The Session...
Have Camera, Will Travel
I am an on-location photographer, which means I will come to you. I prefer to use natural light, both for it’s beauty and because it provides a more relaxed, enjoyable environment. The session can be done with natural light in your home or I may add some simple portable studio light if necessary. I will strive to use your home or the location of your choosing as the backdrop of the portraits, however I do have a portable studio with backdrops and studio lighting that I am able to set up if there is available space. If the weather is comfortable outside, a session can be held in the shaded area of your yard, a favorite park, or other outdoor location of your choice.
What to Expect
Custom portraiture is a unique and intimate experience. There are no wait lines, crowded rooms of strangers and snap happy teens looking to get you in and out and on to the next person in line. Instead I strive to make each session a relaxing personalized experience. Your session will last up to 2 hours (or 3 hours for newborns) to allow for multiple clothing changes or snack breaks for young children. I want everyone to feel at ease and not rushed so that I can capture a variety of natural images and expressions.
After the Session
I will send a sneak peak after the session by email to share with family and friends. Please forward this email on! About 2 weeks after your session, you will be able to view the best images from your session in a personal on-line password-protected gallery. Your gallery will be available online for three weeks to allow adequate time for review and sharing. Once payment has been received, please allow 2-3* weeks for delivery of print enlargements and/or your CD of images. Orders will not be placed until payment is received in full. All edited images will remain on file should you ever desire additional reprints at a later date.
*Depending upon what type of products you order, delivery may take up to eight weeks, or up to 12 weeks for a custom coffee table book.
What to Wear
I prefer casual, fun and funky clothing with a few accessories to play around with (hats, headbands, scarves, ties, oh my!). But I encourage everyone to wear what they feel most comfortable in. A good rule of thumb is to avoid white, and stay away from any clothing with written logos. Favorites are layered outfits, bare feet, and babies in their birthday suits! If there is more than one child, outfits can be similar, but it’s not necessary to have them matching.
Upon booking your session, you will receive a detailed style guide filled with tips that will help you ensure a successful photo shoot. If you need additional help deciding what to wear, I would be more than happy to work with you before hand to help pick out outfits to achieve the desired look you are going for. If there are important items that you would like to have included in the portrait such as a special blanket or toy, please bring them along with you and I will do my best to incorporate them into the session.
Maternity Sessions
Pregnancy is a life changing event. Your body morphs and changes in ways you never thought possible. The process of becoming a mother is a unique and intimate experience but not every pregnant woman is comfortable in their ever-changing body. While I prefer bare belly poses, I can adapt to your comfort level. My goal is to bring out that maternal glow in you and capture the beauty of your pregnancy in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. That big belly won’t be there forever, so while it is, why not celebrate it!
Maternity sessions are best booked between 30 and 32 weeks. The belly is just big enough to get some great shots, but you haven’t reached the ‘uncomfortable’ home stretch yet. For those Mommy-to-be’s looking for a little extra pampering, the “Pretty & Primped” package, which includes hair and make-up application, can be added to your session.
Newborn Sessions
Newborn sessions should be done within the first 2 weeks of your baby’s life. Newborns change by leaps and bounds in a VERY short amount of time so in order to capture that sleepy, curled-up cuteness they have to be fresh! It’s best to tentatively schedule your baby’s newborn session while you are still pregnant. We can of course move the appointment around as needed, depending on when your little bundle of joy arrives.
Patience is key with newborns. I allow up to 3 hours for the session so there is plenty of time to pause for feedings and there is no feeling of pressure as we wait to get them snuggled up and sleepy so we can capture every precious detail of their ‘newness’. Although the session will focus on your baby, I encourage Mommy and Daddy to participate as ‘props’. Daddy’s arms, Mommy’s hands, etc. are great additions to your baby’s first photos.
Toddler & Children Sessions
The focus in my images are the eyes… crisp, clear, and bright. Along with this, my goal is to catch natural expressions while the child is playing in a comfortable environment. This is a great time to sing a favorite song, or play with a favorite toy.
For toddler or child sessions I’ve found that’s its best for the parent(s) to step back and take a break for a portion of the session; perhaps bring a magazine, or find a spot to sit back and observe from afar. I will always let you know if your assistance is needed, but I have the best chance of capturing those perfect, natural moments when I have your child’s full undistracted attention. Make sure everyone is well rested, and well fed. Children can sense stressful energy and often react against it. If a child is not feeling well, it’s better to reschedule. A session can last anywhere from 1 – 2 hours. If the plan is to meet at a park, then make sure to bring snacks, a drink, a couple outfit changes and even wet wipes! Beyond that, we’ll just have some fun… relax and enjoy!
Interested in scheduling a session with me? Let's go take some photos!
Schedule a Session