Kelly Martin 3/15/16 Kelly Martin 3/15/16

Prepping for a Family Session | Helpful Tips | Indianapolis Family Photographer

Preparation is key in having a successful photo session. It doesn't have to be complicated - you don't have to spend hours shopping for new outfits, practicing poses, or training your children to smile. I always want my clients to come relaxed - ready to be yourselves. The tips below are helpful tools to assist us in capturing the best photos we possibly can that portray the reality of your family.

DRESS:

- Coordinate without completely matching. Hey, it is your session, and if you are dead set on everyone wearing white shirts, then by all means, go for it. BUT - I highly discourage it. (: Variety is definitely more interesting. I tell my clients to pick a couple coordinating colors and dress the family in a mix of solids and patterns of these colors. Then maybe add a splash of color (if needed) in a scarf or accessories.

- Wear what you are comfortable in! If you are not comfortable or confident in the clothes are you are wearing - it will show in the photos! If you have young kids, you want to be comfortable picking them up and playing with them. (:

- Dress for the weather. I know it may not be ideal and you may have had a special summer outfit picked out and it's 50 degrees, but you want to be comfortable.

- Bright fluorescent colors are a NO NO! Whether you realize it or not, bright colors will reflect off of skin and clothing, so anyone standing next to that person wearing the hot pink shirt will have hot pink skin. I can't edit that out.

- If you have glasses that don't have the non-glare lenses, you might consider taking them off for the photos.

- Women - don't over-accessorize. We want the focus to be on the beautiful faces of your family, not on the big hoop earrings you are wearing.

- Children -

Make sure the clothes on your little ones fit and they are comfortable in the clothes. If you go out and buy something new, I know it's hard to buy clothes that aren't one size up, because you know they grow so quickly. But baggy clothes will swallow up little ones, especially if they are sitting down.
Shoes matter - The rugged sneakers or Spiderman boots with the nice khaki pants might not be the look you are going for. I will say with that, please make sure they are comfortable - I have seen way too many times that parents go buy new shoes and they don't fit properly or they are not comfortable and that makes for unhappy kids.
Vests and coats - I have a love/hate relationship with vests and coats - they can be great for photos but so often they ride up and cover the kids faces. If you do want them wearing a vest or coat, please make sure it properly fits.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION:

- If you have an evening session, I recommend keeping the kids on a normal schedule for the day. Taking them out all afternoon and missing naptime will prove disastrous for the photo session.

- Make sure kids (and you) are fed before the session or at least have had a heavy snack. We all get cranky when we are hungry!

- Plan ahead, set clothes out, check timing/directions, and save my cell number in your phone (765-749-4388). It's hard when clients show up and they are frazzled because they were in such a hurry and the kids are all crazy, etc. I know things come up, but if at all possible, leave plenty of time to get ready, get dressed, and drive to our location. If you are running a little late - DON'T FRET - it's not going to be detrimental to your session. Just text me to let me know. I would rather you be 10 minutes late and show up relaxed than show up on time with screaming kids. EXCEPTION: If you are participating in a mini session and have a session after you, then showing up late might reduce the number of photos we capture.

- Please fill out the questionnaire if possible, to help me plan the best session possible.

RESCHEDULING POLICY: If you have a conflict come up, please let me know ASAP. I normally am fine with rescheduling and transferring your deposit to another session. But please know that if it’s during my peak fall season (Sept, Oct, Nov), I have likely turned down business to hold your spot and I will have to charge a reschedule fee of $100, per our contract.

Rescheduling based on weather will always be a day-of decision and we will try to make a decision early enough in the day so that we both aren’t spending time prepping for a session that won’t happen. I will be in touch via text the day of to discuss the weather and gather both opinions. If you have a morning session, I will be in touch the evening prior to that to discuss weather. During my peak fall season (Sept, Oct. Nov.) I will be less lenient about rescheduling. Rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, temperatures under 40 degrees will qualify for rescheduled sessions. Misty weather, cloudiness, only a potential for severe weather, and unseasonal (warm in fall, cool in summer/spring) temperatures will not qualify for a reschedule unless mutually agreed by me. And just to make it clear, if fall doesn’t feel like “fall” or the colors are not peaking at the time you thought they would - that is not an acceptable reason to reschedule and I will not agree reschedule based on those reasons. This girl cannot control the weather or the pretty fall colors. (:

AT YOUR SESSION:

- If possible, place your PHONE, wallet, bulky keys, etc. in a bag to carry around or hand them to me to put with my stuff. These things bulge in pockets and peak out of pockets and they just look funny in pictures. I usually am carrying around a bag and I can store your stuff. Please don’t leave valuables in the car - there have been reported car break-ins for photographers and clients at parks. People are unfortunately preying on us since they know we’ll be gone from the parking lot for period of time and possibly are leaving belongings in the car.

- If you have young children - make sure their faces are clean before getting out of the car. I don't know about you, but my kids always seem to have bits of food, yogurt stains, and/or snot on their face. Food and snot can be an editing nightmare.

- Please do not take photos with your cell phones during sessions (or bring a real camera and take photos of your own - and yes this has actually happened to me). (Unless you want to take a picture of me taking pictures and post on FB about what an awesome photographer I am). (:

- If you choose a nature outdoor location in the spring, summer, or early fall, please check yourselves for ticks after the session and before getting in the car. And again when you get home. It's just a precaution; I actually have yet to see a tick on myself or a client after a session, but we know they are out there.

- Most importantly - RELAX, have FUN and be yourselves! I love capturing candid moments so if you feel inclined to pick up your kids and swing them around, please do so. Yes, I will help pose, but especially with young children, we will also follow their lead. I want this to be a positive and fun experience - I'm not just selling you photos - I truly want you to enjoy the entire session experience.

AFTER YOUR SESSION:

- Your work is done! You did it! I post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within a couple days, unless you opted out. I will finish editing and send you an online gallery within 14 days (21 days max during my busy fall season).

If any questions arise at any point in the process, please don't hesitate to contact me. kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Kelly Martin 3/9/16 Kelly Martin 3/9/16

Spring Mini Sessions 2016 | Indianapolis and Zionsville Family Photographer

We can feel spring coming and that means it's almost spring mini time! I'm excited to be holding my first annual spring mini sessions on two different dates at two of my favorite locations. I'm also offering a special price for past clients! It's a great opportunity to get some quick, updated pictures of the family. Details are below:

Sunday, May 1st at Holliday Park, Indianapolis

Times: 8:30am, 9:00am, 9:30am, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00

Saturday, May 14th at Maplelawn Farmstead, Zionsville

Times: 8:30am, 9:00am, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00

$99 for a 20 minute session ($89 for past KMP clients!)
Includes 10 edited images that you pick with print release (option to upgrade for $50 to receive all edited images)
Limited to 5 people per session
Payment is due two weeks prior to the session and is non-refundable (exception noted below). If you have to cancel, your payment will go towards another session with Kelly Martin Photography.
If inclement weather occurs, a backup date will be provided. If that date does not work for you, we can work out an individual session time or I will refund your fee.
To book your session, contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388. Please provide your preferred date and time. Once a date/time is confirmed, I will send you a contract, questionnaire, and an invoice via Square.

Kelly Martin Photography offers custom on-location lifestyle and portrait professional photography services in Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Session types include family, newborn, maternity, children, couples, engagement, seniors, lifestyle and more! Real. Creative. Personalized.

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Kelly Martin 2/24/16 Kelly Martin 2/24/16

Who Says Business Can't Be Fun? | The Corey Connection | Indianapolis Headshots and Family Photographer

For me it's hard to believe that I first met Amy back in the spring of 2007. I was on the hunt for a new home and she was a realtor that was referred to me by a good friend. Amy not only was an amazing realtor, helping this first-time buyer through the complicated process, but she became a good friend. She is amazing at keeping in touch. Every life event of mine - wedding, pregnancies, babies being born - she recognized it in some way - a small gift, a phone call - just a nice reminder that she cares.

When I started this photography endeavor, she was one of the first to recognize my talent and support it with full backing. Even during my portfolio phase, she wanted to hire me. Talk about making this girl in "start-up" mode feel good - my realtor wants to hire me for some business shots - shots that will be seen over and over again - put on business cards, calendars, mailers, etc. I was ecstatic and nervous and I quickly got into planning mode. We finally got together last August for a fun business/family shoot. Her husband Jeff and her combined forces in 2014 and created the Corey Connection - a real estate powerhouse. The session was held at the perfect time as they were rebranding themselves, getting ready for their transition to join Keller Williams Realty.

I am so happy to have the Corey Connection as a partner with my photography business. If you are looking for a realty team that will work with you and for you to sell, buy, or build a home, please don't look any further. I have referred them out a couple times and each time, my friends were more than happy with the results. And let me also mention - they are too much fun!! Our photo session was a blast and my family and I actually just attended a bowling event they hosted. The turn-out showed the wonderful following they have and again, it was fun! Fun people passionate about serving their clients and making a difference in their lives - a lesson that I have taken from them and am using it towards my own business. (:

Now on to our session:

Thank you so much to the Corey Connection for your business, your support, and your passion for serving your clients. There is meaning behind your name "Connection" because that is truly what you do - connect people with homes and connect with them personally. I look forward to many more FUN sessions in the future. (:

If you are looking for a family or headshots photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Kelly Martin 2/16/16 Kelly Martin 2/16/16

Aria is ONE | First Birthday Tutu | Indianapolis Children's Photographer

I was excited for this session - for one I was able to catch up with a high school friend and meet her cutie little family and secondly, I love one-year-old sessions. All ages have perks and I enjoy all of them, but one-year-olds are not yet to the age that they really understand what is going on and usually don't rebel like some older toddlers. In conclusion, if they are fed and well-rested, they are usually happy-go-lucky.

I'll admit that Aria was a little hesitant in the studio at first. She needed a little comforting from mom in the beginning but after we played around and blew up a balloon, she was pretty happy. (Seriously, who doesn't love balloons??) I loved the little smirks she'd give us. We did end the session around her nap time, so she laid on mom for a couple shots and then laid her head down on a blanket - some of my favorite photos from the session. It goes to show that some of the best shots are unplanned. (:

I'm #1!!!

I know she is sad in the next photo, but I just love the emotion....the tuck of the bottom lip...

Nothing like being in mama's arms....

The "let's go home" photo....my fav

Thanks to the Cheetham family for visiting the studio for Aria's first birthday photos! It was a pleasure to capture this moment in time!

If you are looking for a children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.

Kelly Martin 2/11/16 Kelly Martin 2/11/16

Tattoos + Graffiti + Cuteness = Perfection | Different is Good | Indianapolis Family Photographer

This is a throwback session from last August - another one that I've been itching to blog since I wasn't yet a blogger back then. This session took some planning but I was more than happy to spend the extra time for my brother and sis-in law, Vinny and Monica, to help celebrate their daughter Mia's first birthday. First thing they told me is that they wanted something different. Not the normal sunset in the park session. So after some brainstorming, I knew exactly what I wanted to do - we just had to find the right locations. The first portion of the session had to involve graffiti and we found the perfect spot.

The second half of the session didn't pan out like we hoped (there were supposed to be fountains and mermaid outfits but bad weather and locked gates got in our way). But we carried on and actually, got some really great shots of Mia (one of which is on my business cards). You can't go wrong with Mia - she always has this matter-of-fact look on her face and then when you dress her up in a cute outfit and she smiles - well, freaking adorable.

It's appropriate that I'm getting around to writing this blog now, because I will be photographing Vinny and Monica's new arrival in about a month. And again - they want something unique and something different - something that is....them. So stay tuned for that - planning is underway!!

On to the throwback...

Thanks to Vinny and Monica for trusting my creative endeavors and wanting to do something different - love the challenge! I'm looking forward to photographing your family for years to come!

If you are looking for a family or children's photographer, please contact me at kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.