I believe robust customer service in addition to talent with a camera is necessary to make my clients happy! I will do everything I can to make your session fun, easy, and stress free. The frequently asked questions below will walk you through the normal flow I have regarding my sessions and image delivery.
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
We do typically grab a few of the “look at the camera and smile” images, but my style is geared more towards embracing life as it looks right now. These images may not have everyone looking at the camera at the same time, but what they will do is capture the perfect imperfection of all those little moments, glances, and snuggles that make life meaningful. I’m a fan of tickling, running, laughing, and hugging! These are the things that fill my heart when I’m interacting with my own children and tend to elicit authentic smiles and joy in even the least enthusiastic subject. I want you to think of this as a fun evening with your family and not a chore!
WE BOOKED OUR SESSION. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
After booking, we will have conversations regarding location, styling, and what you hope to get out of your shoot to make the day of the shoot go as easily as possible!
WHERE DO YOU SHOOT? CAN WE PICK A LOCATION?
I have spent ample time searching for locations that photograph well around the area. I generally visit locations frequently as they change based on the seasons and weather. If you have a preference as to what type of background you’d like to see in your photos, please let me know and we can discuss! Sometimes I may recommend certain colors that may photograph better in one location versus another and/or a start time may be slightly different depending on location and how the light interacts with the setting.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Ah, this question! It’s huge! I could talk forever about this. I absolutely love styling sessions! Please let me help you with this! I’m begging!! First and foremost, I want you to feel comfortable in what you wear to your session. Your love for your family is the same regardless of what you are wearing. That being said, certain things photograph much better than others and contribute to the overall look of your final product. If you are hoping to use your photo for a holiday card or hang images on your wall, spending a little time thinking about what you wear will help your satisfaction with the end result. Styling doesn’t have to mean I dress you up in formal wear for your shoot and make everyone uncomfortable and grumpy! Styling does not mean you have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on outfits. Styling means we come up with cohesive outfits for all in your party keeping in mind personalities, comfort, cost, and how they may show in a preferred location.
I use a styling site called Style and Select that allows you to mix and match outfits in a sort of virtual pinboard. There are links to purchase items suggested, but you also may already own something similar to what is suggested. You can use the tool to see how what you have may look next to what someone else is wearing. I can use this tool to send you suggestions and/or I can give you an access code for you to play on your own!
I also have a CLIENT CLOSET! I have several things for women, girls, boys, and babies. I have purchased things I know photograph well and am more than happy to help you select items from my client closet to wear during your session.
QUICK DOs AND DON’Ts:
SAY YES TO:
*A couple of neutrals mixed with a couple of colors
*Earthy tones
*Smaller prints for some people, solids for others
*Things with texture and accent pieces – think hats, scarves, jewelry, jackets
JUST SAY NO TO:
*Matching for all in the party
(Do not do this. It really detracts from visual interest. You are all different people with different personalities – don’t dress as though you are all the same person.)
*Bright colors, neon colors, and logos on clothes
*Seeing diapers!
(You may think if your little one is wearing a dress you don’t see the diaper in your images. Wrong… tickling, snuggling, and in general toddler behavior make that diaper make an appearance during the session for sure. Make sure your little one has on a diaper cover that matches the outfit or is a neutral to hide that pesky diaper.)
*Wearing clothes the same color as the plant life outside
(Ex: Wearing green in a forest of green trees is not going to make you very noticeable in your images.)
WHEN AND HOW DO WE RECEIVE OUR IMAGES?
I generally try to provide a sneak peek of a few images a couple of days from your session date. The rest of the images will be delivered 2-3 weeks after your session date for general sessions. Galleries from weddings or larger/longer events may take up to 4-5 weeks for full delivery. When images are ready for viewing, I will email you with directions regarding how to access your online downloadable gallery.
WHAT IS YOUR EDITING STYLE?
I would say dark and moody, but that to some people has an angsty or sad connotation. I prefer to think of my editing style as rich and earthy or organic looking.
Here are some of my editing goals:
– LUMINOUS, CLEAN SKIN TONES
– PRESERVING THE SKY AND BEAUTY OF THE LOCATION
– A RICH, EARTHY COLOR PALETTE
RETOUCHING PHILOSOPHY (because I get asked about this a lot): I edit/retouch every single image individually. If you have a pimple pop up the day of your session or your little one gets a scratch you’d rather not see in your photos I will do my best to retouch these things. I will attempt to fix anything that would probably be gone on it’s own within a couple of weeks (i.e. things that are not a permanent part of the subject). Anything that is a permanent part of my subject (birthmarks, moles, etc.), I leave untouched. Do I believe in trying to bring your best self to your photos? ABSOLUTELY! Do I believe in altering your photos so much they look nothing like you? NOPE! Not even a little bit. If you have concerns about the way you or a family member may appear in a photo for some reason or another, please bring them to me and we can discuss how to make you look and feel great in your photos so you are happy with the end result!