If you want to keep reading I'll try to make it as interesting as possible for being replacement text. Sound like a deal? Hopefully you will like my writing style and say to yourself, "Yep, I'm buying this IMMEDIATELY!"

I'm teasing. I really would love you to take a thorough look around. Please make yourself comfy and read through! I'll include little bits and pieces of the real copy as you look, of course. It's kind of like a movie preview ;). If you see a paragraph without the three star intro (***), that is actual copy when you purchase the template. The rest is replacement for this demo!

Thank you SO much. You're the best. Yes, YOU.







***Why, hello! This part of the text is replaced in this preview because it is proprietary to those who purchase the style guide or style guide copy. However, I can guarantee that the REAL wording is friendly, educational, clever, and your clients are going to love it. It will save you so much time that you may just take up knitting.
I do need to fill this section with text because it is part of the design. Hey, that's just how it is when you sell a template! 

Hello THERE!

- demo -

Are you ready for some good news? You really don't need to do much! Besides outfit selection (which I cover in this guide), all I truly ask of you is to enjoy your experience. After all, the best part of appreciating the photos on your walls is knowing you had an awesome time getting them taken.

I'm SO excited. Have I mentioned that yet?

Before the big day

***Again, this is replacement text and the REAL copywriting in this section comes with purchase. This section is where I talk about what happens with inclement weather. Because the text is fully customizable, you can use the copy I wrote that comes with the template, write your own, OR a combination of both! Be sure to adjust anything that is needed with different business practices or policy differences. Some may ask, "Why send a session guide to clients?" ... to which I have many responses! First, it saves you SO MUCH TIME. While I like to keep the lines of communication open between myself and my clients, it's nice to answer questions before they even come up. They never have to stress because I am so upfront about how the process works, as well as how to get the most out of their session with me. It's a win/win! It will be for you, too.

BAD WEATHER? I'VE GOT YOU!

HELPFUL HINTS

***Yes, this heading title is real and necessary! Again, this section of copy is reserved for those who buy the template. I know with my style of shooting I want to make sure that skin tones are ON POINT, so addressing spray tans is a must. While I'm at it I bring up transition lenses and gum as well because, why not? These seemingly "small" things add up to make a big difference in images and I want my clients to know. 

Educating your clients is SO important. When they know that what you ask will ultimately help them get gorgeous images, they are more likely to take you seriously in your requests!



Gum, transition lenses and spray tans...

I think most of us feel this way at heart. Luckily not only are my sessions extremely relaxed, but I fully guide you and your family into poses and give you prompts so you can have moments of genuine laughter and fun together. Often you won't even realize how amazing a moment is and I sneak a photo in!
One of the best parts about my job is to see the beauty in what seems like ordinary moments, and provide you those memories forever.

What if I don't know what to do?

***Yep, it's me again, just popping in to let you know that the text here when you purchase the style guide is awesome (if I do say so myself!). I can't wait for you to see it!

Expectant mamas want to know that they will be well-taken care of, comfortable, and that you know how to do justice to their "glow!" Often they have questions about the best time to take photos (spoiler alert: I usually say around 37 weeks, unless otherwise advised by their doctor). Occasionally I'll have moms who choose to take their portraits earlier and that is fine by me. This section is the perfect place you can communicate all of these things with them and ease their minds.

Maternity

portrait of smiling faces. However, the youngest of the bunch, the one year old, had plans to destroy. Weaponed with a grimace, a temper, and enough toddler willpower to last a lifetime, little Dallin did his worst. He screamed through the entire experience. My mother was devastated! Between the two, I'm not sure who cried the most on the drive home. When time came to choose THE main photo which would adorn our walls, they were all the same; Dallin's furious face frozen in a two dimensional surface forever... and guess what? IT IS OUR FAVORITE FAMILY PHOTO EVER. I don't remember a time where it wasn't hanging on the walls of my parents' home. It is especially awesome because Dallin is so sweet and laid back! The moral of the story? Don't sweat bad behavior for photos. It's actually kind of hilarious.

***Just in case you missed it earlier, certain copy in this template demo is hidden and proprietary to those who purchase it (because the copy is just as valuable as the design!). This section is all about how to approach sessions with little kids. My philosophy is to just take it easy for the hour we are together! 

***Since you are here and I need text to fill the design with text, I'll tell you a little story. Pull up a chair and enjoy:
In 1992, a beautiful and kind mother named Jill (my mother!), brought her four children to Olan Mills for a family portrait. The family (adorned in red accent colors, shiny black shoes, and enough Aqua Net hairspray to make our bangs defy the very laws of gravity),  walked in with high hopes for a timeless family  

Don't worry about behavior

Please plan on arriving ten minutes before our start time, or even earlier if you plan on getting the kids dressed after you get there. It also gives you a little cushion in case you hit a snag. Unexpected things happen on photo day - hair doesn't cooperate, traffic gets crazy, you have to run back because you forgot something (or is all of this just me?).
If you give yourself extra time you will be extra relaxed!

Please be on time or even better, early!

just a few things to keep in mind... 

The Day of the Session

Here we go! Depending on who you ask, this tends to be either the most stressful or the most fun part of the whole process (although I'm SO here to help you).

It's outfit time! 

***In this part of the copy which you will receive after purchasing this template, I share my favorite photography metaphor, you won't want to miss it! It really helps your clients understand the ultimate goal of why clothing matters in photography. While I'm at it, I'll enter a shameless plug; if you are wondering why clothing is such a big deal yourself, I'd recommend checking out my course called "Get the Glow!" I have a full module (kind of like a chapter in a book) titled, "Vision and Style" where I completely cover this topic. Come join me, I'd love it!


THE BIGGEST PIECE OF THE PIE

WHAT TO WEAR

***This section talks briefly about the kinds of colors and patterns that work with my (and your!) style. 

yeah!

***This section talks briefly about the kinds of colors and patterns to avoid.

Nah...

***Here I tell my clients about a special kind of "test" they can do to tell if an outfit will be wonderful or distracting. The below example collages are included in the template. While all other images will need to be replaced with your own, you are free to use these if you wish.***

THE "------" TEST

***Happy artists produce their best work. I no longer had burnout because I was continually excited about the sessions I was having, and my clients had a "what you see is exactly what you get" level of trust in their outcome. If you are looking to refine your brand and are wondering how to do so, I have an entire module in my "Get the Glow" course, called "Vision and Style." I have a series of questions that help you dig deep and embrace an aesthetic you may never have realized you've always loved!

Perhaps you've noticed that mostly everyone on my website or instagram feed is wearing light colors. There is a reason for this! *** Here is where I educate clients on why it is important to wear light colors. If you happen to have a different aesthetic for your brand, you can customize this text as well as the photos. That's the beauty of a template!

***While I'm talking about branding, do you feel that you are truly consistent with yours? It took me years to realize how important it is. Not only does it make your online presence more visually appealing, but it establishes trust with your clients. When I first started photography, I didn't have a solid brand, I was everything to everyone. It wasn't until after I embraced my niche that both myself and (I believe) my clients were much more satisfied. I personally loved the light colors and soft palettes. It made me a happier artist.

the overall aesthetic

Light colors and patterns

While it isn't 100% necessary, feel free to go all out! Professionally done hair & makeup stand up to the "test of time" nicely, and if there is humidity or wind, it is a great decision. 

With the settings I use to shoot, pretty please go with a shade darker when it comes to your blush and lipstick than you usually do (these things will photograph lighter than they look in person). Not heavy! Just a *tad* darker. Feel free to put a little bit of blush on your kiddos as well if you think they need it!

hair and makeup

I'm not big on tons of elaborate props (I like to keep the focus on your beautiful expressions!), but I'm ALL for a meaningful prop or two in a select handful of images; especially florals! If you bring flowers I will get a big smile on my face that might be hard to erase. 

props

Anything neutral, light and/or NOT distracting works! In the summer, I love kiddos in bare feet if the terrain allows. As for babies who can't walk - if it's warm enough, let's see those cute toes! If it's cold out, neutral boots are adorable, or just about anything as long as it's not a distracting color. If mom is wearing a maxi dress, often times we won't be able to see those shoes so no pressure there. When all is said and done, I just want to make sure the shoes don't attract too much visual attention, we want that going to your faces!

shoes

***This section discusses the difference between white and cream in photos (we all KNOW there is a difference!).  This section's subheadings can be substituted to whatever you'd like. 
Speaking of customizations, because this is a Showit template, you may add extra photos here (or anywhere, really!) without even having to know coding. It's fantastic. So, feel free to play around!

white vs. cream

just a few more tidbits...

***Here is where I include a few general wardrobe tips. Since I need to fill in text for the demo, I'll give a little more insight to my brand (and subsequent clothing encouragement) in hopes that you may glean some inspiration for yours?
When I was a little girl I was MESMERIZED by The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, and anything Jane Austen. To this day my head turns when I see light colors and patterns, florals, and hats. While I don't insist on "1900's attire" by any means, I have taken inspiration from the delicacy of that era and infused it into a style that I am proud to offer. 
What kinds of things have you always been drawn to? What can you do to you love your photography style more and more every day? What makes it so very... YOU??



for the ladies

Wardrobe Tips

***I have two sons, and the snippet of the poem that says, "snakes and snails and puppy dog tails" is completely accurate! Here is a little sneak peek of my philosophy with the fellas; keep their clothing classic and SIMPLE.
I can't tell you how many pairs of khaki pants I've bought for my sons - luckily they are almost always available to purchase in most chain stores that I've seen. 

Do you want to know the best news ever? When it comes to dressing the guys, I say go with SIMPLE! Khaki or tan pants, a light-colored button-up shirt, and tan shoes are perfect. You can definitely dress them up or down, but the colors are key. Please stay away from a light shirt with dark bottoms (just trust me on this! Light bottoms are KEY). Also feel free to jazz up this look with vests, ties, a blazer, suspenders, etc. as long as they are all light in color. This is a HUGE part of my work aesthetic, and luckily it's easy peasy to find light, simple clothing for the fellas.

... and here are some tips for the fellas

I know winter can sound intense... but it's one of the best time to capture your gorgeous, natural skin tones. Winter palettes can be soft and calm. Just a head's up though... not all snow is created equal. If you are wanting a magical, wintery-white scene, believe it or not, I need a very specific kind of snow in the forecast! It may be a situation where we need to be flexible. The good news is, snow or not, winter provides gorgeous, clean light!

sweet treats, warm mittens, and white wonderlands

WINTER

Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the midwest (those COLORS!), and I will say that I book up pretty quickly at that time of year! I have a unique approach to ensure your fall session is still beautifully light (and yet still fall-looking!) without a lot of overpowering orange. It's the best of both worlds.

yellow leaves, apple cider and cozy snuggles

FALL

I love summer sessions! I'm never one to complain about the longer days and later sunset times. During summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup if needed, a water bottle (the colder, the better!), and a washcloth or two. 

sun hats, bright light, golden dreams

Summer

If there is any season that directly reflects my aesthetic, it's spring! The blooms? Sublime. Those soft greens? Heavenly. There are pros and cons to every season however, and I will say the weather in spring can be a bit temperamental. Luckily we have built-in back up days!

beautiful blooms, tea parties, pastels galore

Spring

- embracing each season -

***Here is where I discuss how sessions go with beloved pets. I'd say about 10% of my clients request their furry friends at their session. You may have more, you may have less, but having a section in your session guide is valuable. It sets expectations and gives helpful tips.

***Do you have pets? We just adopted two cats (Catniss and Charlie) and boy, are they spoiled! I will say that it is fun to watch them interact. It would make for some hilarious photos, that's for sure!

FURRY FRIENDS

*** This section is the perfect place to wrap up the informational part of this guide. Whatever your processes and procedures are after you wrap up shooting, put that here. In the purchased template I include mine. Feel free to use it if you'd like!

***As we are concluding our time together, I hope you saw plenty in this style guide that you can offer your clients as well. It really is a huge time-saver! The greatest part is that you can add and subtract entire sections, individual photos, and text. Ahhh, Showit for the win. Please don't hesitate if you have any questions about the template! My email address is: jeanna@jeannahayes.com. You can also message me on Instagram: @jeannahayesphoto.  

what happens after our session?

thank you!

thank
you!

.... At the end of the day, my greatest wish is that you, your children, and grandchildren ADORE these photos forever. After all, your family is what life is ALL about, and one of my greatest joys is that I get to be a small, behind-the-scenes part of preserving your legacy.

I know that this guide is extensive! Hopefully it covers any questions you had in preparing for your session. However if there is something I missed or you need a recommendation, feel free to email or text me at:
jeanna@jeannahayes.com
702.400.3337

Some parting words