faq’s
Over the years I have been asked the same questions from so many different families so I thought it would be helpful if I listed some of those questions here so you can get a quick answer. But please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about your session. You call or text me at 410-533-7420 or email me at laura@creative-ham.com.
Is your style candid or posed?
I consider my style to be a mix of both. I think it’s important to capture both those classic shots of everyone looking at the camera along with the moments that happen in-between the staging of those shots. I will set you up in flattering poses but then let things organically take form and capture those silly & sweet moments that happen all on their own.
where do you shoot?
I shoot on location at our beautiful Lewes & Rehoboth Beaches and other beautiful spots in our local area. Check out some photos from my favorite spots. I always love checking out new spots, so I am always open to your favorite locations as well as long as we have permission to shoot there.
The reason I start shooting the hour before sunset is because especially here at the beach, the sun is just too harsh overhead on a typical sunny day any before that magic hour. Even when shooting the hour before sunset, we will spend the first 30 minutes of your session in shaded areas and move out onto the beach 30 minutes before the sun sets. I know that in the summer months when the days are longest that session times starting at 7:30 can run into bedtimes for the little ones. In the fall when days are shorter, sessions can start as early as 3:45. If you feel your kiddos will struggle with a late session start then I strongly recommend booking during a time when sun sets earlier as opposed to trying to move up a session time earlier than that magic hour. If we get a really cloudy day then we would be able to push the time up some but if it’s a bright sunny day then we really need to stick to that hour before sunset. My style of photography relies very strongly on the use of that soft light during that magic hour and getting you that whimsical sunset shot at the end of the session.
can we move our session time earlier?
What should we wear?
I always tell families to take a look around their home and think of colors that will coordinate with your decor so that your prints will look beautiful on your walls. There are endless options on what combinations work well but here are some of my favorites along with some tips and tricks: What to Wear.
If you’re still stumped, send me photos of potential combos you’ve come up with and I can give you some guidance on what will photograph well.
What if it Rains?
You have to love our crazy coastal weather. It changes nonstop. So many times it will call for rain and we’ll end up with a gorgeous evening. Therefore, I don’t like to call a shoot until the morning of the session. I watch the weather all the way until I leave to meet you and will keep you posted on how it is progressing if it looks like we need to reschedule. If we do need to reschedule I will work with your family to find the next open spot that works for you. I always leave a day open each week as a rain date so I can usually get you back on the books in a week or two. If we have to reschedule due to weather then your deposit will go toward that new session date.
Will it be stressful?
So many clients have told me that it may be really tough to get their kids to cooperate. I can promise you that the hardest part of it will be you trying to get everyone dressed and out the door on time. I’m a mama of 3 girls so trust me, I know that can be daunting. But I promise you that even though you may arrive not all speaking (wait is that just my family?) but once you open that car door the fun will start and we will be laughing and having a great time almost immediately. I have some tricks up my sleeve to pull some smiles from even the most serious child. So don’t stress, enjoy every moment because at the end I promise you will say “wow, that was actually pretty fun!”
What should I bring?
You can show up just you and your smiles. Some things that families have found useful to have at their sessions are:
A small bag to store things such as phones and keys as we walk around the location so that they don’t have to keep removing them from pockets during each photo. You can also put these things in my camera bag, just remind me at the end so that I don’t drive off with your car keys :-)
In colder weather you may want to bring a blanket to wrap up in between shots instead of putting jackets on and off
In warmer weather, especially at the beach when there isn’t any wind, the bugs can get hungry and your fresh cleaned arms and legs are like a buffet for them. I always carry bug spray with me along with a bug zapper in the summer months. If there’s a specific brand or type that you prefer to use, you may want to bring that along.
Treats for the kids are always welcome. I am all about the bribes for smiles. Just be sure that the treats that you bring aren’t super messy that they’ll stay with us on their sweet faces. Chocolate treats can be a bit tricky in the summer as they melt and smear and are tough to get off faces if they get to enjoy the treats between shots.