WELCOME TO THE

Client Lounge

Below youโ€™ll find all of the information youโ€™ll need before your session!

Letโ€™s get started!

Thank you so much for booking your upcoming photography session with me. I am truly grateful for all of my clients. I know that choosing a photographer is an investment of your time and money. This space was created to help you confidently prepare for your upcoming session. Creating an easy, fun and enjoyable experience for my clients is at the forefront of my mind for every single session. Most families tell me they are surprised at how fun and easy sessions are with me. Even Dads have fun!

Select your session type below for information regarding your upcoming session. If you still have questions that havenโ€™t been answered here, please shoot me an email and Iโ€™ll help you out. I canโ€™t wait to photograph your family!

Family sessions

Iโ€™ve booked my family session, now what?

I am excited to capture you and your family. Lifestyle photography is unique because it focuses on your family and the love that you have for each other. I want you to see how beautiful or family is, just as you are right now. Through special prompts and yes, posing, I can help you create space for genuine connection and expressions. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.

  • Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. The majority of family sessions take place outdoors. If you would like to have your session done in your home, that can be arranged. Having your session in your own home provides for a unique, intimate experience. Overall, you should choose a location that fits your familyโ€™s personality. I have a handful of outdoor locations that I shoot at regularly, but am always up for new suggestions. The biggest thing to consider is, what kind of feel do you want your location to give? Do you want breezy beach photos? Perhaps something more urban like downtown St. Augustine or a mural wall in Jacksonville? Perhaps you love the look of a manicured garden or live oak trees with their hanging moss. The possibilities are endless, but when you imagine what your family photographs look like, what background do you see?

  • If we are shooting outside, 90% of the time we will shoot during the golden hour (about 1-1.5 hours before sunset, depending on location). Occasionally a specific location or early bird family requires a sunrise session. If we are shooting inside of your home we will schedule it for late morning, when the natural light is most abundant. Many of the images in my portfolio look the way that they do because they follow these timing guidelines. Sometimes kids will need a later-than-normal nap or some extra quiet time before those later evening sunsets. But trust me, getting that golden, beautiful light is worth it.

  • Believe it or not, but the majority of my family sessions take less than one hour! I work quickly and am able to capture a full, diverse gallery of images during that time.

  • Wardrobe is the #1 question I get from my clients. As a general rule, think coordinating rather than matching. I am happy to assist you as little or as much as you would like with this process. While clothing is not the main focus of your photographs, it can dramatically enhance or detract from your images. I have a full What to Wear Guide linked below for more specific suggestions and recommendations.

  • Next to wardrobe, childrenโ€™s behavior is my clients #2 concern. I am going to tell you something and I want to make sure you listen: Your children are FINE. It is fine for them to run around. It is fine for them to act silly. Heck, Iโ€™ll probably join them in both. I do not need your kids to act like perfect little angels during our session together. Because, honestly, that is not real life. I would 100% rather have a child that is quirky and fun and silly, than one that stares blank faced, forced smile into my camera the whole time. I am here to document you as a family, silliness and craziness and all. If we are shooting later than their bedtime, please make sure they get a later nap or adequate down time before we meet. Make sure to bring some water, dry non-messy snacks and baby wipes with you. You can prepare your child(ren) for our session together a few days beforehand, explaining that a friend is going to take some photos of them and that we are going to have fun together.

  • As a reminder, your sessions is scheduled based on the light. It is important to arrive and be ready to start on time, to make the best use out of that light. Please make sure you plan ahead for traffic and parking. When in doubt, always leave a bit earlier than you think you need to.

Here are a few blog posts with tips and tricks that will help make your family session a success. 

Newborn Sessions

I am so excited to photograph the newest addition to your family. All newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your own home. I take a lifestyle approach to my newborn photography, which means I capture your family in a relaxed, natural way which highlights this unique time in your life.

  • Newborn sessions typically take place late morning, when the most natural light is usually available. Once I get to your house, I will scope out several rooms and locations to shoot in. Common areas include the master bedroom, babyโ€™s nursery and living room. There is no need to clean before I come, we can quickly tidy up the areas that are needed once I arrive. 

  • Newborn sessions can take time. Please allow for 2-3 hours for your newborn session. That way we donโ€™t have to rush and have lots of time for feedings, diaper changes, and anything else that pops up.

  • Your newborn is perfect just the way they, and that is what I aim to capture during your newborn photography session.  They do not need to sleep or be posed a certain way. Please try and get them undressed and wrapped in a swaddle before I get there. If you would like them clothed, dress them in a simple onesie that fits well and isnโ€™t too big. Please, no graphics or distracting elements on their clothing. I will likely take the onesie off as well, to try and get some nude (or almost nude) photographs as well. Please have a few of your favorite swaddles or blankets for baby to be wrapped in. If baby is up for it, please try and feed them about 15 minutes before I arrive. That way their tummy is nice and full, and who isnโ€™t happier on a full belly? I donโ€™t do any fancy or elaborate posing. Your baby will lead the session. If they only want to stay in your arms, that is where they will stay. If they donโ€™t mind some solo shots, I will definitely try and capture that as well.

  • Welcoming a new member to the family can be a big adjustment for siblings. I have two girls of my own, and I remember this change very well. I try and photograph siblings and family photos right at the beginning. That way, if the sibling looses interest or doesnโ€™t want to be involved, they donโ€™t have to be. I donโ€™t put a lot of emphasis on siblings participating. I find the harder we push, the less cooperative they can be. I want this to be a fun experience for siblings as well, and sometimes that means just letting them do their thing. If they are interested and happy to join us, then great! Please make sure to prepare any siblings before our session. It is best not to surprise them the morning. I find that if you simply tell them that a friend is coming to photograph your family, that is enough information for them.

  • This is such an exciting time for your family. Whether you are adding your first or fifth child, the amazement (and exhaustion) is the same each time. You will likely be elated and exhausted at the same time. Donโ€™t worry. I get it. Remember, I have been through this twice before myself. Having a newborn is amazing and also a bit crazy. I donโ€™t want or expect you to look a certain way or act like you have it all together. I am there to document and capture your family just as you are during this amazing time. I want you to take a deep breath, exhale all the stress and expectations, and just enjoy these couple of hours cuddling and bonding with your family.  

  • Clothing for parents and siblings are pretty much up to you, but as long as you are comfortable we should be fine. Neutrals tend to work best with all homes and interiors. If you plan on displaying these images in your home (framed prints, canvas, etc) take into consideration your decor style and colors so your photographs can coordinate. Moms - If you decide to wear a v-neck shirt or dress please make sure you are comfortable with the neckline. We will be shooting from a lot of different angles (above, straight on, etc) and I've had some clients inadvertently show a bit more skin than they thought, especially if their milk has recently come in.

Maternity sessions

Iโ€™ve booked my maternity session, now what?

Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! I canโ€™t wait to document your growing family. Being pregnant is extraordinary. It is beautiful and amazing and, well, probably a bit sweaty and uncomfortable too. I know that you might not feel your best right now. But trust me, you will never regret having these images made. This is such a fleeting and unique time for your family. My goal is to capture and document it with love and appreciation for the beautiful life event that is taking place.

As you can see from my portfolio, I aim to capture you and your bump in a natural, comfortable way. I will never make you dress or pose you in an uncomfortable way. The focus on these sessions is to photograph the intimate and growing connection that you, and your family, have with the tiny human growing inside of you.

  • Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. The majority of maternity sessions take place outdoors. If you would like to have your session done in your home, that can be arranged. Having your session in your own home provides for a unique, intimate experience. Overall, you should choose a location that fits your personality. I have a handful of outdoor locations that I shoot at regularly, but am always up for new suggestions. Please see the link to my Location Guide below for more information.

  • If we are shooting outside, 90% of the time we will shoot during the golden hour (about 1-1.5 hours before sunset, depending on location). Occasionally a specific location requires a sunrise session. If we are shooting inside of your home we will schedule it for late morning, when the natural light is most abundant. Many of the images in my portfolio look the way that they do because they follow these timing guidelines. Getting that golden, beautiful light is worth it.

  • Your maternity session will feature you, your partner and children, if this isn't your first pregnancy. If your children are of the furry, four legged type, feel free to bring them along too, as long as they are well behaved. If human siblings will be included please know that I have tons of experience working with children. I will capture you as a family unit and welcome the participation of big brothers and sisters.

  • I want you to feel your best and most confident. Long, flowing dresses tend to be the most flattering and comfortable, as well as provide great movement for your photographs. However, it is entirely up to you. Please check out my What to Wear Maternity Guide below for more specific suggestions and recommendations.