Session Process

What a session is like from start to finish

What to Expect at Your Family’s Photo Session

If you want to work with me- this is the best place to start!

Every photographer has a different process and on this page you will find mine. As your photographer, one of the most important parts is helping my clients intentionally curate and plan their session. I will work WITH you to incorporate artistic elements, color theory, finding a killer location, and make coordinating outfits easy and actually enjoyable! I will also share all my experience with you and set you and your family up for success.

Complimentary Christmas Mini with your session booking

STEP ONE: THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Part of my booking process is having you fill out a QUESTIONNAIRE after you secure your date- Que the dramatic music!!!! All jokes aside, this is incredibly important in my process. My goal is to document your family in an honest and genuine way which means I want to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. Getting to know every family member prior to your session is the key to that. I want to know all the little things that make your kiddos laugh and make up who they are. No detail is unimportant and is sometimes the key to getting the most amazing photograph.

STEP TWO: LOCATION SELECTION

I have a wide variety of locations that I will send to you in the form of a guide. My locations have different elements like fields, water, unique buildings, and most importantly GREAT LIGHT! What type of feel do you want for your session? Location selection is a crucial part of deciding this. I am here to talk you through it as you select the perfect environment for your family.

Do NOT be afraid to think outside of the box with your location choice. Some of my favorite sessions have been in my clients homes and on their property. This is a perfect way to capture the phase of life you are currently in. You can think of your photoshoot as creating a time capsule. There is something special about documenting those every day moments.

In home sessions can also be the best fit for young children- they experience comfort in familiarity and I find many children have a sense of pride in showing me their home and special spaces which can subdue the nerves they feel having a new person photographing them. Don't feel like you have to make your home look perfect, or re-decorate. There is so much beauty to be found in the here and now.

Other location ideas

Do not be afraid to suggest something different for your photoshoot. I have documented trips to antique shops, a garden center, the zoo, farmers market, ice cream shops, the beach... the list goes on! Photo sessions are the most fun when you and your family are doing things they enjoy. Going to a different location can give a fun documentary feel and encourage those GENUINE dynamics and emotions you are wanting to be captured.

STEP THREE: STYLING

I know, I KNOW picking wardrobe for a photoshoot can be stressful- my goal is to make it as simple and EASY as possible for my clients!

I have a client wardrobe for moms and kids and offer my assistance to my clients as they complete their family’s look. I also subscribe to a styling service called Style & Select that offer custom recommendations based on your style preferences and family. When styling I take into account what will photograph well, the location, and my clients favorite colors. I will ask you to complete Style & Selects questionnaire- they will give you custom recommendations and I will then send you my client closet and we will figure out what will work the best.

HERE'S HOW STYLE & SELECT WORKS

Props

Anything you would normally bring to the location with your family I welcome! (Guitars, books, favorite teddy bear, picnic basket, coordinating blanket, football, etc). I always bring 2-3 blankets in my vehicle and occasionally some furniture to go with your session. I don’t recommend items that are not natural to the setting - i.e. cake smash not at their actual birthday party - I want your images to reflect emotion + connection - and out of place props take away from that. BUT keep in mind - I LOVE anything unique you think of! Let’s get C R E A T I V E and make your session represent Y O U and yours. 

STEP FOUR: SESSION DAY

During my sessions, I guide my clients with directions and prompts when needed, but the biggest part of achieving the look you’ve seen in my portfolio is to stay in the moment with your family, child, or significant other.

Getting photos taken can feel uncomfortable and it’s easy to slip into smiling and cheesing for the camera- I will be there reminding helping and encouraging you to be yourself and focus on your family NOT the camera.

Don’t look at me- look at your loved one and take this as an opportunity to have intentional time together doing the things you enjoy.

The more you do that, the more you’ll forget I’m there, and I’ll be able to capture the honest moments you so want documented. 

What about the kiddos?

OK- now we have planned all the things in our control, but what about the kids? Any of my sessions that involve children are catered toward them. Getting photos taken can actually be fun if you stay in the moment with them and don't get frustrated when they aren’t into something. If they are acting up- try to enjoy it- be silly with them- embrace what they are doing. Are they having a meltdown- it's ok -comfort them- a lot of times those are where the most cuddly and intimate photos happen, Let them be themselves.

I’ll be there with many different prompts and games (I speak fluent toddler). My biggest priority is to help children (and parents) feel comfortable, like they matter, and that they are FREE to be!. I prep for this via my questionnaire- taking your time and being thorough in filling it out really helps me personalize the way I will interact with your children. Kids have short attention spans and are focused on what they want to do- I fully expect this. I am fully supportive of non messy rewards and skipping the discipline in your session so we can continue to work toward a positive environment for everyone.

Just remember that just because you have the perfect wardrobe and location doesn't mean your kids are going to be "perfect" too. I would encourage you to let them be kids and to not try to control them. I PROMISE that is when the magic will happen.

STEP FIVE: POST SESSION

Once your session is complete, I will post a sneak peek within a couple of days (as long as the media release is signed) and will send a proof gallery with lightly edited images for you to choose your favorites from via the online gallery. You’ll choose your favorites and inform me when the selections are final. After that, I'll make the final, finishing edits and send you the downloadable images. You can purchase prints at my print shop or a photo lab of your choice. PRINT THE PHOTOS!!! It's the entire point and you and your family will be so glad you did.