballinasloe area. (we know some lovely private spots)

-We will then discuss outfit choices, backdrop choices, use of seating and props and any important elements to be included in the shoot as per the specific milestone. For example – a Communion milestone portrait may want to include varied religious element’s or a big birthday might want to include balloons or a cake! We are open to any and all elements of fun!!

-For regular family photo-shoots we use a variation between white/black/grey/coloured backdrops which gives you the opportunity to dress accordingly for your specific choice. A lot of people like to dress similarly in their shoot, for example – wearing white t-shirts/tops with jeans. This similar themed clothing gives a beautiful flow and removes obvious distractions.

-We always offer clients to bring a change of clothes with them especially for children so they remain clean for the shoot. We all know how children tend to acquire sticky fingers the second you pop them into a new item of clothing! We offer bathroom facilities where you can change, so do not worry.

-One thing people tend to forget about when preparing for a shoot is their footwear. – A lot of people like to take off their shoes and go barefooted, which we always encourage as it is easier to pose feet than clunky shoes, especially when sitting down on the ground! (Don’t forget to paint the toenails) If you hate feet, keep the shoes simple, flat soled runners in black/white are perfect. (Unless high heels or an alternative are needed for the specific shoot)

-People ask me all the time, - do I need to get my hair and makeup professional done before a shoot? Of course, that is a personal preference. Professional styling may make you feel more confident and comfortable throughout the shoot itself but it is not a requirement. We do offer professional MUA and Hair at an extra cost and at least 4 weeks notice is required to book.

-Your family photo-shoot will integrate a variety of poses, group and individual shots and use of varied props as needed. We aim to create elegant, bespoke portraiture for you that suits your personal style and aspirations.