WHAT TO EXPECT ON
YOUR KIDS AND TEEN MODEL UPDATE SESSION
Thank you for booking a model update session. Whether this session is for fun or for modelling updates, I look forward to seeing you very soon :-). If you are applying to an agency for the first time, many agencies prefer at-home style photographs before children are signed. My photographs are best used for once your children are signed.
Thinking about what you wear at your photo session is important so I have included some styling tips and advice on clothing below. What is most important is to wear clothing that you are comfortable in so you are relaxed and can enjoy the session. Enjoy reading and as always please contact me if you have any questions.
before you arrive
BE PREPARED
Being prepared for a model update session is the key to a successful shoot. Here are some tips on how you can prepare before you arrive,
– If you are signed to an agency and require new or updated photos, please first check with your agency on any specific requirements. Agencies can be different. Your child may also have specific photos which are missing on their card. Knowing what your agency requires in advance is helpful. Do your research. Please mention this in advance.
– I offer styling advice below. I am also happy for you to WhatsApp outfit ideas to me prior to your session to see what works best. This should be done the week before your session. Please try on outfits at home to make sure they work before arriving. We will also have time in the studio to decide what works best.
– Asking your children to help you prepare for the shoot can get them involved and help them feel more excited about the experience. Ask your children to help pick their clothes and accessories and pick some healthy snacks to bring. It creates more of a “day out” experience for them.
arrival
ARRIVE IN PLENTY OF TIME BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Please aim to arrive 5-10 minutes before your session start to allow time to access building and get organised. If you are late I cannot guarantee we will have the time to complete your session. There may also be a customer scheduled in right after you.
You will have time at the start of your session to look through clothing and finalise outfits and discuss shots. Please aim to bring all clothes on hangers so you can put these straight onto the clothes rail.
what to bring
GETTING ORGANISED
– Your session requires a minimum of 2-3 outfit changes depending on session type. I always recommend to bring extra outfits per child just in case and so you have variety. Don’t forget shoes.
– A hairbrush is essential and any hair products you require for your session.
– Please bring a warm jacket in case we venture outside the studio. It can be used to stay warm in between shots.
– You are welcome to bring a snack/drink, there will be time to pause and rehydrate, or use toilets if required.
– We are only able to accomodate one adult with children attending. We work in quite a tight space and this is to ensure minimal distraction for the kids.
THE SHOOT
WHAT TO EXPECT
SESSION LENGTH
Single Child sessions last up to 2 hrs and sibling sessions up to 3hrs. It can take longer, it all depends on how your child is on the day.
Great images take time to make and I prefer to not rush. With little ones you can take breaks as required. We take a variety of editorial style portrait, mid and full length shots.
TEAMWORK
I do involve parents in helping their kids to get into outfits, keep hair looking lush. Sometimes with younger children smiles come more naturally with parents help.
Your child may also prefer to work alone, this can also work well with parents taking more of a behind the scenes role. It depends on your child on the day.
SHOTS
A variety of editorial images including portraits, mid and full length.
We will also use a variety of setups in studio. I have a space outside the studio which I often use.
All images you receive in your gallery will be fully edited. Your gallery can take approx 3 weeks to deliver.
the little details
FOR PARENTS AND KIDS
Tips For Kids – Wherever your photos end up, looking fresh, rested and relaxed will make for great photos. Have a good nights sleep the night before and drink plenty of water.
This is more than a photo session, this is also a great opportunity to get some experience in a studio for aspiring models :-). Enjoy the experience, we will have lots of fun making lovely photos and you can practice your model skills.
Try not to squeeze your photo session in around other big family events. Sessions can sometimes run over in time so plan a little buffer time in case you do have something planned after our session.
“Style is something each of us already has,
all we need to do is find it.”
—Diane von Furstenberg
STYLING HINTS AND TIPS
WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR EDITORIAL SESSION
Your session requires you to bring a variety of outfits. Parents often ask for advice on what to wear. Below I offer some tips on how to style for your session. Think cool kids when your planning your styling, and an outfit that shows your childs personality. Check out Zara, H&M, Mango and other retailers social media for ideas on outfits which are trending at the moment.
COLOURS & PATTERNS
Work with colours that compliment your child’s skin tone, hair, and eyes and don’t make them look washed out. Close-up portraits of your child, and the right top colour can bring out the eye colour also.
Avoid too much white (light backdrops) and too much black (can be draining against skin colour). A splash is ok. Punchy deeper colours work much better in images than pale/pastels.
Big patterns, logos and loud colours (eg. bright red, fluorescents) can be distracting. Simple is best.
FITTING & STYLES
Opt for good fitting clothes so we have a good idea of your child’s shape.
A mix of styles such as dresses, jumpsuits, jeans, trousers can add more variety to your look. Layers are good eg. adding an on-trend jacket, over-shirts.
Different textures can also add a layer of interest eg. Wool jumper, and denim. Accessories can also add a little personality to shots eg. hat, scarf.
If you are purchasing new outfits you can leave the tags on if you want to return.
EXTRAS
For girls we usually start with hair down, but do think about other ways you wish to style hair eg. ponytail, half up/half down. A different hairstyle can create a completely different look for your child.
Natural look with little/no makeup and no varnish on nails. I also recommend no jewellery. Think blank canvas.
Consider underwear and the fitting under clothes eg. Underwear showing/sticking out, especially on tops.
Don’t forget shoes for your outfits.
ABOUT US
Polly Harris Photography.
(+44) 07740 069013
info@pollyharrisphotography.com
@POLLYHARRISPHOTOGRAPHY