If you’re reading this that means you’re either thinking about hiring me, Nikki Gould with Olive Shoot Photography, to capture your family’s Christmas memories or you’ve already booked your Olive Shoot session.
Either way I’m excited!
Throughout this guide you’ll find all the information you need to see you through the complete Olive Shoot experience. You’ll learn how to prepare for your session, what to expect and all about the pricing and fun client reveal night! I have created each step to give you the full service photography experience you deserve.
The Olive Shoot Photography Experience
Ok, now that we've been introduced, let me ask you a couple of questions. How many times have you taken a photo with your phone or camera, and never did anything with the photos? Are you like me and you forget to go back and print them out? That is one thing that Olive Shoot strives to make sure doesn’t happen with the photos from our sessions together!
I offer a full service boutique photography business. My goal is to make sure you not only have an amazing session that leaves you with fun memories but also to provide you with heirloom quality prints and products that will last a lifetime.
No more files hidden away in drawers for no one to see. About two weeks after your session you’ll have your reveal night where you’ll get to see all of your images for the first time. That night we’ll work to create amazing products to showcase your entire session. From wall art to albums, I have a full range of products to meet all of your needs!
I’m guessing that right now you’re saying “But I want the digital files!”. Don’t worry I completely understand where you’re coming from. I value digital files as much as you do (otherwise I wouldn’t have a stack of hard drives filled with precious family memories!). I offer digital collections that include additional digital files as well as an a la carte menu with the quality products for your family to enjoy. You’ll get the best of both worlds!
So now it’s time to grab a cup of coffee and continue scrolling. Learn how, together, we’ll create an unforgettable experience of a lifetime!
Planning Your Session
Are you dreading planning your session? Are you stressing over the idea of trying to get all of your kiddos to smile?
Don't stress! Your session is going to be FUN!!
As a mother of two believe me when I say, I know how you feel! It’s easy to get overwhelmed wondering if your children are going to be in a good mood and cooperate, but the best part about a session like this is the flexibility that it allows for the entire family. And when the children are allowed to ignore the camera and just be themselves, that's when the magic happens!
Put aside any fear that your family might not be interesting enough for a documentary session. I promise you, it will be a wonderful surprise when you see just how lovely and not-boring your family actually is!
So let's talk Christmas!
What's one, two or even three of your favorite traditions at Christmas time? Is it your family decorating the Christmas tree? Is it the trip to the Christmas tree farm to pick out THE tree? What about roasting marshmallows over your fire pit and making those delicious s'mores to go with that perfectly delicious hot chocolate? There's the Advent Calendar, the reading of any of the wonderful Christmas stories, and I'm sure there are personal traditions in every home that I know nothing about because, well, I'm not in your family. These are the types of memories we want to preserve in your Christmas Story Session.
What to Wear
Deciding what to wear for your session can seem like a huge chore. However, one of the great things about documentary sessions is that you don't have to match or have the "perfect" outfit. Haven't your heard? Real is the new perfect! You and your family simply have to be themselves. So dress as you would normally dress. Do your hair and makeup as you would normally do it. If the idea is to capture a moment in your life, then it's important to look how you do on any family outing or day at home. Otherwise, the authenticity of the photos will get a little lost.
For kiddos, it's best to let them choose their own outfits if they're old enough to do so. You do have some say, of course, but in the end you want them to be happy in what they have on. It also gives them the opportunity for super hero or princess costume changes, and gives them the freedom to just be themselves. How fun would it be to have Queen Elsa and Batman assisting in the decorating of your Christmas tree?!
After the Session
You’ve already had a blast at your session but now things are about to get even better! About two weeks after your session we’ll have your reveal night (We’ll schedule this at the same time we schedule your session to make sure you see your images as soon as possible!). On your reveal night you’ll see all of your images for the first time. It’s definitely something to get excited about!
That night I’ll come to your home (that’s right no babysitter and you can even stay in your jammies if you want!) and show you a custom slideshow with your images. After you’ve experienced the slideshow you’ll have some time to go through all of your images, choosing your digital files that are included in your session fee, and take a look at all of the product samples. Seeing everything in person will really give you a sense of what products are most important to you. My favorite products are the Italian handcrafted signature albums, image boxes and fine art canvases!
You’ll have plenty of time to ask any questions, to hold up images to different walls in your own home to see what sizes will work best and enough time to pick out your favorites.
The goal of the reveal night is to finalize your order so we can get your digital files and products to you as soon as possible. To help make this stress free it’s a great idea to take a look through all of the different products beforehand so you can go into it with an idea of what might work best for you. Once you’ve seen your images that may change but it’s always good to have an idea when we get started!
When all the fun of the reveal night is over, you’ll have a short wait before you’ll have those images in your hands! Digital files purchased will be made available within 24 hours and you can expect to have your prints and products in hand within 2-4 weeks. When everything is in, we’ll schedule a time that I can hand deliver all of your products to make sure it gets to you safely!
Your Investment
These Christmas Story Sessions will be 2 hours of making beautiful family memories, and you will receive 4 digital images and one 30 page family photo album with photos of your choosing from our time spent together. Sessions start at $950. You also have the option to add on additional digital image collections and products two weeks after your session at your reveal night.
$200 of the session fee is due upon booking to hold the date and is your non-refundable retainer fee. The remaining balance is due 48 hours prior to your session. Travel and venue fees may apply. Payment plans are available.
Add On's
10% Off any Add On's purchased at your Reveal.
*Christma Story album not applicable for digital collection discount.
It will be my absolute joy and pleasure to work with you, and to get to be apart of capturing such a special time in your family's life! If you've already scheduled your session, then I look forward to seeing you soon, and meeting your precious family!! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need any guidance along the way.
If you have yet to schedule your appointment, then go ahead and click the button below to do so or email me at nikki@oliveshoot.com. I can't wait for you to be apart of the Olive Shoot family!!