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.

dad holding baby while he and wife kiss on a bridge

What will my outdoor lifestyle session be like?

Together we will make a plan, starting with who is going to be in your family photos. How many kids do you have and their ages? Are grandparents coming or other extended family members (I do charge a little more if extended family is a part of your session.)? Are you bringing your dog? Once this is decided, I know how to best prepare for your session. I will walk your family through simple and fun poses that create nature moments between your family. 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. :)


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 you are going to play, explore, hug, smile, etc. with each other. Thank you so much.


Location:

Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. We can shoot at your home or at one of the many locations I love to shoot at. HERE is a great list of a few of the locations I love. I am always open to new locations as well. If you don't have a preference and would like me to choose the location, I am happy to do that for you. 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. Feel free to ask me about your location idea and if it fits my business requirements. :)


Time:

Since we are shooting outdoors we will shoot either in the morning or in the evening. Most likely the evening. The light is typically too harsh mid day. If your children are up for it, shooting 1 1/2 to 2 hours before sunset provides gorgeous light and atmosphere. The time is of course going to change, depending on the time of year. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place.


Length of Session:

This type of session usually lasts about 45 - 60 minutes. 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 season. Feel free to keep outfits simple with jeans and t-shirts, get real fancy, or anywhere in between. I am going to say this again, because it is super important: please choose clothing that fits well with the season. If you, your husband or kids are too hot or too cold, they are not going to feel very comfortable and it might show through photos. I try hard to help your session run smoothly, but this is one thing I need you to plan for. If it is cold, make sure kids are bundled up. If it is hot, don't wear sweaters. :) Here is a helpful guide on WHAT TO WEAR.


Props: 

I don't really use props in my photos. Occasionally, I'll bring a blanket, but that's about it. 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 sometimes feel nervous, excited or a mix of both at a photo session. That's okay. I am use to this (I have four kids myself). My favorite images I get of kids are when they are snuggling parents, playing, being silly, connecting with family and exploring. I have poses that allow kids to get a little of each of these things. I adjust the session to fit your family. Most of the time, your job it going to just "be" with the child(ren), play with them, or hold your child and we go from there. The real magic happens when we let the kids be themselves.


Before the session, make sure your kids' have rested, if needed, and have had a snack, water and used the restroom or had a diaper change before the session. Also, make sure their faces are 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!