What to Expect

What to wear

Your confirmation email includes a style guide for your session type, with color palettes and outfit ideas. Can’t find it? Email me and I’ll resend it.

A few things that apply to every session:

• Make sure it fits. You’ll sit on the ground, pick up kids and walk on sand. Comfortable clothes mean relaxed faces.
• Think about shoes. Clean sneakers, boots or sandals work. Bare feet are perfect at the beach.

Before we start, clear away:

• Sunglasses on your head
• Hair ties on your wrist
• Phones and keys in your pockets

During the session

Relax. I want your family as you actually are. Snuggle, play and toss the kids in the air.

Not everyone has to look at the camera. We’ll get the posed shots early. After that, keep your eyes on each other and the smiles take care of themselves.

Skip “say cheese.” It gets a forced smile every time. I’ll get the kids laughing.

Arrive on time. Your session starts at the scheduled time, not when you arrive. Running late? Text, call or email and I’ll adapt. Sunrise and sunset sessions are very time sensitive.

Hard moments happen. Kids feel it when parents are stressed, so the best fix is to relax and enjoy each other. I’ll work hard for the giggles, but I don’t re-shoot because of a cranky day.

What to bring

• A blanket that goes with your outfits
• Lip gloss and a hair tie, in case of wind
• Bribes, if you need them. I bring a treasure chest of prizes too.
• Your dog. Just tell me ahead of time, since some locations don’t allow them.

When to reschedule

If anyone has had a fever or vomiting in the past 24 hours, let’s reschedule. Kids are more themselves when they feel good. I’ll do the same if I’m sick. Reach out as soon as you can.

Newborn sessions

Newborn sessions happen in your home, ideally within the first 10 days. Here’s how to get ready.

• Plan on 2–3 hours at home. Newborn sessions run on baby’s schedule. Feeding, soothing and diaper changes are part of the plan.
• Warm it up. Turn off the AC or turn up the heat. Baby can’t regulate body temperature yet and will be mostly unclothed.
• Feed baby right before I arrive. A full, sleepy baby is a happy model. The next feeding can happen during the session, and I can photograph it if you’d like.
• Clear the surfaces. Tuck away pumps, water cups and paperwork. I’ll walk through your home to find the best light and may move a few things.
• Siblings set the pace. If they do better going first, we’ll start with them. Sibling shots can be the hardest of the day, so don’t stress.

After the session

• Delivery: within 10 days, in color and black and white. Expect 30+ photos from a mini session, 50+ from a senior session and 70+ from a full session.
• Downloading: open your photo link, click the download button in the upper right and enter your email. Your photos arrive in your inbox once they’re ready.
• Save them: your link expires one year after your session, so download everything soon.
• Prints: your print release downloads with your photos, so you can print anywhere. For the best quality, I recommend Mpix. Drugstore and big-box printers won’t do your photos justice.