KIDS MODEL PORTFOLIO SESSION NOTES

PREPARATION NOTES 

  • Prepare for the shoot a few days in advance, go to bed early (or get as much sleep as you can). Skin glows when you have slept. You have energy and feel better overall.

  • Be hydrated, make sure that you have drunk lots of water in the 48 hours before the shoot.  It boosts the skin and reduces dark circles under the eyes, evens out skin tone & makes the model feel so much better. 

  • Moisturised skin glows on camera. If showing knees or elbows to the camera, they always look better moisturised.

  • For younger models bring some snacks, avoid chocolate as this melts or orange crisps as they stain around the mouth. Nuts or popcorn, apples or breadsticks are great .  No one takes great pictures hungry or thirsty.  Ideally eat 60 mins before the session to maintain energy levels. It’s easiest if tummies are full and snacks are for after a shoot ideally. 


The model portfolio sessions last an hour. I will capture a mix of headshots, three quarter length & full length shots.  The sessions are relaxed and fun. We shoot 3 to 4 outfits across the session and I create a larger gallery of images from which you choose your final selection of images. 

CLOTHING



These  act as guidelines that I follow when shooting a model portfolio and are how I approach the styling of a shoot.   To discuss any outfit selections ahead of the shoot then please email or send me pictures via WhatsApp as I am always happy to help plan. 

  • The clothes are not the focus of the shoot. The shoot is to sell the model and the clothes support this.  They help for us to change up the looks across the session and to get more variety out of the session.  

  • You don’t want the images to date quickly so generally I avoid very high fashion pieces or silhouettes. You can still follow fashion but don’t let the item dominate the model.

  • Across a shoot choose a mix of outfits. If you are leaning into a fashion look for one outfit then keep the next outfit more simple and pared back. 

  • Choose neutrals as a base for an outfit - black, white, grey marl, pale blue, khaki, taupe, cream or navy, leopard or denim are all great. Cream suits all complexions and can be more flattering than white. 

  • Denim is such a wardrobe staple. If you build an outfit around a denim item , bottoms, shirt, jacket or dress an outfit will have a good foundation. I always recommend a good denim outfit, you can never wear too much denim in my opinion either! 

  • Prints are great if not too busy. Larger prints generally work better. Less is more. If you wear print then keep accessories minimal.

  • Accessories like hats and sunglasses can be used but in a way that doesn’t distract from the face or cover the hair. Again use in one outfit and not in another. 

  • We will typically shoot 3 or 4 outfits. Vary the looks - Typically build one outfit around denim, have a smarter outfit, sportswear and another casual outfit. Also consider layering items as this looks amazing on camera.

  • Dress age appropriate. Agencies don’t like crop tops or children looking older than their age.

  • Don’t overcomplicate things

  • Consider your child's skin tone. Olive (yellow) based and black skin tones suit most colours - brights, blacks or pale. Pink based skins look better in neutrals so I generally avoid bright colours unless they really suit the skin tone.

  • Play to strengths. For example - Blue eyes look amazing when wearing blue.

  • It’s always great to have a few extra pieces at a shoot to choose from. 

  • With sportswear keep logos smaller where possible. Most sportswear is built around the logo, which is fine. Just if you were being considered for a Nike job you don’t want to be wearing only Adidias or Underamour. Vary the logos or if they aren’t in your face in a huge way then it works better. I can always photoshop off a logo if it is small. 

  • If in doubt bring too much! It is always brilliant to have choice. 

  • Always bring a few neutral pieces, like a white or cream t-shirt and a black top and a pair of plain jeans. 

  • Shoes are great, make sure they are clean or that you have wiped trainers over with a damp cloth. Shoes wont feature in every picture as some images are cropped. They are good to have though as they can add an extra element to the fashion of the outfit.

HAIR 

  • Keep it simple.

  • Kids need to look natural and look like kids.

  • If you wear hair product then keep it to a minimum. We can always build this in as the shoot goes on. I understand curls usually look better when styled with product. 

  •  I always shoot an image with long hair natural and loose. If we style your hair then it will be a simple, no fuss style. Portfolio images show you in your natural form. I can style hair a little so am happy to change styles.

  • Wash hair the day of the shoot or the day before, whatever is best for your hair type.

  • You can book a hair stylist if you want to. I work with a small selection of creatives that I recommend. They charge separately for their time.

MAKE-UP

  • Make up should not worn, or if teen then make up should be kept to a minimum. Arrive for your shoot with a make up free face. Natural skin is always better. I can retouch any imperfections and it looks far better if skin is cleaned this way, rather than covered by make up. 

  • Model portfolio shoots should show the model’s face as naturally possible. I will however remove scratches, blemishes, bruises & other temporary marks that would not usually appear on their skin.

  • Lashes - It is not advised to have lash extensions for your model portfolio shoot.  

  • Nails - come with no fake nails or nail varnish. If you are a teen and do have painted nails then keep them freshly painted in a nude or clear nail polish ideally.

  • Tattoos - stick on tattoos, please fully remove any of these before a session. Coconut oil will remove all temporary tattoos with ease.

AFTER THE SHOOT

  • From the shoot I work up a gallery of images from which you select the 10 images that are included in the session. There are usually between 25-35 images in this gallery. 

    The gallery is delivered to you within 3 weeks of the shoot, you can then select your images from this gallery.

  • Additional images can be purchased but there is no expectation for you to do so, it is only an option should you choose too.

  • Additional images are £25 each, (you get the colour and black and white version of each image).

    Once you have selected your images I will send you the images via wetransfer. You will receive high resolution and web sized images. Use the web sized images if posting online and print the high resolution images. You receive the images in colour and black & white versions.

GENERAL

CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING – MODEL PORTFOLIO SESSIONS

All model portfolio sessions require a 50% non-refundable booking deposit to secure the agreed date and time. This deposit forms part of the total session fee and is used to reserve studio space, allocate the photographer's time and make any necessary travel and production arrangements.

More than 7 days' notice: The booking deposit is normally non-refundable. However, at the photographer's discretion, the deposit may be transferred to an alternative session date, subject to availability and any additional costs incurred.

Within 7 days of the session: The photographer reserves the right to retain the booking deposit and any further amount reasonably required to cover costs incurred and losses arising from the cancellation. Requests to reschedule will be considered at the photographer's discretion.

Within 48 hours of the session: The full session fee will be retained, and the booking will not be transferable to another date unless the appointment can be filled by another paying client or the photographer agrees otherwise.

Failure to attend: Non-attendance without prior notice will be treated as a cancellation and the full session fee will be retained.

Any amount retained, including the booking deposit, will be fair and proportionate to the photographer's losses, taking account of costs incurred, the notice given, the opportunity to refill the appointment and applicable consumer rights.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects any statutory cancellation or other consumer rights the Client may have under applicable UK law.

SESSION TIMINGS

Session dates and times are fixed upon booking. While every effort will be made to accommodate clients where possible, sessions must start and finish at their scheduled times.

Studio bookings operate to strict time limits and late arrival may result in a shorter session. Additional time cannot be guaranteed.

Where a client arrives late or is unable to attend their allocated session, the session fee cannot normally be transferred to another date. Any amount retained will be subject to the cancellation terms above and applicable consumer rights.

Clients are kindly asked to arrive a few minutes before their scheduled appointment to ensure the full session time is available.