What to wear? Keep it simple and keep it comfortable. I find clients photograph best in clothes that they are comfortable wearing. You want your portraits to look like YOU! Simple colors, no logos or screen t-shirts, photograph well. Jeans or khakis and polos work well for boys. Sun dresses or simple shirts and jeans work well for girls. Matching outfits are fun, if you would prefer, but not necessary. You may change your outfits as often as you would like. I love comfortable images with bare feet, but if you would like shoes in your portraits please make sure they are clean and neat. Mud caked soles do not photograph well. In My Prime, Photography by Jorja is not responsible for poor wardrobe choices or hairstyles.
How long do sessions last? Typically, sessions last between 1-2 hours, depending on how many people are to be photographed. Some sessions may be as short as 45 minutes and some are as long as three hours. Don't be alarmed if your session seems to be running to fast or too slow, it will be the perfect amount of time to capture your unique family.
What time of day should sessions be scheduled? The best natural light for pictures is always at dawn or dusk, when the sunlight is soft and luminous. For that reason, after dinner sessions are recommended, especially for outdoor portraits. But when that is not feasible, or if you would like indoor portraits, like newborns, for instance, they can be scheduled any time of day. Due to the fact that I rely on the sun as my only light source, sessions may have to be rescheduled because of weather, even indoor sessions. Newborn sessions should be scheduled before your baby is four weeks old. That way, your baby will still be very sleepy and curly. Maternity sessions should be scheduled anywhere from 28-34 weeks. You want your belly to be big enough to really fill the frame, but you do not want to be too uncomfortable. I do birth photography as well, so please contact me if you would like me to document the birth of your baby.
What is the parent’s role during the session? Normally, I like to capture parents with their children, making them laugh and playing with them. I love the feeling of natural moments, so if you feel like I am not giving you very much direction, that is a good thing! If the parent is not in the pictures, it is fine to interact with your child off camera to get natural, happy expressions. However, for the most part, I enjoy interacting with your child or children to attempt to capture that stunning eye contact that only occurs if they are talking with me. Feel free to tell me if there is something in particular you wanted to try, like pictures with beloved stuffed animals or in a particular location. As a custom photographer, I am more than willing to try to include your ideas in my candid style.
Are props available? Yes, many of the props you see in the gallery are available for use in your images. I have a variety of props, including a child sized rocker chair, bench, hat and bloomer set, vintage style hats, barrel planters, pitcher and wash basin, and many more. I don't normally bring every prop to every session, so if you like a prop you see on my site, be sure to ask if you would like to use it in your session. Also, feel free to bring your own!
What about animals? Family pets are always welcome, if you feel they will be well behaved for portraits. You can also schedule a session just for your pet!
Where can I view my session? I will send a link to a valid email address with information on how to access your private online gallery after your session takes place. If you have any trouble accessing your gallery, please contact me.
