The New Experience: Before Your Session | Huntington, WV Family Photographer

As promised, this is the first post in a small series designed to highlight some of the exciting things that are unfolding here at Heather Harris Photography. 

One of my top goals as a photographer and business owner, along with producing gorgeous imagery for my clients, is always to make sure that every client has a wonderful experience.  I want all of my clients to look forward to their portrait sessions with happiness and excitement, not dread them as another thing to cross off the to-do list.  Photography, visually capturing the story of your life, should be filled with many emotions.  Dread, boredom, or annoyance should never be one of them! 

With that - and my busy clients - in mind, I've redesigned my session experience into something so much more fabulous and exciting.  Here's how it all begins:

Pre-Session Consultation

Before you book your session, we'll have a great chat about your photography needs and expectations.  We'll powwow any way you feel comfortable - by phone, e-mail, or in person at your home or a local bakery/coffee shop.  I'll take some time to get to know you, we'll talk about the kind of portraits you envision, what your family likes, even your favorite colors!  The pre-session consultation is a joint effort to design the perfect portrait location, poses, even wardrobe!  And I will answer any and all questions you have, and even some you haven't thought of yet! 

Some things to think about before your consultation are:

- Your decorating style.  We definitely don't want your portraits to look out of place in your home.   

- Your family's style.  If you're a super casual family and everyone shows up dressed to the nines, it can be difficult to get comfortable! 

- Locations that mean something to you, or illustrate part of your family's story.

- Special props or mementos to include in your session.

The Welcome Packet

Once you've booked your session, I'm going to send a welcome packet off to you that includes everything you need to prepare for your upcoming session.  Portrait contract and model release, a style guide to help you choose your picture day wardrobe, a preview of the exciting keepsakes we'll create together using your images, and a few more fun surprises....it's all going to be in there!  The welcome packet is designed to make your preparation effortless, but if you still find yourself with unanswered questions, that's okay!  I'm always a Facebook message, phone call, or text away with a quick answer!

I really believe that the secret to a successful portrait session is all in the planning and preparation!  The few short hours in front of the camera lens turn into something absolutely magical when concrete plans come together seamlessly to tell your family story.  

Coming up next week: new and exciting changes to your portrait session, including the new Session Premiere!

Baby D | Charleston, WV Baby Photographer

Back in February, I had the pleasure to photograph a two-week old bundle of sweetness, and his equally sweet mama. 

Babies are always a challenge.  Everyone knows they're on their own schedule!  But with lots of patience, cuddles, and plenty of nursing breaks, the little guy was finally ready to pose for his debut!  

Here are the best of Little D's session, along with his beautiful mama Trebor:

What a sweet, sweet blessing!

Brittany, Class of 2012 | Huntington, WV Senior Portrait Photographer

This post could be alternatively titled: "What I've been up to since August."

When last I left the blog, I was taking a small break to concentrate on family and homeschooling my kids. Now that the Christmas holidays are over and life is a littler calmer, and my little one is a little more grown up, I definitely feel ready to jump back in!!

I can't wait to get back into the swing of things, and I have lots of new products and ideas to share with all of you. Until then, I want to share one of the portrait shoots I did on my mini-haitus.

My fantastic Senior Model for the 2012 school year is a bright, smart, funny, vivacious girl who was an absolute DREAM to photograph! Brittany was up for anything, and had quite a few fantastic pose and shot ideas of her own. And really, any girl who carries a fedora as part of her wardrobe changes is A-OK in my book!

Brittany and I had a great time shooting her senior portrait at Harris Riverfront Park in Huntington. It was my first session at the park, and I'm glad to have another good location to add to my shoot list!

 These are just a few of my favorite shots from Brittany's shoot. And believe me, it was hard to choose!

Sneak Peek - Phoebe Kate!

I photographed Miss Phoebe at exactly one month old, and she was a perfect delight behind the lens! Her chubby cheeks and wide, bright eyes just love the camera, and I loved every moment of our session together. Of course, it doesn't hurt that little Phoebe's mama is great company and a great help in suggesting poses and backgrounds! I love it when clients have their own ideas for photos; the ideas may not always pan out or sometimes they end up on the editing room "floor," but it's always a challenge and a good way to keep stretching my skills.

So, without further ado, here's a little sneak peek of Phoebe's session. And don't forget to keep any eye out for more portraits of this gorgeous girl on the HeatherHarrisPhoto.com galleries in the next week or so!