Free LYYP Micro Mini Sessions on November 11th at Glen Island Park!

I’ll be doing the November 11 sessions at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, near “Starnburg Castle”. (Hey, did you know that Glen Island was an Epcot-esque amusement park in the late 1800’s? Starnburg Castle was a beer garden in what was then “Little Germany”.)

There’s some info, directions and a map HERE.

To get to our spot within the park, follow the road around to the right after you cross the bridge and enter the park. Pull into the first parking lot on the right, and park as far to the right and as close to the water as you can. I may not be here when you arrive, but I’ll come and collect you at your designated time and we’ll be off and running.  (Look for one of my elves to greet you in the parking lot).  The great thing about this location is that there are a lot of very nice, diverse spots within a small geographical area. There’s the beautiful castle, a stone gazebo, multiple stone staircases and beautiful trees, and the docks that Pelham Rowing uses to launch its boats. You can’t beat it this time of year.  (Note — there’s a nice playground on the FAR side of this area from the parking lot. I recommend you either don’t tell your kids about this at all or promise your kids a visit AFTER their photo session, so that we don’t spend any of your precious ten minutes bribing them off the monkey bars).

You don’t need a park permit to visit during the off season.

I recommend that you arrive a few minutes early but stay warm in the car until I come get you.  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 eight years now, and I have discovered a very simple formula.  Here it is (are you ready)?:  WARM KIDS = HAPPY KIDS.

If you can’t find me at your scheduled time, call my cell at (914) 263-0236.

Important Paperwork

• Micro Mini Session Client Information Form and Agreement.  This is reeeeaaallly important — If you haven’t already done this, please click over and take care of it right now. It allows me to make sure everyone’s on the same page, helps me to get ready for your session, gives me ideas to engage and distract your kids, and can generally help everything go smoothly.

Now that we’ve got the nitty gritty details out of the way, some FAQ’s:

What time should I get there?

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.

Getting Ready

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!

What should I bring?

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.

What if it RAINS, or is REALLY FREEZING cold?!?!

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 to 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?)