What type of photo sessions do you offer?
I focus on families - emphasizing motherhood, as well as newborn & maternity sessions.

What is your booking process in a nutshell?
1.) Book online by choosing a location (if you don't have an idea of what you want, then message me!). 2.) You'll receive guidance on how the session will go, what to wear, and where & when exactly to meet 3.) Within 2 to 3 weeks after session, you'll receive your password-protected, online gallery of your final, edited images (40+ images).

What do I wear?!?
First, don't stress! I have a few simple no-no's but most of the time, my clients can find something already in their closets and they don't  need to go shopping for new clothes. Most importantly, I want you to feel the most comfortable in your clothing. I have a whole page dedicated to wardrobe ideas, tips, and guidelines to help you out but you can always ask me for further assistance if you need.

I'm not sure my kiddos will last longer than 10 minutes!
I have a few tips on how to prepare your children for the shoot which will be in the prep emails I send you. I want you to think of the shoot more like a family outing at a park rather than a huge event where they must.sit.still.and.behave. I'm not after forced, perfect smiles anyway. I want them to be themselves. Climbing, running, playing & snuggling is built into every session for quality family time. Nonetheless, we go at your child's pace and take breaks if needed.
 

When is the best time of year for family photos in Portland?
It depends. Each season offers something unique. I have a whole blog post on this topic that spells out the pros and cons for each season to find which is best for your family. You can find that post here.

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How far in advance should we book?
Most families reserve sessions several months in advance, especially for fall and summer dates.
 

Can we reschedule? We've been having a really....really bad day. Is there a fee?
We can absolutely reschedule. No additional fees, no questions asked.

It's raining! Now what?
I'm flexible on your session date in case we need to adjust the time of day to avoid rain. If it's bad, we'll reschedule. I typically won't cancel until right beforehand, though, because Oregon weather can change so rapidly and break out into a gorgeous sunset at the last minute.

Do you offer traditional posed portraits?
We will get a couple of "For the Grandparents" shots where everyone is looking at the camera, smiling but I will only do this once of twice during the session. Otherwise the remainder is not posed, but gently prompted and of you NOT looking at the camera.

 

If you are primarily wanting posed, looking at the camera, then I am not the photographer for you (but I can refer you to someone!). My process provides you with prompts that promote connection with your family and offer some light tips on where to stand, what to do, etc. throughout the shoot.

I see your pricing is based on general areas, but what about an exact location?
I have a list of favorite spots in each general area and we will determine together the right fit for you based on your family's needs and where you're located.

 

For example, if you book an Oregon Coast session, I have a location in Lincoln City or in Cannon Beach you can choose from. If you would like to photograph somewhere else on the coast, let me know and we'll most likely make that happen.

 

Otherwise, I will gladly select from one of my favorites where I know the lighting and backdrop will be great.

Should I bribe my children to behave for a photo session?
It's not required that they MUST behave for the shoot because I want to photograph your family AS YOU ARE in the moment. This shoot is not a performance, nor do I shoot it as one. Your children crave quality family time already and this hour provides that for them to relax and be who they are naturally. Continue the quality time afterwards with what you know they like best - ice-cream, reading a book, etc. and that can be the "bribe".

 

Again, I recommend treating this photoshoot as any other family outing to a park where they get to climb, jump, tickle, and play with you for a whole hour.

For younger children, I always recommend bringing water and a snack they love (make sure it's not crumbly or changes the color of their tongue).

Can we have a photoshoot earlier in the day? My kid needs to get to bed early!
Soft lighting (an hour before sunset) is the most flattering light for your images and I promise will be worth the effort. I have a little one so I know the effort required & consequences in adjusting nap & food times. The struggle will soon be forgotten and you'll have beautiful photos to look back on forever.

 

That being said, if you're still concerned, I recommend booking your session during fall or winter for the earlier start times. Summer sessions can start as late as 8pm but in contrast, a winter session can start as early as 2:30pm. Autum sessions are somewhere in between these two extremes. Here is a blog post that breaks it down more if you're interested.

My husband doesn't want to do this.
He might be thinking this session will be like the forced, everyone-look-at-the-camera-and-smile photo shoots. However, it will instead be focused on your every day moments and is NOT a performance.

 

He'll get to wrestle with his kids, play tag, & tell his best dad jokes while laughing with them.

 

Dads will be given a short break while I capture mama with kids for a while. Often times I hear dads say once a session is over, "Oh, that's it? That wasn't bad at all."

When will we receive our photos?
Your online gallery will be delivered within 2-3 weeks give or take a week depending on how busy the season is. Fall is the most busy.

Our home isn't perfect - is that okay for in-home sessions?
More than okay - it's expected. Your home doesn't need to look like a magazine. Lived-in spaces create the most honest images. We'll work with light and space, not perfection.

I don't feel confident in photos - should I still book?
Yes.

You don't need confidence to be photographed. You just need to be authentic. My job is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, seen, and beautiful.


Are you available on the weekends?
Yes! Although, some locations are better experienced on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Will you travel? 
I love to travel! Send me a message and tell me where you want me and I'll see if I can make it happen! I have flight benefits and depending on where you are, I might be able to stay with a friend or family member, making the travel fee less than usual.

I still have questions. Can I contact you?
Of course! You can contact me here. I look forward to hearing from you!