FAQ

Frequent Questions

It’s so normal to have questions before a photography session, and I want to make sure you feel confident knowing what to expect as we move forward. I’ve curated the most frequently asked questions I get. Take some time to explore this page. Of course, you’re welcome to reach out if you still have lingering questions — I’m more than happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

I don’t know about you, but the idea of withholding your family photos hoping that you’ll give me money just doesn’t sit right with me. It feels icky.
This is why my sessions are all-inclusive, meaning I don’t hold back anything when you receive your final gallery. You’ll get all the best photos from your session, always 50+, but often times more.
No upselling. No price per/image. No obligated product purchases. None of that. These are your family photos, and I truly want you to enjoy them.
I'm all about capturing your family in spaces where you can truly be yourselves. Think vast parks, the quiet expanse of private land, or your own backyard. Newborn sessions take place in your home; it's where your stories unfold most authentically, and is why it’s a great option for maternity and family sessions, too. Finding unique outdoor locations (parks, nature preserves, old historic buildings, etc.) genuinely sparks joy in my work. If a creative, unique location sounds interesting, I have a list of spots I’d love to try that I’m happy to share. Or, if you have a place dear to your family, I'm all in to make those specific memories shine through our session, too.
When you book your session, you’ll receive a questionnaire where you can tell me everything about our vision and location preferences. From there, I’ll send over some options and we can collaborate to decide where would work best for your family.
It’s important to me that every photo in your gallery gets the love and attention it deserves, so I never want to rush the editing process. Your final gallery will be available around 3-4 weeks after your session. Occasionally, I send sneak peeks directly to you and on social media, so make sure we’re connected on Insta if you’d like to check in!
I focus on editing out temporary imperfections like blemishes, bruises, and scratches, aiming to capture your family's true essence without altering what makes you, you. This is an important aspect of my photography style. Still, I understand wanting to feel and look your best in your photos, and offer skin retouching as an optional add-on to all sessions.

While we aim for perfect weather during your family photoshoot, we know the rain has its own schedule. But here's the bright side: a little rain doesn't mean we have to cancel our plans. If it does rain, we can easily reschedule or, if you're up for it, adapt and make the most of the moment. Your comfort and safety are my priorities, so if the weather looks iffy, I'll suggest we pick a better day.
As a dog owner, I completely understand how important it can be to capture all members of the family, even the four-legged ones! Dogs are 100% welcome to your session; just give me a heads-up so I can make sure we choose a dog-friendly location.
I'm here to offer as much or as little styling guidance as you need. My goal is to make sure everyone feels confident, comfortable, and most importantly like themselves. I’m happy to assist with choosing colors, textures, and accessories that reflects your true selves.
For those who would like more styling guidance, I offer plenty of resources after booking when we start to plan your session together. I also LOVE to collaborate with clients on creating mood boards to give a visual of the location, your style, and the vibe we’re going for with your shoot.

NEWBORN

Let me start out by saying, first of all, that your shoot is going to be awesome. 99% of the time the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot can feel a little stuff until you and your fam can relax into it and feel confident in front of the camera. I will help you guys do this! Trust me, I do it everyday.
Every newborn session is different, so there’s no “right” or “wrong” way for it to go. Still, here’s a general overview of what you can expect during your newborn session.
When I arrive at your home for your newborn session, I’ll first come in and say hi to everyone before taking 10-20 minutes creating a general shot-list for your session. I’ll explore your home, check out any rooms you want photos in, and scout the house for the best natural light. Because natural light is my preference, we'll utilize the beautiful light in your home.
I encourage parents and siblings to participate, as these interactions often lead to heartwarming and authentic images.
During the session, I'll provide gentle guidance and direction, but my approach is relaxed and natural. I want you to feel at ease and be yourself. If your baby needs to be fed or comforted, take the time to do so. We can pause and resume when everyone is ready.
I understand that having a new baby can be chaotic and unpredictable, but I promise to ensure your session is calm and relaxed. During your at-home newborn session, I encourage you to relax, be yourself, and let me capture those beautiful, candid moments that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Once your session is booked, I’ll mark your estimated due date on my calendar. I keep my weekdays open for newborn sessions so we shouldn't have any trouble finding a time to schedule your newborn session. When your baby arrives, just give me a call as soon as you can and we can lock in a time and date within the next week or two!
For newborn sessions, I do a combination of candid, lifestyle photos of your baby and the family, and natural, posed shots of your baby. I'll always direct you and never ask you or your newborn to do something that feels wrong, uncomfortable, awkward, or that leaves you hanging with no idea what you should be doing next.
We’ll cycle through a few different prompts, but there will be lots of room for you to express yourselves too. It’ll feel cozy – the perfect way to reconnect with each other in a time when most of us lead such busy lives.

There are a few tips I’ll communicate to you in the lead-up to your newborn session, but essentially, your job is to simply show up as you are. Be ready to snuggle your new family member, and to be in some of the shots, too. If there are siblings involved, prepare them by letting them know that this photoshoot is about the new baby.
As I always say, your home doesn't need to be perfectly clean (or clean at all, really). No need to stress getting things tidy. If you're able to, the most helpful way to prepare for your session would be to have any curtains or blinds open to let the most natural light into each room. I'll also likely turn off any artificial light once we begin the session.
This is so, so soooo normal, but I want to reassure you. In my years of capturing newborns, I have never, ever had a newborn’s temperament keep us from capturing beautiful photos.
This is because I allow your newborn’s temperament to guide the timing of things. For example, if I arrive and you just finished feeding, I’ll use this time while your baby is in a “milk coma” to capture them alone in their crib (a shot that can harder to get if your baby is more alert.)
Then, when they start to feel a bit fussy, I’ll have mom or dad comfort them as we capture family group photos. Basically, there is room for all feelings during your newborn session. I just want you to relax, trust that everything will be captured beautifully, and enjoy this insanely special time.
I recommend dressing your baby in a front-fastening, cozy sleep-suit just before the shoot so that when we’re ready to start, it’ll be easy to get them out of it without waking them up. It’s also helpful to have an assortment of neutral, textured swaddles and wraps so that we can chop and change throughout the session.

MATERNITY

If you feel a little nervous, just know that this is totally normal. Most of us feel a little awkward in front of a camera!
During your maternity session, don’t worry if you don’t know what to do. It’s my job to direct you so you don’t feel awkward or uncertain. Most people just automatically look at the camera and smile, but I’ll probably tell you to look out the window, or down towards your belly, or up to the sky. I’m sure you have lots of photos in your phone of you looking at the camera and smiling – I want this to be different.
I find that some of the most authentic images come when you’re absorbed in whatever it is you’re doing, whether that’s making your partner laugh, talking to the little guy in your womb, or picking flowers. I promise I’ll let you know when it’s appropriate to look at the camera. Until then, just do your thing and let yourself be however you want to be.
Absolutely! Including your loved ones in your maternity session adds so much to your final images. It’s my hope that, years down the road, you will be able to look at your maternity photos and see the connection between yourself, your baby, your partner, and/or any siblings-to-be.
Depending on how your pregnancy is unfolding, doing a shoot could be really empowering or really exhausting. Sometimes, it’s a combination of the two.
The day before the shoot, throw some things in a bag that will support you during our session. These things could be the following, or whatever else comes to mind.
Extra clothes for if the weather changes
Snacks and water
A portable speaker to get you in the mood
Hairbrush, extra makeup

Generally, anytime between 28 and 36 weeks is a good time. But, as we all know, we can’t control when the little one will arrive. If you are expecting an early entrance or are having twins, it’s best to book on the sooner side. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, your more likely to show earlier, and can also book earlier.
What you wear to your maternity session is, ultimately, completely up to you. Wear what makes you feel good, confident, and comfortable. Some of the most stunning, raw maternity photos aren taken nude. Going nude emphasizes the curves of your budding belly. But of course, not everyone wants to go nude. If you want to keep your clothes on, here’s what we recommend wearing: maxi dresses; dresses that have a high waistline or slit; fabrics with lots of texture, like lace or sheer fabric; long flowy skirts with a crop top or bandeau bra; cozy, knit pieces.
I feel confident in my ability to take gorgeous photographs of you regardless of whether we’re in your home, at a studio, or at the park – but I don’t want to push you beyond your physical capacity. I’d rather play it safe so that you feel relaxed enough to focus on just enjoying yourself and capturing this super special time in your life.