What style of photography do you offer?
I like to think of my style as “gently guided lifestyle” photography. Yes, I will put you into some poses, but the rest is up to you! Once in position, we play, we giggle, we snuggle. I’m more fluid and candid, focusing on the interactions between you and your family members, rather than trying to get the perfectly posed portrait. It’s all about the in-between moments, the unique details that make up the personality of your sweet family.
What collections do you offer?
I am an all-inclusive photographer, meaning all of my collections includes your session and digital images available for download from an online gallery. With your images, I do provide prints and products through your gallery, but you are also able to print at your favorite lab as well. I do suggest certain labs for best print quality.
What should I expect - family sessions?
Family sessions are usually between 45 minutes to an hour (longer for extended family sessions). I usually start by getting to know your children, through talking, laughing and playing, until I can begin stepping back and capturing their personalities. Feel free to bring any special items that you want to have in your session, that may make everyone feel more comfortable. Bubbles, toys, Grandma’s quilt, and even your toddler’s ratty old blanket all help to tell the story of your family. My goal is to always have fun at our sessions, so please - PLAY with your children. They WILL get rambunctious and that’s ok. I’m also a kindergarten teacher- your kids can’t scare me. Ha!
What should I expect - newborn sessions?
Newborn sessions are best scheduled for the first 2 weeks of life. Newborn sessions usually last between 2 and 4 hours and are usually held on Friday mornings. I have a traveling studio that I will bring to your home. I bring it all - lighting, bean bag, blanket back drops, wraps, and lots of cute hats and headbands. Depending on how baby is feeling, I will either start with posed newborn images or family images. Family images are more lifestyle in nature, we will typically set up in the nursery or master bedroom and focus on the interactions between you and your sweet little one. If you have older children, we will also capture some sibling shots. Lots of time is allowed for feedings and snuggles.
What should I expect - senior sessions?
Senior sessions can last up to 2 hours, depending on how many outfit changes you have. I approach senior sessions very much like family sessions. We will work together to create artistic images that best bring out your personality. Feel free to bring any props or other special items that you might want to incorporate. I know posing in front a camera can feel awkward. I will guide you through the session and make you feel comfortable.
Where will my session take place?
The location of the photo session is up to you, with both rural and urban locations within close proximity. I prefer to use natural, available light, but if you have your heart set on an in-home lifestyle session, I am able to utilize flash and artificial light sources. I want your location to be representational of you and your family, etc. So I always suggest picking a place that is close to your heart. If you need help choosing a location, I have several favorites I can guide you to.
Once your photo shoot date is booked, we will discuss what type of feel you are looking for in your photographs, and we can then work together to come up with the perfect location.
*Newborn photo sessions are always held within the comfort of your own home.
What should we wear?
Clothing choice is always the biggest (hardest!) decision when planning your session. While this is completely up to you, I can offer some simple guidelines to ensure your family photograph beautifully.
There are some tips that I will give you right off the bat…
Avoid matchy-matchy. Families and groups don’t have to wear all the same color or same outfits. Instead, focus on choosing outfit tones that compliment one another. I suggest choosing from the same color family, or compliments to that color family.
Soft or natural and earthy tones are fantastic and photograph really well, as do rich colors such as burgundy, earthy green, and mustard. Using small pieces/accessories of bright color can also work wonderfully to create a captivating image.
Children look great in fun, bold colors, textures or patterns, but I would say to avoid shirts with large logos, characters, or text if you can. These do not photograph well when there is more than one person and will take away from the timeless nature of your images. But, in saying that, if your little is on day 3 of wearing her precious Moana costume, you might choose to let that go and embrace it, there are always and will be exceptions to the rules. After all, we're all about capturing memories here.
It's best sometimes to keep it simple. Jeans, sweaters, hats, scarves and boots are all fun for winter and fall sessions. Sundresses and lighter clothing are suited better for the summer months. Varied textures in your choice of clothing is great (think denim, wool, linen, corduroy, cotton) and layering is excellent (such as scarves, beanies and vests if the weather requires). I love capturing movement in long dresses and flowy fabrics.
Ultimately, what you wear really will not matter. If you son refuses to change out of his favorite shirt or your daughter just can’t.even. with shoes on our session day, those are still going to be beautiful images and will showcase your family, just as they are. Those shots will be authentic and sweet and will capture something raw.
The main thing is to wear clothes that represent you and who you are.
When is the best time of day for our session?
This depends on a lot of things.
For location sessions, the hour or two right before sunset is best for that beautiful glow you see in the images in my portfolio. However, this is ultimately dependent on weather and location choice. We will work together to choose the best time for not only light, but also to suit your family’s needs.
Newborn sessions are generally held on Friday mornings.
Can you do mid-week sessions?
I can sometimes work in mid-week evening sessions. Please understand though, that I am also a teacher by day and do not have unlimited availability.
Can I request certain poses/shots?
I love Pinterest as much as the next girl! But Pinterest is best used as an initial source of inspiration, rather than a strict guideline for your photographer. If we’re focused on recreating someone else’s photos, that will leave us less time to create shots that showcase the unique aspects of your family.
I encourage you to let the session unfold as naturally and authentically as possible. I do find that this allows me to be my most creative instead of constantly checking a list of poses. However, if you have your heart set on something specific, let me know and I will do my best to work it in, with my own spin.
Do you shoot parties and events?
At this time, I do not offer event photography. Upon request, I can send you some recommended photographers who do.
When is my payment due?
Sessions are paid in two parts:
A $50 retainer is required upon booking in order to hold your spot.
The remaining balance is due on the day of our session.
Payment plans can be set up upon request, but final payment must be made prior to receiving any images.
What if I need to reschedule my session? Will I lose my retainer?
Life happens! I totally get it. We can always reschedule, I understand that things happen that might make it impossible to make it, or if the weather doesn't cooperate with us, or a kiddo gets sick.
The only way you’ll lose your retainer is if you don’t show up at all, or if you want to reschedule and then never commit to a date in a 3 month time frame.
When will I receive my photos?
Approximately 2-3 weeks after your session, I will have your custom gallery completed, your story told and ready to share.
I will sometimes post a sneak peek photo of the session on my Instagram or Facebook page within a few days of your session. After I’ve completed your gallery, you will receive a link to all of your photos. Through the gallery, you will have the ability to download, order prints, and to post your favorites to social media.
I highly recommend printing directly through your gallery. This way, you can select the image and sizes you want, check out and have them shipped directly to your home. I do recommend watching out for crops before ordering, because certain sizes do crop off some of the image. Normally this is an easy fix, but if you have questions, please contact me before placing your order. Once they are placed, they go directly to my lab and I have no control.
This doesn't take away the option to order prints through your favorite consumer lab. However, I have found results to be varied though outside services and I cannot guarantee quality through anyone besides my recommended lab.