Some of the first signs of Fall just around the corner are those beautiful apples and crab-apples hanging in the trees and children heading back to school! I am so excited to be offering Back to School Sessions for children and teens and my Under the Apple Tree Sessions for families this September.
How will Covid impact my session?
- Our focus is still on making sure your session is the best possible experience, which means we are available every step of the way to help you plan for your session, including what to wear and what to expect.
- We will still have toys to capture attention and garner laughs.
- One of my assistants will be with me at sessions to help me capture the most beautiful smiles and loving moments.
- Session locations will continue to be chosen based on accessible parking, a variety of backdrops, and in low traffic areas to reduce distractions and contact with others.
What are your Covid safety protocols for sessions?
- We will remain at least 6-8 feet apart for the duration of the session.
- We will hold off on hugging, handshakes, and high fives. There will be no physical contact during sessions. Our enthusiasm and excitement will bridge the distance, I promise.
- We will not make any hands-on adjustments to hair, clothing, or poses. We will give verbal cues and directions as well as demonstrate what we are asking you to do.
- We won’t be sharing props or blankets however you are more than welcome to bring your own items to the session.
What is your session illness policy?
Sessions will be postponed if anyone in your household is:
- sick at the time of your session
- is under quarantine after contact with suspected or positive cases of Covid at work, daycare, or school
All clients will complete a screening questionnaire before their session to protect everyone’s health and safety.
Due to the time limited nature of Fall Sessions and unpredictable weather, I cannot guarantee that your Fall Session can be rescheduled in 2021. Any sessions that cannot be rescheduled will be offered priority booking for future sessions.
How do I book my session?
Booking your session can all be done online in my boutique starting on August 30th. Sign up to my VIP List and the booking links to all my sessions will be sent straight to your inbox.
Do I have to pay for my session fee in full?
Back to School Session payment will be taken upon booking. A session deposit is required to secure your Under the Apple Tree Session with the balance for your session paid the week your session is scheduled to take place.
What are the dates for Back to School and Under the Apple Tree Sessions?
Saturday, September 11th (back up date September 12th)
Tuesday, September 14th (back up date September 15th)
Saturday, September 18th (back up date September 19th)
What types of photos do you take during our session?
Posed, candid, both…it’s up to you! My clients fill out a detailed questionnaire before our time together so I know what photos and poses are most important to you and your family.
Can grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles come to the session?
Sessions are for immediate family members only (parents and their children). At this time I do not offer sessions for extended family members.
Where will the sessions take place?
I choose all session locations based on accessibility, safety, and available light and backdrops. All sessions take place in the central to east end of Ottawa. Clients are provided with the specific meeting place the day before the session.
What happens if it’s raining on the day of our session?
I make the decision to postpone sessions based on satellite images and whether it will be actively raining at the time of our session. This decision is made 1.5-2 hours before the session. Sessions are not rescheduled due to temperature, wet ground, overcast sky, etc.
If sessions are postponed due to rain your session will take place at the same time it was originally scheduled on the date listed in your session description. If there is inclement weather anticipated on your rain date / time you will be offered one alternate session date / time. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you cannot be present at the listed rain date and someone cannot be found to take your place your session fee will not be refunded nor can it be applied to a future session.
Back to School Photography Sessions
Back to school photos are a tradition for many families. Twenty to thirty years ago those photos were on display in your home (and likely your grandparents’ homes) but it’s rare today to see framed school photos on display, even if families have them taken every year. I started offering Back to School sessions because not only do I want them to be a fun and relaxed experience for my clients but I want families to have photos they are proud to hang on the walls of their home.
Session details:
- $125+HST (for up to 2 siblings). Includes 2 edited, retouched & artistically enhanced digital images of your choice in colour and black & white and 1 complimentary gift print of your choice.
- Sessions include up to 2 siblings, please email info@saramcconnell.ca if you have more than 2 children
- Photos can include the use of my antique desk prop, it’s up to you!
- Sessions will be a fun and relaxed event with a variety of ages in attendance so that younger first time students can gain confidence watching their older peers have their photos taken
Under the Apple Tree Sessions
Come join me Under the Apple Tree for beautiful photos of your family and children this September. The apple and crabapple trees give an air of nostalgia to your photos and is the perfect backdrop for creating new memories with your family.
Temperatures in September tend to be much more comfortable than in October so if your children are sensitive to the cold or if you like the warmth this is a great Fall Session for you. Photos can include the use of my antique desk prop if you’d like to include Back to School Photos as a part of your session.
What are the session options?
There are two session options:
- 15 minute Memories Session ($299+HST)- for families with 3 people OR a session that is just for your children. Includes 5 edited and retouched digital images of your choice in colour and black & white and 3 complimentary gift prints of your choice.
- 20 minute More Memories Session ($345+HST)- for families with more than 3 family members. Includes 8 edited and retouched digital images of your choice in colour and black & white and 3 complimentary gift prints of your choice.
How do I book my session?
Booking your session can all be done online in my boutique starting on August 30th. Sign up to my VIP List and the booking links to all my sessions will be sent straight to your inbox.
