Saturday, September 29, 2007 Cuts and shots for tots By Jeannete Huang-Teves Mom-about-town
HAVE you tried cutting your restless toddler's hair on your own? How about acting like a clown at the photo studio so that your beloved baby can flash that winning smile?
If your reply is, "Been there, done that and I don't want to do it again," worry no more, let the kiddie experts help you!
Fun Cuts Kiddie Salon and Photo Studio (tel. 3055546) recently opened its doors at the third level of Gaisano Mall.
"Fun Cuts is an integrated specialized salon and photo studio that specifically targets kids from ages one to 10 years old. No other establishment in Davao has yet offered such services that caters to the needs of babies and children," shares Kay McDulley-Gempesaw, co-owner of this new business.
Along with equally fashion-forward and vibrant partners, Yvonne Garcia-Soriano and Camille Reinoso-Soriano, they jointly set up Fun Cuts because they have experienced the convenience of similar services for their kids and young relatives in Manila and Cebu. Then, they thought, "Why not Davao as well?"
Cuts without fuss
"All our staff have years of experience in haircutting. They can make what was once a difficult challenge into a pleasurable and exciting one. They have been rigorously trained in dealing and handling children before the opening of the store," discloses Camille.
Their senior hairdresser, Rastom Mendigorin, has 12 years of haircutting experience and 4 years experience in a specialized kiddie salon located in Manila.
The salon's child-friendly amenities include customized kiddie chairs; play area; toys; hypoallergenic hair and foot products; and various cartoon shows that tots can watch from individualized DVD players.
Among the services offered are haircut with shampoo and blow-dry at P160; crew cut at P180; kiddie manicure at P35; kiddie pedicure at P50; and foot scrub with peppermint soak at P170.
They also offer a first haircut package of P250 inclusive of a picture of the child during haircut and a certificate to commemorate the memorable occasion.
Moreover, the membership card priced at P150 entitles members to a 10% discount on all salon services.
Shots for tots
In addition, the photo studio caters not only to the child's needs but also for the whole family. Conveniently, kids will have the chance to show off their new hairstyle and choose from a wide range of digital backgrounds for their cute and fabulous shots from P250-P400. Costumes are also available for free.
As a special promo for Halloween from Oct. 29-November 2, children having photos taken with costumes of their own get 10% discount plus one free 5R picture regardless of the package that they choose.
All kiddie customers get treats like free lollipops after every haircut or photo shoot.
"The Davao market has been very promising. So far, our customers are happy with our services and some have even given suggestions on features that we can add. Our vision is to be recognized as the best salon and photo studio for children in the city. We see ourselves having several more branches in Davao in the years to come," Yvonne gleams.
Here are Fun Cuts' tips for a child-friendly and stress-free haircut and photo shoot experience:
Tips for a kiddie haircut
Bring in a well-rested and fed baby or child.
Inform the stylist of your desired haircut.
Let your child choose the chair of his preference. If the child wants to be carried by his mother/father, an adult chair is provided for their comfort.
If your child has a favorite cartoon show, please request it from the Fun Cuts' staff. If it is available, it would add to your child's enjoyment.
Bring an extra shirt for your child. Some children are bothered by cut hair sticking on them.
If your child is irritable and you feel that he needs a few minutes break from the haircutting process, please inform the staff right away. He can also come back when he feels better.
If you want any retouches done to your child's haircut, you can always come back within a week free of charge.
Portrait tips for infants
Timing is important. Bring in a well-rested and fed child. Two-week old babies make adorable portraits. Bring a favorite swaddling blanket to cover your baby in between shots. Nude and natural photos look great!
Six-nine months old babies look adorable on their tummies.
To have a safe and fun experience, stay beside the child. Limit the number of observers since too many people and noises over-stimulate babies.
Ten-15 minute sittings are ideal. Like the rest of us, babies soon tire of the camera and will make it quite clear when they have had enough.
Portrait tips for toddlers
Prepare for the shoot by bringing the toddler's favorite toy or costume. Arrive early so they can play and relax.
Allow the photographer to take his time. He needs to set the mood first and connect with the child. Once the child is ready, then the photographer starts taking photos.
It is best to capture children naturally, while playing, interacting, or trying out different costumes. You'll be surprised how a photographer can capture your child's personality in all moods, even when they are serious or crying. Don't force your child to give a fake smile, or assume an unnatural pose. Fun Cuts aims to capture the essence of each child.
Portrait tips for families
Use coordinated clothes for family portraits. Plain-colored clothes work best. Do not use prints or clothes with big brands or characters.
When planning portraits for your home, tell the photographer to use a background closest to the color of the room where you will hang your portrait.
Do not try to do everything at once. After a family session, your kid might be too tired or restless for solo shots.
Relaxed portraits are highly recommended. Jeans look best against white background. Be barefoot!
Portrait tips for all
Simplicity is the key. Less is more. Although props are cute, limit the number of props per theme. The photographer wants you to be the focus.
Have a portrait consultation before your session.
Sibling shots look good when they are wearing the same solid clothes. Mommy and daddy photos are perfect for kiddie rooms.
Portraits make great lasting gifts. Plan a session with the recipient in mind. Think of a theme that will suit the occasion.
Bring a variety of outfits. Bring hats, colored knee socks and accessories. Goofy clothes are fun! (For your comments and suggestions, you may e-mail me at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.)
