Welcome!
I value each and every one of my families and want you to have the best experience. I do not take this privilege lightly. I know how valuable your time and investment is. I promise you that I will give you a fun and relaxing experience. Most families say they are surprised at how fun and easy my sessions are. Take a look at the info below. My hope is that you will be as prepared as you can for your session. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. Scroll all the way down to find info on the type of session(s) you have planned with me. I can't wait to capture the brave, beautiful YOU.
Your Custom Family/Senior Portrait Session
So you booked your session. Now what?
Via e-mail we will discuss location selection, wardrobe selection, and answer any questions you have.
I am excited to capture you and your loved ones. Custom photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest photos of your family and children. The goal is not to get a stiff and posed shot with everyone looking at the camera, but to capture the true essence of your family. I take a documentary approach to photography and use my understanding of my equipment and natural light to create images that will become works of art that you can hang in your home and pass down for generations. Here are a few tips to help you 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 your home has adequate natural light. Many clients prefer their home because of the intimate and personal feel it provides. I have many locations that I love to shoot at regularly but I am always open to new locations as well. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality. I can help you along with this decision.
Time: If we are shooting in your home, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. If we are shooting outdoors we will shoot either in the morning or in the evening. The light is typically too harsh mid day. If your children are up for it, shooting one to two hours before sunset provides gorgeous light and atmosphere. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place has a huge impact. Many families tell me that they simply have the kids take a late nap or have some down time prior to their evening session.
Length Of Session: The good news is, I am super fast! My family portrait sessions rarely last more than an hour. Don't worry, I can easily get a diverse and adequate gallery in that time.
What To Wear: Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. Click Here to read a guide I wrote to help you select what your family should wear for your session. I am happy to consult you directly on wardrobe. Just let me know. Maternity: 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. See my Pinterest board for some ideas. I am happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. What is important is that you feel beautiful.
Props: I do not use props during my sessions, however if you have something in mind please let me know.
Your Children: Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural self. Don't worry if your child is running about and active, most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child, or hold the child and we go from there. To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Bring dry, non messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session. Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them, it's best not to surprise them. Click HERE to read a guide on how to best prepare your children for your shoot.
Please arrive on time or be ready to start on time: Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It is important that we start on time. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early.
I can't wait to capture your family! Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have. See you soon!
What To Expect From Your Custom Newborn Portrait Session
I am so excited to capture your sweet newborn. Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is Life-Inspired, which means that I will come into your home and beautifully capture this fleeting time in your life.
Day Of The Session: When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the couch, master bed, and nursery for photos. I know what it is like to have a newborn. Please don't feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos.
Your Baby: Your newborn is perfect just the way he or she is. I don't try and make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words. This usually means you will need a preemie or newborn sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about fifteen minutes prior to my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time, that is okay. Your baby is perfect as he or she is. I do not do major posing or have any expectation on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session. What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.
Siblings: Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby, I have three of my own, and I know exactly how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may loose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling him or her that a friend is coming to visit and take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them.
Parents: You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing with the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect, my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.
Wardrobe: I recommend neutral colors and comfort. Please visit my PINTREST board for some ideas on what to wear. What is most important is that you are comfortable. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know.
I can't wait to capture your family! Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have. See you soon!
Your Custom Boudoir Portrait Session
Via e-mail we will discuss location selection, wardrobe selection, and answer any questions you have.
I am excited to capture you and your unique beauty. . Custom photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest photos of YOU! The goal is not to get a stiff and posed shots, but to capture the true essence of you. Boudoir is meant to capture you relaxed and sexy. I start with mostly clothes images and take you to your comfort level whether that is implied nude or completely nude. Your comfort is the upmost importance to me and my staff.
Location: Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. Usually we shoot boudoir in studio, as that is the preference for most women. I am open to shooting on location/outdoors for those clients who are willing and we have a private space to shoot.
Time: Most boudoir sessions are in studio and I prefer these to be late morning-midday as that is the best lighting in the studio. If we are doing an outdoor location, I prefer and evening session starting 1-2 hours before sunset as this is the most dreamy light.
Length Of Session: Sessions are usually 2-2.5 hours, excluding hair and makeup. You will want to add an additional 1-1.5 hours before your session if hair & makeup is being done at the studio.
What To Wear: You are welcome to wear whatever make you feel beautiful. Most clients start in something oversized like a sweatshirt or men’s button down shirt. We move to lingerie next, bra and panties, teddies (are great options for most bodies) and then to implied nude/nude.
Props: I use a variety of props and furniture for your boudoir session including, but not limited to, couches, beds, chairs, benches, stools, ottomans, rugs, blankets…etc. If you have something special you want to bring, feel free to do so.
Please arrive on time or be ready to start on time: Remember, your session is scheduled according to light and studio availability. It is important that we start on time. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early.
I can't wait to capture your unique beauty! Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have. See you soon!