1. How long is the session?

Your family session is usually 45 – 90 minutes long. Kids are usually the ones to dictate how long is appropriate in their world, and often 45 minutes of being a star in front of the camera is plenty for them! (:

2. When will my photos be ready?

I will email you with fully edited images in a beautiful slideshow 4 weeks after the session. You will then be able to select a collection and continue choosing your favorite images from the gallery to download and print. Your gallery is active for 30 days.

3. Should we bribe with cookies?

Cookies are great. We all love cookies. The thing is, if cookies are available and used as bait, that’s all consuming for a child (or some/most adults). If you’re excited about giving them a treat halfway through the session, let there be cookies! That way, I can capture the engorged, sparkling eyes as you surprise your minis and partner with their favorite treat. But, if we use treats solely as bait for afterwards, we might be distracted, and even worse, not enjoy the session because we’re overly focused on the end game: COOKIES.

4. What should we wear?

Your imagery will last forever – so consider a couple of style tips:

1. Be comfortable and feel gorgeous!
2. Color coordination is ideal if you have that kind of head space, otherwise, adhere to goal #1: comfy and gorg. To coordinate pick 2 base colors and a neutral, OR go all neutrals (white, tan, cream, black). See these examples for inspo.
3. Have a backup outfit (for everyone if possible!). If Roberta smears her peanut butter hands on you and Willie in the car to the park… no need to freak out, we have options!
4. For Maternity shoots, get sexy! Feeling good in your skin with a babe in your belly is confusing for some women, and for others, the bump is everything! Spend a little time thinking on what makes you feel great; fabric, coverage, tightness, sheerness, etc!
   • Stripes will accentuate your curves beautifully, especially if they’re tight right around the belly!
   • Prints can be feminine and flattering!
   • A-line cuts hit at the perfect place, highlighting your potentially larger bust, with a small waist and a poppin’ tummy!
   • Flowy tops and dresses can soften your beautiful curvy features! 
   • Heels will elongate your bod and push the booty up nicely. Food for thought! (:

5. Where should we shoot?

Indoor or outdoor can both work great! An in-home session is a great way to document your sweet space as a part of your story! Newborns are typically more comfortable in a home and as your babe gets chubbier and more mobile, outside places can be more manageable!

If inside, let’s aim for the best light in that inside space. Send me some pictures inside the rooms you want to shoot so I can read the light.

Many families want to visit their favorite park or do a playful activity: finger painting, baking, swimming, a trip to the aquarium, making dinner, visiting the zoo…! Within the city, there are so many options and I’d love to help brainstorm! 

5. What about props?

Props are totally fun and a personal preference.  If you’d like to add something fun, below are some fun additions to get you thinking! (:

NEWBORN PROPS:

– Pets
– Family heirlooms
– Items of personal interests (books, musical instruments, sports’ balls…)
– Basket/Bassinet
– Stuffed animals
– Letter blocks
– Nostalgic items from your hometown/favorite teams
– Swaddle blankets
– Arts and crafts supplies
– Florals
– Framed pictures of important people/family

MATERNITY PROPS:

– Pets
– Newborn clothing (Shoes, pacifiers, onesies)
– Flowy or sheer gown
– Ultrasound picture
– Florals (Loose bouquets or floral crowns)
– Baby book(s) or toys
– Foods mama is craving! (:
– Fruit (To show the size of babe in belly)
– Handwritten signs (Date + coming soon, babe’s name)
– Framed baby pictures of you!