I aim to capture the true relationships, true love, and true personalities of whomever is in front of my camera. That takes time. I dont rush through sessions, you have my undivided attention for as long as we are together. I hope to make you comfortable and relaxed with me as well as in front of my camera.
Hopefully, by addressing these questions beforehand, I can ease your worries and help you understand how I do things before weve even been in contact.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOUR SESSION.. .
1: Do you love what I do?
My style is clean, bright, and natural. I look for your real interaction your conversation, your smile, your laugh, your hugs and kisses. I love images that you can see and remember… .remember the feeling, the touch, that look.
Have you looked through the galleries? Have you checked out the blog? If you dont love what I do now, you wont be crazy about your own photos and I want you to really love the images I deliver to you!
2: What type of session are you looking for?
Are you looking for a fresh, outdoor portrait session? You can expect to choose a location (or two), well meet up, walk and talk, chase light, and look for spots to shoot as we go!
Would you like a comfy in-home lifestyle session? I would come to your home, photograph your day to day life with your family (playing, reading, dancing, snack time, backyard shenanigans.. .), let you be you, and stand mostly in the background capturing it.
3: Where do you want your photos taken?
What do you picture for your photos your kids running around their own rooms, jumping on beds? Cooking in the kitchen together? On the porch drinking coffee? The college campus where you two met? Do you want a park? An urban setting? A serene spot that means a lot to you?
Try to picture where youll be most comfortable and happythats where I want to photograph you. If you dont have a specific place in mindno worries, we can work together to think of one!
4: How much will it cost and whats included?
Your investment can be foundhere(payment due before or on the day of the shoot). All of my sessions (except newborn, which is up to 3 hours) include the following: 60-90 minute session at a naturally lit or outdoor location(s) of your choice, travel costs to locations within Grove City, Ohio and surrounding suburbs, 1-2 outfit changes, up to 7 family members (add $10/person after that), a Facebook preview of your session within a week, a personalized blog post of 15-25 images, a private online gallery to view and download all images, and an Ariel Kuhn Photography print release.
Prints and products are not included in your session. They are available for purchase a la carte from a professional print lab through your online gallery. If youre interested in a photo album, please let me know!
5: What should you wear?
Choose your favorite outfit or piece and work everything else around it. I know it may seem natural to have matching outfits, but it doesnt look great on camera. Think coordination not matching. Pinterest can be good for inspiration, but dont sweat it. Nothing too bulky, leave your sneakers at home (unless youre working in an athletic angle!), be conscious of your nails if you’re having a ring photographed. For engagement sessions, it could be a great time to do a trial makeup and hair run!
6: What about?
If you have any particular things youre sensitive about in photos (i.e. a good side) please let me know that ahead of time so I can make your experience the best it can be. I only do basic editing acne and scratches, for instance, can be easily removed.
7: Model release.
Before your session, Ill need consent that states I can have your photos on my website, add them on Facebook, use them for business purposes etc.
8: What do we do about weather?
If it is possible, Im willing to switch days for your session if the weather isnt cooperating for what you want in your shoot. But if the day you booked is the only day that works, well communicate to get a game plan together.
9: Who can be at this shindig?
If youre looking to do a session alone and want to bring a mom, sister, and / or friend along to make you feel more comfortable feel free! Families can have up to 7 people included in the session cost, after that add $10/person. Pets? Bring em along. Im up for anything!
10: EAT!
I am the guiltiest of being hangry so I only say this out of understanding eating before a photoshoot will keep you happier longer and you wont want to run off early because youre starting to fade. My suggestion is eat a meal or at least a snack before we meet. On top of that, bribery doesnt need to be beneath you to keep kids happy and engaged!
WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING YOUR SESSION.. .
1: How long is a session?
You can plan on 1-1.5 hours for your session. We go about an hour, then depending on how everyone is feeling we can do another spot with a few more shots or end. The ideal time for a session in regards to lighting is 2 hours before sunset, however I shoot all day, any day.
2: What will we do?
Before your session I will send you a fun questionnaire to get you thinking about you / your fianc / your family, and what is most important to you. Hopefully from your answers, we can narrow down what you want out of the session and have some ideas of how to get there.
When we meet on the day, well chat a bit about some ideas, spots Ive scouted out, and Ill give you a feel for my style of direction.I may have a loose plan based on your answers from the questionnaire, but generally we go with the flow and where the light is best. Most people are nervous in front of a camera (trust me, I understand!) but dont worry, as a session goes on it gets much easier, I promise! You dont need to be worried about what to do, how to smile, or how to stand, just try to relax and have fun as those will make the best photos anyway!
3: To change or not to change?
Feel free to bring 1 to 2 different clothing changes or some items that represent your personality. Some families or couples have a big blanket they love, seniors sometimes want something that highlights their interests, pets, save-the-date signs, flowers, anything like that bring it along and well incorporate it into your shoot!
WHAT COMES AFTER YOUR SESSION.. .
1: How long until you can see your images?
Your images will be ready to view within 2-3 weeks of your session. I post some sneak peeks on my Facebook page the week of, then a blog post with a few more favorites soon after. When your photos are finished, I will email you a link to an online gallery link with all the edited images from your session. From there youll be able to download the images to your computer. If youd like to order prints from a professional lab which will have better coloring and stronger quality, you can do so right through your gallery.
2: Are the images copyrighted?
All images that are posted online (Facebook and blog) are watermarked and copyrighted. When you receive your gallery, youll have full access to all the photos, unwatermarked, I just ask that if they are posted anywhere publicly, you give photo credit and link my website or Facebook page.
HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION?
To book your session, email me at arielkuhnphotography@gmail.com with some details about you, what your thoughts are for your session, and any other questions/concerns you may have! Ill respond with a few questions and well be off and running!
I look forward to hearing from you!
