Micro Holiday Sessions
Looking for a quick family photo to use for holiday cards and didn't get a chance to book a longer session? Our Micro Holiday Sessions may be just what you're looking for!
On December 3rd (Rain Date December 4th) we'll be doing quick family photos for the holiday season at Ringwood Manor in Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, NJ.
Micro Holiday Sessions are $20 for one group pose, which includes the full resolution digital download. Looking for a second photo of just the kids? Book additional Micro Holiday Sessions for just $15 each (up to 4 additional).
Each Micro Holiday Session takes about 5 minutes on average -- even faster if everyone smiles and looks at the camera!
In order to make sure things run smoothly, we have all the information right here on how the day goes!
Please read all of the information below even if you have participated in Holiday Mini Sessions or Portraits in the Park for Operation Smile previously as MANY things are different. Let us know if you have any questions!
After you read all of the information, please process your quote that was in the confirmation email. You will not be considered registered for your session until you do so. There is a cap on how many sessions we can book for each time grouping. Failure to process your quote in a timely manner may prevent you from being confirmed for your preferred time.
Location Information
Our Micro Holiday Sessions will be taking place at the grounds of Ringwood Manor Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, NJ (1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456).
Q: Will there be an entrance fee?
A: There is no entrance fee to the park between Labor Day and Memorial Day
Q: Where in the park will you be?
A: When you get to the park, follow the main road (past a small pond on the left) until you turn left into the main parking lot. You can park here and walk to where we'll be. If you stand with the Manor (which is under construction) to your left, you'll see a small road to the far right-hand side of the parking lot. Our volunteers will be stationed at the corner of the parking lot near the small road to point you in the right direction. Please see the pictures below:
Q: If I get lost, can I call you?
A: Unfortunately we won't be available to answer text messages and phone calls while shooting other clients' micro sessions.
Q: Can I bring props?
A: Of course! If there is something special you would like to include in your portraits, please feel free to bring it.
Process Upon Arrival
When you arrive at the shooting location within the park, you will check-in with our volunteer and get in line, (if there is one).
Each Micro Holiday Session is limited to one group photo/pose. Your photographer may take several photos of each Micro Holiday Session to ensure everyone was looking, not blinking, and smiling. If you have young children this may take a few extra photos. You will then be provided with the best 1 image from your Micro Session. If you book multiple Micro Sessions, all of your images will be in 1 album.
Please make sure you have processed the quote that was linked in your confirmation email before it expires or you will not be considered registered and will not be able to participate.
Payment Information
Payments must be made through your quote that was sent to you by the expiration date to confirm your slot. Payments are to be made in full at the time you process your quote. We will not be receiving payments on the day of the Micro Holiday Sessions as per park regulations. If you do not sign your contract and make your payment in advance, you will not be considered registered and we will not take your photo.
Q: What is included in my session fee?
A: Your $20 includes a private online album, post-processing, your full-resolution digital download, and a 10% off coupon. If you book additional Micro Holiday Sessions, they will be $15 per additional session (up to 4 additional sessions) and will include what is listed above. If booking multiple sessions, your photos from all will be in one online album.
Q: My plans suddenly changed. Can I get my deposit back or re-schedule the Micro Holiday Session?
A: Unless we need to use the rain date, no other dates for the Micro Holiday Sessions will be added due to this being our busiest time of the year. We hope that you understand!
Post-Portrait Process and Ordering Information
Once all the images are edited, they will be uploaded to an online gallery on our website and you will receive an email letting you know your photos are ready. An unlimited use coupon code for 10% off good for 1 month from the date the gallery is posted will be included in this email. You will be able to download your images directly from your gallery without any additional codes or special directions.
While we cannot make promises (as 2020 has proven to be quite the wild card year!), our goal is to get your photos to you within a few days. We know you are looking for these for sending out holiday cards and will be doing our best to get them back to you as soon as possible!
Q: What are the price ranges for purchasing prints?
A: Prints: 4x6 - $5; 5x7 - $7: 8x10 - $10; 11x14 - $25
These are just a small sample of print sizes and products available. Canvas prints, metal prints, and books are also available. Ask for more information!
Q: How many photos will we get?
A: While we may take several shots to make sure we get the best one, each Micro Holiday Session will get 1 photo. Each additionally booked Micro Holiday Session will also get 1 photo per session.
Q: How long will it take for the pictures to be ready?
A: Our goal is within a few days, but your contract may read as a week out just in case.
Q: What does "Process" mean?
A: Processing or post-processing your images means we go through and fine-tune each image so it's the final work of art you will treasure. It may include some light retouching (removal of temporary blemishes like scratched or acne), or other special processing such as head swapping if we can't get 1 photo with everyone looking/smiling/not blinking. This is what separates the art of photography from snapshots.
Q: How do I get my free digital file?
A: Since all Micro Holiday Sessions include 1 photo, your private password protected album within a main gallery will be open to be able to download right from the gallery. Please remember that anyone who has your specific password will be able to download your photo as well.
What to Wear
Colors - Gone are the days of matching attire for family portraits! These photo sessions should be about expressing your personalities, not making you look like a sports team. Choose a few colors that work together and have everyone dress in those shades. When choosing colors, try to think about what the pictures will be used for. A print hanging on your living room wall? Make sure your wardrobe colors flow with the colors in your living room.
Clothes, Accessories and Shoes - Choose a top with sleeves at least down to your elbows. Exposed arms
create an uneven balance of skin compared to the face, and most people do not like the way their upper arms photograph. If you are looking to draw attention away from your hips, stay away from pockets and other details on hips. To give the illusion of a more defined waist, choose clothes with gathering at the waist or accessorize with a high-waist belt. If you want to include a "statement" piece to accessorize with, only choose one. Ladies if you have a killer pair of heels you want to show off, bring them! But remember our location is in an outdoor park, so bring a backup pair of shoes to change into between poses. Gents, make sure socks match pants and that your shoes are clean. Avoid white sneakers! They're incredibly distracting in a portrait. Kids should look like kids. Dress them in age appropriate clothes that match the color scheme and tone of the rest of the family. Make sure shoes are clean and if appropriate, shined. Accessories follow that of ladies and gents.
Jewelry - Like accessories, picking a statement piece is good, but don't go overboard. If you have wedding or engagement rings, make sure they're cleaned for any possible close-ups. For kids, keep accessories minimal and "real" as much as possible. If your little princess refuses to leave the house without her bright pink plastic pearls, go with the flow and limit any other accessories. It will be a precious reminder of this time in her childhood and will be better than a pouting princess!
Nails & Hands - Make sure nails are trimmed and clean, either entirely unpolished or freshly painted. Having problems with old polish staining your nails? Try a little whitening toothpaste to help remove stains.
Hair - Wear your hair the way you normally would with the clothes you picked out to wear. For kids, pick simple styles that will last through the kids playing. Avoid tight ponytails, which could create a "balding" effect in the images.
Makeup - It should be slightly bolder than your everyday look, with definition on the eyes, cheeks and lips. Stay away from the "smoky eye look" which can make eyes appear sunken. To prevent dark circles under your eyes, apply a small amount of concealer that matches your skin tone under your eyes.
Bad Weather
The scheduled rain date will be December 4th
Bad weather happens, unfortunately -- so we need to have plans in the off chance we might have an unfavorable day (or part of a day) for taking pictures!
If we are forecast for a high percentage of steady rain or heavy snow, we may postpone to the rain date and you will be notified by the day before the event.
If we are forecast for "iffy" weather (low percentages of rain, misty/foggy weather) we will still try to run the event. If your registered time group in particular looks like it will be affected, then we will reach out to reschedule you. Please keep an eye on your email in the days leading up to your registered date!
If you do not receive an email from us, then we will still be running the event.
Hopefully, none of this will matter and we will have bright and sunny days! Everyone think good thoughts!