Information

What I shoot

I specialize in lifestyle child and family photography. I will also consider shooting on location portraits of high school seniors or engaged couples, maternity photos, and photos of newborns, infants, and teens. If you have a request for something other than what is listed, please contact me to discuss. I do not shoot weddings, but I know some fantastic wedding photographers and am happy to provide a referral on request. Wedding rehearsals are negotiable.

What to expect

Once you have contacted me to schedule a session, you will receive a phone or in-person consultation to discuss the details of your session and to answer any questions you may have. Your photo session will take place at a location of your choice (your home, a park, or other favorite local outdoor spot) and will typically last 1-2 hours.

When we meet for your session, I will be wearing comfortable clothing that allows me the freedom to climb, crawl, and get dirty if necessary to capture your photos. At first, the camera will remain hidden away so I can get to know you and your family without any pressure. I will chat up the kids right away and try to play for a bit before we start. I want the kids to be familiar and comfortable with me before we begin.

Whether we meet at your home or at an outdoor location, we will explore the space together looking for creative and well lit areas for shooting. When it is time to shoot, we will usually try to get some posed and directed shots of the whole family first to get everyone comfortable with the camera and to start with the basics. We will then move on to candid photographs, where I will place you somewhere or follow you around and wait for something good to happen. I love those candid “moments in-between” because they say more about someone’s personality than any pose ever could. One of my philosophies is that people look best when they are just being themselves. I will not pose you into weird, uncomfortable positions, rather I will help you relax so you can be your own natural beautiful self. That’s what I want to capture! It’s a little like getting you to laugh rather than telling you to smile in order to capture a great expression.

I don’t ever want you to tell the kids to say “cheese” or to look at the camera. There may also be times when the kids and I wander off to play, and I ask that you refrain from giving directions and hovering over them while I try to capture their individual personalities. When I’m shooting candid photos of the whole family, I am there to sincerely capture your connections and love for each other, so the more you interact and pretend I’m not there the better. I want you to treat me like an old friend so we are all comfortable together. I might also ask you to do something that you think is totally “out there.” Just go with me. Follow me along for the ride. It will be fun!

My goal is to capture moments in your life that others cannot – a smile, a gesture, a subtle glance. My images capture your emotion, the beauty of the moment, and the uniqueness of you and your loved ones. I am passionate about what I do, and I cannot wait to have my images tell your stories.

What to wear

I am not out to create the “flawless traditional portrait.” Life isn’t flawless. I’m looking to capture your authentic connections. You are welcome to leave the perfect hair and clothes at home. I would much prefer to see you just as you are. Show up in your favorite jeans and tousled hair, your child with a lollipop-stained mouth from the ride in the car. Relax. Have fun. Be real. Be alive. Be in love and loving each other.

A few suggestions:

• Wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel happy and attractive.
• Solid colors are preferred.
• Jeans look great in both color and black & white images.
• Children dressed in stylish, bright colored, casual clothing photograph beautifully.
• It is best not to match each subject in your party identically.
• Stay away from wild colors and crazy patterns.