Session Info:
Newborn Sessions: I like to photograph newborns within the first 10 days. When you book your newborn session, I will put your due date on my calendar. When your baby arrives, please let me know as soon as possible & I will get you scheduled. A deposit is required to get on the calendar as newborn session fill up quickly & I have a limited amount of dates. The sooner you can schedule the better, but even if baby is here already – email to see if I have any openings. I love newborns so I’ll always try to accommodate if possible!
Booking your session: When you email to book your session, let me know what dates work for your schedule. I will then look at my schedule to see what dates I have available that will work for you. Saturdays fill up the fastest. Most weekends are booked 1-2 months in advance, weeknights typically book a few weeks out. Evenings are best for outdoor sessions. Depending on the time of year, I will recommend a good time & location for lighting.
Styling your session: It’s important for me to know what style you have in mind. I will suggest locations that will fit the style you choose. Of course, if you have a location in mind – let me know & we’ll try to make that work. I group my ‘styles’ into 3 basic groups – Urban / Garden / Studio.
- Urban: Typically takes place in a ‘downtown’ setting. The setting will usually contain brick, loading docks, staircases, concrete, etc. This is especially fun with senior, engagement & family sessions.
- Garden: This session is really about being in nature. I love boardwalks, tall grasses, old fences and barns. Depending on the time of year, we may have beautiful leaves, gorgeous snow or blooming orchards. This session is great for most everyone, especially families.
- Studio: This session is recommended for newborns, and great for kids as well. Families need to be smaller in order to be photographed in studio. The studio offers several backdrops, props and accessories to individualize your session. It’s also equiped with a television/dvd player & toys for the kids. And it’s great in all weather!
What to wear & bring…
Newborn Session: The best time to photograph a newborn is within the first 10 days. I like to photograph newborns in their ‘skin’. Obviously, going without a diaper means we’ll have some accidents. I’m used to it – I wash the blankets after each session. Bring a couple of diapers & a bottle or binky, if they’ll take it. Try to feed them before you come, then allow them to get sleepy in the car, and hopefully they’ll sleep most of our session. I will warm the studio so they’ll be comfortable. Mom’s & dad’s should wear black shirts, preferably with long sleeves. If you have cute blankets, headbands, hats… bring them. I have a ton of props & accessories that you’re welcome to use as well!
Children: Layer the clothing! Tee shirts over long sleeve shirts, jackets, ties, scarves, etc all add texture & variety to the picture. You can have as many outfit changes as time will allow – so bring several options & we’ll mix it up. That way, you get a different look from the same session. Also – if your child has interests such as guitar, skateboarding, karate, soccer, etc – bring props to use in a few pictures. It’s fun to show their personality. Again, I have a ton of tutus, accessories, hats & props that you’re welcome to use.
Seniors: Where to begin? Senior sessions are so fun!! I recommend bringing a rolling suitcase with all your clothes, accessories, props, etc so we can quickly move around downtown & get a ton of great shots! It’s so fun to mix & match, hats, boots, rips in jeans… they all look SO amazing. I can help you decide at the begining of the session what will work best in which locations, so bring a lot of choices, and we’ll have so much fun!
Families: The most important thing for families is that everyone DOES NOT have to match! Choosing colors, textures, patterns that coordinate instead of having everyone look the same gives the picture variety & makes it interesting, and more personal. Bringing jackets, hats and other accessories helps to mix up the pictures so they all don’t look exactly the same. Think about where you want the picture in your house, and what colors are going to look best. Also consider the session style and what’s appropriate for the surroundings. Try to avoid any one’s clothing being too ‘wild’ or lots of stripes, or large graphics. These can be distracting.
Store Recommendations:
Newborns – Sassy Baby, Brats, Lillypads & Lullabys, Cuddle Haven & Gardner Village
Kids – Gap, Old Navy, Crewcuts, Matilda Jane, Nordstrom (& Rack)
Teens – Abercrombie, Gap, Nordstrom (& Rack), Skinz, Buckle, boutiques (like I need to tell teens where to find cute clothes!!)
Tip for everyone – you don’t have to spend a lot to look amazing in your pictures. You’ll be surprised what you can find in your closet, or borrow from friends or family! If you want to schedule a ‘styling session’ prior to your sitting, they’re free & really help make your session a sucess. Call or email me for more information.