My approach to photography and videography is very relaxed and observational as opposed to traditional and directed.
It's not about getting the perfect photos, or everything being just right. It's not about everyone looking happy all the time, or wearing incredible outfits. Plenty of other photographers offer those things.
My work consists of real moments.
Real Life.
If you look at my portfolio, you'll notice that many of the images and films are real moments full of movement and emotion and connection. I'm able to create these images because my clients generally forget that I'm there and they focus on playing with, loving on, and connecting with their people.
The work you see in my portfolio is a direct result of the collaboration between me and my clients. It's not anything special that I do apart from noticing and observing and creating from deep within my heart.
First off, if you’ve never had a photo or video session before - It’s going to be waaaay easier and more fun than you probably expect!
The first step is for me to get to know you and your family. When you book a session with me, I'll send you an invoice for my session fee (due at the time of booking) as well as my creative fee (due a week before your session), plus a standard contract that covers us both in the event that it's needed.
Then you'll receive this client guide with tips and information about how to prepare for your session, plus ideas and suggestions for different location options.
A month before the session, I'll send you a questionnaire which will help me get to know a bit about your family's story. The answers to your questionnaire will play a key role in developing the plans for your session (including location + wardrobe). I always encourage my clients to view this as a collaborative process between your vision and mine and I'll work with you to help develop this together.
My job as an artist is to create work that is meaningful to you, and my best chance of doing that is if you open up to me about the things that matter the most to you. By getting to know you better, I'll be able to create work that feels like stepping into a memory of your family's story as you are right now. This is the part of my process that sets my work apart from others.
- No. Have your house everyday clean, not my Mother-In-Law is coming to visit clean. These photos are a representation of your life right now, in this moment. Toys, chaos, and laundry are a part of that every day life and your memories.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
- Have 2-3 activities planned out that everyone enjoys doing together. This will keep the family relaxed and engaged with each other, and not worried about me and my camera. Some simple ideas include: Family Boardgame or cardgame, Reading a Story, Tea Party, Superhero Costume dress-up, Baking, Decorating Cookies, Carving Pumpkins, Decorating the Christmas Tree, Blowing Bubbles, Hanging out at the beach, Jumping into the leaves, Playing in the backyard
WHAT ABOUT THE LIGHT?
- Both film and photos will look better using natural light, versus mixed overhead lighting while indoors. Therefore, whenever possible, turn off the lights in the rooms before I arrive for the session. This will allow everyone to adjust prior to me showing up. Ensure that everyone is aware that the lights will be off for a reason, to avoid someone accidently turning them on half way through filming. There may be times, when additional lighting is necessary (such as recording a bedtime routine), however we can discuss that during the Storytelling Strategy Session.
Documentary Family Gallery
- When planning your session, we'll discuss different locations or activities that your family enjoys doing together. I'll ask you questions like: Are you beach/lake people? Do you like to hike on the trails? Do you spend quality time at the family cabin every summer? Or do you simply prefer to spend time at the park?
WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC PLACES?
- It is best to go to a more secluded location, versus a large busy park or beach. This session should be considered time for you and your family to be fully present with each other. If we are in a crowded location, it will be difficult to make sure no one else is in your family photos. However, if one of your favorite memories is spending quality time grocery shopping together as a family, we can arrange that as well.
WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST?
- Generally we try to schedule for later in the afternoon, to try to catch the best golden light we can. This light will make your photo or films dreamy and beautiful. If the sun is too high, it causes harsh lighting and shadows, and most of your photos will consist of people squinting in the bright light.
WHAT WILL WE DO DURING THE SESSION?
- I recommend to have at least 2-3 outdoor activities planned in advance. It can simply be a walk in the woods, fishing, playing in the back yard, playing with bubbles or chalk outside, a family picnic, storytime on a blanket, or hanging out on the family farm. We'll discuss your family's interests and favorite memories to help you choose the best location.
WILL YOU CAPTURE MY CHILDREN'S VOICES FOR THE FAMILY FILM?
- As a parent, I understand how precious it is to hear your childs voice as they tell you a story or remind you that they love you. These are some of lifes greatest moments that you can never get back, until you watch them again on the film. I always try to capture audio whenever possible for my family films. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that for outdoor sessions there may be influences that affect the quality of the audio. Ambient noises such as crowd noises, wind, running water, or loud beach waves, will be picked up by the microphone and may overpower the audio of your voices. If capturing your child's voice is of high importance to you, I would recommend either an all indoor or mix of indoor/outdoor activities.
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
PURE DOCUMENTARY STYLE
Pick something comfortable to wear, and let the kids do the same. I promise even if they wear that tutu you hate, you will love seeing the pictures of them in it.
Nobody wants to be uncomfortable, especially while having a camera in their face. Our goal is to capture everyone's unique personalities, to create a truly authentic family photo album that tells YOUR story.
In order for everyone to really relax and enjoy their time together, it is best to keep them all comfortable.
RELAXED LIFESTYLE
Here are a few tips:
- Choose coordinating colors, not exact matching clothes. Neutral colors work well for almost any situation (in home or outdoors.) Consider a combination of Tan, White, or Black. Mixing in different textures of fabric or a range of shades will add some visual variety.
- Keep location in mind.
- Use the season to help select color schemes.
- Limit screen printed tees, distracting patterns or large logos.
- Avoid Neon Colors
- Consider your home decor, for printed photos on the wall.
- Flowy dresses are beautiful on Film!
- Footwear: Barefoot works well for the beach or at home. If we are in the woods or another outdoor setting with rough ground, wear suitable footwear that works well with your outfits and is easy to walk around in. (Ditch the heels and opt for flats!)
TURN AROUND TIME
Generally my turnaround time for photos is about 2-4 weeks although sometimes during summer wedding season it might take a little longer.
If you've booked a family film, my turnaround is 12-16 weeks depending on my travel schedule and the season (films shot in the summer take longer due to wedding season).
The high res images will be delivered online for you to download straight away and print at your leisure. If you’d like help with printing, I’m more than happy to chat with you about that and can order prints/albums through my preferred pro lab.
Once I've gotten your questionnaire back, we'll set up a ZOOM call about 2 weeks prior to your session to chat about plans, wardrobe, and location.
Bring any questions you have with you to this call, and we can talk through them together. I prefer a ZOOM call purely because I like "meeting" you before the session but if a phone call is better for you that's fine too, just let me know.
Then after the session, I'll begin working on the film and photos (or just the photos if that's what you've booked).
FINAL EXPECTATIONS
For questions or concerns email: hello@samanthacasper.com
