FAQ
Timing
Our session will take as long as necessary. I aim for about 90 minutes, but we can take longer or wrap up faster. The end result—a full story told in photos—will be the same. Diaper changes, a pause for snacks or nursing, tiny tantrums, and pulling on little socks all take time. I'm happy to remain flexible and go with the flow; in fact, it's all part of the process.
Clothing
Wear your clothes.
Obviously, right? But I mean YOUR clothes, the ones you wear every day, not the ones you rushed to order before our shoot, hoping that something will fit or look right. You're wonderful, just as you are. This can be an area of concern for some, especially for someone who has had a baby, so bring this up on our consultation call. The "every day" is a huge part of my process.
Writing and neon generally don't photograph well but wear what you will outside of those gentle suggestions.
Children should be dressed in play clothes that they love.
Nudity
You could also NOT wear your clothes.
If you want a maternity session naked or nearly naked, let's do it! If everyone likes to jump in the pool on warm summer nights in their birthday suits, and you want this special memory documented, GO FOR IT.
This is a good place to put that I am a "safe adult" for children. If they wind up in the tub or peeing on the lawn, I am very careful in my actions and words to ensure everyone feels safe.
Privacy & NDAs
I'm happy to sign an NDA for notable people or folks with security concerns as needed. I offer full or partial NDAs.
For photos where babies and children are more exposed (a traditional bare baby butt photo, for example) I use an extremely high level of protectiveness and discernment. Every naked adult in my portfolio has given explicit permission for individual photos.
Location
I nearly exclusively photograph families at home, inside. We can go outside for part of your session - the yard, the sidewalk, the garden, or property - but most of your photos will be indoors. The exception is if you have a space in mind that you are completely in control of, that isn't open to the general public and meaningful to you as a family. Examples are your studio space, your stable with your horses, or your boat.
LGBTQIA
Queer kids, queer adults… I love ya. All pronouns and gender expressions are seen, accepted, and enthusiastically photographed. Come as you are.
Boundaries
Kindness rules. You have to be nice to me. You have to be nice to the kids, and you have to be nice to your dog. You can't call names, berate your kids, or jokingly yell at your spouse, "suck it in, honey; you look like a whale!" I would appreciate it greatly if you were also nice to yourself.
Weapons aren't allowed. I know different families have different ideals, but my studio doesn't allow whips, guns, throwing stars, etc. I'm open if you want to have a thoughtful conversation about this.
Immediate family only. Usually. Sessions are open to members of the household only. You can't split a single session with your sister's family or buy a two-session bundle and have me photograph two families. That said, if grandma is visiting from overseas or lives with you, she can be in the photos, of course! Please let me know - additional people are at my discretion and may incur an additional charge. If I arrive on set and the situation is different than we discussed, I may charge additionally, within reason, or even decline the session or part of the session. Open and honest conversations are always welcome. A few sweet photos with an au pair or beloved nanny are part of what I do if they're part of your family's day-to-day life.
Clothing changes. This isn't a fashion shoot, so I don't allow multiple "looks," as it destroys the integrity of the shoot. If a child under 12 wants some photos in a tutu, astronaut costume, or princess dress, we can accommodate them at the beginning or end of our shoot. If the baby poops their outfit, sure, we'll change them, and if you want to end the session with a bath or running in the sprinkler, they can strip down or switch to bathing suits. If you want some pregnancy photos nude and some dressed, let's do it. But outside of that, we don't do multiple looks, and everything is discussed beforehand (knowing that kids are unpredictable!)
Cheerful compliance. Every adult and teen in the photos is expected to adhere to a standard of "cheerful compliance." If someone is visibly rolling their eyes at the family photos, complaining, or checking their phones because they can't pull themselves away from work for 90 minutes, I reserve the right to change the focus of the shoot to the more cheerful family members. If the under-12 set is having a tough time, we'll work as hard as possible to make it work, including rescheduling the shoot for a different day. The truth is that I will turn myself inside out if I have to for your family session and give my all, and expect the same enthusiasm from everyone in the photos who should know better. Phones off, y'all.