“One, two, meet me outside, meet me outside, meet me outside.”

-dmx

Cue “Party Up (Up in Here)” running through my head for the rest of the day.

I’m not even mad about it.

I promise there’s a reason for me to lead in with DMX, but before we get there, I want you to imagine the joy of school picture day as well as the results. Really let this sink in. I, for one, am thinking of the year when my son had white lips and looked essentially dead. I’m also thinking of the many laugh out loud examples friends have posted on Facebook. Photos where full heads aren’t even in the image. Photos where hair is completely askew and faces look like there is a really terrible smell in the air. Maybe something like this comes to mind for you:

Thank you to my dear friend for sharing this photo of her son with me. Let’s be honest, it’s better than a lot I’ve seen floating around out there.

Now, I invite you to imagine a much different situation. One where your child has time to actually let his/her personality show. One where that harsh flash is traded for natural light. One where, honest to goodness, your child looks true to life. I know it’s hard to believe, but this can soon be your reality.

Full disclosure, I do and will continue to purchase one, small school photo package per kid each year. And upon its arrival, I take a tiny wallet-sized print and put it in one of those collages that go from kindergarten til senior year. Why? I DON’T KNOW. I guess because it feels like a right of passage and a tradition, and it definitely takes me back to the days when I was young. You know, the days when school photos looked…well, exactly the same as they do now. (That might be a stretch. I think the ones from my childhood might actually look better).

And, believe it or not, EVEN WITH those gems in my hot little hands, I make sure to photograph my kids on my own because, as we know, variety is the spice of life. And while those odd little wallets go into my traditional collage mat, the photos I take myself might actually get blown up and displayed on my wall.

Furthermore, each fall I provide several preschools and their families with a combination of custom, artistic portraits, competitive, simple rates, and an exceptional, personal experience. I work hard to capture students' genuine, natural expressions against the timeless background of the great outdoors. And, I love it.

Considering all of this, plus the fact that some families weren’t even able to get those traditional school photos this year (thanks, COVID), I’m offering a trial run of “Picture Day Remix” (micro)sessions to the community at large. Next week, I’d love for you to MEET ME OUTSIDE for picture day reimagined, whether you didn’t get school photos this year, weren’t happy with what you did get, or simply appreciate the idea of having a higher-end portrait to commemorate your child’s growth in a special way.

Example photos can be found below, and even more can be found here! Scroll to the bottom for some details and Q&As as well. And, if you are ready, click on the “SIGN ME UP” button to book your spot!

SIGN ME UP!

Here are answers to a few of the questions you may have:

When and where are these sessions taking place?

We’re going to give this a go while kids are still home for part of the day (morning and afternoon options are available). Looking at the weather, I’ve selected Wednesday, February 24th, with the potential for more dates to be added. Sessions will take place in my yard in central Columbus (more details will be sent to those who book).

What should my child wear?

Most shots will be from the chest up, but we may throw in a full body or two. Feel free to allow your child to wear beloved items that will reflect his/her personality. Otherwise, lean toward bright solids, subtle patterns, and colors that look best on him/her. Avoid big logos/brand names and print. Including layers and pieces with texture looks nice.

How will I order?

Conveniently, everything is done online. Within two weeks, you will be emailed a link to a secure, online gallery where you will be able to proof your child's custom-edited images. You can expect between 3 and 5 images per child in both color and black and white. You will be able to order prints and digital files directly from this gallery, and you will get to choose the pose(s) yourself. Your order will be delivered directly to your home upon approval and processing. The gallery will be available for 7 days. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED DURING THAT 7 DAY WINDOW.

Can you tell me more about how this will work?

Each child will have 3-5 minutes to show his/her stuff in front of my camera. Siblings can book back-to-back sessions (only one child per time slot). I’ll even snap a few of siblings together. Please arrive a few minutes early, and please mask up and keep distance from any other families coming and going (this shouldn’t be a problem as my yard is large).

Can I get an idea of pricing?

Sure! A non-refundable booking fee of $20 (per child) will secure your spot. After you have received your child’s gallery, you will have the option of ordering a collection of prints, a la carte prints, digital files, or a combination of any of these. Prints start at $8, print collections start at $28, and digital files start at $40. Print collections are for one pose in multiple print sizes. And if you want something different than what is offered, I’m here to help you out.

Sign me up!