Session FAQ's
What does a session with me look and feel like?
I specialize in photography using natural light for a simple, classic, timeless look and feel. I create a relaxed and fun environment during our session, where I encourage playfulness and invite you to be your natural selves. We engage in conversations, laugh, move around, and enjoy the time together. I offer gentle guidance on how to interact and connect with each other, while allowing space in the session for natural moments to presents themselves. During weddings + elopements I am discreet in my photographing so as not to distract from the special moment and disrupt the atmosphere of this sacred event. I will take candid photographs during the getting-ready phase, ceremony and reception, and more formal posed photos will take place either before and/or after the ceremony, depending on whether couples choose to have a First Look or not.
Where do sessions take place?
Reveal, Maternity, Sitter and One Year sessions are done at a location of your choosing, including your own home, and newborn sessions are done right in your own home so you don't have to worry about traveling with your precious baby and can be comfortable and relaxed in your own environment. First 48 sessions take place at the location of birth, whether that be in a hospital or your home. Weddings and elopements take place at the location of your choosing for your special day.
What if there's bad weather the day of our session?
In the event of the occurrence of bad weather preventing an outdoor session or causing unsafe driving conditions, the session will be rescheduled to another date in the near future, and all monies paid for the session will go toward the rescheduled date.
How do you view and purchase photos after the session?
Typically within 1 -2 weeks after our session (but no later than 30 days), you will receive a link via email to your Digital Gallery Viewing. From there, you can select the images you would like to purchase as prints, or you can purchase the entire Gallery as a digital download.
Do you need to bring/supply anything for our shoot?
You will need to supply outfits for each person in the session, and any special items you would like included in the photos - i.e. a blanket that Grandma knitted for baby, baby's first shoes, a special stuffed animal, etc. For a Reveal Session, be sure to bring an ultrasound photo, special newborn outfit (some clients have a special "first outfit" they dress baby in as the first clothes they will wear, or a special "going home from the hospital" outfit), baby shoes, or anything similar that you would like included in the photographs.
Are any props brought to the session?
For newborn and baby sessions, I am happy to bring a few wraps, headbands, and a basket, for you to decide if you'd like to use during our session. We can also discuss this before our session and go over color choices you'd like me to bring. I do not bring any props or décor for weddings and elopements.
What should the family members wear?
Family members should wear clothing that makes them feel comfortable and confident, and reflects their personal style. Clothing choices should coordinate to present a pulled-together look in the photographs. I'm happy to discuss clothing options with you and give suggestions.
Do I have a selection of maternity dresses and/or baby outfits to wear during our shoot?
I do not offer clothing for borrow, as I prefer family members to wear what they feel comfortable and confident in and something that reflects their own personal style. If you would like to discuss clothing options I am happy to talk with you and offer suggestions.
What is a lifestyle newborn session? Why choose a lifestyle session over a studio session?
A lifestyle newborn session is a session that is a more natural, organic type of session. While I do gently "pose" babies, there is no formal, elaborate posing. Babies spend most of their time in their parent's arms, rather then on a beanbag, in a bucket or a wagon, and other such setups. As a result of this more informal style, newborn sessions can take place anytime during the first couple of months of baby's life, rather than just the first week or two when babies are super-sleepy and moldable into those more formal poses. Lifestyle sessions mean baby can be older, can be awake as well as sleep, and isn't placed into restrictive poses. Since these sessions are done in your own home, it makes it less stressful to feed and change baby, and tend to any of their other needs. It also helps if there are older siblings because they can step away to play with their toys, etc. There is also less exposure to germs on baby's delicate immune system during those early days, since your family isn't having to come to a public space like a studio. There's also no need to pack up and bring with you all of the things you might need during our session, since you don't need to leave the comfort of your own home. I come to you!
When should I book my session?
Please contact me as soon as you know you'd like to book a session, as my calendar does fill up. The package information above specifies the timeframe for a session during which weeks of pregnancy, and which months during baby's first year. For newborn sessions, its' beneficial for me to know your due date so I can put it on my calendar, and once baby is born, you can contact me and we can setup a newborn shoot. For First 48 sessions, please contact me during normal business hours as soon as possible after baby is born so I can arrange my schedule to come take pictures during those first two days of baby's life. For weddings and elopements, please contact me as soon as possible after you have selected your wedding date.
How can I make sure my baby/child(ren) are comfortable and what if they cry/need a diaper/need a feeding/do not want to cooperate?
It's important to me that everyone feels relaxed and comfortable during their session. Babies are going to cry, fuss, need a diaper change, need a feeding, need some snuggles - it's all ok. I go at baby's pace and take cues from them as to when we might need to take a break, and when they have had enough and the session is complete. Toddlers and children often can lose interest during a session, and they are free to move around and step away as needed. Sometimes it can be helpful to have a small toy nearby to keep them occupied while I take photos of the other family members. I generally start sessions with everyone together and capture children one-on-one with their parents and siblings, before they begin to lose interest in the session. Then they can step away and go play while I capture photos of the parents together. I don't want parents to worry about these things, as its' all alright.
What precautions do you take to keep my family and newborn baby safe and healthy?
The utmost care is taken to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. My mask is worn upon client request, my hands are always sanitized, and all props and equipment are washed and sanitized between every client session. If I happen to come down with an illness, I will reschedule our session so I do not pass along any illness to your family. If any family member of yours is ill, please let me know and we will reschedule our session to another date when everyone is healthy and well.