How It All Works
Photos are lifetime investments: I think of professional photos as memories to pass down through the family. I shoot for the grandchildren, the great-grandchildren. I think it’s so important to capture images of people loving each other, laughing, enjoying this moment.
Planning Your Session
So how does this work? Contact me and we sort out a date to make sure I have availability when you prefer – I know it can be a lot of schedules to coordinate between jobs and soccer practice! From there, we talk about the location and general vibe you are going for in your photos. Fields and parks? More “classic” DC with monuments, or a quiet walk in Georgetown or Adams Morgan? Something super cool you have access to like an airplane hangar? Hey a gal can dream, and so can you!
Okay, so we get the date and location set. (We’ll also decide on a time: morning or afternoon, and avoid naptime). Then, I’ll send you a contract to look over and sign, and ask for an initial non-refundable deposit to confirm your session on my calendar.
Style Guide
Next up, you get private access to my custom-made Style Guide that’s filled with TONS of photos and recommendations for outfits, color picks, complementing whole family colors and outfits, and what to expect during our session together. Plus, I’m available to you as a resource: send me photos or links of what you’ve got, what you’re thinking, what you’re trying to decide between – I’ve got you! I’ll give you my expert advice for what looks best on camera.
Now we’re almost at session day! I’ll send you a reminder email with a final session checklist (check this blog post, too!) and exact meeting location. Yay I can’t wait!
Let's Find a Date!
The Session
Armed with a smile, toys, and all my gear, I’ll capture your portraits while we have a great time together! My sessions allow for up to two hours. Sometimes we do go that long, sometimes we get what we need and wrap up early.
- Allowing this amount of time really contributes to the relaxed, fun experience we have, and as has been noted time and again in client reviews
- Kids can get breathing (and run-around) room: You have worked SO hard to get everyone dressed, in the car, to our location: let’s take advantage of it!
- We’ll do photos for awhile, then take a short break. Often I use this time to let the kids relax, capture some couples photos for you, and do individual kid/kid and parent shots. This breathing room helps everyone get used to me and how we work together. It gets shy kids out of their shell. Plus, you get more photo variety!
- Don’t be surprised if I keep a close eye on the kids and your interactions and capture some silly moments! Sometimes these are my (and your) favorite photos
After
Once we say goodbye, look for a sneak peek within the week, blog post in two, and your final gallery about 30 days from your session date! I’ll send out your full gallery link for you to choose your favorites. My regular sessions include your choice of 30 digital images, and typically I deliver anywhere from 50-70 per session.
Final Digitals and Prints
Go ahead, heart your faves! You can always choose more than 30, at minimal cost per image (or save with a bundle). Once you tell me you’re ready, I’ll pull those out and remove the watermark, giving you download access to both high-res and web-size gallery options. I highly recommend ordering prints from here, too, since I can absolutely vouch for the quality and color of my lab. There are lots of options from small prints to canvas for a special place in your home (or Grandma’s!)
Coming Soon: Albums!
I can’t wait to get this offering ready for all my clients soon – beautiful, printed albums for you to cherish forever! I’m working with a lab on this right now and will have options ready soon.
FAQ
What should we wear?
What are you doing about COVID-19 and safety?
Uh, where do I put my hands?
What's a model release?
Can I extend the session on the day of?
Do I have to order prints through you?
Does the session fee include location permits?
Can we just do an hour?
FAQ
What should we wear?
I've got you covered! Each booked session includes a 20+ page Style Guide with suggestions, best looks, and how to coordinate outfits with your entire family.
"The Style Guide is definitely helpful! We used it to coordinate colors and also to better understand what to expect." - Client response to the Style Guide
What are you doing about COVID-19 and safety?
I am fully vaccinated. All of my sessions are now outdoors exclusively, and I will (continue to) wear a mask during the entire session, based on client comfort. I have hand sanitizer on hand, and will give all posing direction completely verbally.
Uh, where do I put my hands?
Leave the posing to me. I'll walk you through every step and placement of arms, legs, hands, the works. We'll get genuine laughs and natural-looking photos - most "casual looking" professional photos are posed - really! I have years of experience with posing to make you look your best.
What's a model release?
A model release essentially allows me to use your fan-tab-ulous photos here on my website and across social media etc (and so I can continue getting awesome clients like you!). This is open to discussion, so if you’re okay with photos but no names/tagging, or no child photos online, or none whatsoever: it’s totally fine. I love using session photos because you’re all so beautiful, but I respect all my client’s privacy wishes.
Can I extend the session on the day of?
My session times are usually plenty to get a ton of photo options for you. Most sessions can be extended for $50 for every additional 30 minutes. All are on a case-by-case basis (if I'm booked immediately after your session, for example).
Do I have to order prints through you?
No, but I highly recommend it. The professional print lab I use is top-notch and the photos/colors will look like what you see on your screen. If you use another lab, I suggest not doing any "color calibration."
Does the session fee include location permits?
Some locations, especially in the DC area, require paid permits in order to shoot professional pictures. The client is responsible for paying for all permits/necessary permission for all locations where I will be performing services, but I'll take care of the paperwork.
Can we just do an hour?
Sure! I offer *up to* 2 hours per session. Because getting everyone comfortable with a new person, no matter how much we've vibed beforehand, takes time!
Some kids take longer to come out of their shyness. And the more relaxed everyone is, the better you all feel and...the better your photos are! Often it's helpful to let the kids run off some steam, and get sweet couple photos of just parents (or, individuals with each child). Then, the kids come back for a few minutes, ready to do more photos. I cannot tell you the number of times this has happened: with fabulous results. It helps everyone de-stress, after all the outfits-on-get-out-the-door chaos. I get it. I've done it like this for years with all kinds of ages, and captured wonderful photos that way!
I don't discount for less time because it takes just as much of my pre-session time, effort, and skill as it would for two hours.