In a word, playful!
You lead your session. Of course, I will have you pause, move your hair, fix your posture, etc. but I want to capture you as you are, not as I imagine you to be. Your kids are so much happier (and more cooperative) when you give them some freedom. For this reason I try to be pretty hands off. I watch and wait for the magic to appear, and it always does. We lean into the chaos and keep it real. My family photos have a bit more direction, but it’s more of a conversation. My in home sessions are pretty quiet. We start with a chat to ease into the session so we are all on the same page, but that is your space, and I respect that in order to capture the good stuff, I need to become almost invisible.

Typically an hour.

However, when I am working with kids, I always factor in their ability to be wildly unpredictable. For this reason, I like to leave some wiggle room for child and family sessions. Sometimes that means that a toddler melts down before the hour mark, but we have plenty of incredible shots already. In that case, we can wrap things up a little early with confidence. Other times, the first portion of a session is slow. I don’t want this to stress you out. I am ready for days like these, and we simply make it work, which often leads to a longer than average photoshoot.

As a side note, I do my best to schedule your session during your family’s “happiest” hour. You know better than I do when your family is in mostly good spirits. As long as I have the flexibility in my own schedule, you get to choose the time of your shoot.

I love to travel! While I’m still ironing out how that might look from a business perspective, my estimates will be done on a case by case basis. As time goes on, I will have a better grasp on typical travel expenses and will be able to offer a travel package as a more streamlined option.

Once I get all of your photos uploaded, I go through and pick out the duds. I do some slight editing for lighting and quality, and I like to offer a mix of color and black & white options, unless prefer otherwise. All of the photos that make the cut, are yours to print, post, and share as you please.

FOR A FAMILY SHOOT:

My best advice is to coordinate, not match. Choose simple clothes that feel genuine to your taste, and that can stand the test of time. Bring a change of clothes for kids/ babies that you would still be happy with them wearing, just in case.

Pro tip to Parents: Choose your outfits first! Find something that you feel comfortable and confident in, and then have the rest follow suit. I will bring a blanket along with me. You are also welcome to bring anything that you want included in your photos. Maybe a few books, or a beloved stuffy, a ball to play with, and of course, bribes. Just make sure that you are ok with potentially having these personal belongings in the photos, because, kids.

FOR MY IN HOME SESSIONS:

Things are a bit more laid back. My best tip for these shoots is to prepare your family and home within reason. Go ahead and clean your kitchen and cooke with the kids; you may have a candle lit, or a bouquet of flowers on the table. While these details may not be 100% reflective of how your home looks or functions every day, they are reasonably attainable, and photograph authentically. Do with that what you will, and prepare your home to feel tidy, yet lived in if that is what you’d like. As far as clothing goes, it’s totally your call. I would again advise to choose clothes that you generally feel good in, but that are also a good representation of how you would dress yourself on a “good” day. On the contrary, you can stay in your loungewear, have the kids dress themselves, let them run around in diapers, or dress in “play clothes” for some photos in the garden. Remember, we are looking for what’s true, not perfect. Imagine your favorite parts of your day, and how you want to remember them.

Let me put it to you this way, now is the time to book.

While I continue to grow my business, I will be offering prices that are lower than what many photographers in Richmond are charging. I just want to keep things fair. As I begin this journey in building a business, I feel that offering lower rates is the right move.

My most current session price is set at $300.

Full transparency, these prices are subject to change. I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I value these early days of growth, and the people willing to give me a shot at gaining momentum in the industry.

I appreciate your trust and grace, and I can’t wait to work together!