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portrait guide
portrait session tips, location guidance, outfit recommendations & more!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be working with you! Throughout this process I will get to know you and your family story even better as we capture beautiful memories and create custom artwork that will live in your home and tell that story for years to come.
Having started my photography career in the wedding world, I know how important it is to be prepared and use our pre-session time to plan for success! I tend to get asked the same questions during session prep. So (lightbulb moment!) I thought it would be beneficial to put together a guide that walks you through everything from locations to wardrobe and inclement weather. Dig in and I am here if you need anything!
- SAMANTHA
Thank you for trusting Le Papillon to tell your family story and create tangible heirlooms that your family will treasure.
Choosing the right outfit for your session can be time consuming and frustrating if you are doing it all on your own. Whether you are preparing for motherhood or keeping up with your busy toddlers, you have enough on your plate without having to coordinate a cohesive look for the family. That's why we will have a Wardrobe Appointment to plan out your session and choose your looks from the Client Closet! We stock a variety of styles, sizes, and colors.
The Client Closet
browse the closet
feel your best
scheduling your session
Most single sessions are scheduled at the time of booking between Monday-Thursday. We take one session per day so getting your date on the calendar is key!
Newborn session scheduling is a little bit different. At the time of booking, we will put your due date on our calendar as a place holder. Once you give birth you will contact us to set your session date and time the first week you are home with your brand new baby.
In case of rain, we will typically reschedule (unless we have selected a studio session for our shoot).
We want to make sure you get the most out of your session so good weather is a must for outdoor sessions! Calling off the shoot for weather is a decision that will be made the evening prior or morning of the session to be sure we have the most up-to-date forecast.
In Case of Rain
Choosing Your Location
Your final location selection is dependent upon what kind of feel you are interested in for your family session. At Le Papillon, we are deeply inspired by nature and always lean towards locations that give us variety! I have my clients choose between a "field" session or a "studio" session. The "field" is great for that outdoorsy feel, studio is wonderful for a neutral setting with zero weather worries.
*We also offer beach sessions during the spring, summer and early fall.*
Below you will see a list of our "field" location options. These are spaces that will provide plenty of beautiful backdrops for your session!
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Cape May, NJ
Avalon, NJ
the studio is a great neutral setting for you and your family. the studio is a great option for newborns if you prefer not to have an in-home session.
field
beach
studio
Now is the time to start envisioning how you would like your family's legacy preserved in your home.
You don't need to make firm decisions until after you see your images. Artwork orders are placed at the viewing and ordering appointment approximately 4-6 weeks after your session.
physical artwork
more details
heirlooms for your home
We can't wait to start planning your session and get to know your beautiful family! If you haven't scheduled your session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email us any time at samanthajayphoto@gmail.com.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, we're here for you. We hope this guide helps make the process of planning your session much easier and less stressful. We can't wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!