Welcome!!!


I am excited to photograph you and your loved ones. Custom photography is quite unique because it not only captures what you look like at that time, but it captures who you are. My focus is to capture honest photos of your family. The goal is not to take a stiff and posed shot with all eyes looking at the camera, but to capture real connection with your family. I love using natural light and creating images that become artwork in your home.


Because I value every one of my families and want you to have the best experience, I have created this guide to answer questions and help you feel more prepared for your photo session. I know how valuable your time and investment is. My goal is to give you a fun and relaxing experience and deliver photos you love. Take a look at the information below. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. I can't wait to plan this session with you!

So you're ready to book your session. Now what?


You should have received an invoice/link via email to pay for your session fee. If you haven't click the button below. When you pay your session fee, you are officially booking your session and locking in your photo date. This covers time taking photos, editing and your private gallery. This deposit in transferable, but non-refundable in most situations. If you need to change your session date, please let me know at least a day before. The sooner the better. Your session fee will move to your new session date.


After photo day and within 2-3 weeks, I'll send you your photo gallery via email. From there you will choose your favorite photos and which collection you would like to purchase. See more info HERE.

teenage girl twisting end of braided hair

What will my in-home lifestyle session be like?

Together we will make a plan of what your family wants to do during your photos. Some examples are reading books, snuggling, playing, baking, eating donuts in bed, Christmas tree decorating, etc. Once this is decided, and it is the date of your session, I show up at your house and walk you through poses that make sense for the activity/theme you chose. There will be times that we also just let things happen and I will follow kids through the motions and capture all the real moments. We let kids be kids during the session too. :) What does your family like to do together? If we haven't already chatted about this, please send me an email about what you want your session theme/activities to be.


I do ask that you remind your family that these are lifestyle photos and not the traditional type of photos where everyone is looking at the camera. Please let your family know that they are not expected to look at the camera. If it happens, that's just fine, but please let your family know to not tell each other to look at the camera. This can stress parents or kids out. Instead, you can tell family members what activity you will be doing together and that the photos will be of your family doing the activity(ies) together. Thank you so much.


Location:

Your in-home photos will take place in the best lit room(s) in your home. As you are considering what your family wants to do for this session, keep in mind the rooms with the best lighting. Lighting is super important. I want to add, that if you want to eat your favorite foods together, but your kitchen and dining room don't have great light, we can still totally moving the food party to a bedroom or family room, if you are comfortable with that.


Keep in mind, I do not consider myself a traveling photographer. I like to keep locations in the Ellensburg area. If we are much outside of my area, I may not be able to accept that location or there may be a travel fee. Please ask me about your location and if it fits my business requirements. :). (If you are outside of my traveling distance, then we can change to an outdoor location and plan to meet somewhere in between or in the Ellensburg area. Thank you for understanding.)


Time:

Since we are shooting in your home, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. I usually shoot for 10am, but there is some wiggle room there.


Length of Session:

This type of session usually lasts about an hour, sometimes faster. I am super quick and productive. I have had lots of practice and can easily get a diverse gallery for you in this amount of time.


What To Wear: 

Your outfits should be comfortable, reflect who you are and fit well with the activity(ies) your family will be doing during your session. If you are keeping a simple session with reading books and snuggling, wear practical clothing, like jeans and a sweater, etc. If you are decorating the Christmas tree or enjoying a cocoa bar, maybe you want to wear fun pajamas. Here is a helpful guide on WHAT TO WEAR.


Props: 

The only type of props I use in an in-home session are the ones around your home that you would like to incorporate with your theme, like books for reading together. If you are baking, then of course you will need the special tools and dishes. If there is something special you would like to include, let's chat about it and make a plan.


Your Children: 

I don't want you to stress about your kids. I know kids feel more comfortable in their home and also might act a little differently with a photographer there. Don't worry. I am use to this (I have four kids myself). My favorite images I get of kids are when they are playing, being silly, connecting with family and exploring. This is why we plan some activities during your session, so we can keep kids busy and entertained and create the best photos of your family. Most of the time, your job it going to just "be" with the child(ren), or hold the child and we go from there. The real magic happens when we let the kids be themselves.


If your children are young, make sure they are rested and have had a snack, water and used the restroom or had a diaper change before the session. Also, make sure their face is wiped clean. We can definitely take breaks for snacks if needed, however I will probably still shoot during the breaks. Give your child(ren) dry, non messy snacks so their face stays clean during the session. Prepare your child(ren) for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them, I think it's best not to surprise them.


Alright, I can't wait to capture your family!  Again, do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have!