A.Every photographer has their own definition of lifestyle photography. Mine lies somewhere between documentary photography on the one hand, and classic portraiture on the other hand. I try to be a "fly on the wall" to catch life as it is without interfering. My goal is to tell the story of real life, as it happens, while trying to be as transparent as possible for you.

I use a mix of authentic and staged. What I am shooting could actually happen in real life, however I would have never captured such a variety of images in such a short amount of time if I had not interfered and set the scene. During a lifestyle session, I create a diversity of opportunities that will generate real-life type of images which might not have spontaneously happened at that specific moment. Some examples: bed jumps, tickle fights, baby's first bath, coloring with chalk, snuggling in bed and sipping hot cocoa, playing a game or snack time.

I do try to control a few things: light being the main one. I may ask to see various rooms in your house to find the best light possible (not because i'm snoopy). I might move items or furniture to get a better shooting environment. I don't use props or backdrops. You'll never hear me say "please bend your head that way," unless there is a hair in your face or something is blocking it. I won't swaddle baby up with his/her foot by her face and put her in a basket. I won't pose you, I will give you something to do, or a game to play, and then I let you BE YOU. I want you to act as naturally as possible and interact with each other as you always do!

I will always stay true to life, photographing situations that could have happened organically. I will suggest starting points (games, situations) and let the magic happen. I will help you find photogenic clothes - you already have everything you need in your closet! I will choose the best spots in your home (or on location) to control the light and get professional looking images.

A.I work on a first-to-contact basis. All I need is a $50 retainer and signed contract to reserve your session date. The remaining balance is due the day of the session.

A.I have kids and I totally get it. Sometimes you just want a quick 30 minutes, one or two good photos and then be done with it. That's just not how I roll. I only offer mini sessions for headshots and jet photos. I know they are super popular, especially before the holidays. I no longer offer them for families because of the way I love to shoot and the way I handle every aspect of my storytelling sessions. To me, mini sessions don't offer the same valuable experience that my clients deserve. I'm not saying they're bad! The dynamic of them just doesn't personally suit me and the way I structure my business. I hope you can understand!

A.I will always suggest a standard session for newborns simply because it allows us ample time to get the photos you want and operate on your (read: the baby's) schedule. When baby gets hungry, I love to photograph feeding time, but this alone can take up to 20-30 minutes of your session which doesn't allow much time for anything else.

Half sessions are doable but in my experience they are much more stressful and hard-pressed to squeeze everything in.

A.Of course! Extensions will be subject to additional cost.

A.I've had three babies and know first hand how quickly those little squishes can change, especially in the first few days.

I highly recommend a Fresh 48 session, photos done during baby's first 48 hours of life. These sessions are focused on those brand new details, wrinkles, (lack of) eyelashes, tiny toes, exceptionally long fingernails, the sleepy snuggles and those peaceful moments.

I typically recommend newborn sessions be done in the first 10-14 days of life, especially if you want a sleepy baby. If you want baby to be more interactive in the photos, you may want to wait until baby is 3-5 weeks or older.

If you are unsure whether you want fresh 48 or newborn photos, I would advise you chose a newborn session done in the first few days after baby is born.

A.I have never photographed a birth...yet. But I would absolutely LOVE to. With three little ones and a husband with a crazy work schedule, I'm not available as much as I'd like to be for a birth. If this is something you're interested in, please contact me and I'd love to try to make it work for you. This is something I've prayed about and feel that I am able to do. Every birth is unique and beautiful and those moments and emotions should be documented!

A.Contact me!

A.Email me for a custom price quote for your unique project or event!

A.Contact me for custom pricing and to make scheduling arrangements. There are a few things that need to be done prior to doing jet photos (flight line escorts, photo passes, etc.) which I have a checklist for.

A.Don't be!

Before your session:
- Dress as you would when meeting a client!
- Not sure what to wear? Neutrals tend to focus on the face, which is where we want it. We don't want flashy logos or psychedelic prints. - - Be yourself, and don't alter your dress or makeup/hair specifically for the photos. Basically, look as natural to yourself as possible!
- Keep it classic. Stay away from trends that could date the photos. - - Get shots in your environment. If you're a librarian, you probably don't want photos taken at a race track.

During your session:
- Extending your neck a bit will create a longer, slimmer extension and avoid the dreaded double chin!
- Men, put your hands in your pockets for a more relaxed standing look (thumbs out).
- Women, pop your front leg a tad (during a standing shot) for a slimmer leg.

Relax! It will be fun!

A.For family sessions I recommend picking a few colors and sticking to them for the entire family. Matching too much can look a little overdone. The key is to coordinate, not to look like clones of each other. When in doubt, stick with neutral colors. Neutrals tend to focus on the face, which is where we want it. We don't want flashy logos or psychedelic prints.

Please don't feel like you need to go shopping for photos! You already have what you need in your closet. If you need additional help just ask me. I'd love to give you some additional tips and recommendations.

A.This typically depends on the time of year, however I aim for the 2-4 week mark for portraits.

A.I will send you an invoice and contract at the time of initial reservation. We can discuss payment options at that time.

A.Yes! I offer military, LEO and return customer discounts. I also have benefits for you when you refer a new client who books a session.

A.Absolutely. If you plan to do two or more sessions with me, we will work out a discounted price. Want to bundle maternity, fresh 48 and newborn? Let's do it! Contact me for details.

A.This number can and will fluctuate depending on the session and other happenings, but generally portrait shoots are in the 50-100 image range.

A.Absolutely. Every session includes a complete written print release. I do not hold your images for ransom!

A.Yes! You will be able to view your session photos in a secure online gallery and purchase prints there.

Custom designed cards are also available, including save the dates, birth and graduation announcements, change of address cards and holiday cards. I've even done wedding invitations!

There is no requirement to purchase, but for the effort and investment you make, I want your images to be ones you will continue to treasure for a lifetime. Contact me for a product price menu and a tutorial on how to place an order.

A.Nikon! And I bring back up gear for the back up gear.

A.I do not have a studio. I am a natural light photographer which means I love windows and the great outdoors! Please see "what is lifestyle photography?"

A.Yes. I have a very nice policy and am covered for pretty much anything.

A.Not at this time.