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Family Films & Photos
Specializing in natural, raw, true-to-life family moments.
HOW IS EMERALD RUE
DIFFERENT?
Family films are new and meaningful in a way that will make you feel.
Why are photos not enough?
It’s simple: audio and movement. Imagine, your family captured on video during your day-to-day, showcasing the way you play and interact. Most importantly, voices and laughter (which change quickly) are archived for you to keep.
My brothers and I recently watched home movies from Christmas 1987. We would bundle up and head to my grandparent’s house to celebrate. My grandparents have since passed but hearing their voices and seeing their smiles is a comfort. These links to the past are treasures that I’m grateful to own.
Emerald Rue is all about serving others with heartfelt imagery and videos. It’s about gifting nostalgia to others.
THE
PROCESS
Here's what you can expect each step of the way:
01. Book Your Session
Fill out the Booking Form below and Jen will reach out to schedule a Discovery Call and send the Pricing Guide. I'd love to hear more about your family and what you envision when you think of a film for your family during this season.
02. Get Prepped
I'll act as a trusted resource and support in the weeks and months leading up to your session. A pre-consultation Zoom call with both mom & dad will be done to answer questions and provide guidance on things like outfits, activities for the film, etc. No need to worry about this part, I've got you.
03. It's Go Time
Your session is here! Take a deep breath and get ready to be present with your family. We'll spend some time getting acquainted. You'll go about your day and I will document, both in motion picture and stills. I may ask questions or give light direction, but mostly, it will be authentic.
04. Ooh and Aah Over Your Film & Images
Your family film & images will be delivered via digital gallery 5-6 weeks later. Plan a viewing party for your family so you can all watch together for the first time! Pop some popcorn, snuggle up and enjoy.
05. Redeem your Artwork Credits
Depending on your session of choice, an artwork credit is included. Now is your time to order a beautiful piece for your wall, a personalized image box or additional digital images.
EMERALD RUE'S SESSIONS
Emerald Rue offers two Family Film sessions,
one Moving Portrait session
&
one photography only session.
The average family invests between $1000 & $2000.
To see my comprehensive Pricing Guide, scroll down and fill out the "Let's Get Started" form.
About Emerald Rue's Sessions
Emerald Rue offers two sessions that include a full family film experience. They are longer, between 2-6 hours (depending on the session you choose) and result in a longer in length final family film. These sessions are video focused, but you'll also receive documentary photos and the option for posed photos.
All sessions include artwork credit, which you may use to purchase albums, canvas and other keepsake items. Sessions also include consultation meetings to plan schedule, clothing, etc. so you're supported throughout the entire process.
Additionally, Emerald Rue offers shorter sessions that are more photography centered. One includes a Moving Portrait and one is photographs only.
Family Film vs. Moving Portrait
A full family film tells a story. It showcases voices, laughter, smiles, gestures, looks…all while your beautiful every day unfolds. The purpose is to capture what you’ll soon forget, so 5 years or even 5 months from now, you own the legacy. Family Films include longer sessions with a longer in length final film.
Moving Portraits are one to two minute mini-films, often filmed during a traditional portrait session. Moving Portraits are a beautiful way to get just a glimpse into your world now, as tomorrow will inevitably change. See www.emeraldrue.com/moving-portraits for examples.
Emerald Rue's Style Guide
Tips for choosing your family's clothing for a session, coordinating colors, and where to shop. You can access the Style Guide here.
How do I book a session?
Great! You're ready to book. Head to the Inquire page and fill out the "Let's Get Started" form. Jen will be in touch shortly and you'll meet via Zoom to get acquainted, tell your family's story and get any questions answered. A contract and retainer will be emailed to you. Once completed, you're officially booked!
About one month out from your session, Jen will send you a questionnaire to get you thinking about the most important parts of life. Then, we'll meet one last time via Zoom (both mom and dad!) to make a plan and discuss specifics.
Once session day arrives, you'll just go about your day as you normally would and I'll capture it in both motion and stills. That's it! The process includes support throughout.
"Jen has captured our important family moments in both stills and video. She is incredibly talented, but what's more, she is professional, flexible and has a wonderful skill working with small children. The family films have brought tears to our eyes and I'm always taken aback seeing the small, intimate moments Jen captures when I don't even realize that she is doing so."
- Cate & Adam
Why are photos not enough?
It’s simple: audio and movement. Imagine, your family captured on video during your day to day, showcasing the way you play and interact. Most importantly, voices and laughter (which change quickly!) are yours to own forever.
My family recently watched home movies from Christmas 1987. We laughed, cried and marveled at how we spoke, interacted and dressed. Such home movies have become treasures.
Won't I feel awkward in front of the camera?
The goal is to remind you of life’s beauty. You’ll be surprised by how comfortable the process is. We will chat throughout and I’ll give light direction. All you need to do is be yourself.
Showcasing human connection is key. In order to do this, I’m going to ask to you be vulnerable. If you are moved to tears, please let them flow. It’s alright! Love up on your kids and significant other.
Because my style is documentary, I’ve found that kids forget I’m present. I’m not asking them to sit still so misbehavior is not likely. I am patient and will stop filming and step away if your child needs a break.
But life is messy right now...
I understand how you feel, but time is fleeting. As you know, your children will only be this little once. Waiting for the perfect day will ensure you miss out on this glimpse of life. The best time is now.
As an auntie of five, a lifetime babysitter, and a former teacher, I have much practice in being patient. If there are tantrums, I will wait. As timeouts are needed, I will wait. When naps are a must, I will film them.
What will my family do during a session?
Sample Everyday Ideas:
Morning routine (wake up, breakfast, brush teeth)
Dinner time (prep, pray, eat, conversation)
Outside play (Park, bike rides, swings, walks in woods)
Nighttime routine (bath, PJs, read books, tuck in)
A special event (birthday, holiday baking, family traditions)
Sessions include support throughout. Before the session, I'll send a questionnaire to help us plan. Then, we will have a Zoom consultation to ensure we have a plan.
Alternatively, we can throw the plan out the window! It's truly a customizable experience that highlights what's most important to YOU.
Will this add stress to my already busy life?
Very little, if any! For most, the process is much easier than a photo session. Documenting real life means you don't need to put on a show, clean your house or plan outfits (unless you want to).
Before your session, we’ll schedule a Zoom call (both mom and dad should be present). At that time, we’ll create a framework for the family film session. It’s helpful to add in some special activities to get your kids excited.
On the day of the session, I will arrive at your home (or meet you at a chosen location) and take a few minutes to get to acquainted. From there, you will go about doing the activities planned. Then, I will simply document them as they happen, both in motion picture and stills. For the most part, it’ll be authentically your family the way you always see it. I may ask you questions or give you light direction.
NEXT STEPS
FILL OUT THE FORM LETTING US KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE. WE WOULD LOVE TO JUMP ON A CALL TO DISCUSS CAPTURING YOUR FAMILY'S EVERYDAY.
LET'S GET STARTED!
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EMERALD RUE, FAMILY FILMS & PHOTOGRAPHS | [email protected]
Copyright 2025 Jennifer Martodam Creative, LLC