FAQ's

I get asked numerous questions, so here are some questions and the answers I give!

Q: What should we wear?

This is the most asked question I get! For me personally, this is the hardest part of getting my family pictures taken...so I totally get it! There are a few steps involved in choosing the right outfits.

Think of where your pictures will go and what you plan to do with them. Will they be in your living room, spread throughout the house, in an album, online? Think about where they will go, and what kind of colors and styles will go with that space. If your house is comfy & cozy, a family picture where you're all decked out probably isn't the best fit. My home is pretty casual (it has to be with 4 boys!) So I will wear jeans with a nice shirt, or a casual dress. My boys usually wear nice jeans and shoes, and a button down printed shirt, or nicer t-shirt with simple patterns.
Find a color scheme and work from there. If you're trying to match a room, that's pretty easy. If you have no idea, I always suggest that the mom picks a favorite outfit, and then matches everyone else's to that. Sometimes you find the perfect dress or outfit) for your daughter and want to base on that! Try to stick to the gallon/quart/pint rule with 3-4 colors. Have one main color (gallon) add in medium doses (quart) of a second color, then 1-2 accent colors in a smaller (pint) quantity. For me, I always choose to coordinate with the color scheme in my living room for the most part, since that is where I display a large picture of our family. (This is our latest family picture taken to match our living room which is navy, turquoise, cream and gray.)

Avoid large patterns, words, logos and time-sensitive trends. When you look at your pictures, you will see the large patterns/word/logos before you see the people. Stick to small, subtle prints and a more classical line of clothing. (The only exception to this, is if you are doing a film session. Small stripes tend to do weird things in video.) Trends are fun, but they are very dated and honestly your pictures will be laughed at in 10-30 years. Think Audrey Hepburn, though you don't have to be that fancy. Cardigans, sweaters, simple button down shirts, classic a-line skirts, jean in good repair, slacks and such are always good choices.
Make sure you're all comfortable with your clothing choices. Kids and husbands especially have a hard time when they are restricted or uncomfortable in their outfits.

Q: What is so neat about a film/video session? I take videos on my phone, so is it necessary?

Family and personalized films are a very new thing in the photography world. Not many photographers are doing them yet, so not many people really understand how amazing it is to have your own film made. It's hard to imagine what a film for your family or child would be compared to what I've shared on here, and I totally understand that.
Photo sessions capture many split seconds of time and freeze those special moments. Films, however, take moments, emotions and connections between family members, and then added to music create a look at what real life looks for you. (Yes, I try to show the happy and caring moments, because no one wants to watch their kid throwing tantrums for 3 minutes yet again.) But it's those happy times that you'll want to remember and treasure 10, 20, 30 years down the road!

Q: My friend down the street has a nice camera and can take my pictures for $100. Why are you so expensive?

I know many people have cameras or nice phones and can take pictures. How is the quality? For me, quality is better than quantity. I want beautiful pictures on my walls that I can be proud of, and I hope you do too! I have been a photographer for many, many years. I've spent a lot of money on classes in shooting and editing, my gear, and the other things that help me be a good photographer; and that training, time and money spent is reflected in my prices. Experience and quality do matter to me, and if they matter to you too, then we will be a great fit! I promise that I will not rest until you are happy and love your products!