FAQs
TABLE OF CONTENT
Click any question below to jump straight to the answer.
👕 What should we wear?
🐾 Can we bring pets?
🌦 What if it rains?
📅 How do I book a session?
📸 What’s included in the session fee?
💰 When is the session fee due?
⏳ When will we get our photos?
🖼 Can I order prints through you?
🛠 Do you retouch the photos?
📸 What if I don’t photograph well?
💻 Can you Photoshop me to look thinner, more toned, younger, etc.?
🎭 Do you do styled or themed shoots with wardrobe provided?
💄 Do you offer hair and makeup?
What should we wear?
Tips for looking great without stressing yourself or your closet
Stick to solid colors. They photograph cleanly and keep the focus on you.
Avoid tiny patterns like thin stripes or tight plaid. These can create a visual glitch called moiré (think: camera-induced wardrobe shimmer in unexpected colors).
Coordinated? Yes. Matching? No. You can pull off matching outfits if there are two of you. More than that: say a family of five all in white, and you’ll start giving cult vibes. Matching white shirts and jeans on a group of seven? Hard pass. Everyone blends into each other. Instead, choose a color family: jewel tones, soft pastels, neutrals, or earth tones, and let each person pick a shade that flatters them. Moms, this will make your life easier.
If your kids refuse to wear what you want? Let them show up in their pajamas and sweats. That’s them right now, and ten years from now, you’ll be glad you captured it exactly as it was. I dive a little deeper into that beautiful chaos in this blog post.
Makeup tip: Skip shimmer, glitter, and dewy highlighters. They look great in person but wreak havoc under flash, resulting in hotspots, loss of detail, ghost zones. Matte finishes photograph best.
Accessories? Please. Photos love drama. Funky glasses, bold earrings, flower crowns, hats, guitars, team scarves and whatever makes it yours.
Can we bring pets?
Yes, and yes! Bring your furry chaos along.
Yes, please. Bring all the paws.
Dogs, cats, ferrets and lizards. I’ve photographed them all. Just bring treats, a leash, a little patience, and maybe a lint roller. They're part of the family.
Moreover, those chaotic moments make the greatest candids! Just give me heads up.
What if it rains?
When the sky messes with our plans
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast together. If the skies turn on us, we’ll reschedule. I build rain backup options into my calendar during peak seasons. Your booking deposit secures the session, and we’ll make it happen when the conditions are right.
How do I book a session?
The easiest way to get on my calendar
Reach out through the contact form, use the "book online" form, send me an email, or flag me down at Weaver Street Market. Phones always work, too, and texting is often the fastest. Once we pick a session type and time, I’ll send you a booking link.
I typically take a non-refundable retainer (AKA booking fee, starting at $50) to secure your spot.
What’s included in the session fee?
What you’re getting for your investment
The session itself, including the prep session (in person, or over the phone or video conference). After the session, you’ll receive a lightly edited online gallery with high-resolution digital files and full personal use rights. Full sessions include unlimited downloads, no watermarks, and no upsells just to access the images you see. Mini sessions have limited downloads, depending on the package.
Prints are not included, but you can order them directly from your gallery.
Need help choosing what to print? I’m happy to weigh in.
When is the session fee due?
Payment timing and details
To book a session, you will pay the booking fee first, upon booking, which goes towards the total cost. It secures the date and time of the session and is not refundable in case you decide to cancel or no-show. Once we complete the session and I secure the images (transfer to hard drives and archives), you will receive an invoice for the remainder of the fee. This typically happens the day after the session.
When will we get our photos?
How long it takes to receive your gallery
Most galleries are ready within 2 to 3 weeks. If you’re working with a deadline (holiday cards, announcements, gifts), just let me know. I can usually make it work with a bit of notice.
Need photos urgently? I can make it work. The fastest turnaround is 24 hours, subject to an extra fee, which we discuss upin booking or during the session.
Can I order prints through you?
Professional print options and how it works
Yes. You can order professional-quality prints directly from your gallery. If you want framed art or canvases, I’ll help you choose the right size and finish for your space.
The lab I use produces heirloom-quality prints with archival durability (think 50 to 100 years).
You can also design custom cards for various occasions straight from the gallery. If you need help with the design, I can guide you through the pricess, or create a fully custom design (subject to additional fees)
Do you retouch the photos?
What gets polished and what stays natural
Yes, every image is edited for tone, color, and overall polish.
Surprise pimple? Never happened. Some light skin softening? Sure, if it fits the image.
What I don’t do is heavy reshaping. I won’t make you look like someone else, but I will make sure the photo reflects how great you looked that day. I can also style the images to the mood and vision that speaks to you. Light and airy? Dark and moody? Those details we usually cover in our prep session, but we can always reshape things post shoot.
I do take extra time to polish the images you choose to print: stray hair, outfit imperfections, etc.
What if I don’t photograph well?
Real talk: you look better than you think
You’re not alone. Most people say this, and it’s almost never true. You don’t need to know how to pose or smile. Just show up and let me handle the rest.
Bad photos come from bad light or forced energy, not bad faces. Once you relax and stop worrying about the camera, good things happen. Still skeptical? I explain more about it here.
TL;DR There is no such thing as "not photogenic" people. There is bad light, bad angles, and bad edits. We can discuss what typically makes you dislike your images in advance, and we will work together to nail the best angles and light.
Can you Photoshop me to look thinner, more toned, younger, etc.?
Let's talk about realistic edits and thoughtful enhancements
I certainly can, but I rarely need to. Posing, lighting, and angles do most of the work. Then I edit with a light hand: cleaning up flyaways, under-eye shadows, blemishes, and anything else that showed up uninvited that day.
If something specific is bothering you, please let me know. If you're feeling tired or self-conscious, I can consider that while editing.
My preference is not about turning you into a different person. My goal is to show you in the best possible way. I may see you differently from how you see yourself, but we can discuss this in advance and align our perspectives.
Just know, your freckles are delightful, and we’ll think together before removing them. If there’s anything you feel needs to be reshaped, I’ll do it thoughtfully and with your input.
Do you do styled or themed shoots with wardrobe provided?
Not at the moment, but I’d love to. When I find the right local designer to collaborate with, I’ll start offering styled sessions. They’re rare birds around here.
In the meantime, I’ll help you plan your outfit and vibe so the shoot feels cohesive, even if you pulled it straight from your closet.
Creative concepts and what’s available
Do you offer hair and makeup?
What’s included, and what’s up to you
Not officially. I don’t have an in-house artist (searching for one), but I work with an exceptional local hair stylist I trust completely. She books out three months in advance and works at a premium level. Great choice if you’re going for 100% confidence. I’m happy to connect you.
If you’re doing your own makeup, I’ll guide you toward camera-friendly choices: matte over shimmer, skip glitter, bring powder. I’ve got your back if you want feedback before your session.