WHAT TO EXPECT:
Before, During, and After your session....
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
I know how stressed many people are when they think of “picture day.” My job is to make you feel at ease and connect with your child(ren). Take some pressure off yourself in knowing that you have made a great decision in choosing me for your photographer! I’m a mom and have lots of experience in dealing with babies and kids.
Since my studio is in our home, you already have less stress in knowing my full attention is on you. I book sessions with more than enough time to ensure you are not meeting others coming and going and enough time if you happen to be running a few minutes late.
We also have a very cozy, comfy and clean atmosphere in our finished basement by the studio, where you can sit back and relax during your photo session while you’re not getting your pictures taken. All blankets, props, etc. are clean as well which is especially important for newborns.
Please don’t worry about practicing smiles or “saying cheese” with your child before they come--this usually leads to very unnatural-like expressions. If you have any particular toys that your child likes or that may make them laugh, bring them along!
Ensuring that your child has been fed and is well-rested before their session also helps. (Newborns tend to be unpredictable so I schedule more than enough time for feedings if needed). Bring along extra clothes/outfits if you’d like, but know that planning on multiple outfits can sometimes lead to meltdowns faster. Prioritize on outfits and we’ll “go with the flow” to see how many will work within the session.
Deciding what to wear before your session is also another common stress. With the hundreds of sessions I've done, eliminate a stress by keeping your clothing selections simple and limited on change of outfits. This gives me more time to interact with your children and generally keeps all kiddos happy a bit longer. Please check out the 'what to wear' page on the 'FAQ' section of my website.
Please do not bring sick children. I have many babies and young children in my home and want the environment to be as clean and 'germ free' as possible. I am understanding (and appreciative) if we need to reschedule due to illness.
My last rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected and try to go with the flow! For babies and toddlers especially, there is usually a good chance that they will have an unexpected mark, bruise or blemish that appears. If you are concerned about this, please talk to me beforehand so I can decide if this is something that is easily photoshopped or easier to reschedule.
DURING YOUR SESSION:
I believe an important aspect of a photo session is one where you can leave feeling like you’ve had an enjoyable experience. A session that is not rushed, not stressful, and completely focused on you and your family is my goal. With this in mind, along with my candid approach, I typically will spend time interacting with children while taking their photos. I try to mix a variety of candid and somewhat posed photos into your session while incorporating your vision of what your photos will look like.
At the beginning of your session, we will meet at my home where we will have a brief discussion of the types of images you are wanting, any specific ideas you may have and come up with our plan for your time frame to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
At the end of your session, I will spend a few moments showing you how to download your images from your online gallery. Ultimately, you will leave knowing that you are not pressured to purchase or decide on any specific photos or products, because you will receive all of the edited, ready to print, high-resolution images from your session.
All sessions typically last between 45 minutes-one hour. The exception to this time frame is for newborns which can sometimes last up to two hours.
I look forward to meeting you and your family, getting to know you personally, and watching your family change and grow.
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
Within a few days of your session, I will post at least one sneak peek picture on facebook (with your consent). One week (up to two weeks in the busy fall season) after your session, you will receive an email with a link to your photo gallery. This gallery will be set to download any/all of the high-resolution files. You may forward this on to friends and family. If you chose to purchase a custom flash drive (or CD) from your session, you will receive this in your mailbox within three weeks of your session.
I always recommend backing up your files, but I do the same with all of my files here. Although I do not guarantee saving your files forever, I do have them archived indefinitely so do not hesitate to ask if you want access to past sessions.
I encourage you to make your prints for your walls, for your families and make your photo books as soon as possible! I always recommend mpix.com for quality and affordability for all of your prints that are sized 8x10 or smaller. For wall prints larger than 8x10 and canvas gallery wraps, I appreciate you ordering through me to ensure every detail is perfect and up to par with my high standards.