WHAT TIME WILL MY SESSION BE?
To take advantage of the best light, all of my sessions happen at sunset (excluding newborn sessions). Depending on the time of year, this can be pretty late in the evening so be sure to adjust nap schedules for the day if you have littles who go to bed early. I offer a pre-sunset session to compromise for those who need an earlier session for bedtime purposes.
I do not shoot in the morning or mid afternoon.
WHERE IS MY SESSION LOCATION?
I have several favorite locations in Central IL that I know and love to shoot at because they photograph beautifully. Locations are chosen by me based on the time and season. If you have a specific location you're hoping to use, I am open to suggestions but will ultimately decide if I think it will photograph well.
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE?
I am a parent, and I know that kids get sick. Like, a lot. If you know your kid is sick, please contact me ASAP. Your retainer can be transferred once to a new date. A second reschedule will result in a forfeiture of the retainer, and will require a new retainer to schedule a new date.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
As a photographer, I am a part time meteorologist. I'm constantly stalking the weather forecast and will be in contact with you the week-of/day-of your session. If it is looking like it will rain during our scheduled time, we will coordinate to find a new date. If possible, we may move the session up by an hour or so. I purposely don't overbook myself so that I have wiggle room for rain reschedules.
WHAT IF MY KIDS DON'T BEHAVE?
Kids. Are. Kids. I know photo sessions are an investment and it can be stressful wondering if your kids are going to cooperate. But please, let them be. Tension can be detected in photos, so please don't stress. Try to go with the flow and let me redirect their energy and run the show!
WILL YOU POSE US?
My approach is to prompt, not pose. While I don't do a lot of "look and smile at the camera," we start there and then I will prompt you to look at each other, or tickle your baby, or kiss your wife's forehead, or twirl your little girl in her dress. I will have you constantly connecting, touching, moving, and laughing. You will never be left wondering "what am I supposed to do?"
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Once you book, you will receive an email from me with a VERY detailed Style Guide, as well as a What to Expect Guide. This will help you plan and coordinate outfits for your entire family. I do also have a Kids' Client Closet that is available for you to borrow from.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS?
Typically, between 28-34 weeks is the best time for Maternity sessions. This can vary depending on how you carry and how you're feeling. Generally, you want a nice bump but don't want to be so far along that you're uncomfortable.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK NEWBORN PHOTOS?
If you know you want to book me for newborn photos, please reach out in your 2nd or 3rd trimester! Obviously we can't schedule an exact date too far in advance because we won't know when baby will arrive. I will book you for your due date and ask that you contact me ASAP when baby arrives. We will then choose a date before baby is 2 weeks old.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS?
I shoot newborn sessions when babies are between 5-14 days new. This is prime time for newborn photos because they're still (mostly) sleepy and easy to swaddle.
CAN YOU MAKE ME LOOK SLIMMER?
I believe in body positivity, so I do not do any edits to alter anyone's appearance beyond fixing temporary imperfections such as blemishes, bruises, scratches, etc.
WILL YOU POST A PREVIEW ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
While I try to post a preview of all of my sessions, it can delay my editing queue, especially during my busy season. I would rather focus on getting your full gallery completed and emailed to you before posting to social media. That being said, I am more likely to post to Instagram than Facebook.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
Turnaround time to receive your online gallery is typically 1-2 weeks. During busy season (September-November) it can take up to 4 weeks to receive your gallery.
SHARING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Sharing your images on social media is the biggest compliment I can receive as an artist! While not required, it is greatly appreciated if you tag me in your post!
CLIENT EDITS
Clients are not permitted to add filters or alter final delivered images in any way, as this does not reflect the quality of my work and can negatively affect my business.