My hope is that the following information will help to prepare you for your child’s Milestone Studio Session. As a mother to three children, I understand how important it is to capture these moments, but I also know we only have a short window to take pictures before they become tired. I want to make this experience fun and stress-free for all of you. These years are precious and it is an honor that you’ve invited me to create these memories for your family.

I’ve included directions to the Studio below. My phone number is also included if you have any troubles locating the studio. It is very important for you to arrive on time. I know this can be difficult with children, but due to other appointments with clients or my family obligations, I appreciate you respecting your session time. I do my best to allow ample time for all my clients based on my experience and never want you to feel stressed or rushed, but I also need to make sure I have session limits so that I may take care of all the other items that go along with running my business.

{THE STUDIO & POLICIES} 

• Although the studio area is carpeted, heated/air conditioned, there is no bathroom available as the studio is located in an addition behind my home. I do ask that children have the opportunity to go to the bathroom before you arrive at the studio. It helps to keep the session moving smoothly and eliminates me from stepping away from time that I can be taking pictures or preparing the next set-up. In addition, I do have three dogs and it can become distracting for children as they’d rather stay with the dogs than have their pictures done.
• Seating is limited in the studio. Please bring only those being photographed and one other guest if needed. This also helps keep your child from being distracted and overwhelmed with everyone trying to get their attention.
• I have a variety of props/clothing/headbands that you may use for your session. All props, blankets and clothing is cleaned or laundered after each session. Take comfort in knowing that I do my best to keep the environment as germ-free and sanitary as possible. I am also up-to-date on my vaccinations, including the Pertussis Vaccination.
• PLEASE, if your child is coughing, has a runny nose with yellow or green discharge, fever, ear infection or stomach issues, please reschedule! You will not be penalized for having to reschedule due to an illness. Just email me or call me as soon as possible. I know this may be inconvenient for you, but your session will run smoother and you will have nicer images if your child is feeling their best. In addition, it will protect myself, my family and other clients from getting sick. Thank you for understanding.

There is no smoking in or outside of the studio.

{PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION} 

• Try to schedule your child’s session shortly after they get up in the morning or after their nap time. If you’ve reserved your session months in advance and you notice their schedule changing closer to your session, please contact me and I can see if we can adjust the time accordingly.
• Make sure your child is well fed before your session. Although I recommend bringing a bottle or drink, I have found that bringing snacks is a distraction for most children and it’s hard to photograph them when they’re eating.
• Parents, dress comfortably! I do ask for assistance during the session. It’s helpful to have you close to your child while I’m photographing them to make sure they are safe if they are in a chair, holding on to a chair or if they aren’t quite sitting up on their own for a long period of time. If they are crawling or walking, it’s very helpful to have you wrangle them back to the set-up.
• If another adult comes along, sometimes I may ask them to sit right next to me and get your child’s attention. If your child is nervous, they make react better to a familiar face.
• Try to enjoy it! I know it can be stressful if your child doesn’t sit in one place for long or you feel they aren’t smiling enough. I have noticed through the process of photographing this age group that all expressions, smiling, serious, sticking out their tongue and even some crying (even though I’d prefer them not to be upset), serve as a memory from that moment. Something to look back on and tell them, “I remember this session, you….”. Your child may always smile at home, but when they come for pictures, it’s something different. They’re soaking it all in.

{CAKE SMASH} 

• A white cake, with white frosting and whatever colored icing your heart desires. I recommend white because, let’s face it, mushy chocolate cake looks like poo.
• A third outfit specific for the cake smash. Just remember it may get stained from the icing so don’t choose their special birthday outfit they need to wear for next weeks party.
• I do have some accessories such as a cake stand, a number one, banners, confetti, tissue poms and balloons.
• Wipes, a plastic bag for dirty clothes and a clean outfit to go home in. I do try to have wipes and bags on hand at the studio.

{WHAT TO BRING} 

• Bring two to three of your favorite outfits. Although the sessions allows for three clothing changes, some kids become irritable being changed frequently so we will always start with your favorite outfit. Session time includes a few minutes at the beginning for us to discuss clothing, set-ups and allows me to interact with your little one for a few minutes before they need to perform.
• You may dress your little one once you arrive at the studio while I am preparing the first set-up so that way their outfit stays clean and wrinkle free. Please make sure clothing is free of stains, tears and wrinkles. It’s best to avoid small pinstripes (it looks busy in photographs), logos, neon colors and characters. It’s distracting and it takes away from the focus of your child. Opt for clothing that has a timeless feel to it. Jewel tones are great colors to implement into their wardrobe as well as the classics – cream, brown, gray and navy. If you want them to stand out a bit, try pulling in a chunky sweater, a scarf, a hat, etc.
• Bring a brush, diapers, wipes and bottle (if you’re nursing that is perfectly fine in the studio too). If they have a special item that you’d like to include in an image, bring that as well.
• If they have a favorite toy or anything that makes them giggle, please bring that as well.
• With your permission, if an older sibling is being added into the session, I’m not opposed to offering a bribe if it gets them to stay in one spot for a couple of minutes. I do try to keep stickers, bubbles and small lollipops on hand but if you have something that may work, by all means, bring that along.

{DIRECTIONS TO THE STUDIO} 

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT MY HOME STUDIO: Please pull all the way to the back of the driveway where you will come to an addition of two garages and a room with a door. The studio portion is located at the blue door.

Address: 29 Capitol Circle, Rochester, NH 03867             Telephone: 603 | 674 | 5675

Heading North on the Spaulding Turnpike – Exit 14 – Ten Rod Road: At the bottom of the exit ramp you will take a left onto Ten Rod Road. Approximately one mile up the road there will be two entrances for Capitol Circle on the right hand side. Take the 2nd entrance that is located directly across from Ebony Drive. My home is the 6th house on left. Dark brown cape, no shutters, flag pole in front yard and a blue door.

Heading South on the Spaulding Turnpike – Exit 15 – Rte. 11 – At the end of the ramp you will take a left. Continue for about a mile until you come to a 2nd set of lights (right after a plaza that has a Planet Fitness, Sun Tan City, etc.). You will take a right onto Ten Road and continue under the overpass. Approximately one mile up the road there will be two entrances for Capitol Circle on the right hand side. Take the 2nd entrance that is located directly across from Ebony Drive. My home is the 6th house on left. Dark brown cape, no shutters, flag pole in front yard and a blue door.

I look forward to seeing you! ~Tara