What To Expect
Please come ready to enjoy yourself! This will be more than just a photo shoot, it will be an experience you’ll remember. Let go of allllll of those expectations and preconceived notions you’ve got about your session, because kids can be crabby, and let’s face it, you can be too – and that’s okay! You are going to be so freaking amazing, I just know it. Leave the stress at home, take a deep breath, and I will guide you through from start to finish, without you even realizing you just had a photo session- I promise.
We’ll begin our session chatting and getting to know each other a bit. Letting the kids warm up to me is very important, and I love engaging them in small talk and silliness. You may find yourself laughing right along with us, and that’s kind of the point. I will then tell a bunch of really lame jokes, and be super awkward….you’re welcome for the laugh in advance, There’s no stiff posing allowed. Nope, nope, nope. I will place you where I want you and capture you interacting with your loved ones with gentle reminders if your hands look weird, you aren’t in a flattering position, your hair gets a mind of it’s own, or something else feels or looks off. We’ve got this.
For children, I ask that parents try to keep their distance. Often times when they see mom or dad, they feel pressured into performing, for lack of better terms. This means their attention will be pulled away from me, and placed onto you. Photographing them being their authentic selves is our goal. Not forcing them into smiling through clenched teeth while saying cheese. Trust me, I get it. We have 8 children, and even though I’ve been doing this for many years, I often catch myself trying to interfere (ok, I am a closet control freak). It doesn’t work out too well, and the end results are never quite what you’ve got in mind.
Again, please leave the behavior expectations at home. If there is a problem, we can redirect their attention elsewhere. I can assure you, they’re probably nervous, feel as if they’re on display, and they’re just being kids. Like I stated above, we have a smallish army, and my home is like a 3 ring circus. Your little boy talking about farting and pooping doesn’t bother me one bit, and I will look the other way if I hear one of your little snookums mutter a bad word, all the while trying to hold it together on the inside.
Please make sure everyone has a full belly. Even if you need to change your meal time to late afternoon, hangry kids and their parents = a bad time had by all. People be hungry, yo. For snacks. a high protein, low in sugar snack will be your best bet. Bring water in case you guys get thirsty, and let me know whenever you need a break to get the kids a snack- we will make time for it. A good snack would include anything without strong coloring or dye, no stickiness, something high in protein, and something that’s not super duper juicy!
We will take a few short breaks every now and then. Babies need to eat, parents and toddlers may be getting antsy, and that’s okay! If I think we need to take a break, I’ll be vocal about it and let you know. PLEASE let me know if you guys need a breather as well. Sometimes the best photos are caught during these quiet times, so I’ll have my camera up in my face from a distance, scoping you guys out.
Wardrobe
For in home sessions, I always suggest wearing what you’d wear any other day. Be casual, be relaxed, sweats and an old t-shirt, totally up to you and your comfort zone. For the tiny babies, I’ve found it best if you stick to plain onesies and just their tiny little wrinkly birthday suits <3. Be yourselves! For shoots away from home, coordination is key. Stay away from neon colors, as they don’t photograph well. DO NOT WEAR ALL OF THE SAME COLOR if you can avoid it, or I will make all of your photos selective color muahahahaha. Just kidding, you can obviously wear what you want. But, in my years of being a professional photographer, I’ve found that super ‘matchy’ outfits just don’t photograph all that well, and you definitely lose a lot of who you are as an individual. All white has it’s place…in the clouds. All jokes aside, pick an outfit that you REAAAALLLLLLY love, and pull colors from that to build everyone else’s wardrobe. Jewelry and shoe choices can always add a little sumpin sumpin to your outfits as well. Layers are BOMB. Say yes to layers please.
Props
If you’ve looked through my work, you can see that I’m not a user of props. It’s just not my style, and not who I am or who I EVER will be as an artist. With that said, I don’t necessarily discourage prop use, I just won’t provide any simply because I don’t own them. I feel props take away from the beauty of you, and don’t always portray the timeless look I strive for. We will also be up and moving plenty, and they can always be a nuisance to move around. I always encourage kids to bring a favorite lovey or blanket, so please feel free to! Remember, this is a posing free zone. Happy + carefree + relaxed you photographs best in my eyes, and I hope you can see that portrayed through my work.
Pinterest can be good and bad. It’s fabulous for wardrobe inspiration, and you’ll receive a link to some boards in your welcome email! Chances are, we won’t be entertaining those popular, viral worthy Pinterest ideas for sessions. I pride myself on being original, and very simple. I will not copy specific posing, and would never emulate a Pinterest setup. You’ve hired me as your personal artist because you love my work, right? I want this to be about YOU. My style is my own, and you are you. You wouldn’t be paying me all of this money for nothing if you didn’t trust me….so trust me <3
Investment + Packages
Storytelling Sessions $399*
Storytelling sessions are all about your family, and tell the unique story of YOU. These sessions can be held at your home, your favorite park, or really anywhere that holds a special place in your hearts! These sessions include up to 2 hours of photographing your family just being with each other, having fun, and being yourselves. You can plan an activity, play games, get messy with paint or mud, bake, go to the park, or snuggle up together on the couch. The possibilities are ENDLESS, and this doesn’t have to be used just for family sessions either. Getting engaged? Plan an in home session. Pregnant? Let’s get you comfy at home with your love, and show off that bump. This will be a pose free zone, COMPLETELY unscripted and authentic. I will essentially just be stalking you from behind my camera while you laugh and have a good time. I promise no weird faces or awkward stances…from me or from you. This package includes up to a 90 minute session, and a MINIMUM of 75 BEAUTIFUL high res digital images in your own private online gallery with print release.
Family | Maternity | Fresh 48 | Lifestyle Newborn | Child Sessions
$279
This package includes up to a 45 minute session, and a minimum of 15 beautifully edited, high resolution images + print release.
Mini Sessions
$179
This package includes a 20 minute session, and 7 high resolution images + print release.
Weddings
Starting at $1499
*Please feel free to inquire about affordable payment plan options I have available for you!*