What does a session include?

A session will generally run between 1 to 2 hours.  I will come to your house for a lifestyle session (my favorite) or we can plan to meet at a location. If this location involves travel outside the phoenix area there will be added cost depending on what accommodations are needed. I live in Surprise, AZ. So the west side is my jam.  $400 covers the session and a minimum of 50 edited images delivered digitally.   Up to 6 people are included in the session fee.  Any additional people are $20 per person.  I do not typically photograph large events.  My  goal is to capture your family connecting with one another on a personal level.  

If you are interested in a fresh 48 we will plan around your due date. Then, when your baby shows up (not on your due date), you let me know and I come to the hospital and take pictures when there is light coming through the windows. Typically mid morning is the best, but we kind of go with the flow because we all know who is really in charge when it comes to newborns. Many people are afraid of fresh 48’s because they don’t feel “photo ready.” It’s the same reason people are so afraid of lifestyle sessions. This is exactly why you should do it. It’s raw….. and its beautiful. You can check out my blog for some more examples of these types of sessions. Don’t be afraid to capture life as it is.

You can include a video with your session. This is an additional $500 and the video will be about 2 minutes long. Usually this will add a bit of time to your session as I am gathering more content to use. The music used is not main stream because I must obtain a license every time a song is used.

What should you wear?

First of all, be comfortable.   Wear clothes that fit and that are weather appropriate.  You want to be able to move freely and have a good time. I know when October hits you are thinking sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes.  BUT we live in Phoenix, Arizona.  If you dress like it is fall in Vermont, you will sweat your balls off and have a very uncomfortable and grumpy family. 

Second, consider the type of session you have requested and dress the part.  Hopefully you will want to display your photos forever, so wear something you won't be embarrassed to be seen in the future. Coordinate but don't match.  Avoid large logos or words on your clothing,   Your clothing should help unify your beautiful family as a group but not be the central focus. Long flowing dresses on Mom look beautiful and create nice movement. If you aren’t the type to wear dresses, then don’t. Wear something you feel comfortable and beautiful wearing. Accentuate the part of your body you love most. The girls always love to twirl, so bonus points for dresses that do this well. Layers add dimension and interest to your photo. If you need help with outfits, I am more than happy to help!

Preparing You and Your Kids (and Husband)

Chances are, your husband wont read this and will be giving you are hard time about scheduling a session during ___________ (enter activity of choice here.)  Please relay this information to him. Coach him up! (that's from my volleyball days) 

A photo session should not be dreaded or stressful.  We will have all the details ironed out ahead of time so the day of your photo session you will just need to show up or open the door to your home and be you. Feed your people.  Make sure no one is hangry.  Whatever you have to do to relax, do that.  If we are having a lifestyle session in your home here is what you can expect:  Jumping on your bed,  standing on your furniture, running around from room to room and lots of playing - and that's just me.  LET THEM BE LITTLE.  If you want pictures of your kids (and husband)  being grumpy or crying, tell them to sit there and say CHEESE. Instead of telling your kids to smile, make them smile by interacting with them.  Tickle them.  Play with them.  Enjoy them, and let me take pictures of THAT!