SESSIONS WITH KAYE NESS PHOTOGRAPHY

SESSIONS WITH KAYE NESS PHOTOGRAPHY

When I started my photography journey over a decade ago, mini/shorter sessions weren’t in high demand. I offered them periodically, but most of my clients preferred a standard/longer session which are about 50-60 minutes. Fast forward, requests for shorter sessions increase each year. My business has evolved from a mostly product driven/longer session to one that is digitally based with shorter sessions.

Truth be told, shorter sessions are not my favorite to photograph. This doesn’t mean I don’t see the value in them… I have signed up for them myself. But, as an artist, they allow very little room for creativity.

I am a lifestyle/documentary photographer. My heart yearns to capture the essence of a family and 15 minutes doesn’t allow time to do that. 

While there are many times a shorter session is very convenient and budget friendly, here are some considerations when deciding what length of session is right for you!

CHILDREN AND TIME:  The most common reason I hear families sign up for shorter sessions is because their children don’t have long attention spans. While that may be true, if they aren’t cooperating, that gives you (and me) very little to work with. Standard sessions allow your children frequent breaks, and often times they aren’t needed, because I also incorporate activities and movement that capture genuine moments. The more time I have, the more variety and relaxed the session will be. The shorter the time, ironically, the more pressure I (and your family) am under to get that perfect shot.

Family pets almost always need breaks from over stimulation. It can sometimes be a very stressful situation for them. Always consider the individual needs of your family pet when deciding what a good fit is!

It’s hard to believe, but on average, 30% or less of images I take on my camera make it into your gallery. It takes a lot of clicks to get those great shots! Closed eyes, someone not looking at the camera, and unflattering poses get thrown out.

INVESTMENT:  As a consumer, I’m always looking to save money. I love a good deal! We prioritize things we need and want based on our values and budgets. I realize you have many choices when it comes to photographers. With so much available talent, it makes sense to pick the photographer that best fits into your budget!

Running a business is very expensive. We invest a lot of time communicating, traveling, shooting, and editing the session.  Our expenses may surprise you… on top of very expensive photography equipment that has to replaced or upgraded periodically, we must have a computer, pay subscription fees for website/photo hosting, and editing software education. We pay credit card fees, studio rental fees and carry business and health insurance on top of so much more. Most of us also invest in continuing our education to improve our craft.

Nothing makes me happier than repeat business and seeing your families grow or capturing milestones in your lives. I do not take for granted the fact that you invest heavily into your sessions with me and I always aim to exceed your expectations. When I see family portraits hung on the wall or on social media as your profile picture, it brings me so much joy. Creating memories is truly a gift I love to share.

If you prefer capturing more variety and having a good mix of posed and candid, but a standard session isn’t in your budget every year (and believe me, I completely understand!), perhaps consider mixing it it in every few years between shorter sessions.

INTRODUCING A NEW TYPE OF SESSION: Setting expectations for shorter sessions has been historically very difficult with me since as I mentioned, I prefer spending an hour with every client. But, the demand for shorter sessions is there, so, I am introducing 30 minute sessions on a trial basis for 2020. These sessions will be offered at limited locations. These sessions will be good for families looking for a bit more variety than a short 15 minute mini session.

1-2 times a year, I will be offering shorter 15 minute mini sessions. These dates will be offered first to my e-mail subscription list and then open up to everyone else.  Mini sessions will include a limited number of digital images with the option to purchase more, if desired. These sessions will be good for families looking for 1-2 pictures with everyone looking at the camera and a handful of combinations. If you would like to subscribe to my e-mail list click HERE!

HERE IS A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL TYPES OF SESSIONS I NOW OFFER:
Mini Session- Shorter 15 minute sessions offered 1-2 times a year with a limited number of digital files included and option to purchase more.

30 minute session- 30 minute session offered at limited locations with digital files included.

Standard Session- 50-60 minute session offered at any location with digital files included.

Lifestyle Session- Customized session in your home or location of your choice. Digital files included.

Senior Session- 4 packages to choose from. All packages include a number of digital files depending what package you select.

Headshot- 15 minute in studio traditional headshot or customized personal brand sessions offered. Digital images included.

HOW DO I DECIDE BETWEEN A MINI, 30-MINUTE, OR STANDARD SESSION?
If you are looking to update the family portrait with everyone looking at the camera, consider a 15 minute mini session.

If you have very small children or unsure if they will cooperate, consider a 30 or 60 minute session. Lifestyle sessions in the home are also perfect for small children and pets!

If you try the 30 minute session and it still has you yearning for more variety, try budgeting a standard session for the following year.

If you have a large family and/or want more combinations and variety, consider a 30 or 60 minute session depending on how much variety you want.

If you are including extended family, a standard session is needed.

If you want to include the family pet and Fido isn’t the most cooperative, consider a longer session. Sessions can be stressful/over stimulating on pets, so adding time is recommended for breaks.

If you love candid moments, a 30 or 60 minute session will give you more variety! The more time you allow, the more variety and more laid back the session will be! Lifestyle sessions are also perfect for capturing candid moments!

Are you ready to book a session? Click HERE to contact me!