I value each and every one of my clients and I want all of you to have the best experience. I know how valuable your time and investment are, and I want you to know that I consider it a privilege to be able to capture your family. Choosing a photographer is a personal decision and I’m so grateful you chose me. I would like to prepare you for your session as much as possible, so please take a look at this FAQ. Don’t hesitate to shoot me an email if you have any questions.
I can’t wait to capture your family.
Your Family Session
You booked your session. Now what?
Via email we will discuss location, wardrobe, and I will answer any questions you may have.
I’m so excited to capture you and your family. Custom lifestyle photography is unique…it not only captures your family at this moment in time, but it captures who you all are. My goal is to create authentic photographs that capture the personality of each member of your family. I use natural light and natural poses, and the result is timeless artwork that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to prepare for your session with me…
Location: Together we will decide on the best location for your photos. We can shoot in your home as long as there is adequate natural light. Many people prefer to use their home because it’s easy, but it’s also personal and intimate. I have many outdoor locations I can recommend, but I’m also happy to try somewhere new if you have a request. Choose a spot that reflects the personality of your family…I can help with that, just let me know. You can read about some of my favorite spots by clicking the link below to read my blog post about locations.
Time: If we are shooting in your home I prefer late morning or early afternoon because homes are usually lit up well at that time. As for outdoor sessions, my preferred time is late afternoon/early evening (although I can make any time work). The light is harsh mid-day, so I try to avoid that time. If you and your family are up for it, an hour before sunset is my favorite time for photos. The light is beautiful at that time and gives that “golden hour” glow. Many people tell me they have their kids take a late nap or have some down time before those sessions.
Length of Session: Good news…I’m super fast! I almost always have my shoots done in 45 minutes. I allow an hour for each session if needed, but we usually finish up before that. It’s plenty of time to get a diverse gallery.
What to Wear: Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. If you don’t normally wear a dress, then don’t wear one to our session. Wear what makes you feel good, not what you think you should be wearing based on what other people wear to their sessions.
I recommend coordinating, but not matching. Moms should plan their outfit first, and then the rest of the family’s outfits around hers. Please stay away from graphics and words on clothing…also stay away from neon or very bright colors, as they have a tendency to reflect off of skin…so if your child is wearing a bright orange or green shirt, they may end up with an orange or green face in the photos. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear color at all…pops of color here and there can be great as long as it’s not too bright.
It’s always best to avoid clothes that are ill fitting- either too small or too big…that will look awkward in photos. If you have tan lines that you don’t want showing, make sure to cover them as I do not retouch tan lines.
You can visit my blog post on What To Wear To Your Session and my Pinterest board for some more tips…
Props: I do not use props in my sessions, but if you have something in mind please let me know.
Your children: Please remember that kids aren’t always fond of being told to pose and smile. I find it works best if we let the kids relax and be themselves…I can sneak in and get great candid shots that way. If your child is crazy and running around, that’s fine too! I will never force a child to smile, and I think pensive portraits of kids are just as beautiful as smiling ones (sometimes more so). For family shots I will pose everyone, and direct you to just be with the children and we’ll go from there. To get the most out of the session, it’s best if the kids are well rested and fed. But don’t stress if a nap didn’t happen…I will still get great shots, I promise. You can prepare your children for the session by letting them know a friend will be taking some pictures, and you can even pull up my website to show them a picture of me so they are familiarized before they meet me in person.
Please arrive on time: Remember your session is scheduled according to light. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It’s best to plan on arriving 15 minutes early.
I can’t wait to photograph your family! Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Your Newborn Session
I’m so excited to capture your sweet new baby. My fine art style newborn sessions take place in your home. I use natural light and natural poses. I want to capture the love, beauty, and emotion during this precious time in your life.
Day Of The Session: When I arrive, I will check out your home to see where the best rooms to shoot are. Spots I usually use are the couch, master bed, and nursery. Please don’t worry too much about cleaning up before I arrive, we can easily clear areas before I start shooting in them if needed.
What To Wear: I recommend neutral colors and clothes you feel comfortable in. Colors are ok, but stay away from anything bright or anything with words/graphics. Please let me know if you have any questions, I’m happy to discuss this further if you need help. You can visit my blog post on What To Wear To Your Session and my Pinterest board for some more tips…
Your Baby: Your newborn is perfect as they are. I don’t force babies to sleep, wake them up, or put them in unnatural poses. I will never pose a baby in an unsafe or awkward position. I let the baby guide the session…if they want to be held in your arms, then I photograph them with you. If they are content sleeping on the bed, then I will photograph them there. As for clothing, I recommend having the baby in a simple onesie, no words or graphics. And please have a few favorite swaddle blankets on hand as well. I recommend feeding the baby 15 minutes prior to the session, but if we need to take a break so you can feed during the session, that’s ok too. If you are breastfeeding and feel up to it, we can even do some nursing shots…those can be beautiful mother-baby portraits.
It’s very likely your newborn will cry during our session…and that’s ok. I have been working with newborns for almost 12 years…between my own business and a photo company I’ve worked with, I have photographed over 8000 newborns. Yes 8000. I have lots of tricks to calm them down. Please don’t stress about your baby crying or fussing…it’s totally normal and we will still get beautiful shots, I promise.
Siblings: This is a time of major change for siblings, so I know it can be hard to get them to interact with a newborn if they don’t feel like it. I try to get sibling shots right away, because they may lose interest quickly. I will never force a child to do anything they don’t want to do or feel comfortable with. I recommend preparing them by telling them a friend is coming to take some pictures…you can even pull up my website and show them my picture so they are familiar with me beforehand.
Parents: You are going to be thrilled, but also exhausted. I know that there are highs and lows after welcoming a new baby. My goal is not to make this time in your life look perfect, but rather to show how beautiful it is…exhaustion, messiness, and all. I want to capture the feeling of this time in your life so when you look back at these photos years from now, you can clearly remember what life felt like when you welcomed your little one.
Time: My newborn sessions are an hour, but I know sometimes they can take longer, so if we go over that’s ok. I just want to capture this beautiful time for you as best I can, and if we need more than an hour to do that, that’s ok with me.
I can’t wait to photograph your family! Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Your Maternity Session
Pregnancy is many things. It is joyful, beautiful, and often, it can be hard if we are being honest. This time in your life goes by so fast, and you won’t regret your decision to capture it.
My maternity portraits are natural and capture who you are right now. I will never ask you to wear an uncomfortable gown or pose you in uncomfortable positions. My goal is to capture the beauty that is your pregnant body and to also capture the connection between you and the little one inside you. We will also celebrate the last moments as a family of two, three, or whatever size your family is right now. I think it’s important to capture what your family looks like right before your new little member arrives.
Location: We will select the best location for your session together. I’m happy to come to your home, or we can choose an outdoor location.
Who is included in the session: Your maternity session is for you, your significant other and any children you currently have. Pets are welcome too. If children will be included, please know that I am very experienced with working with kiddos of all ages. It is okay if they are active or silly.
Wardrobe: I want you to feel your best. I find that long dresses seem to be the most comfortable and allow for easy moving, however it is entirely up to you. I am happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. What is important is that you feel beautiful. You can visit my blog post on What To Wear To Your Session and my Pinterest board for some more tips…
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to capturing you during this very special time.