Family client GUIDE
Family client GUIDE
Welcome
First of all, thank you so much for finding your way here. Whether you have been recommended from a friend, found me on social media, or searched your way through seemingly hundreds of photographers to find your way here, I am so grateful for the chance to connect with you.
Finding a photographer, you resonate with is a journey worth taking and I am so glad you found something in my work that sparked a little light within you. Taking photos is my passion and I would love to be able to showcase you and your loved ones in a way that sparks that same joy within you when you receive the final images that will freeze the moments you look to preserve.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This guide is here to help you get to know me a little more and understand what the experience of working with me is like. In viewing this guide, I hope you feel that little spark shines brighter as you read about how incredible your experience has the potential to be. If that spark tends to dim out as you continue, I know there is another photographer out there who will be better suited to let your spark burn bright! I want to be sure we have the same vision for your session so you are left with both beautiful memories and timeless images that you will cherish forever.
About me
First, I’m mama for three beautiful boys, who inspire me to create these memories with my camera. Also I’m the referee in the house so you don’t have to worry how your kids will behave. I think I’ve seen it all!
I have always been drawn to see people. When I was a kid, I used to draw a lot. I always drew humans, faces, bodies. There is something beautiful in us people. Something I want you to see too. It’s not about perfect complex or beautiful features, but something coming from inside what I think I see. And that’s why I want you in front of my camera. I want to get to know you and get the best out of you in our sessions.
I’m a huge advocate of motherhood. My journey hasn’t been all sunflowers and roses, I’ve struggled too, and I want to support you in your journey. I wish you could be the kind of mother you want to be without any pressure from outside world. I wish you could be free, free to be the mother you want to be. Wild and free.
I want to photograph raw you and your loved ones. All the love and connection between you, tell stories with photos and capture these magical moments for you, right now. Soon you’ll miss these. My goal is to make memories which you can cherish years to come.
MY GOAL IS TO MAKE MEMORIES WHICH YOU CAN CHERISH YEARS TO COME.
Lifestyle Photography
As a lifestyle photographer, I am here to document the everyday moments that all add up to create the big memories you look to cherish most.
This is our passion and we have done the work to ensure your session is as comfortable, carefree, and memorable as it can possibly be to create images that show your life well lived.
Lifestyle photographers aim to capture authentic moments and connections. We do not set with a long list of poses from a Pinterest board to direct our clients into. Rather, we take the time to guide you into genuine moments to capture the genuine smiles, booming laughter, and soft affections.
LOCATIONS
We have two general options for the location of your shoot: in your home or at an outdoor location.
All of these options are beautiful, and you should make the choice based on what you’re hoping to get out of your images. Are you looking for a more carefree, hanging out at home with your family feel? Or perhaps spending the day at the beach or out on a farm is your family’s favourite past time? Are you hoping for a few romantic shots of you and your partner in your home? Or are you hoping for more windswept and natural outdoors? Take some time to think about what you’re hoping to get out of these images before choosing your location and read below for more insight into indoor and outdoor locations.
Outdoor
I love outdoor sessions purely for the opportunity to take advantage of the most beautiful lighting. I truly believe in the transformational power of beautiful sunlight. I understand that having your children up early for sunrise, or having them stay up late for sunset, may affect their mood and sleep schedule slightly, but it has always been worth it. Outdoor sessions with newborn need a bit more planning but are very doable.
For outdoor sessions, we can discuss a variety of options that match you and your family’s personality best. Do you like going for walks in the wood, or enjoying picnics in a meadow? Does your family love the water and are you all willing to jump in? Outdoor sessions can really bring a magical feel to your images. Some of my favourite places to shoot are the woods, a field of tall wheat grass, a farm, a beach or stream, an apple orchard, or a field of flowers! What is your vision and what outdoor area really captures your family best? Let’s discuss your ideas!
Outdoor session preparations
Preparing for an outdoor session requires a different kind of preparation that indoors. If your session will be outdoors, we need to make sure we’re dressed properly for the weather. Babies tend to get cold easier as they don’t have the fatty layer yet. Beanies and booties are needed and propaply few layers of different blankets.
For the kiddos, allow them to bring along a favourite toy or two of choice. Try not to censor what they decided to bring along as allowing them to choose a current favourite will help you remember exactly who they were becoming at this moment in time.
If there are any other items you’d like to bring, like a favourite blanket, a guitar if someone in your family plays, or a favourite picnic snack, have these items all prepared and ready to go before we head out!
IN home
There can be nothing comfier and more carefree than shooting a family in their own home. No need to rush anywhere, no need to stress about feeding times or changing nappies on the go . Just imagine your kids jumping with glee on your bed while you come in with your partner to all collapse in the blankets and pillows in a heap of laugher, cuddles, and tickles! If you choose an in-home session, I am thrilled to be part of your everyday interactions. An in-home session often allows children to relax more and gives space for the family pet to photobomb as much as possible! I can capture you reading stories, making pancakes, having a kitchen dance party, or just hanging out together. The options are endless. The best time of day for an indoor shoot is morning to midday, so please keep that in mind if you are working around schedules.
As a lifestyle photographer, I am all about taking time to guide you into authentic moments with your loved ones during your shoot. I will not be focusing on the “look-at-the-camera-and-say-cheese” types of images during our shoot. I typically capture a few of these for you, but it is just to capture the more generic posed images one might want for a holiday card, to send to relatives, or for more professional use.
Indoor session prep
When preparing for your in-home session, I highly recommend focusing on the master bedroom as that’s where we often shoot at.
Thinking about the fabrics and bed covers. Whites and neutrals will allow more light to reflect up onto your faces, will brighten all of your images, and create a timeless feel. If you don’t have something white or neutral, be sure to keep it as classic as possible. Remember that colours and patterns will eventually be dated, which makes neutrals our best for images you’ll love sharing for years to come. In the end, these are your images so your house should look whatever you would like!
Another thing to remember for your indoor session is that I will often shoot toward the bed so if you have items on your end tables that you don’t want seen in the final images, please move them out of the bedroom or tuck them into some drawers out of view. If you do not have time to tidy up, I am happy to help you when I get there!
First when I arrive to your home, we will find the corners in your home where there is most light. I suggest you clean and declutter some, but please do not stress! I love lived-in homes and want to tell your story authentically.
01 / AUTHENTIC INTERACTION
Truth be told, you’ll only have to look directly into the camera if prompted to do so!
I’m here to calm your nerves and I ensure even the most ‘camera shy’ individual will ease into relaxation to capture beautiful moments. I will direct you into pretty light, ask you to walk hand-in-hand, suggest you all tickle the littlest member of your family, or even play right around the rosie! I will get silly with your kiddos during the shoot and will encourage them to fully unleash their unique personality.
I love when families take over after one simple prompt and allow their interactions to unravel honestly. Sitting back and capturing these moments and natural connections happen in front of my camera is my absolutely favourite. While I can guide you, I love watching your personalities mix, and defined characteristics of relationships with each other reveal themselves. Be assured, I also know when to step back in to continue to guide the session, if needed.
What I really ask from you is that you really allow yourself to be just that - yourself. I’m not here to make judgements, I’m here to capture you at your most honest self. That’s the version of you your loved ones know and that we are looking to preserve in our session.
Please, show up open. Don’t be afraid to love on your babies or your partner as if no one else was there. I want you to laugh wildly, snuggle tightly, slide your fingers affectionately through their hair, tell them with passion and purpose how much you love them, and to keep connecting with your people each and every moment.
You will never have to ask, “is this okay?” because if it feels natural to you and how you connect with those you are being photographer with, then it is okay with me.
Allow yourself to be in the moment as much as possible and enjoy the experience. Silliness and laughter is always welcome, tears of joy and small smiles of love are encouraged.
02 / BE YOURSELF
03 / STYLING
Let’s take a deep breath before we begin!
The idea of picking out a wardrobe for you and everyone else who will be part of the shoot can seem a little overwhelming. I completely understand and have put together some helpful tips to make selecting outfits easy and enjoyable.
First, for in-home sessions, I want you to think comfortable and like you’re actually just hanging out at home. Think bare feet, comfortable clothing, and remaining true to you!
For outdoor sessions, try to coordinate your outfits by colour palette and try to avoid being really matchy. It’s good to start from a mother’s dress and then add other outfits according to that.
I do have a selection of client dresses and outfits for little ones. You get to have a peek when your session is booked. These dresses can be tried on before your session at my place in Espoo, if you wish.
SOME USEFUL STUFF HERE
Styling tips
STICK WITH LIGHT, PALE, NEUTRAL COLOURS - AVOID FLUORESCENT OR REALLY BRIGHT COLOURS
Go on and be true to you. But do it in a timeless way and try to coordinate your outfits all together.
Be comfortable - if we’re shooting at home I recommend something familiar. Something you could actually wear at home. If we’re outdoors then you can get more experimental, but match to the vibe of the location.
Flowy dresses work beautifully on women and girls - they show motion and move with you as opposed to staying rigid. If jeans are more of your style, go for it.
Remember your changing body. Don’t wear anything too fitting to make you uncomfortable. Remember to wear something you can breastfeed in, if you do that. I love picturing that.
Only sky is the limit for what we can use. I have heaps of comfy dresses in my client closet you can use. Think of comfy knits and relaxed pants. Maybe jeans and shirt. Maybe something more fancy. Whatever tickle your fancy.
Light and neutral colours are more timeless, but I will never say no to colours, just stay away from neon colours or colours that clash.
I also have baby outfits and blankets and beanies.
Bare skin is always my favourite
Most important of all. Be yourself!.
Timeline
01 / CONTACT
You’re here. By reading this you will make your mind if our paths are set to cross and continue to planning your dream photoshoot.
02 / SESSION SECURED
Once we have determined a suitable date for your session, all that's left is to pay the deposit and fill in the questionnaire.
03 / PLANNING
Then, It’s all the fun part! In planning, we’ll chat about the best locations and my client wardrobe. Rest assured, I will customize the session to fit your exact needs.
04 / PHOTOSHOOT FUN
Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for! It's time to meet in person and spend some quality time together. My goal is for you to feel completely at ease and truly love the experience.
05 / BEAUTIFUL PICS
About three to four weeks later you’ll receive your gallery in your inbox. Make some time to view them together and don’t forget to have tissues on hand.
If you have ordered any of our exquisite handcrafted photos, they will be delivered to you soon.
KIND WORDS
Theresa
"We were absolutely amazed with Sanna’s work. She photographed me in my last weeks during pregnancy and I truly felt beautiful when I saw the result of the shoot. It made me so happy. She also captured our family during the newborn shoot so beautifully in a very intimate way. The result are authentic and unique pictures with a very own touch and couldn’t be more expressive and sensual. Absolutely stunning work. It was such a pleasure to shoot with her. The shoot felt very natural and was a lot of fun."
Services
M0THERHOOD 559€
Sunrise or sunset outdoors, mornings at home or in the studio
Personal planning and guidance
60 minute session
Mainly for mothers but also partners
all images (50+) in personal online gallery
Beautiful video of the favourite images
use of client wardrobe
FAMILY 649€
Sunrise or sunset outdoor or morning at home
Personal planning and guidance
Immediate family
session last usually around 90 minutes
all images (70+) in personal online gallery
Beautiful video of the favourite images
use of client wardrobe
First fee is paid upon booking. You can choose how you would like to make payments. In 1, 2,3 or 4 instalments.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Let's connect
Let's connect
LET'S CAPTURE
THE WILD & FREE
MAMA YOU ARE
I don’t know id I can say enough how much of an honour it is to be able to share with you my heart for lifestyle photography sessions, the ability to capture you and your loved ones right where you are at is such a gift to me and the images will be such gifts to you.
If what you’ve read about my work resonates with you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me so we can connect and discuss an upcoming session. Connecting with you and brainstorming ideas for your session is half of the fun.
I look forward to hearing from you and bringing your vision to life in images you can hang on your walls that will tell the story of who you are: who you loved, what made your heart spark and how you were wild and free mama as you are!
xx Sanna
LET'S CAPTURE THE WILD & FREE MAMA YOU ARE
LET'S CAPTURE THE WILD & FREE MAMA YOU ARE
hello@sannahelenaphotography.com
www.sannahelenaphotography.com
instagram.com/sannahelenaphotography
facebook.com/sannahelenaphotography
pinterest.com/sannasannass
040 733 9380