Session Information:
Most of all, I believe a portrait session should be fun. That is why I dedicate 1 to 2 hours to you and your family. I can come to your home, we can meet at a park, or you can come to my studio. Either way, that time is all yours. We will work together to develop your vision into a memory you will display and cherish.
How should we dress?
I suggest simple outfits, coordinating colors work best. The attention should be on the subject of the portrait, not the plaid shirt, or the logo t-shirt they are wearing. Large prints and loud colors will take the attention away from the faces of the subjects in the portrait. Some ideas for timeless portraits are jeans and solid colored shirts, simple dresses, khakis and button shirts, fun skirts and tops, etc. You don't have to dress everyone in the same color, but no more than two coordinating colors is suggested to keep the outfits from appearing too busy. I am happy to consult with you regarding specific clothing ideas and suggestions before your session.
How long will my session take?
I normally allow 1 to 2 hours for your session. Depending on the model and how many people are involved, it could take less time. For newborn sessions I don't put a limit of time on them due to the flexible schedule new babies require. Allow at least a 4 hour window for a newborn session. This does not mean the session will take that long. Or that we will be taking pictures during that whole time. But if baby needs to nurse, a diaper change or a cuddle, we have ample time to allow for that, resulting in a much less stressful session.
What about newborn sessions?
Please call before your due date and let me know when you are due so that I can make sure to work you in. Then contact me as soon as you can after your new bundle arrives to schedule your session. The best newborn shots are captured within the first week or two. This is when we have the best chance to capture those sleepy, curly newborn shots everyone loves.
What about our fur babies?
The furry members of your family are welcome to join you during your session. I try to capture images with the family pet in the beginning of the session, as they often lose patients if they are waiting around. Please exercise your dog before our session as an exercised pet is a more relaxed pet. Please provide appropriate restraint for your pet since parks and such can often be unpredictable with traffic and other animals. By following a few simple suggestions, your pet can be an enjoyable part of your session.
What about the older kids?
I also offer teen and senior sessions. This involves 1 to 2 hours, your location of choice and/or my studio and up to 4 outfit changes. I will engage your senior or teen in conversation and encourage them to have fun with the session. We may be silly and act like a diva or a football star. But in the end it is about capturing your teen or senior being who they are today and yes, having fun.
What other type of sessions are available?
I offer maternity, newborn, child and family sessions. I also offer school portraits at small schools, dance portraits, sports portraits, and head shots for model portfolios or corporate needs.
I just want you to have fun!
To realize my goal of having fun I may act like a 2 year old, play with puppets, or sit down and play with your child for a while. Whatever will get your child to feel relaxed and have fun during our session. You may think it a bit odd that I am doing this, but in the end it is about the most natural smiles and laughs, not that cheesy grin you have come to expect. Often I will also take lots of pictures of your child and family being serious. Perhaps while your son is memorized by playing in the sand at the beach,sailing his toy sailboat on the river, or splashing in a puddle after a good rain. Or while your daughter enjoys a tea party with all of her most important stuffed friends. I certainly want to capture what is important to you, and we can try different posing ideas as well. But in general my sessions are dictated by the model. We can take time for an expectant mom to have a drink and put her feet up for a few, for a new baby to nurse, or a toddler to have a quick snacks. The chain studios won't let you do that. Your memories deserve more attention than that. I hope to assist you in an enjoyable session that will not only give you quality portraits, but will be an enjoyable experience as well.