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Your Pre-shoot Prep Guide

I am so excited for your photo session and wanted to give you some information for what to expect on the day and gentle guidance on how to prepare for it.

I created this guide with you in mind, in hopes that it should help elevate any initial worries and overwhelm you might feel about your family photo shoot.
No overwhelm? Amazing - I love to hear that :) Then hopefully this guide will serve as a reassurance tool and it might even drop some nuggets of ideas and inspiration into your planning process.


At your session one of my top priorities is to create an enjoyable experience as well as beautiful keepsakes for your home.

I believe that the memories you create at the session will enhance the images and, with this in mind, I aim to host a photo shoot that feels more like a fun day out with those you love the most!

Expect a lot of fun, laughter, cuddles and play. Don’t stress about people not cooperating or ‘playing up’ - let me take care of that - I mean this 100%!

I’ve got my own house full of reluctant models and vast experience in dealing with others, so leave this up to me.

Be sure to complete the brief questionnaire at the bottom of the page to help me get to know you a little better so that we can start the shoot as friends - if we haven't met already... :)

​​

I can't wait to meet and photograph your family!

x .iana

Welcome

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Though I expect everyone to simply rock it and just have a fun time, when it comes to photographs, should gentle encouragement be required, I ask you to prepare some of the most loved snacks, treats and a sip of water on hand.

 

Please try to make these as quickly-consumable and mess-free as possible (I know, I know, but, if at all possible, this would really help) - I will carry this for you and we can take any breaks as required.

 

I will not rush the shoot, if someone needs a moment, we will let them take it, if energy levels are running low, we will recharge the batteries.

I truly want to make this a memorable experience for your family, so will do everything I can to nurture comfort and warm feelings on the day.

Your shoot will last around an hour, though I will not rush it, nor will I make it drag on - once you are happy and I am happy, we can agree to say ‘cut!’

What to wear?

Now the billion dollar question: What to wear?

I usually steer clear of being too bossy when it comes to guiding clients through their decision on what to wear. After all, each family unit is unique and has their own view of what suits them.

 

However, at the same time, it is my job to be on hand, should you need a bit of advice, so here goes...

First of all - pick a piece you feel like a bitcoin in and start from there. I will never tell you to not be 'extra', so whether this is a statement jumpsuit or a sequinned dress - as long as you feel incredible, who's to say it's not appropriate for a walk in the woods?

Once you've got your 'hero' piece, I suggest you pick a color scheme and try to work within it for everyone attending the shoot.

For example, in autumn months, beige (think chinos), ochre and yellow, navy and jewel tones work together really well.

Jeans are always an easy pick, as they are a classic staple and compliment most colors really well. Floaty dresses are always a win for the ladies.

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I would suggest trying to avoid heavy jackets and layering up instead - these can cover up faces and be a bit bulky in images. Also, the 'windbreaker' type jackets, such as Regatta etc. don't look very 'special' - BUT, as I said before, it's your shoot, if a Regatta windbreaker is your absolute fashion staple, then I can't wait to see it! :)

Your session will be full of energy and fun, we will be moving around as well as stopping to compose and pose, so I am hoping that you will not feel the chill too much - after all, we’re in Scotland and just have to roll with it :)

Thick, textured material photographs really well - think cable knit, corduroy, denim. Scarves can work well to dress up an outfit and provide an additional layer of warmth.

For those planning their outfits as a family unit, I suggest laying the clothes out on a bed - all together - and seeing how it all looks side by side. You can then remove items or accessorise, as feels well.​

Want more? Check out my what to wear to your family photo shoot blog post here!

 

Clothes & Accessories I am lovin' this season - Autumn

These are just a few items of clothing and accessories that I love right now. They are current season and if you click on the image, it'll take you to where you can buy it - BUT - it can also just serve as source of inspiration and if you like something, but this particular pick isn't quite THE ONE, just have a look around for something similar that ticks your boxes.

I take great pride in my Vinted hunting skills - rescuing clothes and giving them a new lease of life, all at bargain prices is fabulous!

Weather
got to love it!

Welcome to Scotland and always prepare to be surprised by the weather.

In the lead up to your shoot, I watch the forecast across multiple apps, like a hawk, but still, somehow, it manages to sneak up on me sometimes - in good ways and not so much :)

 

More often than not, we need to be prepared to stay cosy - especially our younger lovelies, as they can get a bit grumpy if not feeling the heat.


If it’s cooler than you anticipated when putting together your outfits, please ensure you prepare for this. A cotton under-layer and a thick knitted cardigan would have your back and look cute in photos!

Just a note, if it’s overcast, we can ABSOLUTELY still do the shoot - in fact, don't tell sun, but overcast days are my favourite for shooting. If it looks like it is going to rain, we can make the call together and reschedule as soon as we're all available.

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We booked Iana to take family photographs at home and were absolutely blow away by her work. She managed to wrangle reluctant adults and children alike to create a beautiful gallery of family photos. She worked so brilliantly with my young nephews and got the hear from us all.

Despite the gloomy weather Ianas understanding of lighting and editing has left us with bright and beautiful photography that showcases our family and home wonderfully. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her work to anyone looking for family photos.

Jasmin

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What happens after the shoot?

Time to get truly excited!

 

Your gallery will be delivered via your own password-protected gallery - within 4 weeks (usually closer to 2, but in case of crazy-busy season or sicky children at home, I like to manage expectations with the worst case timeline ;))


The moment I've finalized your images, I will be in touch to let you know!

When you get your gallery link, I encourage you to make an event of it! Launch it onto your tv or computer screen, gather the whole family around and enjoy the moment… pop the cork, have some popcorn or a cup of warm tea - the first time you see your photos is always the best.

Your gallery reveal e-mail will contain all the information on the next steps.

Hey, mama!

If you're anything like me, It’s finally your time to be in some pictures - looking and feeling incredible.

 

If you’re the one that’s always taking the photos and forgets to be in them, then congratulations, it's your time to shine! I love this for you, I feel you, I see you, I promise it's going to be as fabulous, as you are!

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Hey, dad!

Let me guess, this shoot was not your idea, it is not your idea of good times and you're maybe a bit apprehensive?

Trust me, you're not alone! But I can promise you that it'll be painless and even a whole bunch of fun - see it as a lovely day out with your beautiful family, a chance to to show them off and a chance to create keepsakes you will cherish for many years to come!

Thank you for being here!

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Hey, kids!

Getting children ready and psyched for a photo session often can reduce or remove completely any nerves or shyness and replace with curiosity and excitement.

Perhaps, we are going to their favourite walk spot or maybe they are picking some (all?) of their outfits? Are they matching mom or dad - how cool is that?

As soon as you book, let them know what we will be doing, tell them they’re going to have their photo taken, and it’s going to be FUN and ask them to help you plan what to do with the photos - will they go up on this wall in the hallway or will we post one to the grandparents? Involve them and let them know it's not a chore, but an adventure!


You won't have to tell them to 'camembert' and there's no need to force the smiles at the camera. Being relaxed and affectionate with your children will bring out their personalities and I will be right there to capture it all.

Also... repeat after me: bribery is not a crime. If you think your kids need a little extra encouragement during the session then bribes are totally fine by me! Bring along some snacks that are easy and clean to eat (BEAR treats, raisins or Smarties (Lord help us :)) all work quite well), or perhaps even encourage an ice cream date afterwards?

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Iana is a wonderful photographer. Her photos stand out from the crowd!

The whole process is a magical experience. She plans everything to cater for your wants and needs. I love her wardrobe suggestions and her tips; for making the shoot a success, are second to none.

I enjoyed our family shoot so much I’ve booked her again for my brand shoot.

Gemma

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Once again I want to thank you for entrusting me with photographing your wonderful family - ‭I am so excited to meet you all and deliver images that will become keepsakes for you all.

 

Finally, I would like to ask for a few moments of your time to complete a brief questionnaire below that’ll help me serve you best and get to know your family a little better ahead of the shoot.

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Questionnaire

Thank You!

“Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are”

Jim Henson

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