Details details...

Unfortunately, fairy dust does not just fall from the sky and beautiful photos happen. Seriously, wouldn't that be awesome though?

It takes a little bit of work, timing and cooperation to make a great photo happen. (FYI, Your part is the cooperation). After we discuss what kind of photos you want, we'll decide on location. If we shoot outside, we need to agree on a good time of day. Harsh light is not your friend so don't suggest your lunch hour (unless you can guarantee me an overcast day). The best time of the day is very early morning or evening - right before sunset. If we shoot inside (which my studio is my home - and you're welcome to it), brighter light is an option. If I come to your home, I suggest you take some time to look around your house and see how the light looks. Is it soft around the edges at lunch time? Does the baby's room have pretty filtered light at 3 p.m.? These things you can let *me* know.

When I shoot on location in your home, I'll probably just spend some time walking around, talking and looking at the light in your home. It'll give us all a chance to get more comfortable, and if the kids are there, give them a moment to figure how who this weird lady is in their living room. I might move a chair. I might scoot the playstation out of the way. I might let your kid jump on your bed.

Cuz that's how I roll.

Let's talk clothes. Dress appropriately. That doesn't necessarily mean hats and gloves. It means, avoid things like busy patterns and white shirts. Yes, I know, everyone loves the jeans and white shirt coordinating with the family, but trust me, it's harder to photograph and you'd all be much happier with your photos in jean shirts and khakis. Or maybe you'd just like to be you and wear a tutu with cowboy boots. *I'm ok with that* (in fact, I pretty much prefer it).

Let your kids be them.

And you? Just be yourself (unless you're super anal retentive, then pretend to be someone ... not anal retentive.)

Babies usually look their best in their nakie. Who doesn't love a little baby bum showing once in a while? Please do bring a plain diaper cover for diaper pictures. Feel free to also bring any special garmets or props that are sentimental to your family. For parents, please bring a long-sleeved black shirt for some shots on a black background. Oh yeah, you'll be in baby photos.

Newborns tend to be more sleepy, and our schedule can be more flexible with them. Slightly older babies (up to 3-4 months) should be photographed during their nap time. Toddlers? Well, just please don't feed them jellybeans and double shot expresso then cut them loose. That's pure evil.

Weddings have their own set of rules - mainly rules I don't get to pick - like that whole white thing notsomuch. I will just say, that we go with the flow. My style is to stand back and capture what's happening. I'd rather capture the moments of what happened, than to document that Aunt Mable was there (and really, we can do both at the same time). Of course we'll do some formals... well, because your mother-in-law kinda expects it, but it'll be short and sweet.

After our shoot, allow for up to 2 weeks editing of the best images from your session. I won't guarantee a specific amount. It might be 25 - it might be 200. (If it's a wedding, let's assume it's a lot more than that).

Once the editing is completed I will upload your photos to my online proofing/ordering gallery. I will email you a link with a password to let you know that your online gallery has been posted.