“Booking it"
At the time of your booking, Lysanne will discuss with you the types of portraits you are desiring, family or children only, and whether they be color, black and white, or any of the fine art options she provides. If you are presently pregnant, and desire a maternity session, please call Lysanne now to reserve date.  Pregnant Moms photograph beautifully at around 34 weeks of their pregnancy and she will try to schedule around that.  If you are desiring a newborn shoot, please reserve your space while you are still pregnant. Lysanne will not be able to exactly schedule this appointment but she will block it off for your baby when he/she arrives.  Newborns photograph best within the first 14 days of their new life.

“Where do we go?”
You don’t have to go anywhere!  Lysanne is an on-location photographer, which means she comes to you at your home or location of your choosing.  She has found that families and children are far more relaxed and comfortable when they are in their own homes and this lends to the genuine feelings in her portraits.  Of course, she will travel to any other location you desire such as a favorite park, beach, playground, or lake.    You name the place; she’ll be there. There is a $25 travel fee for locations 20 miles outside of the Kalamazoo area.

“What should we wear?”
First, together we are looking for that natural, classic style.  Therefore, avoid plaids, logos, words on shirts, and stripes.  Lysanne will coordinate with you on the style of clothing to be worn during your portrait session.  Some choices that photograph best are denim, khaki, and sun or slip dresses.  However, try to avoid white as it has a tendency to wash out the details.  For family portraits, it is best to have all the family members wear the same color tones.  Lysanne favors bare feet in her casual portrait sessions.  For babies, minimal clothing changes are best.  Of course, if you prefer the trendier clothing for your portraits, Lysanne will shoot that too.  It is all about being “true to life” and what you want!

“What times of day with the portrait session occur?
Typically, mornings and evenings are best.  Natural lighting conditions are best found at that time of day.  For young children, mornings are wonderful because most are happier at this time.

“Will there be props and lights?”
Depending on the arrangement that you make together, there may be props and lights.  Keeping with her  “True to Life” tone, Lysanne will create candid, sincere portraits with minimal posing.  Whenever possible, she may select everyday objects from around your home to incorporate into the portrait.  She is also seeking natural light and for that reason, she may need to rearrange furniture in order to get that perfect shot.

“Reservations required”
In order to reserve a certain date, 50% of the session fee is due within one week of booking your appointment.  The balance is due on the day of the shoot.  All session fees are non-refundable.  If you have planned an outdoor session and the weather is not cooperating, Lysanne will reschedule at no cost. If you or your child becomes sick, Lysanne asks that you notify her as soon, as is reasonably possible at 269-344-3151 or 269-377-5832.  Lysanne is a mom of three and understands that illnesses pop up every now and then.  Do not worry, she will rebook your session as her schedule allows at no charge.

“How much longer?”
The sessions last between 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  With newborns, sessions typically last longer to account for feedings, changings, and snuggling.  Just relax and have fun.  Lysanne will go at your pace.

“Places everyone!”
You will not be formally posed during the shoot, unless it is a maternity, seniors, or newborn session because Lysanne is not looking for poses or “cheesy grins”.  Rather she is seeking natural, casual, relaxed, and fun interaction between you and your family members.  You may be directed on where to stand or sit due to the available light.  The goal is to capture the “true to life” portraits of your family and children.

“What to say and do"
During your portrait session, please try to refrain from encouraging poses and smiles from your children.  This takes away from the “true to life” images Lysanne tries to capture.  Do not worry about tears or bad behavior.  Remember that she is a mom too and knows kids do not necessarily cooperate all the time.  Unbelievably, some of her best images come out of sessions that seem like a total loss to the parents!  Rest assured, that Lysanne will capture your child and family in some beautiful and genuine candid moments!

“Anticipation!”
Three to four weeks following your photo session, Lysanne will either have a Viewing and Ordering Session with you at your home to show you your portraits or an online gallery for you to view your proofs.  Typically, viewing Sessions last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If you choose a home Viewing Session, you will be shown a DVD slideshow showcasing 20-50 finished images against a background of music. A Session Collection Album is then shown including 20-50 finished prints mounted in a beautiful post-bound album capable of holding your portraits in a presentable fashion for years to come.  Orders are taken at the end of this meeting.  Payment in full is required at this time.  If needed, Lysanne will be happy to assist you in making decisions on where you would like your artwork hung as well as what sizes might be best.