your investment

 
From your own childhoods, you know how meaningful and magical pouring over pictures can be – they aren’t just for you, they are for those that come after you. It's a different time, but it isn't. Or shouldn't be - so many amazing memories are just sitting on computers and phones, only maybe ever revisited again. I can't stress enough how digitals should not complete your investment in photography. Your investment was about real moments, and those moments are worthy of professional products printed on archival materials, rather than at consumer labs. When you invest your time and money into professional portraiture, you owe it to yourself to have the images printed, as they are truly the real result of your session. Digital files are files. They are meant for safekeeping images, not experiencing them.

before,                           and after of your session

DURING,

WHAT TO WEAR.
I encourage you to choose pieces that have detailing, in natural shades. Simple, classic clothes and solid colors or uncomplicated patterns work best for photographs. Avoid anything too formal or uncomfortable, and make sure all styles are flattering to each person's body type. Select a few colors to work with that complement the whole family, adding texture and layers when possible, to coordinate your clothing.

WHAT TO BRING.
Adding detail and interest, as well as personalizing your images, can make them all the more magical. Once the primary portraits are shot, we can get more creative and fun with additional wardrobe/accessory options. Examples include tutus, costumes, rain boots, capes, dolls, swords, blankets, bubbles, stuffed animals, etc. – just keep in mind that anything you bring may become a distraction that will end up in your photographs, so these are items best kept out of view until you’re ready to include them. Practically, a hairbrush or comb, and wet wipes are good to have on hand. Please make sure children have been fed before our session and that any snacks can be easily cleaned off of faces, hands, and clothing (that means no chocolate!).

LOCATION + TIMING
Natural settings, such as parks and wilderness, create beautiful backdrops, room to wander, and the space to engage with the world around you. I love natural light and prefer to shoot outdoors, but am happy to do an in-home session for clients who prefer a more intimate setting. If you prefer your session indoors, rooms with big windows and lots of light are essential for beautiful photographs.

Unless otherwise arranged, all outdoor sessions begin 90 minutes before sunset and last until the natural light is gone. I will happily schedule an early morning session with you instead, if that makes more sense for your routine. Sessions take anywhere from 60-90 minutes, but be prepared for a shorter timeframe if your children need it to be. They are unpredictable, making them lovable and spontaneous, but also difficult to plan around. For this reason, the timing is flexible so that the session doesn’t feel rushed.

YOUR GALLERY.
Your images will be available for viewing within three weeks of your session and will be shared through a password-protected gallery that you can share your images with friends, family, and co-workers at your discretion. Your gallery will be live for two weeks. Please be prepared to place your order during this time. And please note - galleries are only released once, to ensure that any additional editing for orders is included in your final media. Your purchased images will be archived for one year. Images which are not ordered are purged from the system in order to make room for new clients.

I offer a carefully curated line of archival products including albums, gift prints, metal prints, and gallery wraps to display alone of grouped with others of similar or different sizes. I am happy to schedule a viewing session with you, to finalize your portrait order. If everyone who will have input cannot be present for this meeting, make sure to note any requests/questions. There is no minimum product investment.

SESSION FEE + RETAINER
Your session fee includes the time and creativity in executing your session on our scheduled date, time spent on consultations and the editing/retouching of your final images. Studio products are not included in your session fee and may be purchased from your gallery. A session retainer is required at the time of booking to secure your date and time. The retainer is non-refundable, but is transferrable in the event that rescheduling is necessary. The remaining balance is due on or before the date of your session. All pricing is subject to sales tax.

RESCHEDULING + CANCELATION
If something unavoidable arises, or in the case of inclement weather (extreme heat/heavy rain/wind/snow), every effort will be made to reschedule your session as soon as possible. It is critical that you feel as comfortable as possible during our time together, and we will be in touch the day/week prior to discuss any challenges that have developed. If you must cancel completely, please remember session retainer fees are non-refundable.

YOUR SESSION.
A successful and meaningful session takes planning. If your family or child has a daily routine, it's best to schedule the session in a way that works with, not against, this routine. Appointments with children and families are held on-location and are kept relaxed with minimal posing, with an emphasis on natural interactions. Children are able to run, laugh, explore, to ask questions, etc. Outdoor exploration is the ideal way to capture personality and curiosity, and also a perfect way to minimize mid-session tantrums by allowing children to set the pace of our time together.