Frequently Asked Questions - Family Photography Sessions
What's the difference in lifestyle and day in the life?
The lifestyle sessions are shorter, and usually run an hour. They’re a small snapshot into your life, with a focus on the connections between family members. Picture what you’d do on a Saturday off work, and condense it down.
Day in the life are longer, they tend to last 4-5 hours. They’re similar to lifestyle in that they’re a snapshot into your life but in more detail. School pick up to bedtime, breakfast to supper or a day trip to the cottage, whatever your normal is.
Newborn sessions are exactly like lifestyle, but tend to take a little longer due to feedings and changing.
Where are you based and do you travel?
I split my time between Toronto, Ontario and St. John's, Newfoundland.
I accept bookings across Canada and the world, I love capturing people in their favourite places.
Where will the session be?
If you're doing an in home family session, I tend to shoot in the kids' room/nursery, master bedroom, living room and kitchen. Do not worry about your house being a mess - especially if it's a newborn session, you just had a baby! All you need to do to prepare is open the blinds/curtains to let in as much light as possible.
If we are doing a newborn session, it's preferable to have your bed made with a neutral quilt/comforter on top. (Whites and creams are perfect) - your bed makes for a great place for family photos!
For photos outdoors we can brainstorm or rock a location that's a favourite of yours. I love dirty boots and messy hair, so feel free to get creative.
What time of day will our photoshoot be?
This all depends on what type of shoot it is, and location you want!
For Lifestyle:
Outdoors, I tend to shoot early morning and in the early evening to get those beautiful tones offered by the soft sun and to prevent squinting in the harsh light. (Generally: 9am and 6pm, but those times get adjusted with the sun rise/set)
Inside, we can shoot at any time! I always recommend that if you live in a house of windows that we should shoot when the sun is over head.
For Day in the Life:
Anytime. I'm capturing you as you are, sun squints and all.
When will we get our photos?
Within a week of the shoot you will receive a fully edited sneak peek. Your final gallery, with the fully edited high res files will be ready in approximately 6 weeks. It sounds long, but with the sneak peek - you'll hardly notice the wait.
You can download all the photos from the gallery in high -resolution, share them, choose your favorites, and as well as order prints from a boutique printing studio.
How many pictures will we receive?
I try to not set a photo limit on each session, as each one is unique. There are a multitude of factors that affect the number of photos in the final gallery delivery. It's important to remember, quality over quantity.
I guarantee 75 from a lifestyle session and 150 for a day in the life session, but it frequently can be more.
What should we wear?
I recommend keeping it simple and comfortable. Neutral colours (blacks, creams, whites, grays or pastel tones) work best as they don't take away from the moments. You can add a bit of colour to your outfit, by using jewellery or accessories. If it's not something you normally wear, steer clear from it.
Solid or floral tops (and textured fabrics like larger knits and lace) work best. Stay away from prominent logos or writing on clothing and step away from the white shirts with jeans trend that needed to stay in 2001. Newborns should be in neutral outfits, onesies and wraps; keep the fluffy tutu's and mini tuxedos for their first ballet recital.
Do you give any direction?
I'll make small suggestions to help make the scene better, but I won't stop your kids from jumping off of furniture (unless it's onto a bed of nails).
These sessions focus more on the moments, rather than the posed studio portrait with everyone smiling at the camera.
What if my kid is cranky/hates having their photo taken?
Do. not. worry. This is where I shine. The first few minutes of a session are all about getting to know each child. When you book you receive a family questionnaire that helps me know their likes/dislikes and personalities.
I've never met a kid who didn't like me after a maximum of 20 minutes.
Do you offer gift cards?
You bet I do! You can purchase in any amount starting at $25.00 and send as a gift or to cheer yourself up! sandralee.ca/giftcards
Do you offer discounts?
At this time, the only discount I offer is to Cancer fighters and survivors.
Ready to Rock 'n Roll?
Click below to get the party started.