Behind the Scenes at Jessica Ryles Photography
I’m so glad you’re considering me as your next photographer. Please read below to find out more about the four steps we’ve put together to make sure that your portrait process goes smoothly.
To help prepare you for our session, we will go through a detailed pre-session consultation. What are your favorite colors, what colors do you use to decorate your home? Do you have a specific outdoor location in mind, or do you want an in-studio session? Is there an heirloom or special story that you want highlighted in your images?
I am keenly aware of how pregnancy and delivery can make a new mom feel like she’s not her best-self. Our faces can get puffy, we aren’t sleeping well, and who has time to do their hair after having a baby? Quite frankly the LAST thing I wanted to do after having a baby is have my picture taken. So in order to ensure that expecting and new moms are being pampered and feel their best, I always include a hair and makeup artist for both maternity and newborn portraits as part of the session retainer.
We’ll discuss your preferred hair and makeup style, and I provide wardrobe consultation, making sure that everyone knows what to wear (and what to avoid!), and what will look good on camera. Don’t worry, I will tell if you if that top or dress is doing you zero favors, and gently point you towards something that is way more flattering. And of course you will to have access to my prop closet/newborn wardrobe with all the cute little hats, bonnets, and onesies.
From there we’ll determine exactly what type of images you need. Do you want a big vertical family portrait for your hallway, some stunning images to share on social media, or maybe just a small album to keep in the nursery? Do you have other photographs in your home that you would like to coordinate with for a seamless look? Each tiny detail of your session is handled with utmost care to ensure a smooth process.
Step 1: The Pre-Session Consultation
Step 2: Your Portrait Session
During your pre-session consultation, we’ll discuss your expected delivery date, and put a tentative date on the calendar for a week after your due date. After you deliver, you and I will touch base to finalize your session date and time, moving it as needed. I take a limited number of families each month to ensure that no matter your delivery date and recovery time, there’s never a scheduling issue.
For many families, a trip to visit me is one of the first outings a parent makes with their baby, so I keep my studio fully stocked with everything you might need. Snacks for parents along with waters, sodas, and coffee/tea are always available. I also provide a changing table with diapers, wipes, individually packaged pacifiers, burp cloths, and even gripe water. This makes the studio a great practice run out into the real world.
While setting up for your session I will pull out props and outfits based on your preferences from our pre-session consultation. You will also have a chance to look at what is in the studio, and make any last minute changes. You will never be far from your baby during your session. I have a large couch near my posing table so that parents can see their little one the entire time.
Many mothers worry about stepping in front of the camera right after delivering a baby. But I will direct you through easy poses that will ensure that you show off your best angles, and capture the amazing bond you have with your little one.
Step 3: Image Reveal & Ordering Appointment
Approximately two weeks after your session, we will meet for my favorite part of the whole portrait process, the Image Reveal! Enjoy a few more snacks and maybe even a small glass of champagne, while we look over each photograph on a huge projector screen so that you can see every detail.
You decide only after seeing each image how many images you would like to purchase. Why pay for images before you see the final product? Viewing your images beforehand ensures that families never purchase any image they are not completely satisfied with.
We then work together to finalize your custom order. If you are ordering wall art, we’ll use specialized software so that you can see mockups of your wall, paired with your images so that you can see exactly how your new artwork will look at various sizes and in different frames or in canvas. Albums layouts are all handled in house and then sent to you for any small edits and final approval, so that you don’t have to spend hours on end trying to create the perfect design. And of course high-resolution digital images and print release are always included with every purchase.
Step 4: Product Delivery
The final step of the portrait process is product delivery. Product delivery usually take 4-6 weeks depending on customizations. After they arrive at the studio for final inspection, I carefully package them up and deliver them to you. Not handy? Or worried about not having time to hang your new piece of artwork now that you have a baby? I will even help with installation to make sure that you are able to enjoy your portrait that moment it arrives.