BOOKING

– You can book your session up to 6 months in advance.
– In order to book your session and hold your rate a 50% deposit will be required.
– Please avoid scheduling your photo session around your child’s nap or bedtime. Also, if we’re shooting outdoors, the best time for lighting is the 2 hours before sunset or just after sunrise. Ultimately whatever time of the day we shoot, we’ll make something beautiful work. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to me and we can discuss.

LOCATION

For half & standard sessions, we shoot in either your home, or a beautiful outdoor setting. For more cinematic glamour portraits we may look at hiring an appropriate studio space, depending on the look you’re going for.

Photographing Outdoors
The natural light and look of shooting outdoors is always an ideal place to capture a magical, unique look to your photos. I have several locations that I love to shoot at, but I’m always open to if you have something else in mind.

Photographing in the home
– The best areas to shoot are those with lots of natural light, such as the yard, near bigger windows or sliding glass doors. Typically areas like the living room, nursery, master bedroom, kitchen and front/backyard are great options.
– How “neat” to make your home poor to shooting is entirely up to how you want your pictures to turn out. Some like a more manicured look, so tidy of accordingly, while others like a more natural representation of how their home actually looks, so we shoot as-is. Whichever way we go, time is limited, so please prepare the areas you’d like to shoot in prior to the shoot time.

Glamour portrait locations
The location of glamour portraits varies, depending on the look you are going for. I have a series of awesome locations that express different looks and moods. These will be discussed in more detail once we’ve had a chat about the look you’re going for.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

– Light pastels and neutral tones like light gray, denim blue, blush pink, and earthy shades (think khaki, cream, beige, white) are perfect. They’re classic and romantic and keep the spotlight on you and your family. Adding a bit of sage green or yellow can be fun, too, especially with some cool patterns or textures.
– For the ladies, long maxi or sundresses are always beautiful! Lulu’s, Morning Lavender, Free People, Zara, BHLD and H&M have a ton of wonderful options. Jeans paired with a flattering blouse or pretty sweater is also a great choice. Please wear a strapless or self-adhesive bra with any blouses, tops or dresses that don’t completely cover bra straps.
– For the guys, jeans, nice shorts, or light beige pants with a dressier t-shirt, polo or button-down always works well.
– Have a good think about how you want to look in your dream photos. Are they casual or glamorous? Edgy or elegant? Be sure to choose your clothing way in advance and make sure that your outfit choices are comfortable and attractive. It’s helpful to start with one person’s outfit and work from there to coordinate the other outfits and colors.
– Also, I know it might seem obvious, but I suggest simply Googling “what to wear for a family photo session” and you will find countless pictures of what the whole family should wear.
– For the standard 60-minute session, it’s always a good idea to have a few outfits on hand for you, your partner and your little one(s).
– With infants you know absolutely know already that spits ups and other random messes can (and do) happen unexpectedly, so be sure to have clothing changes planned.
– And remember, adding fun accessories like scarves, headbands, hats, etc. can add a fun, unique look to your images.
– If you’d like assistance choosing outfits, please feel free to send pictures of your outfits laid out next to one another and I’m happy to offer my input!


Please Avoid:
– Busy/distracting patterns (If there’s a dress or shirt you love that has a pattern, try to limit the patterned outfit to one person in the group and then choose solid colors and textures that compliment it for the rest of the outfits)
– Clothing with big logos or writing
– Black clothing (this often shows lint and absorbs all of the light)

Glamour Portrait Sessions:
– We will discuss what to wear for glamour portraits further, depending on the overall mood and location in mind.

THE DAY OF THE SHOOT

– Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if we’re working with little ones.
– Please, don’t show up to a photo shoot on an empty stomach. I meet many families who come to a photo session with dinner scheduled at the end. If this is your plan, be sure to give everyone a healthy snack before the photo shoot.
– Leave plenty of time to get ready. Parents are often rushing around before a photo shoot, making sure that their family is dressed and ready. Leave plenty of time for showers, baths, dressing, and grooming. When a family shows up to a family photo session rushed and disorganized, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganized session. Give yourself extra time so that you are ready before it’s time to head out that door.
– Moms, if possible, have your hair and makeup professionally done. You will feel pretty and confident and this will reflect on the rest of the family as well.
– Whenever possible, try to stash any distracting items or clutter from the areas where we’ll likely be shooting.
– If we’re working with infants, please collect any toys, blankets, or other sentimental items that you may want to capture in the photos and have them handy for us to use.

Have FUN and be YOURSELVES !!!
– I know that many dads dread the family photo session. This is a special experience for the family which will be remembered long after the session itself, so please dads, engage and have fun!
– If the kids aren’t following direction, please don’t get tense or scold them. If we need to we’ll take a break, then get back with the session with everyone cheerful and ready to smile!
– When I’m photographing your little ones, please don’t demand them to smile at the camera, as more often than not it results in unnatural smiles. Please get behind me, close to my head, and talk to them, sing to them, don’t be afraid to be goofy for them. Only then we can get those natural beautiful smiles!
– Candid moments so often make the very best images, so mix it up. Look at the camera, look towards each other. If you’re all engaged, it will show in the photos! These are the photographs that you will cherish most because they truly depict your family connection and your love for each other.
– Please put away your cellphone right before we start our session and don’t use during our time together. Texting, emailing and even taking pictures is very distracting for the kids and for me, so please avoid. Our session together is a time you as a family need to connect and be in the present.