well hello again!Woo hoo!

It’s happy dance time!You’ve officially booked your session and now the hard part,

WAITING!!!

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am for our session!

While we both wait, I thought I would send along some tips to make your session a smashing success!

What follows are some helpful hints and best practices, I have picked up over the years. You may even want to print this guide out to have on hand for reference.

Keep in mind, these are just what I have learned over my years as a newborn and children’s photographer. What works for

one baby or child, may not work for another but rest assure, I am well equipped to handle all types of personalities.

I GOT THIS!

If you have any questions at all in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to ask!

See you and those adorable littles soon!

The following pages provide a recap of the Baby, Child and Family Session. Please scroll to the session applicable to you as it serves as a quick reminder of what you have just booked.

NOTE FOR ALL SESSIONS: Careful consideration has been given to price so I am able to offer each and every client the very best customer service, creativity for your session and most importantly, a great experience. Session fees do not include products or digital files of any kind. There is a $295 minimum product purchase (prints, digitals and/or other products) requirement per session. This is in addition to the session fee and is due at the time of your session.

session types (&fees)

baby session $150

This signature session is for a single “sitting” baby up to one year in age. It focuses on your babe in this blink of a moment that is gone before you know it. When your little one is in that delicious stage of sitting up all by themselves and being delighted with their buddah bellies and scrumptious thighs, bring them in for a True Baby Session!

This session is for non-newborns. Babies must be sitting up on their own (usually in the 6-8 month range).This is essential so we can focus on capturing those cute expressions rather than balancing them and before they have discovered that running everywhere is much more fun than sitting still and being charming!

Your baby turning one??? There is no better way to celebrate your babe’s one year on earth than with a True Cake Smash session. Make one set a cake smash and we’ll even include the balloons and bakery recommendation at no additional cost! A super celebration for both your baby and your one year anni-versary of becoming a parent :)

• Up to 60 minute studio session custom styled to your preferences and color choices (3 sets)

• Full access to props, backdrops and studio wardrobe• Online gallery and slideshow of at least 25 edited

images (50+ total with creative black and whites) from which to make your purchase decisions

• Welcome guide with pre session planning tips • Make one set a cake smash for no additional charge• A few shots with parents and/or siblings can be added

for an additional $25 as well

*Session fees do not include products or digital files of any kind. There is a $295 minimum product purchase require-ment per session. This is in addition to the session fee and is due at the time of your session.

child session $175

This is our signature children’s session and is for kiddos up to age 12. My sessions are fast paced, high energy and often include lots of jumping, singing and dancing. I will go to extremes to get your child to be themselves in front of my camera. I have a HUGE stash of one of a kind props and sessions usually turn into a big game of imagination and dress up. My goal is to create a session that your child will have fun at and allow me to capture, not just those smiling faces but those unique one of a kind personalities that inspire us each day!

• Up to 90 minute studio session custom styled to your preferences and color choices (3-5 sets)

• Includes up to two children (can be a sitting baby and older sibling), $25 each additional

• Includes sibling shots as well as individual pictures• Full access to props, backdrops and studio

wardrobe• Online gallery and slideshow of at least 25 edited

images (50+ total with creative black and whites) from which to make your purchase decisions

• Welcome guide with pre session planning tips

*Session fees do not include products or digital files of any kind. There is a $295 minimum product purchase requirement per session. This is in addition to the session fee and is due at the time of your session.

family session $200

Our signature Family session offering because YOUR KIDS will want pictures of you with them! A mix of posed and lifestyle shots make our True Family sessions utter perfection. Whether you have one toddler or 5 kids under 7, it’s all good! I strive to create timeless family portraits of you all just as you are. Well, maybe with cleaner faces and a good blow dry :) My studio is a happy and non-intimidating space for kids and the emphasis is always on fun, not performance. This session is an investment that will grow in value to you as the years rush by and your children grow and change.

• Up to 90 minute studio session custom styled to your preferences and color choices

• Up to three sets• Immediate family only (up to two adults/two kids,

each additional add $25)• Includes group shots as well as individual child

shots• Full access to props, backdrops and studio

wardrobe• Online gallery and slideshow of at least 25 edited

images (50+ total with creative black and whites) from which to make your purchase decisions

• Welcome guide with pre session planning tips

*Session fees do not include products or digital files of any kind. There is a $295 minimum product purchase require-ment per session. This is in addition to the session fee and is due at the time of your session.

session overview

I am absolutely be honored to photograph your little ones!!! Your photos will be cherished memories forever and heirlooms to future generations. The actual session is only the beginning of creating these precious memories; after your session I will spend an extensive amount of time selecting and editing the best images to showcase in your gallery. I can say without a doubt that working with newborns, babies and children is my passion!

My studio is about 2600 square feet and my sessions are fast paced, high energy and often include lots of jumping, singing and dancing. I will go to extremes to get your child to be themselves in front of my camera. I have a HUGE stash of one of a kind props and sessions usually turn into a big game of imagination and dress up. My goal is to create a session that your child will have fun at and allow me to capture, not just those smiling faces but those unique one of a kind personalities that inspire me each day!

BABY SESSIONS: are done when they are sitting up on their own (usually in the 6-8 month range). I will not photograph babies (outside of the newborn session) until they are mostly sitting up on their own. This is a great age as they are not yet crawling and able to get away from me. Babies this age are very happy and content and are usually still sporting a cute little gummer smile. The next age that is very popular is one year olds. They are much more challenging to photograph, but I get the best personality shots from this age. You may also want to consider adding a cake smash to the session to celebrate your babe’s first year on earth!

session overview

I try to schedule these sessions in the morning or after naptime when they are freshest. Please don’t bring a hungry, sick or tired baby, it’s almost impossible to get any shots out of grumpy babies. I don’t mind rescheduling last minute if your baby is having a bad day.

TODDLER SESSIONS: are fast paced and I don’t expect your child to sit still so either should you! These sessions are usually a workout for both parents and myself. There isn’t much I won’t do to get that smile or eye contact. These sessions are all about personality, so feel free to bring their favorite items such as a beloved doll, blankie, stuffed animal, etc.

CHILD SESSIONS: These are great as these ages are usually very bribe-able and I try to create an environment that they have fun in. I have chairs, crates and a wide variety of other unique props to use with this age. Feel free to bring any special toys, musical instruments, sports gear and/or any other momentos that can be incorporated into the session and that shows off their personality! I photograph kiddos up to age 12.

session overview

SIBLINGS/FAMILY SESSIONS: If siblings and/or family shots are part of the session, I typically photograph these first and try to do two different sets with them together. This usually includes a different set of outfits for each set as well. Then I focus on capturing each of them individually on the same sets.

PROPS: I supply lots of props but I welcome any props you may have. I am always open to new ideas! If you see something you like in any of the galleries, be sure to mention it before your session. I have TONS of hats, flowers/headbands, bow ties, petti rompers in many colors, and other props for children of all ages to use and my wardrobe in the studio grows larger by the day. As part of your booking of a signature session, you have full access to use anything in the studio wardrobe. The majority of the clothes in my wardrobe are in the 6 months through age six range (more for girls than boys though).

what to bring

Your session can last up to 90 minutes which is usually more than enough time to fit in 3-5 sets. The following list of items can help make for a smooth session:

*Several outfit changes (bring more and we can coordinate with sets and such when you get here). I also have clothes in studio you are welcome to use (more for girls than boys though). My in house wardrobe grows larger by the day, with the majority of sizes in the 6 months through age 6 range.

*I supply a lot of the props you see but I welcome any you may want to include in your session. Special toys, musical instruments, sports gear and/or any other momentos that can be incorporated into the session are wonderful for showing off their personality! And not to mention, they usually enjoy being photographed with these special items. I am always open to new ideas! Don’t feel like you have to bring anything though as I have TONS of hats, flowers/headbands, bow ties, accessories, and other props for children of all ages to use.

*a snack and a drink (sometimes they just need a little break to keep going)

*a favorite toy from home that makes them happy (sometimes they need something familiar to smile at)

*a favorite book/blanket/stuffed animal

what to wear

Family shots are traditionally done on my white brick set and/or my barnboard set. Siblings ones are done on the same as well as seamless paper (available in many colors) and/or one of the wood hand built sets as additional options. Individual photos can be shot on a vast variety of backdrops and we tend to coordinate best with clothes and your overall style preferences. Feel free to look through my blog for examples of sets in action and mention if there are any specific ones you absolutely want before your session!

What you wear is key for a successful session. Clothing complements who you are as a family, speaks to the environment in which the session is taking place, and coordinates with the home where final images will be displayed. Your style should be as unique as your family, so I’ve put together some clothing advice for a creative, comfortable session.

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:• Try to coordinate outfits without looking overly “matchy.” Avoid wearing the

same colors and instead, find a color palette you love and piece together items from that palette that are complimentary to one another. Picture a page in a clothing catalog where everyone coordinates, but nobody stands out more than the rest.

• Generally speaking, light clothes look better on lighter backgrounds, and dark clothes look better on darker backgrounds.

• Add accessories to pump up an un-inspiring ensemble. A hat, scarf, and boho necklace can give a lackluster outfit the right amount of punch and provide great pops of color. Bright hues in small doses are great!

what to wear

• Layers are fantastic for boys and for girls. Add in the layers (jackets, vests, leggings, and tights) and accessories (hats, scarves, necktie or bowties, and headbands) to give your kids’ outfits that stylized look.

• Generally, sleeveless shirts and shorts on adults tend not to flatter. Also high necklines, turtlenecks and clothes with logos/writing on them doesn’t provide timeless looks like more traditional clothing choices will.

• Try to have only one patterned outfit for every three people for family shoots, but avoid stripes, distracting patterns or logos. Then dress everyone else with color coordinating looks. Polkadots, simple graphic patterns, and even some plaids look great!

• Dress babies as babies. For anyone under 6 months old, steer clear of collared shirts and jeans as they tend to make them look smooshed.

• Arrange your outfits ahead of time on a big bed, including accessories.• Make sure all clothes are clean and pressed and on hangers a few days

before your session.

what to wear

FOR ADULTS:• Choose clothes that flatter your body type and coordinate well with the rest

of the group• solid colors, which usually photograph best• a clean shaven look for men• to have hair cut a week, or so, before the session (men)• to have hair styled before the session (women)• to have natural makeup that is slightly heavier than usual• Avoid dressy clothes, unless it is a formal event • Avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts, which tend to not flatter adults • Avoid logos and bold patterns

FOR BABIES AND KIDS:• You can be bolder with color and style for their clothes.• Choose to show off their fun style with layered clothing• Choose nonfussy, casual clothes to keep kids comfortable and for natural

expressions of their real personalities• Choose fitted clothes• A squeaky-cleaned face• Avoid big bows, any sort of makeup or hairspray, and baggy clothes

I will gladly retouch boo-boos, scars, and blemishes if required.

OUR FAVORITE STORES INCLUDEJCrew/Crewcuts, H&M, Zara, Gap, Janie and Jack, Anthropologie, Free People, Express, Carters, Abercrombie and Fitch, Matilda Jane Clothing and American Eagle.

best practices

I encourage you NOT to bribe your children or promise special treats prior to your session. Instead, let’s save those for later in the session if we need them. As kids are typically intrigued by the promise of a reward, this usually works wonders to obtain shots I may have otherwise missed. I have a huge stash of jelly beans, lollipops, gumballs and an extensive collections of snacks we can use.

It’s completely natural to want beautiful smiling pictures of your family. And though I”ll give reasonable effort to try for some, photographs with other personalities are wonderful too. Children will tell you how they feel, and that can be very rewarding in the photography process.

after your session

• Your portraits will be culled to the absolute best of the best, at least 25 images.

• Within 30 days after your session (typically much less), you will receive

an email with a link for access to your fully edited gallery.

• You will have two weeks to make your print and product purchase selections.

• Your order will be processed and completed within 3 weeks from the time the order was placed (slightly longer for albums and speciality products).

• I will archive all of your ordered images for reorders for one year.at your session

• The remainder of your session fee and the minimum product investment of $295 will be due.

• I will touch base with you to review our plan for the session.

• I will take a little time to get to know your child(ren) and let them get used to me before we begin shooting.

• I try to make my sessions like a game for your kids. They come in, play and be happy while we capture all of that on camera.

• I will make sure no one is forced to do anything they do not want to do. i.e. say “cheese” or pose in a fake way.

• I will also ask everyone to put their best foot forward and be happy, since adults set the tone for the children.

• Sessions generally lasts between 60 and 90 minutues with time for a break and/or small snack, if necessary. I try to move fast for the younger kids as their attention span usually goes out the window after an hour into the session.

the studio!

studio policies

In order to provide an attentive experience to all our clients, please note the following policies:

*No camera/cell phones are allowed at sessions.*Sessions may be rescheduled by the client once; otherwise the retainer will be forfeited.*Due to the custom nature of portraits, all orders are paid in full at the time of ordering.*Prices do not include the mandatory Maine sales tax.*To be fair to current and past clients prices are not negotiable.*My studio accepts cash, checks, and credit card payments.*There is a $295 minimum order for all sessions. *Your proofing cart will be hosted for two weeks to make your initial purchase decisions. *There is a $25 charge per week (which will be deducted from your gallery credit) to reactivate your gallery after this time.*Prices are subject to change without notice, but current pricing at time of booking is honored for 6 months after sessions occur.*Orders take 2-8 weeks to process.*ALL SALES ARE FINAL.*To make room for new clients, unordered images will be purged from our systems 30 days after your session. Ordered images will be archived in our system for 1 year for holiday cards and reorders.*All images are the exclusive copyright and property of Amy True Photography. Portrait session images may not be reproduced, altered or published without permission. Copyright infringement is unlawful. The images from photo sessions may be used for marketing purposes, including on my personal and Facebook Fan page, company blog, website and authorized vendors at my discretion. They may also be used in various print and advertising materials at the discretion of Amy True. By submitting your session fee and participating in your session, you agree to these terms and conditions.* Printing, copying, downloading or scanning images without writtenconsent is strictly prohibited.

studio policies

USE OF IMAGESIn 1976, the Federal Government passed the copyright law to prevent the copying of protected materials, including books, sheet music, and professionally created photographs.The portraits you have commissioned me to create are from one of the most celebrated custom boutique studios in the industry. Amy True Photography invests heavily in education and training in order to provide the highest level of quality of photography. As such, duplicating, scanning or copying images creates a severe loss of color, clarity and permanence in the portraiture. Since such losses reflect poorly on the reputation of my professional work, Amy True Photography has reserved the copyright on each portrait she creates.I sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping me continue to provide the highest levels of quality and integrity for which I am known.

The US COPYRIGHT ACTThe COPYRIGHT ACT protects photographers by giving the author of the photograph the exclusive right to reproduce your photographs, including the right to control the production of copies.It is illegal to copy or reproduce these photographs elsewhere without my written permission. Copyright infringement is a felony and is punishable by civil and criminal

penalties. The law also specifies damages at $150,000 per infringement.

THANK YOU so so much for taking the time to read this information. I want you to have thee most TRUE-ly amazing experience and product imaginable.

I am beyond excited to work with you and your family. Do not hesitate to reach out with questions!

Studio Hours: Monday - Friday

9am - 3pm

Amy True PhotographyElements of Fine Photography

207.632.2056www.amytruephotography.comamy@amytruephotography.com

90 Bridge Street, Suite 437Westbrook, Maine 04092