Welcome!
Hurrah for adventures!
I live in the world of images. I am endlessly curious. Think of me as your guide on this journey. I am happy to answer questions and help with ideas. I also encourage you to choose your adventure and make all these ideas your own. After all, you know your story better than anyone.
With that being said, I’d love to let you know what to expect. Provide guidance from location to what to wear. And let you know how this whole adventure becomes fun for all of us!
What to Expect
“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful.
It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.”
» Lisa Weedn
Very few people in the world can step in front of the camera and feel amazing. The rest of us tend to feel anything from nervous to terrified. The era of digital photography is a bit of a kindness because it can give us many, many chances. It can also feel more complicated because every click may add to the nervousness.
Please, please rest assured that we will work together towards images that matter. We don't need to look like supermodels. We are already supermoms and superdads. They love us for us. So try to relax (I know it’s hard!). Focus on family.
I like photographs that are authentic. I do not arrange families like a group of dolls. I do arrange you in groups that look good to the camera. I give you guidance to help the camera see your best angles. Then, I encourage connections. I give directions. I tell stories and ask for jokes. I love playing games. In the days before your session, I send a questionnaire which helps me get to know you better. As often as possible, I encourage genuine expressions and moments. The best way to elicit those moments is to have fun conversations.
Depending on the mood, we will spend a few moments getting the “grandparent shots.” You know the ones, the ones where everyone looks at the camera with pleasant expressions. The one that grandparents love to display on the mantle or fridge. We take care of that one early (hopefully) so we can spend the rest of the session celebrating the special relationships in your family. Most of our images will showcase you looking at one another or at the environment more than the camera.
Locations
The little things?
The little moments?
They aren’t Little.
~John Kababt-Zinn
Location is important to our session. My favorite local place is the Empire Mine. Location that reflects your family creates meaningful sessions. If you love picnics or tea parties, let’s do that. We can be creative and include spaces that reflect your family story.
I adore sessions as home as well, which is perfect for babies and toddlers because they feel comfortable in their own space. If you worry about mess in your home, please don’t! We can be creative about angles, and blur backgrounds. Besides, kids love seeing their toys when they are older!
What to Wear
Far and away, this is Most Often Asked Question. I want to give ideas as well as a few cautions. When choosing clothing, please think about comfort, especially for young children. My daughter is the perfect example. She has sensitivities to fabric and seams. As her mom, however, I loved smocking on dresses where the fabric is gathered and decorated. I would buy her a dress thinking it would be the most Adorable Holiday Outfit Ever. Only to find that she was fussing and tugging and taking it off within minutes. I learned my lesson quickly.
If she saw photos wearing that type of dress today, she would be confused. “But I never wore stuff like that. Why did you put me in that!?”
Click here for more information about choosing outfits for your session then return to this window :)
A Little About Me
Before choosing photography, I was a teacher. I directed children’s theater. I have seen sad children and mad children, wild children and shy children. I always love finding ways to connect with children and their families. The most important thing in my photographs is relationships, including my relationship with your family. I do this by putting down the camera and talking to you. Listening to you. The moments that emerge when kids are allowed to be themselves creates magic.
I love documenting families. These days are precious and fleeting. Our children will thank us for making the effort to document their childhoods :)
Myself, I have two children, a thirteen year old girl and eight year old boy. Our favorite weekends include a trip to the movies, finding a great new outside adventure, and sushi for dinner.
Creativity is my soul food. I write craft books and novels. I make fairy dolls (and the occasional zombie). I can be a little scattered at times, but I always believe in kindness and love. We can bring out the best in one another.
Our Photography Timeline
Before our session, we get a chance to consult about planning and logistics. It’s always nice to meet in person! However, if that’s too challenging, we can talk on the phone or Skype. We can meet at my studio space over a cup of coffee, or I can meet you at a park. We will discuss ideas and you can ask me questions.
On the day of the event, eat a good meal before the session. You can bring an extra outfit if you want options, or if you worry that your child may get muddy. Once you leave, maybe go for a treat so everyone feels great afterwards and doesn’t groan next time you suggest a photo session :)
I will go home and offload images. I choose a couple of favorites because it’s like unwrapping presents for me. I will send them your way so you can share on social media.
Processing the rest of the photos depends on my Virtual Darkroom. If you have a hope for using the photos, like Grandma’s birthday, let me know so I can coordinate my projects.
I choose the best photos from our time together, at least fifty. Choosing the Keeper photos can be a big job. After all, you don’t want thirty images of Bobby leaning against a tree. You probably want the best one, which can be a little tricky as I need to go back and forth to see where Bobby looks the best.
A big learning curve for me was understanding that photos look best when they have been edited for color, light, and composition. I go through and make sure every single photo looks its best.
I enhance a few special images for without being obvious with heavy filters or effects. I know how to blend images and/or swap expressions so one blink doesn’t derail our favorite portrait. I am mindful not to spend too much time on the computer, so I appreciate getting a moment together in front of the camera, but, at the same time, don’t stress about micromanaging every expression.
I believe in us :)
Thank you for planning this adventure with me. I value each and every creative opportunity!
What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.
~Mother Teresa
A note about pets: I love pets! They are family :)
