Planning for your family farm session
We love to take unforced photos of real experiences! At the farm studio, you will find few "props" and certainly no fake backdrops. What you will find are countless objects and locations of understated beauty. There are animals, a great farm swing, 70 acres of woods, meadows, a pond... you get the idea. Real places, real memories.
Whatever brings you to the farm, we want to welcome you like family and help you discover a new photography experience.
Overcome the biggest concerns
for families preparing for a photo session on the Kimball Farm
01) What about the weather?
If it seems like it may be too hot, cold, windy or rainy for your session we will get in touch with you! You will be contacted the day before your session regarding weather. If we need to reschedule, we leave time blocks open for just that purpose.
02) I'm worried it won't go well! Do you stand by your work?
We completely get this fear! After years of working with 100's of families we are pro's at using many strategies to guide you into a low-stress session. We stand by our work. If you don't love your images, we reshoot for free.
03) What if we get sick?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you have illness or injury. If you have a large visible cut, bruise, or rash, please reschedule. Any issue that is small we can address in post processing. If you are unsure, please text us a photo! There is no charge for rescheduling!
COVID-19: Here at the farm we have both elderly and immunocompromised people living with us. If any member of your group has had any symptoms of illness in the 2 weeks prior to your session, we ask that you please reschedule. To protect you, your photographer is following the same guidelines. If rescheduling is needed, we will work hard to get you a new time asap!
04) Can we bring our pet?
We love pets! They are always welcome. Please do remember that we have free-range chickens, so if your dog is likely to chase them, please keep them on a leash.
05) What if we wear/bring the wrong things?
Scroll down to learn more about what to bring and what to leave home.
What should we expect?
- We will spend the majority of our time taking photo-journalistic style images of your family interacting with each other. Even if you are uncomfortable in front of a camera, we will guide you into moments that allow for intimate, natural images that show your love and connection to each other.
- It's worth noting that our style does not emphasize everyone looking at the camera and smiling; we desire to capture natural expressions. If however, having some more posed photos is valuable to you, let your photographer know at the beginning of your session so that they can make sure to capture images that will delight you!
Things we have:
We are all about authenticity, so our farm is our backdrop and nature supplies many beautiful objects to interact with. We welcome you to bring favorite things to make your session personal! A few objects that hold a particular sentimental value are always welcome. (Favorite books, toy, etc.) Most items that we have are muted-tone, natural items.
- Wooden dock over spring-fed pond
- Rustic barns & chicken coop, and pastured pigs, and baby chicks (seasonal)
- Gardens, orchards, and berry patches to wander through
- Wildflower meadows and 25 acres of woods
- Studio barn set up like a neutral, modern rustic home environment
What should we wear?
- Think palettes of colors that work together! We recommend that families coordinate over matching.
- Ultimately, whatever clothing makes you feel most like 'you' is what will produce the most meaningful images. Formal or very casual is fine - the look should just fit you!
- You will most likely be walking around the farm during the session, and should wear clothes/shoes that you're comfortable in.
- Having a change of clothes for a little one that trips into a puddle is not a bad idea!
See gallery below for inspiration.
What to bring:
- A few small, sentimental items if desired
- If you are not planning a change of clothing, please bring a spare outfit for the kids. It's a farm—and mud, chickens, puddles, and the unexpected happen!
Outfit Inspiration
Amy's Pinterest board for more family outfit ideas
Logistics
Location and Directions
Studio/Farm Address: 11730 Waters Road, Chelsea MI
From the road, you will see the red studio barn and a big gray farmhouse on a hill beside it.
Please park on the grass on the east side of the studio barn. (There are garden boxes along the side where you will park.)
Day of the shoot
On the day of the session if you need to reach us, please do not call the studio manager or send an email.
Please text or call your photographer!
Amy - 2 4 8 . 3 0 2 . 5 1 5 0
Candice - 2 4 8. 5 5 6. 6 7 8 3
Hannah - 7 3 4. 4 7 4. 1 2 8 2
Stephany - 7 3 4 . 2 2 1 . 3 1 4 0
Weather Concerns
If it seems like it may be too hot, too cold, too windy, or too rainy for your session we will get in touch with you! You will be contacted the day before, or the day of your session regarding weather. If we need to reschedule, we leave time blocks open for just that purpose.
In Case of Illness
Please let us know as soon as possible if you have illness or injury. We are happy to reschedule you at no charge, but really appreciate the notice! If anyone has a large visible cut, bruise, or rash, please reschedule. Anything issue that is small (such as a pimple, etc) we can remove in post processing. If you are unsure, please text us a photo.
What to wear
You are welcome to as many clothing changes as reasonably fit into your scheduled time. We do have a private changing area.
If you are looking for something new for your shoot, get inspired by our favorite makers.
The most important thing is to dress in favorite items that make you feel great, and feel like yourself. Clothing does not need to be the same color, but keeping things on same same palette does help. For palette ideas and inspiration for every season, please see our board on Pinterest.
If you are not planning a change of clothing, please bring a spare outfit for the kids. It's a farm—and mud, chickens, puddles, and the unexpected happen!
Pets
We love pets! They are always welcome. Please do remember that we have free-range chickens, so if your dog is likely to chase them, please keep him on a leash.
