Snow Session Info.

Update: I am no longer requiring a deposit to get on the list. But if you are wanting a snow session, you MUST be on the list. The list will still go in order of sign up date.

I get quite a bit of interest in snow sessions every fall/winter.  Because I do a lot of military family sessions, a lot of you want to have some really fun snow themed photos to represent your time you spent in Minot....since let's face it...If you are from anywhere besides the Northern states, Minot is a completely different experience from anywhere else.

The only problem with snow sessions is that they can be VERY unpredictable....especially this particular year.  I think by this point most of my clients wanting snow sessions have pretty much given up for the year!  There are a few factors that go into determining when and where a snow session can take place.  This year we have not had constant snow every few days so it has made it much harder to try and schedule them. So from now on I have decided to do a "Snow Session Waiting List".  This will go into affect starting now and anytime you are wanting any type of snow session.  If you are just wanting a regular outdoor session, the waiting list does not apply to you...but if you are specifically wanting a session with snow you will need to get on the waiting list.

How to sign up for a snow session:

If you are wanting a snow session please email me at stacy@stacyvandyckphotography.com.  

I will now have a list that your name will go on.  The order of the list will be the order I receive the requests, so if you are interested, please get your name on the list right away as we probably don't have many more snow days until next fall.  When I have an opening (just after a snow, or another cancelation, etc) I will start contacting clients in the order the names appear on the list.  If the first person is not available, I will move on to the next, and so on.  Usually these sessions will have very short notice, so it will require some flexibility on your side as well as mine.  I will also let you know where on the list you are.  Please keep in mind, that I will not be able to do a snow session every time it snows.  I have other regular scheduled sessions as well as a personal life that involves taking my kids to practices, family activities, and personal commitments.  If I am able to squeeze in a session I will start contacting clients.  Sometimes I might be able to do more than one a day or a few over the span of a couple of days.

I think this is the best way to make sure everyone who is interested in this type of session gets the best chance.  In the past few months  I have probably had 30 people call me saying they want a session but they want it in the snow.  The problem is they do not book a session, and then when we finally get snow, I am booked up.  This allows me to use time that I have available to be flexible and squeeze last minute sessions in.

Sessions can take place anywhere you wish and will last 30 minutes to an hour at most.  I am even able to do them on base, there are plenty of places where you will not see cars, houses, buildings, etc.  The pricing on these sessions is the same as a regular on location session, the only difference is they will most likely be a shorter session due to the colder temps.

Snow Session Requirements:

Must be a fresh snow fall.  You don't want brown ugly snow in your photos, so it needs to be within a few days and not have been too warm.

Day sessions must have an overcast sky.  Sun and snow do not mix. The snow reflects the sun and makes it so bright you can't even open your eyes.  They can also be done in the evenings most days, right around sunset when the sun isn't so harsh.

If you are not able to the session when I call you, I will move on to the next person on the list, but your name will remain at the top for the next time.

What to wear:

Try not to wear clothing that is too bulky.  Snow suits are warm, but they are not cute in photos.  I suggest lots of thin layers.  Thermals/leggings (2 pairs if its really cold) and then jeans.  Thermal shirts with a cute sweater and/or a pea coat looks great too.  Find some fun hats, scarves and gloves to accessorize and bring in fun colors.  Try to wear boots that will keep your feet warm with nice thick socks.  Uggs, BearPaws, etc. are cute and do a good job keeping warm.  For kids get the little hand and foot warmers to put in their gloves and boots.  Lots of color makes the photos stand out and more fun.  I usually do not suggest all wearing the same exact color.  You can always email, call, or come by and chat with me about clothing choices if you are unsure!

I will be doing the same thing (the waiting list) for Holiday Snow Sessions this fall/winter.  If you are planning on having one, please let me know ASAP as well.  I will have a list for immediate snow sessions, and another for Fall/Winter 2012/13 so please let me know which one you would like to be added to.

Newborn Love

I think Minot is having a baby boom right now, because I have done more newborn sessions in the past few months than ever before...which is fine by me.  Newborn and baby photography has always been my passion.  Anyone who has experienced a newborn session with me, knows how much work goes into them.  But they are totally worth it in every way.  There are sooooooo many things I love about newborns and newborn sessions....so just for fun, I thought I would put together a little list! (okay not so little, but this is narrowed down!)

My favorite things about newborns & newborn sessions:

The way they smell...honestly, there is nothing better in my book.

How they don't even fit in their own skin yet.

The tiny little blisters that form on their lips from nursing.

Snuggles.  I seriously can't get enough of this every time I have a newborn session.

The way their skin is perfectly imperfect

Peach fuzz all over their backs, ears, necks and arms

Sleepy smiles

Getting a call from the hospital (sometimes before Grandma...shhh!) that the baby is here!

Seeing how their mama is in complete awe of the tiny miracle she brought into the world

Milky bubbles on their lips once they are in the "milk coma"

Watching how the daddies who were once big tough guys, are head over heels in love with their new princess within hours of birth.

How newborn clothes are too big on babies under 8lbs.

Wrinkly and flaky feeties and fingers.

Watching mom and dad's look of embarrassment after their baby poops all over my setup, me, and anything else near them.   Honestly, every baby does it, and it does not gross me out...AT ALL...I promise. (and all the stains always come out!)

Umbilical cord stumps.  I know they are disgusting to most people, but I love how it's proof of just how new they are to the world.

Another Lifestyle Session: Twin Style!

I was pretty excited when Chelsea told me she wanted to do a lifestyle session for her upcoming newborn photos (in addition to her studio session). This was only my 2nd true lifestyle session, so I still need lots more practice....good thing I LOVE them! Both of my lifestyle sessions now have told me how much less stressful and relaxing it is to do them in their own home. There are no worries about forgetting certain outfits...and it's a lot easier for your child to be in their own home. Big brother did an amazing job of course!

Joelle and Jonah!

Here are a few more from the twins studio session! I totally knew a newborn twin session would be a lot of work...but it was even harder than I thought. Coming up with poses for two different sized babies was a little challenging (and two different skin colors- Joelle was fighting off a little bit of jaundice, and Jonah was a nice bright pink color). Getting them to both be asleep at the same time was probably the hardest part...but just like every other newborn (except their big brother, who to this day, is the ONLY newborn I haven't gotten to sleep during a session) they stayed asleep for a good solid hour and I was able to do a majority of these shots during that time. Even with all the hard work, squats, and sweating, it was worth every minute. Interesting fact: pretty much every newborn session I end up with a huge pile of laundry from spitup, pee, and poop, so I totally expected at least double since this session was so much longer and their are two of them. But no, we only had ONE pee accident the entire time...and I wasn't PEED or POOPED on..crazy huh?

Layla and Logan-the birthday boy!

Check out these adorable kiddos!!!!

Just for fun!

We did a quick little mini session for my good friend last night. She is 38.5 (yes you read that right 38.5) weeks pregnant with TWINS who are going to be born TODAY....on MY birthday!  Happy Birthday Fishes!!!

Keep an eye out over the next few days for lots of photos of these babies!

Chad and Ella

Hadley!

Hadley was not happy about her 3 month pictures from the moment she got to my studio, and her session took almost as long as her newborn photos. Lots of bell jingling and silly voices finally got us a semi happy baby for a few minutes at a time, at for a split second, even a smile. Then she fell asleep and was much more cooperative for me, and even let me do a couple of basic "newborn" poses with her. Oh, and she totally rocked my new Valentine pettiromper. :)