Please take a few minutes to read through these frequently asked questions - it will help you prepare for our session together.
How will I receive my images?
Your images will be delivered via an online gallery (which makes it super easy to download and share with friends and family!). I know you’ll be excited to receive your images, so I try to turn them around within a week for portrait sessions, and a couple of weeks for wedding galleries. Your gallery will be available online for about a month, so just make sure to download your images within that time frame.
Will you edit out my wrinkles? How about that logo on my husband’s shirt?
My fees include lightly edited digital images. That means I edit for exposure, color, and cropping within a style consistent to what is portrayed on my website. I do not complete more detailed editing, such as correcting blemishes, face swaps, or removing fly-aways. If you have any questions or concerns about what is included, please let me know prior to booking. On occasion, I know kiddos get a scrape or mama gets a blemish that you’d prefer not be blown up on a gigantic canvas above your fireplace for the next 20 years... I get it! We can chat through what more-detailed editing may cost, and what may or may not be possible with an image.
Where will our session be?
The location of mini sessions will always be selected by me, as minis are only done on certain dates and generally run back-to-back with other sessions. The locations will be confirmed about a week in advance, but will be within 15 minutes or so of Wheaton, unless I inform you otherwise at the time of booking. The locations for full sessions can be a bit more flexible, outside of the fall months. If you’re set on a certain spot, please reach out prior to booking to make sure it is possible.
What should I wear??!
Oh, my favorite part! Your wardrobe allows you to express who you are. In terms of coloring, I always suggest neutrals. You can’t go wrong with soft greys, oatmeal, blush, chambray, and light green.
For families, the goal is to coordinate, not match. I always love a flowy maxi dress on women, and the men looking sharp in a button down or sweater with a sports jacket. Remember, there’s no such thing as being over-dressed for family photos! For kiddos, put them in something they’re comfortable in - and you know your kiddos best! If your little guy is going to scream because of his bow tie, or your little lady won’t stop yanking at her too-tight tights, know when to surrender. Don’t forget to think about those feet - if you don’t have dressier shoes for your kiddos, don’t worry! Barefoot is super cute (and much-preferred over those light-up character sneakers!), and I can capture those sweet little piggies as well :)
Try to keep patterns relatively simple, and avoid any super tight plaids. I would generally suggest avoiding bright and neon colors.
Don’t forget to think about how you plan to use your images! If you’re hoping for that money shot to hang above the living room couch, don’t wear bright green polka dots if your living room is a sea of neutral grey.
I’m always happy to provide suggestions, so don’t hesitate to snap a picture (or 15) of your outfit choices and send them my way!
Newborn specific questions
What is a ‘lifestyle’ session?
Great question! It’s a style of newborn photography that focuses on your natural life at home with your sweet new addition. I grab solo shots of the little one in natural, lightly-swaddles poses - no hanging out of baskets or baby yoga moves ;D. I also grab lots of those sweet moments between the happy parents and those amazing newborn snuggles. While sessions are usually done in the first 2 weeks of birth, lifestyle sessions can be a bit more flexible on the time frame than the more-posed portrait style, so feel free to reach out with questions!
What should I do to prep for our newborn session?
Mama, you have just given birth! I can be pretty sneaky and strategic on how to shoot in your home, so do not stress over making it look like it’s ready for a home decorating show crew to come film. I love to shoot in the master bedroom, nursery, and living room, but none of these are necessities! All I need is some good-ole’ natural light and I will get to work! Before the session, try to feed your little one, and if you’re bottle feeding, try to have a bottle on hand for during the session. We take plenty of breaks to feed, change diapers, and give everyone a break, so do not stress! Last tip: keep your home a couple degrees warmer than usual, as this will keep the little babe more content, and hopefully a bit more sleepy during the session!