Limited Edition Styled Sessions Q & A

Limited Edition Styled Sessions have become a mainstay here at Kim Winey Photography.  They feed my creative soul and I can't imagine NOT offering them to my clients, now!

Because they are such a unique experience I often receive questions about how they work.  Here you can find some Q & A's explaining the process.  Please leave comments below, if you have more!

Q. What is a Limited Edition Styled Session?

A. Limited Edition Styled Sessions are photo shoots with a strong theme that feel like a page out of a storybook.  

All of the clothing, props, scene, hair styles, etc... are meticulously coordinated to produce an artistic interpretation of that theme.  The children who enter into the scene take on the role of a character within that story.

For example, in "la boutique de jardin", the story is of a quaint, French garden shoppe.  The character is the young woman who owns the shop, - a charming, little lady who is a lover of plants, flowers and vintage finds.

"la boutique de jardin"

Each scene is custom-made for each styled session.

Everything in the scene is real.  There is no photoshopping done to add elements to the photos.

I design the scene and then with the help of my husband, Fred, and often interns or other small business collaborators- we build it, piece by piece.  Once the photo sessions are finished, everything is torn down and with the exception of "le potager" the scene will likely never exist again.  This ensures that every styled session is unique and truly one-of-a-kind!

"Vintage Christmas Eve"

Q. Do you provide the props and clothing for Styled Sessions?

A. The props, yes!  The clothing, some!  I have a few articles of clothing and accessories in my "prop and clothing closest" that clients are welcome to use at no extra cost.  However, clients also bring their own clothes and we combine them with my items to complete the looks!

"The Fine Art Spring Tea"

Q. If I need to purchase clothing, how do I know what type of clothing to pick?

A. I have Pinterest boards for all of my styled shoots.  On the boards, you will find both inspiration photos for the session as well as photos of clothing suggestions.  I often have links to the shops where you can purchase the clothing as well!

I also ask to view all of the options you're considering, before you purchase to make sure we stay on the same creative page.

"Vintage Christmas Eve"

Q. Can I request a theme for my child's Limited Edition Styled Session?

A. Yes, suggestions are always welcome!  However, due to the large amount of work and financial investment involved in styled sessions, I need to create sessions that are open to several families.  I also need to make sure that the concept is able to be created in a way that is lush and well put together.  Having a personal connection to the theme is important to me as well, I've discovered.  The more I feel moved by the theme, the better the session is!

If you would like a custom made Limited Edition Styled Session for your family only, that can be arranged.  Prices for a custom-designed session vary depending on the cost of the props, rental of the property, as well as the time invested in preparation and set up.

Inspired by "My Many Colored Days" 

Q. How long do the sessions usually last?

A. Typically we schedule one hour for our shoot, plus extra time to prepare hair, clothing, and accessories.  *Additional time can be booked for families of three or more.

"Bohemian Family Fun-fest"

Q. How many photos will be taken during a styled session?

A. The quantity of photos varies depending on the session and the collection you choose.

"Just Gingers"

Q. What will my child be doing during the session?

A. My goal is always to capture realistic photos of kids, vs posed/looking at the camera types of shots.  In order to accomplish this, I always have activities planned for the session.  The activities vary depending on the theme of the session.

For example- in "The Potter's Farm Garden & Harvest" session, the kids were able to dig through the dirt and harvest potatoes!

"Potter's Farm Garden & Harvest"

Generally speaking, we spend only a few minutes at each activity to keep the session interesting.

I often include a drink or a snack with the styled sessions, as well!  I'm a foodie...  I just can't help myself.

"la boutique de jardin"

Q. What ages work best for styled sessions?

A. Since the sessions involve instructions and activities the best ages are usually from 3 and up. Younger children sometimes join the fun as well, but parents understand in advance that they will most likely do what they want, vs taking instructions.  ;-)

"Seasons Greetings"

Q. How do I know what styled sessions you are planning?

A. Styled sessions are announced on Facebook.  Follow along on FB for further details or give me a call for advanced notifications!  717-689-4433.

"le potager" (the kitchen garden)

Q. What happens if it rains on our session date?

A. If the session is outdoors, we reschedule.  If it's indoors, the show goes on!

Q. Do you take new clients for your styled sessions?

A. Yes!  Advanced notice is given to my private "Best of the best VIP" group, but after that, anyone can join!

"Camp Christmas"

Q. Where do your styled sessions take place?

A. Styled sessions have taken place in Philadelphia and Northeastern PA, but most are now in Lancaster County, PA.

"Up in the Attic ~ Dress up time"

Q. Do you ever create styled shoots with only a few props.

A. Sometimes, but not often.  My goal is to create scenes that look so full and rich that people assume everything was already there.  As if we simply showed up and used the space for our photos.

There are a few exceptions though, one being "The Steamtown Train Station" sessions. Steamtown is a tourist stop, in Scranton, Pa.  The location already has several fabulous backdrops, so a suitcase and a teddy bear are typically all we need to take along, to bring the scenes to life!  Because of this, I can book sessions at Steamtown almost year round.  Easy peasy!

"Steamtown Train Station"

Q.  What are the costs of your Styled Sessions?

A.  Styled sessions typically cost between $1,000 and $2,200, though this can vary greatly depending on what is chosen by the client.

Retainers (formerly called sitting fees) start at $250.  Additional fees apply for multiple children & adults.

Christmas Styled Sessions start at $500.

"Oh Christmas Tea"

I hope this answers all of your questions about Limited Edition Styled Sessions, but if you've got a few more, leave us a comment below!