Planning Guide
Thinking About Booking A Family Session?
There are so many fun things to consider when you are selecting a photographer and a location for such an important experience for your family. I am always happy to answer questions by email for clients who are considering investing in a session with me. But first, here is some information that I've compiled from the most commonly asked questions by new clients seeking to book a family session... Hopefully this is all helpful!
Choosing the Best Session Type For You
Families come in different sizes and with different personalities! I offer four different family package options to ensure that all clients get exactly what they desire out of their family photography session — from a quick 15-minute option (available seasonally) to a full day-in-the-life lifestyle session.
Abridged or “Split” Family Sessions:
Limited Abridged Sessions for families are available seasonally and will always consist of two families back-to-back at the same location. This smaller session option is a good option for you if:
there are five or fewer people in your immediate family
you are flexible on the session location in the east valley (chosen by Julie)
you simply want to update your portrait wall and don’t need tons of images or to explore a location
your kids lovvvve picture day and are likely to warm up to Julie right away and be cooperative from the start (these sessions move quickly)
one of the scheduled dates works for you, or you can find a friend to split a build-your-own abridged date with.
Full-Service Family Sessions:
With three investment levels, one of these classic session options will be the best fit for you if:
you want the full Julie Griffin Photography experience!!
you would like to explore a location, change outfits, or capture all the candid in-between moments
your little ones might take a little while to warm up to somebody new or get settled in an unfamiliar place,
there will be five or more people photographed during your session
you need your session to be at a particular location or locale, or in your home
Choosing the Right Location
The location of an outdoor portrait session will have a big impact on the style of your final images!
For traditional portrait sessions, outdoor, wide-open environments are always a great choice. There are great options all around the state, and I have public and private locations in my wheelhouse with multiple types of scenery and looks. I also always encourage you to really get creative and put your thinking cap on, because you might think of a location I've never even heard of before!
Think Outside the Box
If an outdoor session is what you desire, this is the time to think outside the box! I encourage you to brainstorm unique locations that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you, or someone in your network, can secure permission to a location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a unique or beautiful private property; farm or ranch, country club or resort. Maybe it’s a family orchard, upscale hotel or even a boat, airplane hangar or a rooftop view. Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with. If you get stuck or need inspiration, check out my portfolio of work on this website and Instagram account. I have some great go-to locations around the Valley that we can use too.
Indoor Sessions
Please consider that sometimes the absolute best location is your very own home!! I always love the opportunity to preserve a snapshot of your life for you in the place that you make your real memories.
Destination Portrait Sessions
Your session includes travel time anywhere within twenty miles of my home office in Gilbert. If you’d like to go somewhere farther, I’m up for the adventure! The travel fee for locations farther than twenty miles but within the Phoenix Metropolitan area is $40. I am in the Flagstaff area multiple times a year and if you want to make a day or weekend trip up to Flagstaff during my stay, I would love to photograph your session near Flagstaff with no travel fee! Day trips to sites like Jerome, Sedona, Tucson or (you name it) can also be arranged with a custom quote.
Choosing the Right Date and Time
Choosing a Date I do have weekend availability, but weekend sessions are limited and book up farther in advance, as does Fall season (October and November especially). You will have the best chance for your desired date and time by scheduling in advance, or being flexible for a mid-week or off-season date.
Time of Day: Indoor I shoot indoor sessions using available natural light (windows), so for Newborns and Lifestyle sessions, we will discuss what the best time of day will be for lighting for your indoor location or your home.
Time of Day: Outdoor I shoot outdoor sessions in natural light because I believe that natural light, from the sun and its reflections, create photographs that feel fresh and timeless. There are two times of the day, first thing in the early morning and a bit before sunset, when the position of the sun produces the dreamiest light for photographs. Remember, the sun rises earlier and sets later in the warmer months of the year; and rises later and sets earlier during the colder months – something we will take into consideration when choosing your session time.
Consider a Morning Session: Sunrise can be a fantastic option for families with little ones! Many babies and kiddos are super happy in the morning, and it keeps us from competing with naps and dinnertime in the afternoon and evenings.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time. I’m only able to shoot when lovely natural light is still in the sky, so we’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together before its gone.
each of these three^ images was taken just after sunrise
Your Investment: What's Included?
All full-session fees include:
Photographer's time and talent; and travel within twenty miles of home office in Gilbert.
Use of a few simple props if desired, such as chairs and stools for outdoor sessions; wraps and blankets for newborn sessions.
A simple editing treatment of all the best images from our session, chosen by Julie.
High-resolution digital files with print release [delivered via online gallery and Zip File download]. Because I want you to have flexibility to print and share your images as you like.
Access to the best quality prints and products. Full-service photography is my passion and I would love for each family to have at least one thing from me that they can hold in their hands.
After your session, I also have the following available for purchase:
Full Catalog of the highest-quality printed items: prints, wall art, gifts, books, cards/announcements.
Special-request editing and retouch services, and creative editing services.
A USB Drive containing your files.
Styling Your Session
After you've booked your session, I will give you access to a Style Guide with tons of helpful tips for coordinating your outfits for the big day!
Family Session Checklist
1. Discuss date and time with Julie and book your session by paying retainer and completing Client Agreement Form.
Julie Griffin’s Style Guide Preview
2. Review Julie's style guide for tips.
3. Schedule hair, makeup and nail appointments if desired.
4. Choose your outfits, accessories and shoes. Make sure little girls in dresses have bloomers or spandex shorts for underneath!
5. Finalize location with Julie.
6. For outdoor locations, pack a bag with:
A neutral blanket or quilt that compliments your attire
Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots if desired
Second outfits (if you’re doing two)
Touch-up makeup for the ladies, lip balm for gentlemen with chapped lips
Water bottles (for warmer sessions)
Coat or cover-ups (for colder sessions)
Treat/snacks for the little ones (I recommend fruit snacks or smarties because they leave no trace on their faces, fingers or tongues!)
If you have a toddler or younger, a small eye-catching toy to hold their attention and any necessary diapers and wipes. And a stroller might be helpful depending on our location.
