Frequently Asked Questions | DreamWorld PhotographyMaternity | Newborn | Family Photography | Sarasota, FL​For your ease and convenience, I thought it would be a good idea to do a blog post on some of my frequently asked questions. Of course, when we have our initial chat, you will get all your questions answered and I will be going over everything in more detail. But, at least, this gives you a good start and idea of how it will work to have a photoshoot with DreamWorld Photography. HOW DO YOU TAKE PAYMENT? Usually, when we have our initial discovery call where we'll discuss your vision, answer your questions, and what you can expect when you book a session with DreamWorld Photography, I'll take payment for your session fee right over the phone at that time with a credit card or I can send an invoice to pay via credit card. I also accept payments via Venmo. However, your session is not booked until payment is received. DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO? No, I do not. I am a lifestyle photographer who prefers to capture you and your family outdoors or in your own home. DO YOU SHOOT WITH PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT? Yes! I shoot with a full frame Canon camera using prime lenses. I also bring a backup camera in case something should not work as expected. I bring extra memory cards and fully charged batteries as well for the cameras. WILL YOU GIVE ME THE RAW IMAGES? No. You will receive the absolute best fully edited images after deleting unusable images, of course. Because I pride myself in my photography style and professional editing skills to give you the best, most-perfect images of your family and my reputation is based on providing those images, I will not include/sell RAW (unedited images.) You will receive high resolution images with every image or artwork purchased. WHERE DO YOU USUALLY SHOOT OUTDOORS? Here on the central west coast of Florida, we have the benefit of having a multitude of beautiful choices for your session between gorgeous beaches, parks, or open fields. We can also shoot in your own backyard. The possibilities are endless. I have my favorite spots, but also would love to hear about any of your favorite spots you might like to have your photos taken. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY SESSION? That's easy. Once you have booked your session, you will receive my detailed Style Guide. The Style Guide will include eight tips on what to wear including inspiration boards to help you visualize coordinating colors as well as pro make-up tips and more. If you want to take a peak at the Style Guide prior to booking, you may request it by going to my website here, scroll to the bottom and request your guide. We will also go over all the details at your pre-session consultation. WHAT IF MY CHILDREN ARE MISBEHAVING? That's okay. I'll capture them having fun, being silly and wild. You'll laugh, snuggle and love on them. The beauty of lifestyle is capturing real, true to life moments showcasing the raw emotion and connection. So, please do not worry about having "perfect" photos. My motto is "perfectly imperfect." No scolding allowed. :-) WILL YOU ALWAYS KEEP MY IMAGES? After the final edits have been made, rest assured I keep them on a few different backup systems. These are stored up to one year after your session. However, I highly recommend you store and save them in a safe and secure place (ideally, multiple copies) as soon as you receive your digital images. Should your digital images become lost or damaged, you will pay $150 after the first month to retrieve them from my archival system. After one year, I am not able to guarantee I will still have your images, due to allowing continuous storage space for future sessions. HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR ME? By your looking through my portfolio on my website or seeing various images on Facebook or Instagram, you will get an idea of my style. If you love what you see, then I'm sure you would also enjoy your own portraits. Also, after we have our initial discovery call on the phone, we'll get a good idea if we are a good fit for each other. If not, no hard feelings. I only want you to be happy! I would love to chat with you and answer any other questions you may have. Click on the button below to schedule your no-obligation discovery call now. I can't wait to hear from you. Two Things You Need for Your Lifestyle Newborn PhotoshootMaternity | Newborn | Family Photography | Sarasota, FL
Yes! You read that right. You really only need two things for your beautiful in-home newborn photo session with DreamWorld Photography.
| 1 |
Your Newborn.
Yep. You definitely need your newborn for your newborn photo session. :-) And, your family, just as you are, photographed beautifully.
| 2 |
A Window.
This window light could be in your bedroom, the nursery or the living room - wherever the best window light comes through, that is where I will mostly shoot your newborn. It really doesn't matter which room or multiple rooms have the best window light, as long as there is light coming in somewhere, you will have beautiful images of your newborn and family. This is another reason why I like to start the in-home sessions around 10 a.m. when there is the best light before the sun becomes too harsh later in the day. With my lifestyle newborn sessions, there won't be any props or fancy outfits. We won't do awkward poses; however, I will gently guide you into positions that showcases your family's love and connection with your newest member of the family. If this sounds good to you, feel free to click the button below to schedule your complimentary initial discovery call and let's chat about your vision, answer your questions and what you can expect when you book a session with DreamWorld Photography. Serving Sarasota and surrounding areas. 5 Reasons To Love an In-home Family Session in SarasotaNot all family sessions have to be outdoors, even though it's usually ideal because of our beautiful beaches, parks and other beautiful areas. However, since we are in Florida, it may be nice to stay out of the heat and relax in your own air-conditioned home for your family photos. Read on for the top five reasons to schedule yours in 2022. REASON #1 | Weather is something you won't have to worry about! Here in Florida, you never know when an afternoon shower might pop up, and forget about outdoor sessions during our rainy season. It's stressful for your photographer as well as you if you have to worry about whether your session has to be cancelled and rescheduled for another day. Especially, if you have had your makeup and hair done and everyone is all dressed up ready to go and as soon as you walk out the door, rain begins to fall. This could be very frustrating. Of course, you or photographers cannot control the weather, so what if that factor were removed? That's right! In-home family sessions happen whether it is raining or the sun is brightly shining. No need for rescheduling. REASON #2 | You can be barefoot! Being at home, there is no need for shoes! Your children will love that. No worries about having the perfect outfit only to find out the day of the shoot your children have either grown out of the shoes you wanted them to wear or their sneakers are all beat up. Or, when planning for their outfits, you would have the hassle of buying new shoes for your outdoor photo shoot. You don't have to worry about that with an in-home session. Bare feet look the best at your in-home family session. So, forget about going to the store to find the perfect shoes; let the feet be free! REASON #3 | In-home Family Sessions are Exclusive to You and Only You! If you wanted a unique space for your family session, you may have overlooked the obvious! Your own home is the perfect spot. This is where you live and connect with one another on a daily basis. This is your home where love abounds, where your children are growing up. Your decor is different from anyone else's and is special only to you and your family. That deserves to be recognized and remembered for years down the road. Your home is where you spend most of your time as a family. Why not showcase it in your family photos? REASON #4 | Your Home is Where Your Children are the Most Comfortable! If your children are toddlers, home is where they are the most comfortable and more apt to have fun and play in their own environment. Taking them to a new place outside may make them feel shy, nervous or possibly scared a little. These would not make for great photos. Even though, usually most younger children would warm up after about 10 -15 minutes, think how much better it would be if they were comfortable from the very start by being in their own home. REASON #5 | You Don't Have to Load up the Children and Travel to the Photoshoot This is the best part of all - you won't have to leave your home! Photos can happen rain or shine! No worries about if you should have them dressed before or after you arrive at the outdoor location. Or, they might drop a snack on their clothes and you definitely need snacks on your "road trip" to the photoshoot. Or, will Betsy fall asleep on the way? If so, will she be grumpy when you arrive and have to wake her up? Or, you think you will need to leave earlier to give her time to wake up. Or, you worry about having enough time to dress everyone when you arrive and don't forget about traffic because it will be near rush hour to make it in time for the golden hour before the sun sets completely...and on and on. With an in-home family session, you get dressed, get the children dressed and you are already at your destination without having to ever leave your home. No traffic worries, or naps in the car, or concern of arriving too late. It's a win-win for all. Are you ready to have your stress-free in-home family photo session? Let's get your session on the books in 2022! Click on the button below and let's get started!
Sarasota Newborn and Family PhotographerHappy Thanksgiving to all my current and future clients! May you enjoy a grateful time with your family. I am very thankful for my family and my clients who have supported my small photography business. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
DreamWorld Photography will be closed from Thursday, November 25 - Monday, November 29. We will re-open on Tuesday, November 30. Looking forward to capturing your story and creating your legacy! Newborn Family Session | Lakewood Ranch, FL Newborn PhotographerMaternity | Newborn | Family Photography | Lakewood Ranch, FLI had the privilege recently of photographing one of my neighbors in Lakewood Ranch who just added a third baby to their growing family. Baby Emma has two adoring older brothers. I think she's going to get spoiled. Baby Emma was so easy to photograph. The boys were very active and hard to keep still, but they were just being themselves and that's what I love to capture. Boys being boys and having fun. Some of my favorite photos I captured were when mom had to nurse Emma. While I was waiting for her in the family room to finish, I heard the boys in the nursery and it sounded like mom was reading to them while she was nursing. I quickly grabbed my camera and just stood in the doorway taking photos. These are the moments that are so natural. Not posed, not even directed to sit a certain way. I loved capturing these special moments with mom taking care of her baby while also connecting with her two boys. That's what it's all about and why I love my job so much! Thank you for letting me be a part of your family, even just for a little while. Can't wait to see the wall art! If you are ready to have a baby or know someone who is, contact me. I would love to capture your story and create your legacy.
Newborn Session | Bradenton, FL Newborn PhotographerMaternity | Newborn | Family Photography | Bradenton, FLIt was my absolute pleasure to once again photograph a beautiful baby in Bradenton, Florida for Solve Maternity Homes. If you have been following me for awhile, you know I volunteer my photography services to this wonderful non-profit organization that is near and dear to my heart. Solve Maternity Homes provides cost-free maternity housing and support for at-risk women during and after pregnancy. Baby J was six weeks old when I photographed him. He started out his session a little fussy, but very quickly calmed down and was absolutely perfect the rest of his session. He never gave us a smile, but his different natural expressions were priceless. That is what I love to capture. Baby J's mother is a beautiful, caring and loving mother to Baby J. I loved capturing her holding, cuddling and loving on her baby boy - true and natural connection! The weather was beautiful for some great indoor and outdoor photos. Enjoy some of my favorites. Ready to schedule your newborn photo session? Contact me today! I would love the opportunity to capture your story and create your legacy.
High School Senior Portraits | Sarasota Family PhotographerSenior portraits are not my normal genre. However, when a neighbor is looking for a photographer to take some senior photos of her son, I was happy to oblige. I had the pleasure of photographing Chase in June. Such a pleasant young man. We met at the Bradenton Riverwalk along the Manatee River during the golden hour. It was a perfect, beautiful day to capture these images. He was very easy-going and followed my prompts very well. Chase plays hockey and follows the Tampa Bay Lightning team. He was very happy they won the Stanley Cup this year. I asked if he wanted to bring along his hockey stick to use as a prop in some of the photos, but he didn't really want to. He just wanted nice, casual shots. I wish you well in all of your future endeavors, Chase. Congratulations! Class of 2021! Let's chat about your next photo session. I would love to capture your story and create your legacy.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for Baby | Sarasota Newborn PhotographerWhether you are having a professional photographer come in to take Fresh 48 photos or not, here are four items you should bring with you to the hospital: 1. A nice robe. Having a cute robe for Fresh 48 photos will make you feel pretty and pulled together rather than wearing that ugly hospital gown. It's a nice coverup to keep you comfy and warm and still easy enough to nurse. 2. Don't forget Dad. Pack a plain shirt for him. I don't think you'll want photos with him wearing an old grungy t-shirt that he was wearing running out of the house when you said it was time to go to the hospital. Having a nice, plain shirt will do the trick and not be distracting. 3. Your cell phone or better yet, if you have your own DSLR camera. Even if you are having Fresh 48 photos taken by a professional, it's great to have your own camera in order to capture lots of photos of your baby. Hand the camera off to your husband and let him take some of you and the baby and vice versa. You can even ask your nurse to take a few of all of you. 4. Last, but not least, bring an outfit for your baby. Choose a favorite outfit you may have received at your baby shower to bring baby home in. This outfit can also be used for your Fresh 48 photos. If you are having a baby soon, let's chat. I would love the opportunity to take your Fresh 48 photos in the hospital or place of birth. Because of Covid, some hospitals may not allow outsiders to come in yet. If that's the case, we can just take some as soon as you come home. There's nothing like capturing those newborn moments because they grow way too fast.
Why Golden Hour is the Best Time of Day for Photographs | Sarasota Family PhotographerI think I can speak for most photographers in saying that we love to shoot during the golden hour because that time of day, an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset and even shortly after sunset, creates a naturally diffused, pinkish or golden light that is absolutely gorgeous in creating beautiful portraits. Golden hour produces that warm and soft glow which makes it perfect for outdoor maternity or family portraits. Since the sun is low in the sky, this enables me to block harsh sunlight on you to avoid shadows on your face as well as prevents you from that awful squinting. The mood the golden hour provokes is happy and comforting. It allows beautiful blurred backgrounds or beautiful highlights where light may filter through foliage. ...and when the sun has just set, who doesn't love a beautiful silhouette? So, when is the best time of the year to take golden hour photos for you and your family? Well, here on the central west coast of Florida, all year! However, if you have very young children who usually go to bed by 7 p.m. or even 7:30 p.m.., then you will want to avoid certain times of the year so as to not interrupt their bedtimes. Upon special request, we could do a sunrise session because your little one gets up at 5 a.m. anyway, right? I have created a Golden Hour Sunset Time Chart, by season, for the sunset times in 2022 for my area on the central west coast of Florida. Sunset times shown are from the beginning of the month to the end of the last month of each season. For sessions with DreamWorld Photography: WINTER - we will meet between 4:45 p.m. & 6:45 p.m. These months could work for young families. SPRING - in early April, shoots will start around 6:30 p.m. In late May and June, shoots will start around 7 - 7:30 p.m. SUMMER - long summer months mean later sunsets. These sessions are best for families who have older children with later bedtimes. FALL - the time changes considerably. We may start your shoot at 6 p.m. in the beginning of fall and by the end, we will start around 4:30 p.m. The fall months would work best for young families with early bedtimes. All these shooting start times are approximate. It will depend upon the month and day you choose. All sessions will begin approximately one hour before the time of the sunset. So, when will be the best time for your family to have golden hour photographs taken? Well, according to the times listed above, if you have small children with early bedtimes, fall and winter would work the best for you. Otherwise, any time of the year will work depending upon what type of portrait session you are having. Are you ready to have your beautiful portraits taken during the golden hour? Let's chat and get you on the schedule.
End of Summer Limited Edition Session Now Open to the Public!End the summer with a bang by having gorgeous portraits taken of you and your family!
Now, open to the public! End of Summer Limited Edition sessions will be offered during the week of August 3 - 7 with limited times to book your session. Ideally, these will take place on one of our local beautiful beaches, at a park, or your own backyard within Manatee or Sarasota counties during the golden hour. Details: ~ Sign up for a date between August 3 - 7 ~ Up to 5 family members - two months & older ($25 for each additional member) ~ Spaces are limited and booked on a first come, first served basis with paid session fee ~ By appointment only. Promotion only available during dates listed. ~ Must be willing to sign model release for the images to be used on social media, my website and for any other marketing materials $250 What's included: ~ 20-minute session ~ Five professionally edited digital images - your choice ~ 1 - 8 x 10 metal print of your favorite image ~ Digital images delivered via beautiful private online gallery ~ Style Guide ~ Print Release Option to purchase additional images. ♥ RETURNING CLIENT PROGRAM! ♥ If you have had a paid session with me previously, you'll receive 5% off this special limited edition session. If interested, please fill out the contact form on my website by clicking the button below. Once received, I will set up a time to have a quick chat to go over the details. Please feel free to share with your friends who may also be interested in the End of Summer limited edition session. |