overall

expect to have fun!  this isn’t your traditional, sit in front of a backdrop and smile, photoshoot.  let’s all kick our shoes off, wear our favorite clothes and let the kids get messy (and expect me to literally kick my shoes off when I get there).

don’t be surprised when I ask you to do something really off the wall.  just trust me.

what to wear

there is no need to wear the same matching outfits, but stay away from clashing colors.  I try to discourage wearing black or white, also.  while I know most people want to wear their best and nicest outfits, I would much rather see you in what you wear every day.  does your child have a favorite costume, favorite pair of rain boots, favorite cape?  by all means let them wear the over-the-top costume.

at home

I do bring backdrops and wood mats, but I like to avoid using them.  if I can find a nice spot in your house with good light and not too much clutter then I would much rather leave the backdrops in the car.

I may ask you to move furniture around or out of the room to utilize the best light.

on location

let’s play!  my favorite locations are fields in the middle of nowhere with tall grass and golden light.  let the kids run, heck, run with them!  I do bring a few props and things to keep the kids busy, but I prefer to capture everything naturally.

maternity

expect to show your naked belly unless you state otherwise.  this means no tight elastic around your belly for a few hours before the photoshoot.  I’ve been known to ask pregnant women to get into positions that are pretty impossible.  just let me know if it’s too much, sometimes I forget.

newborns

make sure baby is well fed and the house is warm (too warm for you and I).  around 90 degrees is good.  I expect to stop for several feedings throughout the session so don’t apologize.  I definitely prefer them with full bellies.  newborn sessions are usually longer than other sessions (around 3 hours).

babies/kids

I like to spend some time playing and talking with them before I really start shooting.  this will make them feel more comfortable around me.  don’t stress about them smiling or looking at the camera.  I will let you know if I need your help in directing them or getting their attention.  Sometimes I just sit and observe, this is just what I do, no need to be alarmed.

families

oh families!  one thing I really like to let families know is that my photos are very non-traditional.  you won’t get a lot of orders from me.  I want to see you play.  it’s especially fun to plan an activity or outing where I can follow along and document things.  act normally with each other.  don’t worry about looking at the camera unless I ask.  when I do ask, I’ve found it’s easiest when mom and dad keep looking and smiling.  no need to worry about those little rascals.  I’m sure they will be perfect angels (tongues sticking out and all).

when it’s all over

if you order a package in advance it will take me 2 weeks to get everything edited and put together.  if you order a la carte items it will take me about 3 weeks to get everything put together.

all prints are sold a la carte.  I do this in order to keep my print prices low and to give you exactly what you want.  you will have the opportunity to order prints through your online gallery.  feel free to share your online gallery with family and friends!  they can browse through or even order prints of their own.

most of all remember…  this is a day of LOVE!