Hello, Photo Friends!

Pre-Session Logistics

Let’s start off with few nuts-and bolts booking details before we get to the fun stuff!

• If you haven't yet paid your deposit, you can head over to my payment page! Make sure to choose the correct option for your location.

• You can fill out your get-to-know-you survey here. This is super important, as it helps me get to know your crew in advance and be prepared to connect with and support everyone!

• Please pay your session balance prior to your session date! I will send an invoice your way. If you’d prefer a Venmo request, just let me know!

• You can sign your contract here.

• If you’d like to chat on the phone about details and ideas, I’d be delighted! Just shoot me an email and we’ll schedule a call.

How to prepare your kids

Knowing what to expect from our session helps kids feel safe and have fun! Some kids like to take a look at my website to see the kinds of photos I take, and look at a photo of my face. A few special details you can share with your kids:

• I will use a "big camera" to take their photos. It's different from the phone cameras that they are used to and it's VERY cool. They will be welcome to take a look at it and press the buttons!

• Taking pictures of children is my job, and I am very excited to learn about them and their very cool lives. I am also mama to my own two silly kids and auntie to many others!

• It is absolutely ok to wiggle, jump, play, and have big feelings during photo sessions with me. We will make it work together!

• The goal of our session together is to take photos that help them feel proud of themselves, and that they can share as a special gift with the people who love them. 

• The whole family will stay together while we take photos. You (parents or caretaker) will be there the entire time!

A few other kid-prep tips:

• I HIGHLY suggest offering kids snacks and water before/on the way to the session– even if they have just eaten– and letting them know what your plans are AFTER the session. Planning a treat (something yummy to eat or fun to do) after our time together tends to make things go even more smoothly. 

• If we are shooting at your home, tell that them that I’d love to see the toys they love most, their favorite books, or even their room!

What to wear

I always recommend wearing clothes that make everyone FEEL good. Our session will be very relaxed, so kid’s clothes that aren’t too fussy and allow for easy movement are wonderful. I recommend against outfits that are too heavily color-coordinated, and I'd avoid pure white and pure black, as stark colors don’t photograph as well. Also shirts, jackets and (especially, for some reason) vests with big collars might block faces, so those are good to avoid.

 If you want the photos to have a super-classic feel, light colors, neutrals, and earth tones are lovely. If you want the portraits to capture who your kids are right now– their sense of style, personality and overall VIBE—I'd say go big with favorite t-shirts, mixing prints, overalls, rainboots, tutus– you name it!

Finally, if you have a kid who wears dresses, it's always nice to throw on a pair of shorts underneath so that they can jump and climb freely.

Just keep in mind— there is no wrong thing to wear to our photo session! You and your kids will photograph best if everyone feels like themselves.

What if it rains?

I will keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your session, and reach out with some options if thing are looking really dire! If it is actively raining in the two hours leading up to your session, I will shoot you a text so that we can make a rain plan— that usually involves rebooking (at no extra charge) for a drier day!

What if my kid is sick?

If anyone in your family isn’t feeling well, please reach out and I will get you rebooked (at no extra charge of course!) for another time.

How the session works

When I arrive up we’ll chat briefly so that I can get to know (or re-meet!) everyone- then, we’ll take the photos! I will guide everyone through different groupings— whole family, siblings, solo shots, etc. You are welcome to plan a fun activity for part of the session— reading books, hanging on the porch with snacks or popsicles, or snuggling in the big bed! This can be a lovely way to capture candids.

The session will last about 60 minutes. I promise that’s enough time! It’s always quicker and more fun than people think it will be. I’ll encourage the kids to play and be themselves, and I promise I’ll help you stay relaxed, too! 

If your child takes some time to warm up, it can be nice to arrive a few minutes early for your session– you are welcome to observe as I finish up with the clients before you!

Since I'm working with children and everyone is navigating kid-moods and a busy day, please allow me ten minutes of flex time on the start and finish time of your session.

A Little Reassurance

Your child does not need to be on their best behavior to take good photos! They do not need to stand still. They do not need to smile big. They are very welcome to express themselves and have big feelings. I always take this as a compliment— it means kids feel safe with me!

All your kids have to do is show up as themselves. My job will be to affirm them, help them feel safe, and take beautiful photos. Your job is to enjoy your connection with your favorite people. I’ve got you.

After the Shoot 

Once our session is over, I will select the 50 best images and hand-edit them individually. I typically deliver a finished gallery two weeks after our session. I will send you the link and password to a private online album, which will allow you access full-sized files of each image. As indicated in my contract, please do tag Anna Carson DeWitt Photography if you post any photos from our session on Facebook or Instagram.

 The album has unlimited downloads, so feel free to send the link along to other family members that might like to see or download the files. That’s a lot easier than sending bulky high-res image files through email! 

You will receive a print release along with your files that permits you to order prints of all photos from the lab of your choice. You'll also have the option to order art-quality prints from my professional lab. Just use the shopping cart icon on each proof photo to select the size and quantity of prints you'd like, and don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help!

Your online album will remain active for 30 days after you receive your email, so please make sure to download all files during that time, or let me know if you need extra time. 

Ok Then!

That covers everything! If you have any other questions or ideas, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m so looking forward to our time together. It is such a joy to know and connect with your family, and I hope you'll let me know how I can support you in making this a fun and safe experience for everyone.