Once we have spoken and arranged our session the fun begins! Planning all the details for the shoot, coordinating outfits, picking locations, and endless creative ideas that will make your session personal to you. I love talking to women about things that represent them and how we can incorporate them into their shoot. Maybe it’s a pair of heels that you “gifted” yourself when you passed an exam. Or how about that dress that makes you feel more like a Mrs. and less like a mom? Because I’ll be the first to admit my mommy uniform is a pair of yoga pants (even though I hardly exercise) and the first t-shirt I grab in the morning that will probably have some kind of Disney Princess on it. Grab a scrounge and I’m ready to take on the day! But quite honestly, this is not what I would wear to get my picture taken, even if I was just hanging out at home with the kids, and that’s because I believe in presenting the best version of me. So maybe I’ll switch out the Disney shirt for a top I like to wear out and throw on my favorite pair of jeans that make me feel just right. See? It’s all about feeling pretty and not frumpy for your lifestyle session.
Kids are my VIP clients. Winning them over means I will get the pictures we have been dreaming up together. That’s why from our initial meet, I will introduce myself and tell them that yes we’re going to take some pictures today but we’re mainly going to find ways to have fun. I recently even discovered that being a pirate during a shoot can turn any frown upside down. Argh! That’s me, not afraid to be silly with your children or take them by the hand and have a conversation completely at their level about Ana and Elsa. Babies however, can’t relate to Frozen and that’s when all my crazy animal noises and kisses come into play. Momma, I’ve got you covered. I will make it my job to make sure the kids are happy. Your only thing is to relax enough to enjoy just being with them.
As far as engagements are concerned, BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELVES. Together. This is probably the first official photo shoot you will have as a couple and let’s keep it true to that irresistible love you share. There’s nothing I love more when photographing a couple than seeing them dressed from head to toe IN LOVE. Girls, I promise you that there isn’t a sparkly dress that will shine brighter than your smile when your man takes you in his arms and whisks you away with a kiss. Wearing clothes that make you feel great is one of the easiest things we can plan ahead the day of our shoot. Because other than that, there is nothing else you have to worry about. I will coach you through posing and what to do, so no stress as far as what to do. Relax and have fun, that’s our goal the day of our session.
When did you start working as a photographer?
In 2007 I had my first paid client, it was a newborn session I can remember just how nervous I was to handle all the curvy poses. Before then I was shooting for my own friends and family. I was mainly self-taught even though throughout the years I have mentored with some of the greatest wedding photographers in the industry. In 2009 I began shooting births and had my first two that same month, almost just a week from each other. It’s been quite an exciting journey.
What’s your photography style?
I love photographs that capture something that would normally be happening if a photographer wasn’t there to capture it. The little moments. Because I want these moments to be as “real” as possible, I will try to be as invisible to you as I can. When my clients get to know me, they become comfortable with the idea of ignoring me. That’s when I feel that I capture the truest of smiles, and sweetest of hugs and kisses, the tears of joy and the warm embrace. I tell my clients to just enjoy being in the moment, whatever it is that moment currently is. Relax and forget that you’re having your picture taken. You let me worry about whether the light looks alright or your arm is in an awkward position. I will very nicely ask you to change it around. My goal is for you to look your best while feeling at ease. Of course if I happen to be shooting a birth or a wedding ceremony, I will not interrupt one bit!
What are your packages and pricing?
I would love to discuss my rates with you! No two weddings or sessions are alike and that I have different pricing for events that require travel, the best way to view my pricing is by contacting me and let me know details about your plans. If I am available on your date or time frame, I would be more than happy to respond to you with an email with my rates, as well as chat about getting together for a client meet.
Why should I hire a photographer for my baby’s birth? My partner has a camera and they can take the pictures…
You’re right, your husband/friend/family member could take photos during the labor process. When someone you know is the person in charge of photography, they become the photographer, not the support person that you really need them to be. They miss out on living the moment with you because they are so focused on taking pictures… and they are also are never in the photographs themselves and we feel mom & dad should both be remembered in this unforgettable day. Hiring a professional photographer to document your baby’s birth ensures that you will not miss a single moment of the experience without the worry of handling the camera as well. We have the training to handle difficult lighting situations and the experience of the pressure of being in the delivery room or your home. That way, you can give your full attention to the main event, the miracle of your baby being born.
Will I meet you before the big day?
I would love to! We will meet whenever you are ready to book your session. It is very important to me that we are comfortable with each other and that you can put a face with my voice. I will then answer all of your questions before you sign a contract and make your initial payment. The more we get to hang out and get to know each other during that meet, the easier it will be for you to completely ignore me the day of.
Do I need to ask my doctor/hospital if it’s okay to have a photographer present?
Yes! It is each mom’s responsibility to make sure that everyone is on board with the idea of a birth photographer. You may encounter that some hospitals have limitations as to the number of support individuals allowed in the room. Please verify the official policies with your doctor and hospital prior to booking your session. We will be discussing this during our initial meet. If you happen to be scheduled for a c-section or have an emergency c-section you will probably only be allowed one support person in the operating room with you. Still, speak to your doctor as to whether any exception can be made to add your photographer. Even if they say no, it doesn’t hurt to ask! If the hospital or doctor has certain policy restrictions towards photographer during actual delivery ( pushing and once the baby is out ) verify with them whether they would be okay with us taking photographs before or immediately after the baby is born. Even if they don’t allow us to get a photograph of that first moment you push the baby out, I will still be able to have photographs of the rest of the events that day.
I think I am in labor, when do I call you?
We tell all our moms to keep us on check those last few weeks of their pregnancy with updates. If your water breaks or you happen to go to the hospital, call us. We will show up once it’s been confirmed by your doctor or midwife that you are in actual labor. Even if its 2:00 AM, don’t worry. Your call is one we are anxious to receive and I will be happy to jump out of bed to go witness my favorite kind of session.
What if my delivery takes over ten hours? How long will you be there?
If you are in active labor, we will be there. There is no set time limit for the amount of hours that each mom will be in labor for. On average we know that a c-section is about a three hour session. But for natural births, there’s no telling. We will be there until your baby arrives and we will stay for about two hours after to photograph your baby’s ‘first’ moments (measurements, bath, meeting the family and so forth). Please do note I will have to be excused for bathroom breaks and meals in between. You wouldn‘t want me fainting before the baby arrives!
What will you bring to our birth session?
Just the camera. Promise. Everything will be right on me and you will not have to worry of any equipment being in the way.
I don’t know if I want my pictures shown to others… Will you post my pictures without my consent?
No. We will never post anything online or in any other form of public viewing without the approval of our clients. We will ask you for permission to showcase your story to other families so they can get a feel for what their session will be like. But as in all our sessions, your privacy concerns are important to us.
How far in advance should I book you?
The sooner the better. We will only take either or per month ( two weeks before or after ).
I have been shooting Canon since the very beginning. Hi there Canon buddies! I feel like a total nerd when one of my friends that happens to be a Nikon shooter hands me their camera… how do you even work this thing? I kid, I kid. I shoot in RAW format and back up all my images twice before even editing them, just in case.
Not pictured above, Canon Mark II ( mainly used for back-up ) and a new favorite Sigma Art 35mm 1.4. Whenever I need to use my flashes I sync them with three PocketWizards Flex TT5.
My favorite extra tool of all happens to be a reflector, not even for the intended purpose. It saves my life, almost every single shoot.
We are now booking a limited number of weddings for 2019. Please contact us to see if your wedding date is available!
I want you to shoot my wedding, what do I do next?
Yay! I am so excited you have found interest in our work. I look forward to meeting you and hearing all about your wedding details. Send us an email with all of your information to verify if your wedding date is available and to arrange our meet. During this consultation we can discuss all of your plans and sign your contract. Once we have completed the contract and I have received a 40% retainer, your date is officially saved.
What are your packages and pricing?
I would love to discuss my rates with you! No two weddings or sessions are alike and that I have different pricing for events that require travel, the best way to view my pricing is by contacting me and let me know details about your plans. If I am available on your date or time frame, I would be more than happy to respond to you with an email with my rates, as well as chat about getting together for a client meet.
Do you accept payments for our wedding package?
Yes we do. Once you have paid for your initial retainer, you may make payments however you like until two weeks prior to your wedding date.
Do you shoot weddings with an assistant or a second photographer?
Both. My assistant is my second shooter. At all times you will have both of us covering every angle, every moment, and every memory in between.
When can we expect to see and have our wedding images?
I will have your wedding gallery ready no later than six weeks after your wedding date. Promise!
How many photographs will we have from our wedding day?
We shoot an average of 50-100 images an hour depending on the duration and events of your wedding.
