FAQ

I consider myself a portrait and documentary photographer because that is where I have found that my creative abilities flourish. I love to authentically capture families. “Documentary” means that I capture you or your family simply being you as you are reflected in your interactions. I am not against posed portraits, and will take some of those as well–but I never want you to feel like your children have to smile or have the pressure to perform. I want the session experience to be a fun family experience–not something that you dread.
Newborn lifestyle photography and Fresh 48 sessions are some of my favorites because they naturally blend family photography and documentary photography.  I also love to capture large events from a documentary standpoint: births, reunions, Christmas parties, bridal showers, birthday parties, etc. I am primarily a natural light photographer, but I do use a speed light or other equipment on occasion.

I have several locations where I love to photograph, but I love to try new locations if there is somewhere you have in mind. I am always scouting out new locations and am open to suggestions. My current favorites are the Grindstone Nature Area and Nifong Park in Columbia, MO because of their natural beauty and versatility. In-home lifestyle sessions are also an option I love.

I try to keep my mini session around 30 minutes. However, I purposefully space out my sessions so that I can give you and your family my full attention and quality time. I am anti-stress and don’t want time to be a constraint. That being said, I always want to be respectful of your time and how limited and valuable it is. My standard sessions usually last around an hour, but I always build in flexibility.

Relaxed. If you are stressed, it will show up in the photographs. I don’t want you to worry about your kids’ behavior or about having everyone smiling. Photography sessions can be a fun and relaxed experience! Some of the best moments are captured in between poses. When I began my business, I started out always trying to get the perfectly posed pictures, but I walked away feeling like people felt pressured or the smiles kids plastered to their faces were not genuine. Now I am a big fan of movement, interactions, and poses that are more fun and natural. I still will try and get a classic portrait snuck in here and there–but I don’t want you to feel stressed or burdened about getting your child to smile or cooperate.

I am all-inclusive in that I give you ALL the digitals and a print release. For a full session, I typically give at least 50 edited digitals. For a mini session
I usually give around 20. I also give you a digital mobile gallery app of your favorites. Grandparents love getting access to this as well–it is like a mobile brag book!

Having digitals is great–but being able to hang your memories on the wall to enjoy everyday and having archival-quality family heirlooms and keepsakes is a true treasure. Because of this, I recently added a print store that you will have access to when you get your digital gallery. My store gives you the opportunity to order professional quality prints through me. I am currently working through Miller’s Professional Imaging for those options. However, I do NOT require that you print through me. You can print anywhere you like–and I am happy to give recommendations of places that are affordable and much better quality than Walmart/Walgreens.

This is totally up to you, though I recommend dressing in a way that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and reflects your personal style. I also recommend coordinating colors rather than all matching. Do try to avoid neons, logos, and tight lines or patterns. I am happy to discuss this further in a consultation.

Unless you are doing a Fresh 48 (which are typically done in hospitals, with the exception of home births), lifestyle newborn sessions are held in your home. I have some props I can bring, but I mostly just love to capture your sweet baby in your arms and in their loving home. I do like to take the photographs in a room that has nice window light, preferably in the late morning or afternoon (this is best for natural light indoors). However, I can be flexible for what works best for you.

I do offer both of these services. for commercial services I charge $125/job and for event photography I charge $50/hour of the event and for each hour of editing time. (Editing time varies from 1-hour to 5 hours depending on how big of an event and the amount of editing needed.)

Typically, the tier II works great for this. I am not a time Nazi, so if it goes over an hour that is ok. However, many people like tier III for newborn sessions because it allows for more time and flexibility--especially if older siblings are involved. It is not unusual for a newborn session to run couple hours. And people also love having the print credit to Miller's Professional Imaging or the album option for newborn pictures.

I charge $1000 for birth photography. I know it seems steep--but it requires a lot of flexibility (babies tend to come whenever they want!), and sometimes childcare needed last minute on my part. BUT, I also include in this price a short maternity session and Fresh 48. If you also want newborn lifestyle pictures, I will offer those at half price. :)