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 hop on the phone for a short call (really, 15 minutes!). I'll take you through my process and offerings, and we'll confirm the date to make sure I have availability – 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! Want some more ideas? Check out my Location Guide, available here!
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 retainer to confirm your session on my calendar.
PREP & Style Guide
Next up, you get private access to my custom-made Prep Guide that’s filled with TONS of photos and recommendations for outfits, color picks, complementing whole family colors and outfits. It also covers what to expect during our session together and how to go about choosing your gorgeous print products. Plus, I’m available to you as a resource: send me photos or links of outfits 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.
Let's Find a Date!
The Session
I’ll send you a reminder email a couple days out with a final session checklist (check this blog post, too!) and exact meeting location.
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, 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 and your final gallery about 30 days from your session date! While you're waiting, explore the beautiful print products I have to offer and start planning out what you want. Once the gallery is ready, I'll send it to you using a slideshow (I recommend you make it an experience, break out the wine and candles!). You have one day to watch it (and re-watch it!) and share, and then you can choose the Collection you want: some images and some print credit, all images and more print credit, or somewhere in between. I cover ALL this in the Guide once you book, no need to keep track now. Typically I deliver about 50 images per session.
Final Digitals and Prints
Use your print credit to choose from gorgeous, high-quality products, from prints to albums to linen boxes and canvas. These are archival quality to stand the test of time and hand down through the generations. I love them all so much!
Spotlight: Linen Albums
Printed on smooth matte paper, these handcrafted albums are built to last. Using archival materials with pages carefully mounted to create thick lay flat spreads, these albums will be cherished for a lifetime.
FAQ
What should we wear?
Uh, what about posing?
What's a model release?
Does the session fee include location permits?
What if it rains?
Do I have to order prints through you?
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 testimonial
Uh, what about posing?
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.
Does the session fee include location permits?
YES! And I'll take care of the paperwork. Some places only allow certain days of the week so if you have somewhere in mind, let me know when we talk.
What if it rains?
Beautiful photographs can be made in any kind of weather, but I understand that there are some downsides to being photographed in the pouring rain or the freezing cold! I can and do reschedule sessions for inclement weather (mostly rain), and I will usually make that call the night before or morning of our session - I find WeatherBug to be most accurate and in this area, rain sometimes shifts quickly out of our way. Keep the faith with me!
Do I have to order prints through you?
No, but I highly recommend it - plus you may as well make the most of your print credit! 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."