In the midst of a busy shooting schedule, I welcome the chance to get super creative and plan and photograph a highly stylized session.
A stylized session is a specific shoot I offer to my clients though not my most common children’s shoot. A stylized session is planned with a clearly defined intent of creating thematic art. Some of the themes from these sessions have included Noah’s ark, faux hot air balloon, children sailing, and carousel horses.
I am pleased to share this shoot from a recent stylized session with gorgeous twin girls. I have had the pleasure of photographing these girls before and was beyond thrilled when their mom wanted to collaborate again to plan a special, conceptual, commemorative 5th birthday session.
Planning and managing expectations is key.
Similar to consulting for a standard session, I manage expectations for a stylized session by discussing two key issues:
- In order for me to prepare for our upcoming session, describe for me what you are looking for in your stylized session.
- Are there any special props that you would like to include in your photos? Is there anything specific you will be bringing or anything you would like me to procure?
Sometimes, the client knows exactly what she wants and we work together to make the vision come to life. Other times, in order to develop the vision, I take the conversation further to learn more about the children and their interests/hobbies and specifically the intention for the shoot (documenting a milestone, wall art piece to complement new bedroom, or gift for family, for example).
Since a stylized session requires much more planning, creating, crafting and organizing on my part, I do charge more for these creative sessions, and thus, I am happy to procure items to specifically meet the vision the clients and I have articulated. However, again, this is dependent on clear communication and expectation management.
The vision comes to life.
For this stylized shoot, the client was a dream and had a specific vision in mind for a retro themed nautical shoot with patriotic flair. And yes, this is super specific. And no, most of my clients are not so clear in their vision. But that is part of the fun too, the collaboration to make ideas come to life.
When clients do not have any vision or any ideas at all, but want a stylized session, that is where I believe we, as the photographer/styler extraordinaire, have to provide guidance and suggestions. Showcasing your portfolio online via social media and an updated website will help inspire sessions and provide clients with examples. Planning specific stylized shoots for clients who want this type of unique session will help separate you from other photographers as you will provide a unique personalized client experience.
A retro nautical theme with a patriotic flair
For this session, the client was not looking for a beach setting (which is one of my most popular bookings), but definitely wanted nautical flair, so I secured one of our local marinas for the shooting site, corresponding with mom about the location and the varied possibilities of multiple docks, platforms, and seagrass. I offered to bring an old boat I have, which we would adorn with an American flag, and the client procured wardrobe which included two looks: red, white and blue dresses and 50’s inspired swimsuits for the twin 5-year-olds. To add interest, playfulness and purpose to this shoot, we included small retro totes and beach balls. Little ones get bored quickly. Including small props for play is one way to maintain their interest while adding interest to the imagery and vary poses/positions to craft additional narrative.
The session took place an hour before sunset. With careful planning, clear articulation of exception, specific attention to style details, the “retro themed nautical shoot with patriotic flair” went swimmingly.
Wardrobe and props:
- Dresses: SwayBaby
- Shoes: Sun San
- Retro suitcases: Anthropologie
- Bathing suits: Janie & Jack
- Hairstyling: Nicole “NV Hair”, Hair Heart & Soul
Want to learn more about inventive and stylized children’s portraiture from Tracy? Join her at Click Away 2016 where she will be sharing more of her secrets.
