As I kick off buzzing about my Seasonal Specials (have you heard that Harvest are booking already and Christmas Specials to be released any day now!), I thought it would be appropriate to introduce you properly into the world of ‘shorties’.
These petite sessions are perfect for busy families who are eager to update their family portraits or get a glimpse into how their family portrait could be created.
Read on for my take on four reasons to book a Seasonal Special in 2019 with me.
Try before you dive in…
Quality professional photography is an investment.
Just like someone might invest in an heirloom, looking to pass down to future generations, portraits preserve moments in time and provide glimpses into days bygone for our children and grandchildren to marvel at in years to come.
It is unique, timeless and - as any quality product - comes at a price.
If a bespoke photography session feels like an expense invested in an unknown, trying a shorter session at one of my Seasonal Specials is a perfect opportunity to test the waters.
Third year in business (having taken some time out to have babies in-between), I am certainly enjoying returning customers – it truly is THE grandest of compliments to see you come back to me – whether for a ‘Special’ or a bespoke session… or mixing it up 😊.
My full packages do also reflect this mindset, where the initial payment is £100 and you choose the level of further spend only once you’ve seen the entire Viewing Gallery, following your session. I am big on seeing before buying, as disappointing you is my biggest fear.
Creative, unique set…
It is no secret that ‘natural, classic, organic, fresh…’ are the words that I would use to describe my style. My sessions usually take place in the great outdoors and I don’t promote awkward, unnatural posing. My aim is to let your family dynamic show at the photo shoot so that when you look back at the images, you remember it all: the toothless smiles, mischievous escapes, infectious laughter and YES, sometimes even the tantrums (kid-life)! To evoke these authentic moments, it can take a little while and for all members of the family to get used to me and the environment in which we are in.
We do things slightly different at the Specials…
We use the beautifully curated set to provide a backdrop and stay mostly within the same area for the duration of the photoshoot. Still inspiring the belly laughs, coy smiles, besotted glances, but at these sessions we capitalise greatly on the unique surroundings and this is where I let my creativity come out.
I plan the sets for weeks and source the props from around my garden, friends’ houses, hire services, junk yards and sometimes most unusual of places – calling in favors and occasionally travelling the distance to get the smallest of things (sometimes to not even include in the set at all!). It excites me to collaborate with local small businesses and venues to host these sessions. The Burn House was an absolute treat for my Christmas Specials in 2018 – their gorgeous surroundings and outstanding hospitality were a cherry on top of my Christmas cake!
So when you book a slot at one of my Seasonal Specials sessions, know that it will be a unique experience, with a bespoke set up and personal touches.
So join me for a one-off event and create a tasteful artful keepsake as your family portrait.
Create or update…
Family photography may be a new experience for you or you may already update the walls or coffee tables in your home with new wall art or albums every season. One way or another, there are plenty reasons for why varying time frames in-between the sessions may work best for you. Maybe it is the different seasons that you like to see grace your walls at different times of the year or perhaps, you do photo albums for every passing year – seizing the fleeting moments of your child’s age.
If professional family photos are your absolute jam, then having a few Specials-style sessions in a year may suit better than a few bespoke sessions. On the other hand, you might prefer the limitless range of spaces and time that we get to spend together creating your portraits – perhaps, the dynamic of your family would only truly reveal itself after a good 15-20 minute walk (in which case a 15-20 minute slot at a Specials event isn’t exactly ideal 😊).
If a 15 minute time slot is all you can convince your toddler and partner commit to, though, then I hope to see you at my Harvest or (and?) Christmas Specials sets later this year!
Time…
Who has any time these days, right?
I am forever saying I don’t have any time (this week my hair-washing routine has fallen victim to this claim). So I understand if you struggle to invest a full hour or two into a walk around the woods or stroll along a beach – especially if this is your first time experiencing my work – you don’t quite know what to expect and that can feel daunting.
Well, again, as a perfect taster, Specials aren’t only a unique experience, they are also brief in duration, making them just great to contain a child’s attention span and a husband’s reluctant attitude and any excuse of an escape.
Also, if family photo sessions are a regular occurrence in your household, then a shorter duration, themed shoot like this is perfect to ‘top up’ rather than create a whole new set of mementos.
Buuuuut… don’t mistake any of the above for me saying that you need to make less effort or treat these ‘shorties’ any different as you would a full-length, individual session. I encourage you to make the most of this brief experience and treat it as a taster, teaser, something that will likely leave you wanting more (speaking from experience here, by the way!). And to get you into the right frame of mind and prepared for any length of a photo shoot to ensure you enjoy your experience, check out my recent blog on how to Rock Your Family Photo Session!
I look forward to seeing you at the first of two 2019 Specials events: the Harvest Market Specials in Aberdeenshire on 29th of October.
Do ping me a message if you have any questions whatsoever about this event or want to chat about booking a custom session.
Once again this month I am so excited to share with you a super talented photographer from across the globe: Michele - the Twin Cities Maternity Photographer shares her too 5 tips on preparing for a maternity session - be sure to check it out and follow the link she shares and so on, until you make it back here. It’s such a fabulous way to discover new creatives from around the world.
Chtefan. Photography is a family lifestyle portrait and commercial business photographer based in Laurencekirk, Aberdeen - Scotland.
I specialise in beautiful, natural photography of children and families and professional and environmental portraits and headshots.
Chtefan. Photography covers the following areas: Montrose, Inverbervie, Arbroath, Ellon, Westhill, Banchory, greater Aberdeenshire and Angus region and would be delighted to travel on both national and international assignments.