When do we do our session?
Can I choose an afternoon session instead of sunset? My kids go to bed early/will be monsters.
Do you offer mini sessions? I only want a few images.
Do you photograph extended families?
What happens if it rains?
What if my kids don't look at you and smile?
Can we bring our dog?
What if there is a heat wave or cold snap at the time of our session?
Can my husband or son wear their hats and sneakers?
Can we wear jeans? Plaid? Matching clothes?
All outdoor sessions are done at sunset - within approximately an hour of the sun hitting the mountain. This will vary for each location and time of year. During the fall and winter, this can range from 3-5pm. During the spring and summer, the timeline ranges from 6-8:30pm. These times are approximate. Studio sessions will take place mid-morning during the sunny months and late morning to early afternoon during the colder months.
The simple answer is no. The reason behind this is that afternoon (or daytime) light is much harsher than sunset light. Shadows are deep and hard to work with. Sunset light offers soft golden dreamy light. Studio sessions are done during the day because the brighter light allows more brightness to come into my studio windows. The only time an outdoor session would be done before sunset, or "Golden Hour", is when we are shooting on a day that is very overcast - we would then meet a bit earlier as it will become darker quicker than it would on a sunny day.
If your kids usually go to bed before sunset (most do!), please adjust your schedule for the day. It is worth it. Add in an extra nap, or give a later than normal nap. I don't shy away from bribes either - feel free to bring some, just avoid sugar as they'll crash and burn quickly. If you want those golden hour images, you have to work with me for your littles. If they crash and snuggle you halfway through the session - roll with it!
Twice a year I will offer seasonal mini sessions. These are held in May and June (booking opens in February) and September and October (booking opens in July). Otherwise, I may offer a special last minute mini if I am looking to be creative in a certain way. However there is never any notice for these and they only have a few spaces available.
I do not, however I can give names of colleagues that do.
I will shoot in most weather! If it's pouring rain, I will usually reschedule without penalty. I could make a stormy, rainy session work (kids love puddles right?) but I understand that most families will not want to be drenched or looking like drowned rats, and my camera and gear doesn't like it either. If the day is overcast or lightly raining off and on or storming in the distance, I will not reschedule. If you choose to reschedule in this instance, I will allow one reschedule. After this, another retainer fee would need to be paid if you chose to reschedule a second time. Keep this in mind during those hard to predict seasons like spring and fall.
Good! That's perfect and how it should be. We will always get the traditional "look at the camera and smile" image. However the rest of the session will be focused on your family connection. The kids are fine to look at me, however I want Mom and Dad to keep focus on each other and your babies unless I ask you to look at my lens. Let your kids run wild and free. Pick them up. Twirl them. Kiss them and cuddle them. Dance with them. Smell their hair, rub their cheeks. Kiss your spouse. These are the types of moments I want to capture. This is where the magic lies.
Absolutely. However I do want your dog to be able to be off leash and roam as they please. So your pooch must have good recall. We will make sure we snuggle pup and love on them, but for the most part they will be in and around you, so they must be well behaved enough to roam.
These are things we cannot predict. Just like rain storms that full our gutters in an instant. There won't be a penalty to reschedule if we are dealing with intense weather, cold or hot. We will make the judgement call together. However keep in mind that we live in an area that experiences four true seasons, so we WILL shoot when it's hot or cold at times! Dress for the weather!
No, no, no. No hats (unless it's a cute fedora or sunhat, or a bonnet for a baby) for anyone. Absolutely no other types of hats. I will ask that it be removed, and if they have hat hair, they will have hat hair in your photos. Sneakers are also a no. They don't photograph aesthetically. Ever. I hate to be blunt, but you are paying for memories, make those memories count. It's only an hour out of your day to take my suggestions on styling.
*Sometimes a backwards cap will work - but it HAS to be styled correctly!*
Jeans for Dad and boys are totally fine! But moms and girls, I would wear something with movement. Step out of your everyday style for these photos. A long skirt or maxi dress are 100% my go to choices for mom. Denim rompers and overalls are totally fine for littles! As for plaid - if it is a very soft, sort of vintage small type plaid, you can totally add this in for one person in the crew to add some pattern to the style. But please, please avoid the chunky lumberjack or country type plaids! PLEASE DO NOT COME DRESSED MATCHING! Coordinate. Don't match. Compliment. Don't match. This is where my styling guide will come in handy.