Thank you for collaborating with me on this free project! I look forward to helping you provide a little magic to your child’s big day with this completely free photograph. Usually these magical photographs start in my studio behind a professional camera and lighting on a green screen to hit the right angles and highlights. Given our circumstances at the moment, I’m putting the camera in your hands and I’m sure you will rock your DIY session! Since this is a combined effort, I cannot stand by the quality of these photographs without the use of a professional camera. Your photo will be suitable for online use, not print.
Start by selecting the backdrop you would like from the 4 listed below and follow the guidelines to snap your photos:
UNICORN
Outfit
Anything goes with this whimsical background! Dress them up and accessorize or go for something more classic. Please avoid all graphic tees and logos to make it a timeless look.
Set Prep
Step 1:Find the room with the most natural sunlight. You can complete this outside but not in direct sunlight, cloudy days are best.
Step 2: Hang a WHITE sheet on the back of a chair/couch/taped to the wall, anything goods! The goal here is to have a solid colour behind them and under them, minimize wrinkles as much as you can. If you don’t have WHITE, you can substitute any other solid colour.
Step 3: Take the photo during the day when your home is filled with natural light, avoiding harsh shadows on the child
Positioning
For the UNICORN backdrop place your child in a sitting pose with their legs to one side or criss crossed.
Tips:
- Take a few steps back when taking the photo, I need the full frame (shoes, top of head)
- Get down to their level, this is a straight on shot, avoid aerial shots
- The Unicorn will be to THEIR RIGHT/YOUR LEFT, it adds to the fun if they are reaching or looking in that approx. direction
Photo shoot time!
Depending on the age of your child, some offering of a reward can help you but don’t push it. If they become upset, it’s best to give them a break and try again later.
Place them on your Set and have fun! We’re looking to achieve something that is clear(not blurry).
Turn off flash (if you feel the need to use it, please find a room with better light or go outside)
FROZEN
Outfit
Anything goes with this icey background! Dress them up in a themed outfit from Frozen or go for something more winter themed. Please avoid all graphic tees, logos, and summery clothes to make it a timeless photo.
Set Prep
Step 1:Find the room with the most natural sunlight. You can complete this outside but not in direct sunlight, cloudy days are best.
Step 2: Hang a WHITE sheet on the back of a chair/couch/taped to the wall, anything goods! The goal here is to have a solid colour behind them and under them, minimize wrinkles as much as you can. If you don’t have WHITE, you can substitute any other solid colour.
Step 3: Take the photo during the day when your home is filled with natural light, avoiding harsh shadows on the child
Positioning
For the FROZEN backdrop place your child in a strong pose they can showcase their dance moves or expose their inner powers. Make sure if they are standing, you have a full body shot.
Tips:
- Take a few steps back when taking the photo, I need the full frame (shoes, top of head)
- Get down to their level, this is a straight on shot, avoid aerial shots
Photoshoot time!
Depending on the age of your child, some offering of a reward can help you but don’t push it. If they become upset, it’s best to give them a break and try again later.
Place them on your Set and have fun! We’re looking to achieve something that is clear(not blurry).
Turn off flash (if you feel the need to use it, please find a room with better light or go outside)
DINOSAUR
Outfit
Pick casual jeans and a tee or go for something more rustic and adventurous for this pose. Please avoid all graphic tees and logos to make it a timeless look.
Set Prep
Step 1:Find the room with the most natural sunlight. You can complete this outside but not in direct sunlight, cloudy days are best.
Step 2: Hang a WHITE sheet on the back of a chair/couch/taped to the wall, anything goods! The goal here is to have a solid colour behind them and under them, minimize wrinkles as much as you can. If you don’t have WHITE, you can substitute any other solid colour.
Step 3: Take the photo during the day when your home is filled with natural light, avoiding harsh shadows on the child
Positioning
Find a space in your home where they can sit high enough to have their feet dangle (with the WHITE sheet set prepped above). Keep their pose relaxed with the legs apart like they are balancing, they can showcase their bravery here!
Tips:
- Take a few steps back when taking the photo, I need the full frame (bottom of shoes, top of head)
- Get down to their level, this is a straight on shot, avoid aerial shots
Photoshoot time!
Depending on the age of your child, some offering of a reward can help you but don’t push it. If they become upset, it’s best to give them a break and try again later.
Place them on your Set and have fun! We’re looking to achieve something that is clear(not blurry).
Turn off flash, if you feel the need to use it, please find a room with better light or go outside.
SUPERHERO
Outfit
Anything goes with this whimsical background! Dress them up and accessorize or go for something more classic. Please avoid all graphic tees and logos to make it a timeless look.
Set Prep
Step 1:Find the room with the most natural sunlight. You can complete this outside but not in direct sunlight, cloudy days are best.
Step 2: Hang a WHITE sheet on the back of a chair/couch/taped to the wall, anything goods! The goal here is to have a solid colour behind them and under them, minimize wrinkles as much as you can. If you don’t have WHITE, you can substitute any other solid colour.
Step 3: Take the photo during the day when your home is filled with natural light, avoiding harsh shadows on the child
Positioning
A casual crossed leg pose is best hands in lap or reaching for their next cape, let their personality shine!
Tips:
- Take a few steps back when taking the photo, I need the full frame (bottom of shoes, top of head)
- Get down to their level, this is a straight on shot, avoid aerial shots
Photo shoot time!
Depending on the age of your child, some offering of a reward can help you but don’t push it. If they become upset, it’s best to give them a break and try again later.
Place them on your Set and have fun! We’re looking to achieve something that is clear(not blurry).
Turn off flash, if you feel the need to use it, please find a room with better light or go outside.
Please send me your top THREE photos to alayna@fyviestudio.com including their NAME, BIRTHDATE, and BACKDROP CHOICE. I will pick the photo I think best suits the image and send your photo back to you over email in up to 7 days. I’m eager to get back to editing and providing the best quality I can remotely. If you share your photo, feel free to tag me and follow me on Instagram & Facebook :).
Thank you for the opportunity, I hope your child has a magical day!!
Alayna
Fyvie Studios
Aldershot, Burlington