FAQ: Clients

How can I make sure our pictures go as smoothly as possible?

Relax, be yourself, and have fun!  If you're a parent, before the shoot think about the silly songs and games you can sing/play with your child(ren) to get some natural smiles and giggles.  Does your child love Dora?  Bring a favorite book to read together.  Do you play the guitar?  Feel free to serenade us all.

Even fun treats like lollipops can look really cute in pictures (usually towards the end of the shoot if it's messy, though treats often get great smiles out of grumpy children).  You can bring props such as balloons, your child's favorite chair, umbrellas, musical instruments, etc - though it's not necessary.  Bubbles are a great way to get kids to relax.  Show off any special talents like walking on your hands, cartwheels, or even fire juggling (I'd love to see that).

During the session remember to take anything out of your pockets that will show up in pictures as awkward lumps (cell phones, wallets, keys etc) and spit out your gum before we start .  Just make sure you relax!  Don't worry about your kids looking directly at the camera and smiling.  Have fun with your family and lets capture those natural giggles that only the tickle monster can bring out.

What do we wear?

I can tell you my own personal recommendations (and things to stay away from), but the most important thing is that you wear clothes you love and feel attractive in.  Comfortable clothes for kids especially (and husbands) is also recommended.  However, comfort is relative for everyone. Personally, I don't find heels comfortable, but love them in pictures!

Wear something elegant  if that is you!  If you're more casual and don't even own a tie, don't go buy one for the pictures.  I think it's absolutely okay for a girl to wear a dress with heels while her guy wears blue jeans (but no, this is not an excuse for all of you guys to wear jeans).  Most important...be yourself!

For family and engagement sessions I recommend sticking with 2-4 colors.  I do not  recommend that everyone wear plain white shirts or that women or girls wear polo shirts.  I do not recommend that everyone wears the exact same color or same shirt.  You can color coordinate without being too matchy matchy.  Funky scarves, hats, boots, leggings for little girls, polkadots, stripes, tutu's, etc are always cute additions to an outfit and textured sweaters in the winter look great.  Don't forget to accessorize!  Colorful jewelry, headbands, and shoes (yes, your shoes will be showing) can make a picture.

Color combos that I like: green/blue/brown, yellow/purple/gray, green/gray/blue, purple/blue/green, red/purple/yellow, orange/blue/purple/brown.  Neutral colors (like gray) look amazing when a pop of color is added such as a scarf, or if one person is in gray and another has a jewel-toned outfit.

Here are some sites where you can get some super cute, fun clothes for kids!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/elizakatedesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZozoBugBaby

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lakenandlila

http://www.etsy.com/shop/themodernmarigold

http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/

http://www.shabbyapple.com/ (for girls and women)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/veryKIKI (adorable onesies)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TrendieTreasures

http://www.etsy.com/shop/babybystevie (cute ties for boys)

How long will our session be?

Sessions for families, engagements, children, etc typically last 1-2 hours (look at the next question for information on newborn sessions).  I don' t have a set time limit and the goal is to have fun while making pretty pictures!

Many parents don't think their child will last beyond 20 or 30 minutes, but don't expect to be sitting quietly expecting a 2-yr-old to stare at the camera and smile the whole time.  You can swing your kids around, wrestle, tickle each other, throw them up in the air, play duck-duck-goose, whatever they like and I'll be there to capture it for you!

What can I expect at a newborn shoot?

A shoot with a newborn typically lasts about 3-4 hours, with lots of time for feedings and comforting.  Newborn shoots should be scheduled sometime during the first two weeks of life, with the best time being around 5-10 days when they're still in that newborn coma and nice and curly.

I have many props that I'll bring (beanbag, baskets, blankets, headbands, hats etc), but I'm more than happy to use anything you may have that you want photographed with your baby (hats/headbands, blankets, special gifts, etc).  I won't be able to bring every single prop to a shoot, so if you have a special request (such as certain baskets, blankets, or a scale) tell me ahead of time so I can bring it.  Let me know if you have any preferences as far as which props or poses you'd like utilized (some people have a preference, some don't).

I always do a few pictures with the parents and/or siblings if they're up for it, but not all parents want pictures of themselves, so it's a personal choice.  The primary focus will be on the newborn.  If your baby uses any of my props as a diaper, don't fret!  It happens and is expected when dealing with a naked baby .

Also, expect to crank the heat up before I arrive!  If you want those curled up naked pictures, baby has to be comfortable (around 85 degrees is ideal).   After spending 9 months in constant 98.6 degree your baby is a bit spoiled.  We will all probably be sweating for baby to stay asleep in the buff.

Where can I get some of those cute hats and headbands for my baby?

If you don't know about etsy.com, go there now!  You can find so many adorable hats, headbands, blankets, etc for your baby, and there is tons of stuff for you too!  It's basically like your own boutique full of handmade goods at your fingertips.  If there's a specific hat or headband you want to purchase, email me and I'll send you the seller information.  I buy from too many different ones to post them all here!  You can thank me later (your wallet may not).

When is the best time to photograph my baby?

If you're looking for those sleeping, curly newborn pictures we need to shoot in the first two weeks of life (preferably at 5-10 days).  If we miss that stage I recommend waiting at least three months before having your baby photographed again.  Before that is often the awkward baby time when they lose their hair, get baby acne, don't smile much, and don't tolerate tummy-time well.  3-6 months is definitely more animated, but my favorite time to do baby pictures again is about 6-9 months, when baby can sit up unassisted, but can't get away from me too easily!  It's such a happy, playful age.  They'll play peek-a-boo and laugh at mom and dad's silly antics.

When do I pay you?

For a portrait session a signed contract and a $50 deposit is needed to secure the date (if we're scheduling a newborn shoot contact me as soon as possible after baby's birth and we'll schedule the actual shoot), with the remainder of the session fee due the date of the shoot.

For a wedding, a $500 deposit and signed contract is necessary to secure the date, with the remainder due one week before the wedding.  Once we have an initial consultation (via phone, email, or in person) and you've received a contract I'll hold your date for one week to give you time to send a deposit and signed contract.

When I order prints, do they come with your logo on them?  Do you do any retouching?

Your prints will not have my logo on them.  I do slight retouching, such as skin smoothing, on all print orders 5x7 or larger (alterations such as head switches or alterations with you riding a mystical creature will cost extra).

Do you use studio lights or natural light?

I use all natural light for family and baby pictures whether indoors or out (and engagements, children, HS seniors, etc).  I use natural light for the majority of weddings, but use an off-camera flash when needed.

Haven't I see you before? Perhaps on a granola commercial?

I enjoy granola while camping and occasionally with yogurt, but I do not sell it.  I also have an identical twin.

Are you a real blonde?

As real as they come.  Only a couple of blonde jokes are applicable to me.

Do you do weddings or other photo sessions on Sundays?

No.  Due to religious commitments, I do not do any work on Sundays.

Do you schedule non-wedding sessions (babies, engagements, families, etc) on weekends?

Fridays/Saturdays are currently reserved for weddings, but if a wedding is not booked on that date a month in advance I will open it to non-wedding shoots.