Preparing for your Lavender Field Photoshoot

Saturday 9th July 2022 – The Lavender Fields, nr Alton

Before the shoot

Get kids excited about the shoot

Kids are big part of your family and most likely the reason you want these photos, so involve them in the entire experience. If they want to bring their favourite cuddly toy along to the session, let them. These are details that reflect their personality and mark this time in their life; you want those captured. 

Get them excited about the shoot far in advance. Plan a surprise or a special treat like ice cream or mini golf after the shoot, so that they look forward to the entire day. You don’t want your kids to think of the photo shoot as something scary, or worse, a chore. 

Make an effort and plan 

You are paying good money for these photos so don’t look as though you have just come home from the school run in the rain! You don’t have to look like you are off to the races either, but look your best! 

Tummies 

Please don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner or a picnic scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, great, but please be sure to give everyone a clean (!) healthy snack before the photo shoot. 

Clothing advice

**For lavender field shoots, I highly recommend neutral colours such as cream, grey, light pink, light yellow, light blue etc. Think pastels.** 

Photos aren’t something we normally have done once a month on a professional level… so make sure you’re adequately prepared for this special event. Buy a new outfit, do some extra styling with your child’s hair, or incorporate fun props like hats or scarves. You don’t have to spend lots of money on new clothes – try eBay for good quality second hand items. I have a few girls dresses you’re welcome to borrow – get in touch in advance of your shoot if you’re interested.

Timeless, comfortable and attractive clothing choices 

For a photo that stands the test of time, opt for clothes that are classic rather than super trendy. Try to avoid trendy patterns, large logos, clashing colours and styles that might be outdated in a year. 

When picking out your clothes for the session, err on the side of comfort. You want to be confident in your clothing styles, but choose something flattering and timeless that will make you want to keep that family portrait up for years to come. 

What do your dream family photos look like? If they are soft and elegant? Choose neutral colours with soft, flowing fabrics…. think creams, very soft pastels, oatmeal, light browns, tans, greys, and slate blues. Want to showcase the fun side of your family..?

Coordinate rather than match 

Coordinate your wardrobe, but not too much. There is a fine line between coordinating and too matchy matchy. Selecting complimentary patterns, or colours (think pastels or varying shades of the same colour) are a great way to go. You do not have to match. In fact, it looks better when you don’t. 

Bring a change of clothes if you want more than one look, or in case you get muddy, have a potty accident, etc. 

**Photos of girls in cream or pastel coloured floaty dresses look awesome, as do boys in shorts and a t-shirt or shirt.**

Idea: Pick a single colour tone for each member of the family to wear. This use of a single colour can be as small as adding a yellow hair band to a girl’s ponytail, or as large as a father wearing a similar colour shirt as his daughter’s hair band. Utilise the same or similar colour throughout the family. The acts to subconsciously strengthen their bond with the photo. Accessories, such as scarves, necklaces, over shirts, hairpieces, shoes, and hats are just a few of the ways to add an accent colour to a family member. 

What to bring on the day

• Clean and healthy snacks – carrot and celery sticks, cheese, crackers (no messy food – such as chocolate). 
• Water or other drinks that don’t stain the inside of your mouth 
• Treats to bribe children 
• Hair brush 
• Backup clothing – a second outfit or layers, depending on the weather
• Most of all, bring your patience!!!!! 

Tips for during the session

Let go of expectations as this will take a little bit of the pressure off and help everyone to relax and just enjoy the time together as a family. Be realistic, the whole point of the session is to capture your family. You won’t look like the family in the department store adverts because they are not real! 

The perfect family photo may not necessarily be the one you envision. Open your mind, relax, have fun with it & the photos will reflect a lovely memory of time spent together. If you are relaxed, your children will be too. 

Step back, and allow me as photographer to naturally interact and talk with your children. This will result in more natural, gorgeous smiles. Help me to capture the true essence of your child’s personality by talking with them and coaxing out those smiles naturally and easily. 

When you’re standing posed for your photos, always be sure that you’re touching someone. Whether it’s a hug or snuggle, or just a tender hand on the shoulder. Make contact with your family. This shows connections and love. 

Don’t be afraid to pick up your children (maybe toss them in the air!), tickle them or give them relentless kisses! 

Location

The shoot will take place at The Lavender Fields, Hartley Park Farm, Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HP. 

The Lavender Fields are based in North East Hampshire Between Alton and Selborne. We are 3 miles south east of Alton on the B3006.

Please follow signs off the A31 main trunk road at the B3006 junction sign posted for Selborne. At the end of the slip road turn South East towards Selborne.

After about 1.5 miles you will see signposts on your right for Lavender Fields and Hartley Business Park. Once on the business park follow our signs to the Lavender Shop.

I will be running several sessions one after the other, so please arrive ten minutes before your session is due to start, follow the signs from the top right hand corner of the car park, walk onto the fields, where you will see me and my husband, Ken, who will be there to meet you.

If you get lost please call me on 07941 873 088.

Your lavender field photo shoot will cost £199 and will include…

• 5 images, supplied as 5×7″ prints and digital downloads, with option to purchase more images, prints and artwork once you’ve seen your photos in your private online gallery
• A pre-shoot email consultation on how to prepare and what to wear
• A 20 minute photo-shoot in the lavender fields 
• A private online viewing gallery of up to 20 images, professionally edited, where you can choose and order your photos for instant download or order framed prints and artwork for delivery direct to your door
• A deposit of £49 is payable on booking to confirm your session. The balance of £150 is payable once you’ve seen your edited gallery.

FAQ

WHAT IF IT RAINS? OR SNOWS?!

I will be keeping a close eye on the weather. If it looks as though it will be too wet or windy, I will contact you to reschedule for another weekend. If you’re unable to make that date you will be able to transfer your deposit to a different shoot with me another time. 

WHAT IF WE ARE UNWELL?

If you are unable to make your appointment due to illness, don’t worry. We will reschedule. I will do my best to get you another lavender field shoot, but if this isn’t possible, you will have the choice of a studio session or another outdoor location.

WHAT IF MY CHILDREN DON’T COOPERATE?

I have yet to be forced to reschedule a photoshoot due to children being uncooperative. I am extremely patient and am very laid back, so will take the time to make a connection with your child and do my utmost to get natural smiles from everyone.

HOW MUCH ARE EXTRA PHOTOS AND CAN I GET A FRAMED PRINT?

Extra photos will be available to purchase at £35 each for a print and the digital image. I have a range of options available for framed prints, other wall art, mini albums and more.