Welcome to your Session Guide! Inside, you'll find session details, pricing, timelines, and planning tips to help you feel prepared every step of the way.


Please take a few minutes to read through this guide and then bookmark the link to refer back to as we get closer to your session.


Cheers,

Heidi

What to Expect

Family enjoying a summer day by the lake with a white canoe on the shoreline.

I’ll guide you through each part of the process so you can simply enjoy this time with your family.

Photo Session (up to 2 hours, depending on location and size of family)

  • A relaxed pace that allows for natural connection and candid moments
  • Professional lighting


Sneak Peek (if you opt in on the questionnaire)


Gallery Viewing + Ordering Process (60 minutes)

  • This is your dedicated time to view your images and place your order
  • You’ll view your gallery of professionally edited images in color & black & white
  • All decisions are finalized during this appointment
  • Payment is due, or we also offer payment plans


Artwork Delivery

  • Orders are completed in approximately 4-8 weeks, depending on your selections

Choosing Your Location

Large group of people sitting together on a sandy beach at sunset wearing casual summer attire.

When your session takes place at a location other than your home, I’ll give you options that are the best fit for your family based on your preferences.

General Info + Tips

Two people share a tender moment outdoors on a sunny autumn day with fall foliage in the background.
Two men pose outdoors in casual attire against a backdrop of autumn trees in golden light.
Four smiling girls pose together outdoors among colorful garden flowers and lush green trees.
A woman and boy touch foreheads while holding hands in tall grass near water.
Boy in plaid shirt walks with Basset Hound on green lawn amid fall foliage with American flag in background.
Three young people smiling in a field of yellow wildflowers with trees in the background.
Two smiling young women in navy and white dresses embrace on a sandy beach path.
Three children posing on a wooden bridge walkway surrounded by autumn foliage in a family portrait.
Young couple playfully posing outdoors, man carrying woman on his back on a sandy desert trail.
Two children holding hands at the beach during sunset, standing at the water's edge with gentle waves.

A few thoughtful details to help your session feel seamless, relaxed, and enjoyable from start to finish.


Arrival & Timing

  • Arriving on time is important since the session follows the light
  • Allow extra time for parking and gathering everything together


Session Prep

  • Gather all clothing for everyone, jewelry, and accessories ahead of time so you are not scrambling to get out the door
  • Try everything on ahead of time to make sure it fits comfortably for each person
  • Steam/iron if needed & keep clothing on hangers for easy transport to avoid wrinkles
  • Have everyone use a lip balm at night, leading up to the session


Before We Begin

  • Please have everyone use the restroom


Personal Items / Little Details

  • Phones and personal items should be set aside during the session
  • Pockets should be empty
  • Avoid Apple/smart watches
  • Please be mindful of sunburns and tan lines leading up to your session - these are hard to retouch, and additional retouching fees will apply


Weather

My motto is, if you don't look good, I don't look good!

If it's too hot, humid, rainy, or windy during our session time, we will reschedule to the next available date - this is New England after all, and I leave room in my schedule for this.


Rescheduling

Session dates are reserved carefully and coordinated with my assistant in advance, so rescheduling is handled thoughtfully and should only be requested when truly necessary.

What to Wear

Family of four smiling outdoors with two small dogs, dressed in blue and black, with autumn foliage in the background.
Happy family of five posing together on a wooden bridge surrounded by autumn trees.
Happy family of six smiling and hugging outdoors, surrounded by lush green trees in a warm, candid portrait.
Family of four posing outdoors in golden hour light, smiling together in a lush green field.

The goal is a cohesive look that still feels natural and true to everyone.


Dress for the Weather

  • Choose outfits that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather
  • Shoes will be visible, so choose footwear that complements your outfit


Coordinate, Don’t Match

  • Aim for a coordinated color palette with complementary shades
  • Soft neutrals with a few subtle patterns or textures photograph beautifully
  • Consider adding a pop of color


Details Matter

  • Choose seamless, neutral under layers for each outfit
  • Have everyone try on all outfits before the session to avoid wardrobe malfunctions or improper fit
  • Safety pins will appear in the photos and they do not hold
  • Choose dress socks or no socks (avoid athletic socks)


Hair

  • Wear your hair in a style that you love. If you are considering a cut before your session, allow for time to get used to it
  • Please do not arrive with wet hair, as it will not dry in time


Facial Hair

  • Facial hair should be appropriately groomed


Makeup

  • Look like you on your best day
  • Light and fresh looks photograph the best
  • Go for matte & powder to reduce shine


Blemishes/Bruises

  • Blemishes will be handled with retouching
  • If someone has a bruise, cut, or swelling on the face, please let me know before the session


Hands & Nails

  • Hands and (depending on the time of year) feet will definitely show in the photos, so please have nails neat and trimmed or a fresh mani/pedi

Session Day!

A group poses together outdoors on a sunny day in a park with green trees and wooden fencing in the background.

The day is here, and I promise it's going to be fun & relaxed.


Session Day Checklist

  • Please make sure everyone has eaten beforehand and is well hydrated
  • Arrive at your scheduled time, ready to begin
  • Bring any final touch-up items such as a brush, lip balm, or light makeup
  • Bring water, especially on warmer days
  • For outdoor sessions, consider bug or tick repellent


Snacks For Young Children

  • Please bring water and non messy snacks that can be eaten quickly and do not stain mouth or clothing
  • While I don't want the focus of the session to be food, a little snack break helps


Tick check: Everyone who is at the session should do a thorough tick check after

If You're Bringing Your Friendly Pet

Two people and a black dog pose together in a grassy field during golden hour with autumn trees in the background.

Friendly pets are always welcome! Please have an additional family member/friend join us to handle your pet and take them home afterward. Below are tips for bringing your dog. If you want to be photographed with another type of pet, we will discuss that separately.


Dog Tips

  • Consider matching their collar to what you're wearing
  • Leave flea/e-collars at home
  • Walk your dog before the session to bring their excitement down
  • Have HIGH VALUE treats, water & waste bags on hand

Sneak Peek!

A group in white summer outfits walks together on grass in a candid outdoor photo series.

After your session, I will share a favorite image if you have opted in on the questionnaire.

  • Please share the sneak peek on your pages
  • Please tag heidi harting photography :)

Gallery Viewing and Ordering Appointment

Family members share joyful moments together during an outdoor autumn photoshoot in a park setting.

This is the exciting part, when you'll see your photos for the first time and select your favorite images!


Ordering Appointment Checklist

  • Think about where you’d like to display your favorite portraits
  • Measure wall spaces ahead of time so we can design artwork to scale
  • Consider gifts or smaller pieces such as desk prints, albums, or keepsakes
  • Review the price list in advance so you feel comfortable and prepared


Ordering Appointment Details

  • The ordering appointment is held at the studio
  • We’ll move through the gallery together and finalize selections
  • Payment is due at the time of ordering, with payment plans available
  • The full price list is included below to help you plan ahead
A pricing guide page showing outdoor portrait photography session packages with sample photos and costs.
A restaurant menu page showing A La Carte pricing and products with sections for soups, rolls, and made-to-order wall art frames.

Mobile Gallery App and Digital Images

Mobile phones displaying a modern website layout with clean design and multiple content sections in a grid format.

Wondering how you'll see and access your images after your appointment? The Mobile Gallery App makes it easy to view and share your photos online, with family and friends.


Mobile Gallery App (Web-Friendly)

  • Included with every collection
  • Features the images you have purchased
  • Web-friendly, low-resolution files for sharing
  • Not intended for printing


High-Resolution Digital Files (For Printing)

  • Full-resolution files with printing rights
  • Available as an add-on in collections or à la carte

Artwork Options

A horizontal collage of small thumbnail photos showing various portrait and lifestyle images against a white wall.

Your portraits are designed to be enjoyed as finished artwork and displayed in a way that feels meaningful to your family.


  • Wall Art
  • Albums & Books
  • Acrylic Blocks
  • Gift Prints
  • Holiday Cards
  • High-Resolution Digital Files

I Can't Wait to Create Beautiful Images For You!

Thank you for choosing me to photograph your family. I'm looking forward to working with you and creating portraits you'll love for years to come. If you have any questions, please reach out anytime.


See you soon,

Heidi

Follow me on Instagram

@heidihartingphotography