What to Expect
If you're not a photographer or used to having your photos taken by a professional, you may not know what to expect. Read through this page before booking and/or your session. If you have any questions, please ask!
What time is best for my session?
Generally, about 1.5 - 2 hours before sunset is the best time to take photos. An hour before sunset is "golden hour" and that's when you're going to get the best lighting. There are some factors that can change this - such as weather, location, and session type. If your session is taking place that is more shaded, the time of the session could potentially be moved up. If it's overcast, the time could also be more flexible. If it's an extended family session or senior session with more than one location, both of those could also require more time as well and may need to be moved up.
​
As a mom of 3, I understand how important bed time can be. With the sun setting later in the day during the summer, that could mean sessions are as late as 7:30/8:00. While I know that not every child can hang out later, I promise you that if you can make it work for their schedule, the lighting will be worth it! Earlier sessions will be sunnier and will cause harsh shadows, squinting eyes, and blown out skies. I'm confident that I can photograph any time of the day, but my best work is always going to be during those dreamy golden hour evenings!
​
​
Where will my session be?
There are lots of options locally! When you book, I will ask you what look you're going for and we'll come up with the best location for that time of year and the type of photo you're aiming for. Things to consider when choosing a location - do you want a more natural setting, or more or an urban setting? If you have small children, are there certain types of locations that may be more distracting than others? (i.e. are they terrified of geese? Maybe staying away from locations with ponds may be wise :))
I am always open to trying new places, and am happy to photograph on your own private land, as well. Together, we'll figure out the best location for your session!
What should I wear?
When choosing clothes for your session, first of all, make sure you're comfortable! Don't wear something that you're not confident in because that will come across in your photos.
When you're pairing together clothing for a family session, my personal advice is to try to stick to 3-4 colors (include neutrals!) and mix it up in different ways. Maybe mom can wear floral, dad in a solid color, one of the kids in a plaid or pattern, and another kid with a solid or different texture shirt. You don't have to MATCH exactly - just coordinate! I tend to pick my own outfit first (because let's face it, my kids and my husband are going to wear whatever I put them in! haha), and then build it from there. Variations can be in types of patterns, textures of clothing, and of course colors of clothing. You can also layer clothing to help tie in various colors.
Another thing to consider is where these photos will be going. If they're going in a certain place in your home, you probably don't want your outfits to clash with your decor.
When is payment expected?
Payment is expected at the end of the session! :) If you happen to purchase additional images after your gallery has been edited, you can pay the remainder once you've made your selection.
What's the process after the session?
Once your session is complete and you've paid for your session, I will likely post sneak peeks online within the first day or so (unless you've asked me not to publish any online - which is something I will ALWAYS respect!). My usual turnaround for regular sessions is 2 weeks. I aim to get them back sooner, but sometimes life gets in the way! Once your gallery is edited, I will upload it to Pixieset, where you can make a list of your favorites (the number of photos depends on which session you've chosen) and then, if needed, you will pay for any additional photos. Once you've made your selection, you will get an email with a link to download your photos as well as a 4 digit code that you'll be asked to enter. Your photos will download and you're free to print them wherever you'd like!
​
Make sure you're downloading your photos to a computer - not a tablet or a phone! Devices other than computers will likely compress the quality of the photo and will not give you the best results when printing.
​
There will be a button at the top of the gallery with a download symbol - make sure you click this instead of downloading every photo individually (that could take forever!)
What site should I use for prints?
You're free to print your photos wherever you'd like, however I personally would try to stay away from places like Walgreens, Walmart, etc. I have used Walmart photos for things in a pinch, and they're fine for the most part, but my personal favorite is Nations Photo Lab. They have nice quality prints and they're afforadable - especially if you shop their sales!