Welcome to Michelle Carr Photography

The Session

For sessions in your home or at another location, I will arrive a few minutes early so that I can set up my equipment (if needed). I ask that I be given the space to focus on getting every thing put together quickly so that I can move on to photographing your child. I'd like to then touch base with you again on any ideas or vision you had for the session. Then the focus will turn to getting to know your child. I want them to be comfortable with me and, depending on their age, I may crack some jokes or act silly. In no time those genuine smiles will be shining and we can proceed with the session.

Getting To Know You

As a mother, I know my child can be shy around new people. I always respect a child’s personal space and gently work on getting them to open up to my camera and me. First you’ll see me get down on their level and introduce myself. If we are in your home, I will ask them to show me their special toys. If we are outdoors, I will lead them to interesting locations and watch them explore. I will take cues from your child and, most likely they’ll be sad when the session ends! In many instances I will photograph them slowly as I get to know them before directing them in other ways.

Older Children

For children around three or four and up, sometimes I ask for a bit of space while I am taking their portraits. Why? Often a child feels the need to perform in front of a parent, and that often means unnatural smiles and expressions. I want to present to you images of your child that are natural and real and so I ask for space. Now, keep in mind I will let your child be our guide. If he or she starts to fuss, you will be quickly asked to come back until they are comfortable. I want you to be comfortable too!
When I say “space” I usually mean a few feet, but always have your child and I within view.

What Is Your Role?

Parents often don’t know what to expect or know what I expect of them during a session. Honestly, I expect you to relax and let me do all the work! I prefer parents to be out of the child’s site (but the child not out of your site) so that I may work one on one with the child(ren), if the child is ok with this of course. If there is a situation where I feel I need your help in directing your child, I will ask. If I don’t ask…you can trust that everything is just fine.

Say Cheese?

Those are two words you will never hear me speak at your child's session, and I would ask that you would refrain from using them as well; or any similar words or phrasing. Let me explain. I strive to get honest and natural expressions from your child. When a child is asked to 'say cheese', he or she will not give a natural smile, but rather they will be performing, and this will be apparent in the images. Please give me room to get on your child's level, and you will soon see the natural expressions you know and love.

Food Considerations

A full tummy helps keep babies and children happy and satisfied during their portrait session, but please be careful of what foods they eat before their session. Carrots and sweet potatoes are a sweet treat for baby, but can sometimes leave an orange tint on baby's skin. This tint may not always be noticeable to the human eye, but the camera's lens can pick up on such skin discoloration. Other foods such as spaghetti, lollipops and candy may also color the skin. Also, if you feed your baby lots of orange foods, their skin may give off an orange glow around the nose and mouth, but unlike food, this cannot be wiped away.
If your child has a cold, please be sure to wipe your child's nose and mouth thoroughly, because again, the camera may pick up what eyes may not notice.

Feeling Under The Weather

If your child is sick or feeling under the weather, kindly call me to reschedule. I'm a mother of 3 myself, and I understand that sometimes children get sick. I want your child to enjoy the photo session, and a sick child may not feel like having his or her portraits taken. I would appreciate if you could call to reschedule as soon as it's apparent he or she is ill. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
No need to fret when your child gets a small boo-boo on his or her face days before the photo session. Minor re-touching is included in print prices.

Safety First

Safety is extremely important to me and while I take all precautions with my photographic equipment, please keep watch of your little ones around my lighting, backdrops, etc.. I appreciate the playful nature that children possess; however, playing with my equipment is not permitted due to safety and cost reasons. Thank you!

 

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Michelle Carr is an on location, children's photographer who serves the entire Southeastern Ma area, and the surrounding Cape Cod and Rhode Island. Michelle specializes in on location lifestyle portraiture as well as event photography of maternity, babies, children, and high school seniors.

Michelle is a child photographer specializing in on location photography, with a lifestyle photography approach. Michelle is available for travel in and around the Massachusetts area including Cape Cod, the islands and Rhode Island. Acushnet, Assonet, Attleboro, Barnstable, Berkley, Boston , Braintree , Bridgewater, Brockton, Cape Cod, Carver, Cedarville, Chatham, Dartmouth, Dennis, Easton, Fairhaven, Freetown, Fall River, Falmouth, Harwich, Horseneck Beach, Hyannis, Kingston, Lakeville, Mansfield, Marion, Marthas Vineyard, Mattapoisett, Mashpee, Middleboro, Milton, Nantasket Beach, Nantucket, Newburyport, Newport, New Bedford, Northampton, North Attleboro, Norwood, Orleans, Padanaram Village, Plymouth, Randolph, Raynham, Rehoboth, Rochester, Scituate, Seekonk, Swansea, Sommerset, Taunton, Vineyard Haven, Waltham, Wareham, West Yarmouth, Westport, Worcester, Woods Hole. Michelle is a professional photographer of newborns, babies, baby, children, child, toddlers, infants, high school seniors, graduates, seniors, event, party, small wedding, and families..