What kind of photographer am I?

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For title purposes, I am a Lifestyle & Documentary photographer.

 

What that translates to: I am a minimalist at heart and it rolls over into my work.

I use minimal equipment using natural light at the location of your choice to document life's most important stages & phases.

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As a photographer, I like to capture moments. 

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It's important that we embrace this time as a time of intentional engagement. A time for connection, natural engagement, and letting your authenticity shine. 

 

It is not my intent to make you look perfect or insist that your children respond a certain way.  Instead, I will show you that you, your children, and your loved ones are perfect exactly as you are. Together we will capture beautiful, authentic memories.

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What should I expect on the day of my lifestyle session?

Expect to have a comfortable, enjoyable, fully engaged experience. I know how uncomfortable it can be being in front of a camera which is why it's so important to me that I create an experience you will enjoy and feel comfortable with. During a Lifestyle Photography experience, I will chat with you, guide you, make suggestions, and encourage you to keep being you. Once the initial awkwardness wears off, the rest unfolds organically. 

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For family sessions with small children--I have dubbed these sessions as 'child-led". And they truly are. I find that when children are allowed to be children, allowed to explore, allowed to played and allowed to be themselves, they enjoy the sessions too. What we achieve is the natural engagement that happens between you and your family, organically. This produces the most authentic, memorable experiences and captures you will treasure. 

 

What will my lifestyle session be like?

Lifestyle photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at a certain point in time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture authentic images of you, your family, and your children. The goal is not to get stiff and posed shots with everyone looking at the camera, but to capture you. I aim to create images that will become works of art that you can proudly hang in your home,  show off from your coffee table, and pass down for generations. 

 

Looking and smiling at the camera is optional ;) 

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Where will my lifestyle session be held?

It's your choice. I am always open to location ideas. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality. I can help you with this decision if you'd like suggestions. 

 

How long will my lifestyle session last?

Up to 1-hour. This provides ample time to chat, allows us time to warm up to each other and the camera, and allows for small location changes--if needed. 

 

Where will my newborn session be held?

These days, my Lifestyle Newborn Photography experiences take place in the comfort of your home. These In-Home Newborn photography experiences are the most intimate. They allow you to soak up all the newness and share the love, awe and admiration of your newest addition and in the space you call home. They also eliminate the concern of weather conditions and the "chore" of packing up all-the-things to get somewhere on time. Lots of available natural light is preferred for these sessions, and, a flash may be used as well. Late mornings and early afternoons are preferable because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. 

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What time should I schedule an outdoor lifestyle photography session?

Outdoor lifestyle photography sessions are scheduled 1-hour before sunset. Scheduling at this time of day allows us to capture images during "The Golden Hour" and it provides the best lighting for outdoor photography sessions. Sunlight is typically too harsh midday so shooting during sunset hours remedies this. The time of year (and geographical location) will ultimately determine our starting time.

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In-Home Newborn sessions begin late morning/early afternoon when natural light is most available indoors. These sessions last up to 2-hours allowing plenty of time for changings, feedings, and soothing--if necessary--without feeling rushed.

 

What is a Day In The Life (DITL)  Family Documentary Experience?

Day In The Life Family Documentary (DITL) coverage is a true documentary photography experience. There is no posing, no guiding--simply an unfiltered documentation of your day-to-day life.

 

These are near and dear to my heart.

 

For families with small children, it's all about capturing you as you are in that moment: the disheveled hair, the stretchy pants, the attempts to put yourself together; the tears, the laughter, the negotiating, the parenting, and the sharing of your daily responsibilities. 

 

It's a unique opportunity to capture you--all of you--together & engaged--and for you to see the beauty in the everyday chaos that is life and parenting at times. These, I feel, will be most appreciated years down the road.

 

Full sessions last up to 6-hours (a custom experience can be catered to your coverage needs) and my mini documentary experiences are 2-hours. Coverage time is decided by you depending on what you want me to capture: early morning wake-ups and breakfast; after nap-time; playtime and fun family outings; parent coming home from work; dinner, bath, and bedtime. Maybe you have kids away at college, or a spouse whose work takes them away from home for an extended amount of time. You get to decide what's important to you. I get to document it all ;)

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A Day In The Life (DITL) documentary photography experience isn't just about parenting--it's capturing life. These are also great for business owners looking to document their team, their products, the behind-the-scenes look at all the hard work that goes into your labor-of-love. It's an opportunity to document and share with your audience and capture these stages and phases of growth for you--because sometimes we just don't see just how beautiful the journey really is. 

 

What should I wear for a lifestyle session?

That is up to you too, however, I will suggest avoiding bright colors, matching attire, and big bold prints. Think soft, neutrals.  Most importantly, clothing should be comfortable, should coordinate, and reflect who you are.

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How do I prepare the kids for a Lifestyle photography session?

Get them excited and informed about your session! Tell them what will happen. Talk about it in the days leading up to your session date. Tell them there will be time for them to get curious and explore during the photo session.

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Make sure they are rested and well-fed. I don't encourage bribery, however, I have been guilty of using it with my own children when they were small. Instead, I like to suggest that you relay to them that this is a family event and that the entire family will (grab their favorite foods afterward, play a game when you get home, free play after the session...). Whatever excites your littles!

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Naps are also helpful if sessions are late in the evenings (think long summer days), that way they are well-rested. If your children do not nap, simply clear your schedule pre-photoshoot. Make this your main event! Remember, this is an experience and it is scheduled, intentional time for bonding and fun.  

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Do you require a deposit?

Yes. Every session requires a 25% non-refundable* deposit, along with a signed contract, to book your experience. Doing this secures your date making it unavailable to others. The deposit is applied to your balance (not extra) with the remaining balance due by your session date.

 

* deposits are non-refundable if session is cancelled for any reason other than events outside Clients control. Sessions are encouraged to be rescheduled instead of canceling.

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What if it rains?

Each situation is unique, so I will be in touch with you to discuss options. Generally speaking, if it is raining 2-hours before your scheduled outdoor session, we will reschedule at your earliest convenience.

 

Will I get the digital photos from my session?

Yes!  These images are your memories which is why every session includes all the best, edited high-resolution images uploaded to an online gallery for you to view, print, download, and share freely! I guarantee up to 25, however, you may receive more.

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You will get color images with a select few in black and white.

Also included in select photography experiences (Lifestyle Photography Experience: The Album Collection + Elopements & Intimate Weddings + Day In The Life full and mini version) :

(1) custom hardcover photo album* with up to 20 images from your session

 

*this offer is available only when paying full price 

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When will I get my images?

With each season comes a different level of demand. During busier seasons turnaround is a bit longer. For lifestyle photography sessions, I ask that you give me up to 6-weeks and up to 8-weeks for Day In The Life documentary & wedding experiences to receive all of the best, edited high-resolution digital files uploaded to your gallery.

 

An additional 6-8 weeks is needed for the creation and delivery for a custom photo album (if applicable) after digital images have been delivered. While this may seem like a long time, I'm a one-woman show, and I personally edit your images & curate the albums. You can expect a Sneak Peek within a week ;)

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How can I order prints and products?

Once you have access to your digital files, you can order prints and print products directly from your online gallery. I have priced them competitively to encourage you to print high-quality images from a professional lab without sacrificing quality. However, the images are yours and you are free to choose any lab for your print needs.

 

What's the best way to inquire about booking?

Another great question. Head on over to my book your session page and fill out the form. This notifies me of your interest. Then, will schedule a 30-minute Connection Call to connect, chat about what you envision for your session and ask questions. These are no-pressure, no-obligation ways to reach out to me expressing your photography interests and needs.

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I do not appreciate pushy sales tactics, and you won't get that from me. It's important to me that you find the right photographer for your needs--whoever that may be--so I am happy to answer any of your Lifestyle & Documentary photography questions :)

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Ready to create an experience together? 

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