Family Session Information Guide

Hey! Thanks for being here! This page is designed to guide you through each step of my process from booking a session to what to wear and how to help you hang gorgeous art on your walls. I’ve included FAQs and logistics all in one place so that you have it handy.

Step One: Schedule

In order to reserve a date, you will sign some paperwork and pay a session fee of $250. We will set a date and a tentative location, and I’ll have you fill out a questionnaire to get to know a little more about you and your family. In addition to my time and talent during our session, and post-session editing, your session fee includes email and phone consultation regarding everything from artistic vision to location options. I make myself available via email and phone/text in the time leading up to our session to ensure your questions are answered, and details like location, timing, outfit selection, and most importantly, what you want to remember most about your family as it looks right now.

Things to keep in mind:

• Weekend dates are popular, and fall is my busiest season. Those in combination require the earliest scheduling possible.

• Clients who work regular business hours often find that by scheduling early in the morning or late in the afternoon, they're able to work a weekday session in with almost no time lost at the office.

• If you have a certain occasion (holiday, etc) by which you want prints or gifts, keep in mind that there are several weeks from session to having those items in hand. Schedule at least six weeks out to give yourself a cushion.

• In my experience, mornings are almost universally best for babies and small kids. Thankfully, that’s generally great for lighting, too. For those of you lucky enough to sleep in, late afternoon (about an hour and a half before sunset) is some of the most sublime light of the day.

• Rainouts are few and far between, but as we know, North Carolina weather can change by the hour or even minute. If we are planning an outdoor shoot, we will of course reschedule for pouring rain or freezing cold ( though if you want to jump in puddles, grab your umbrella and bring it on! )

Step 2: The Session

Once we've decided on a time and date and officially put your session on the books, I'll send you a prep guide that will walk you through getting ready for the session… everything from choosing outfits to how I work with your kids. It includes FAQs and typically answers 90% of the questions that come up, but I'm always happy to chat if you want additional help. A few days before our session is scheduled, I'll reach out to confirm our time and location... at that point, if the forecast is questionable or someone seems to be coming down with the flu, we can talk about our rescheduling options. Otherwise, that's the perfect time to ask any last-minute questions or let me know if you've come up with a fun idea we haven't discussed.

The day of the session, please block off at least 2 hours. Typically we're done within 60-90 minutes, but I don't charge by the hour, so if there's some kind of wardrobe malfunction or child meltdown, I like to stay flexible. I truly strive to make this as fun and carefree as possible. My clients often tell me they enjoyed the time together focused on their family.

NOTE: I want to stress (again) that my main goal is not a perfectly posed, smile at the camera photo. If that’s your goal, I may not be the right fit for you. I feel successful when I capture personality and connection vs the perfect pose. So, take a moment to think about it. If needed, I can steer you to a photographer friend who may be more your style.

Step 3: The Fun Part

Yippee!

This is where it gets really good. The session is over, we’ve had our fun in front of the camera, and it’s time to see those images.

After our session I lovingly edit roughly 60-70 images. Approximately three weeks after our session your images will be ready for viewing. I will present your images to you in a beautiful 2-4 minute slideshow. This is fun to make into a family event, so grab some popcorn, your favorite drink and sit back and enjoy!

You will have a 24-hour window of your choice to view your slideshow and purchase the Collection you desire (see options below) - you do not purchase your images until you've seen them! 

Your session fee does not include any prints, products, or digital images. The Collection fee is in addition to the deposit/session fee.

Individual prints and product can be ordered after the purchase of a collection has been made. You'll have a full month to select the specific digital files and print items you want to use to fill that collection... zero pressure!

* PRINT CREDIT MUST BE USED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASING YOUR COLLECTION

Here’s a peek at those collections…

The Print Shop

What you're going to do with your images is perhaps the most important aspect to consider when you're planning for a photo session, but it's all too often the aspect that's overlooked... all that time and money invested deserve a better return than photos gathering dust on a hard drive somewhere. You'll never get the same feeling looking at your photos on a screen as you will seeing them on your wall or flipping through the pages of an album, so I include a substantial print credit with every collection. Below is a sample of some of the items you can choose from: