PHILOSOPHY
I'm a natural light, on-location photographer. I love to capture the relationships among people when I do family photo sessions. I love showing the details of newborns, the personality of young children and the confidence of graduating seniors. I have fun encouraging my subjects to express themselves. I enjoy being a witness to milestones, like engagements and pregnancy. In short, I just like taking photos of people.
I also specialize in making photo sessions fun. After we discuss your needs, I'll meet you on location and shoot for one to two hours. And when nature can’t provide the light, I can bring in my studio lighting. Whether it’s a tiny newborn at home, or the whole family with grandparents, I can get the shot.
YOUR SESSION
My primary goal is for you to love your final images and have a great time making them! Our session can be as formal or as casual as you like; after all, a portrait of you or your children at your most comfortable is what we are striving for. Typically, we will have time to go over any suggestions you might have for your portraits before the session. Maybe something you may have seen before or a style you'd like to create that's all your own. My personal style is to create a fun, relaxed, non-pressured environment for you and your family. You'll probably find me kicking off my shoes and getting down on the floor with you, hopefully capturing shots when you are least aware. Parents should be open to spontaneity and unexpected silliness. I believe the best photographs occur when you forget the photographer is even there... real, honest and unposed. I take my time with each session, snapping away freely, stopping for breaks and snacks when we need to, to ensure that everyone stays happy. I'm a mom of a very busy little girl and can easily empathize with the typically stressful photo-taking atmosphere, which I do my very best to avoid altogether. Bring their books, music, toys or a favorite stuffed animal and feel right at home.
BOOKING A SESSION
I typically book out several weeks in advance. If you are pregnant and wish to have maternity portraits done, please schedule them between your 32-36th week. I leave a select number of openings clear for new babies. If you are planning to have newborn portraits done, please book your session as much in advance as possible. Newborn portraits are best within the first three weeks of life. The holidays are a wonderful time for planning family portraits. These sessions book up very quickly. I begin shooting them in August and go through the middle of November. Graduates, this is an exciting time for you! Senior images take place the summer before your graduating year. I book these sessions in June and through November. Your yearbook image is probably due to your school by Christmas break and I strive to get everyone in during this time frame. Please make your appointments as soon as possible to insure an opening for your family.
TIME
I try to tailor your session to your personal needs. Whether it be a morning session for a fresh and rested newborn, or an evening shoot when your entire family is available, I work to devote ample time for each session and do my best to work around naps, feedings or work schedules. Your session can last anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on location and the type of portraiture we are working towards. Quality and creativity take time. From session to delivery, I spend on average, between 15-20 hours working with you and your project to insure each piece is just how you envisioned it. Please keep this in mind when booking your sessions and creating your orders, and leave yourself plenty of breathing room for any type of deadlines you may have involving your images. Please allow roughly 2 weeks for all standard portrait orders and 3-4 weeks for any custom or specialty items.
LOCATION
Your session can take place where you feel, without a doubt, most comfortable. Depending on the style of portrait you have in mind, I can shoot in your home, at a favorite park or outdoor area, or in an urban setting. I recommend a location where your children can easily and freely express themselves. Typically morning and evening light are best as I try to avoid mid-day bright sun as much as possible. Even a cloudy day can produce amazingly beautiful portraits. Please make sure that only the people you wish to have in your portraits attend the session, as this helps prevent unwanted distractions and cramped spaces.
WHAT TO WEAR
Simple, simple ... simple! Clothing is a critical part of making a wonderful photograph. I often suggest that people wear casual, classic clothing, free of distracting, irregular patterns/prints or logos (simple patterns are nice). Solid, either very dark or light shirts work well with khaki or denim and maximize contrast and drama. I also love bright colors, especially on children. Bring your favorite cable knit sweater or linen dress ... textures create wonderful detail in photographs. If being photographed in a group, try to keep a similar theme to your outfit choices, using like colors and styles (such as bright colors, earth tones, muted colors, etc. - not everyone dressed in the exact same color). I'm a big fan of naked babies and bare feet! Nothing is more pure and perfect than the skin of a child. I work to capture your expressions and relationships - don't let clothing get in the way of an already flawless subject! Less, in this case, is definitely more.
POST SESSION
Approximately two weeks after your session, your photos will be available for viewing in a password protected online gallery. After you have spent some time reviewing your photos, you can place your order via phone or email. I will begin processing your order when I receive your full payment.
*Online galleries are available for your review for up to four weeks. Any orders that are not placed during that time will be considered a reorder. All reorders will have a $50 minimum. Your photos will be kept on file for reorders for three years.
