Christ Church here in Pelham is one of my FAVORITE locations. They’ve got a few great spots on their grounds (stone walls, cool rocks, awesome old doors) that will allow us to move around a little and get some variety in our photos.
Christ Church is located at 1415 Pelhamdale Avenue in Pelham, NY 10803. There’s some info and a map HERE if you’re not familiar with the place. Please park in the lot directly across Pelhamdale Avenue.
When it’s your kids’ time for photos, I ask that you meet me in the parking lot across the street (next to the big cross), ready to go. While I may not be standing there when you arrive, I will run out and pick you up when it’s your scheduled time. I recommend that you arrive a few minutes early but stay warm in the car until I come get you. If it’s cold, PLEASE — and I know I’m harping on this — layer on the scarves, sweaters, mittens, coats and hats for these minis. I’ve been doing outdoor mini sessions for many years now, and I have discovered a very simple formula. Here it is: WARM KIDS = HAPPY KIDS.
If you can’t find me at your scheduled time, call my cell at (914) 263-0236.
Now that we’ve got the nitty gritty details out of the way, some FAQ’s:
I highly recommend that you plan to get to your location a few minutes early so that we can get started right on time. It’s a pretty tight schedule, and I’ll have to stop shooting ten minutes after your scheduled time to prepare for the next session, so lateness will mean a reeeeallly short session — and they’re already pretty short! Let’s use the time to help everyone relax and have a good time.
Please, please dress for the weather. I KNOW I’m harping on this, but these are HOLIDAY CARD photos — I want to see lots of coats, hats, mittens, and scarves! Oh, and remember — if your kids are really little, I may call you parents in as props — so, be photo ready, just in case!
Not a thing, other than your kids, some warm layers and as many good moods as you can manage! I know that this is sometimes easier said than done — just remember that some grumpiness is totally expected (especially when little kids are involved) and that you should do your best to RELAX. Stress is like oxygen to grumpiness. Seriously — allow it to dissipate rather than feeding it with your stress — and give me room to work my magic. I promise, it’s all good.
I’m going to think positive thoughts and WILL it not to rain. I am definitely a glass-half-full person, but I’m not gonna lie — the weather man has burned me in the past. Don’t worry, though. If it’s yucky out on Saturday, I’ll be in touch about rescheduling. Please keep your assigned time open on SUNDAY just in case. As for cold weather, I think we should expect it may be pretty chilly — it is November, after all. That’s OK, though! With the right accessories — I’m talking coats, hats, mittens, scarves — we’ll have rosy cheeks, toasty kiddos AND a gorgeous wintry-themed photo!
As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions!
These three were cozy, happy, and perfectly dressed for the November weather. (I won’t show you the picture of the little girl who showed up in a short-sleeved smocked Christmas dress, but … you get the idea, right?)
I drop in occasionally with tips, deals and announcements. Want to be the first to know?
Jaye McLaughlin is an award-winning newborn and family photographer serving Westchester, NYC and beyond since 2010.
sign me up