What can I expect at a photo session?

Expect to have fun!  For little ones, please do not encourage your children to “sit still” or smile on command.  I want to capture your children for who they are naturally so just let them be, help them to feel comfortable, let them have fun and encourage them to just be themselves.  Leave the rest to me.

For seniors, expect unique images unlike anything your friends will have.  We tailor each senior session to the person we are capturing.  Unlike some of the large studios that crank seniors through like an assembly line, we get to know who you are; your likes and dislikes, your personality and hobbies and we help you choose outfits and props and locations that suit you and tell a story about WHO YOU ARE!

How long will the session last?

Newborn photo sessions can last from one to two hours, this allows for time for feedings and soothing, etc.  Children usually take 30-45 minutes but we never want to rush you.  We’ll take all the time necessary to get comfortable, try different poses, and capture each moment with excellence. You will not be rushed because we know the best shots take place when everyone feels comfortable and relaxed.  Senior sessions vary depending on which session you book.  See the senior price list for the different sessions that we offer.

I notice you take studio pictures as well as outdoor photos.  Where should we have our pictures taken?

For toddlers and children it is often very helpful to have lots of open space where they can run and play and just be kids.  While I can certainly capture some wonderful pictures of your children in my home studio, I often recommend a park or other open-space venue where they are more likely to be themselves.  I also recommend outdoor venues for family portraits.  My home studio simply cannot accommodate more than 4 or 5 people simultaneously.  For maternity and newborn pictures, I highly recommend my home studio.  The backdrops and lighting control can really help to create the unique creative shots that you’re looking for.  If you’re unsure, call or e-mail me and we can make a decision about location based on your vision.

How can I book you?

We are an appointment only studio so please view our Availability Calendar on the website and see if there’s an open date that fits your schedule.  If so, please send me an email with your requested date/time.  I will do my best to accommodate your schedule with mine.  To ensure the utmost quality, I shoot every session personally, and I don’t have associate or assistant photographers that work for me, so when you book a session, you’ll be working directly with me.  I am full time  so my schedule is pretty flexible.  However weekdays are usually your best option as we shoot many weddings on Saturdays and we reserve Sundays as our day off for family time.  For regular portrait sessions, try to find a weekday time between 9:00am and 5pm.

What should we bring along?

For children, some suggestions of what to bring could include a favorite hat, jacket, sunglasses, lollipop, boots, blanket, stuffed animal, super hero cape, tutu, etc. or anything else that shows your child’s personality and helps to tell a story about who they are.  Not only do these props give your child something to interact with during the session, they can also help to keep them occupied and content.  Who knows, these fun shots might just be your favorites.

For seniors, you CAN NOT bring too much stuff.  Bring anything and everything that tells a story about who you are.  Favorite outfits of course, but also sports uniforms and props if you’re an athlete, books and magazines that you like to read, musical instruments you play, your cell phone if you’re a texting junkie, and on and on.  Seriously, bring everything that tells a story about YOU.  I’d rather you have too much than not enough.

What should we wear?

It is hard to tell a client what to wear.  I am definitely a “jeans and t-shirt” kind of photographer.  My style of photography is not what I would describe as being “traditional” therefore traditional “Sunday Best” type of clothing is not recommended.  If you are looking for a more traditional photo session with suits and ties and fancy dresses, I am probably not the photographer for you. For more detailed suggestions on what to wear, click the “clothing” link below.

Do you offer maternity sessions?

Yes, I enjoy maternity sessions very much and will allow you the freedom to be as modest or as bold as you would like.  Try to schedule your maternity session sometime around the  8th month of pregnancy.

Do you offer newborn sessions?

Yes, I love taking pictures of newborns.  They allow for some wonderfully creative pictures.  These shots are best if taken within the first or second week of life (the earlier the better) because the newborn stage is very fleeting.  I encourage you to contact me while you are still expecting.

Do you shoot weddings?

I do photograph weddings.  Please see the wedding gallery for samples and the pricing page on our website for packages and pricing.

What if there is a forecast for bad weather?

I am constantly watching the weather for my outdoor sessions.  If it appears that the weather is not going to cooperate, I will contact you by e-mail or phone to work out a plan for rescheduling or adjusting our time/place.  However, with senior sessions, some of the most unique shots I’ve ever captured have been right before (or after) a big storm.  If it’s not raining at the start of your session, plan on going forward with the session and bring an umbrella.  We may shoot in covered areas outside or perhaps even incorporate the umbrella.  If the weather takes a turn for the worse or you are unhappy with the portraits for some reason, we will gladly schedule a re-shoot.  We absolutely guarantee your satisfaction or your session fee will be returned.

When will I see my proofs?

We do not offer printed proofs.  They are outdated, costly, time-consuming and un-necessary in today’s digital world.  Better yet, you will view and order your images right here in our studio (typically within 30 minutes after your session).  We have a large screen where you can view images, compare, ask questions, etc.  It may sound very intimidating, but I assure you, it’s not.  You’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy the process and how easy it is having an “expert” right there with you to help you make your decisions.  We usually do the viewing on the same day as the session so in most cases, you’ll see your proofs within 10-30 minutes after the session is completed.  Yeah – I know – pretty cool!   Keep in mind, you will place your order and pay in full during this viewing session so be sure that all decision makers are present.  We offer only one viewing/ordering appointment per session, so if you need to make additional viewing appointments (i.e. for other family members), the cost is $50 per extra 1-hour viewing session.

How do I place my order?

See the answer above.

Do you offer online galleries?

We do offer online galleries, but they are never available until after you do the initial viewing session in our studio and an order has been placed (see the answer above to “when will I see my proofs?”).  If you have any questions, please contact us.

Do you offer paper proofs for us to take home?

Hello!  This is the 21st century.  I think paper proofs went out of style when I was a senior in high school.  I kid, of course.  But the answer is in fact, “no”  we do not send home any paper proofs.  With the advancements in technology, it just isn’t necessary any more.  All of our proofing is done digitally (see the answer above to “When will I see my proofs?” for more information).

I’ve placed my order, when will my prints come in?

I will begin processing your order once full payment is received.  Please allow 2 weeks for processing and delivery.  I inspect every single image to make sure that it is perfect.  If it isn’t, I will re-process it and have it re-printed.  Rushing prints similar to a one-hour photo lab is not the way to ensure that you receive top quality portraits.