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.