I love people! I love getting to know people and especially kids! Before I became a mother of five I was a pre-school teacher. I’ve spent countless hours with all kinds of crazy kids! From the ones who loved with their teeth, to the sweet sensitive souls who’d just want to sit next to you and just be close, From the ones who’d throw themselves on the ground kicking and screaming, to the performers who’d come back to school on Monday mornings singing all they lyrics to The Sound of ‘Moooosic”… I love and adored each and everyone of ‘em!
I don’t strive for that “perfect” shot where everyone is looking at the camera. My approach is more a documentary style of portraiture. Some may call it “lifestyle photography” what ever you want to call it, I won’t ask your child to, “say cheese!” and I’ll always strive to make our session so super fun! Lots of fun, silliness, kisses, hugs, cuddles and giggles is what you can expect. After one of my sessions a dad commented, “That wasn’t at all what I expected! I had fun.” That made my heart SO happy!
I want you to know now, I have no shame. I will act silly and tell the lamest jokes E-V-E-R! I will pretend to trip and I’m sure I’ll ask your child if there is a bug in my camera! Remember I have five kids… I’ve heard it all! If a potty joke comes out of your child’s mouth, trust me, I’ve heard it before! I am so thankful for my families who keep calling me back to capture their family! They keep me on my toes, because those kids remember my stories and jokes, I always have to add new stuff to my repertoire! Smart little buggers!
Session Info
Because my work is more of a documentary story telling style, be thinking of the story you want to tell. Do you want have a session in your home? Where I’m a fly on the wall capturing the day to day uniqueness of your family and home. Or do you have a place where you like to spend time outside? It could be the park down the street or a hiking trail. Are you an athletic family? Lets go play ball! Did you meet you spouse in High School? Lets take the kids and have a session where your story began! The possibilities are truly endless! Lets get together, get creative and capture YOUR story!
For children and families be prepared to spend at least couple of hours with me. For newborns a tad bit longer. Being a mother of five I know the need for potty breaks and snack time! I also get kids just needing to take a break. I have no problem with that! And newborns need time to nurse and snuggle so they tend to take a bit longer.
And I want you to understand I get that life happens. Kids have off days just like adults only we have the ability to move on better. If your child is just having a hard time enjoying our session and non of my magic is working, lets reschedule. And on those cold days where if looks like rain, please bare with me and lets see how the weather is going to play out. Sometimes on mornings where it looks so awful, the sun decides to come out and the clouds create a great backdrop so lets not jump to rescheduling too soon!
What to wear.
Just know that we went to our local produce stand and my 3 year old was in a Minnie Mouse costume… I’m all about expressing yourself with your clothing choices. No need to all match. Unless of course you normally walk around matching each other! On shoots that are outside the home we tend to walk a lot so comfort is a big thing. I recommend you stay away from logo shirts that will date your photos. If your child is big into Dora or Lightning McQueen maybe bring along a doll or a car for them to hold. NO need to stress about clothes, but being creative with your clothing can really make your images POP! Hats and headbands are fun! Scarfs and my very favorite… rain boots! I’m am fine for a couple of outfit changes! For newborns, I really just like ‘em in their birthday suites. Have special blankets and hats on hand, but for the most part we’ll have them in their birthday suits.
How to prepare.
If we are in your home then great! You’ll have all you need right there! Be prepared that I may do a bit of rearranging of your furniture, but we’ll put it back! If we aren’t at home you might think of bringing a few things like, any special stuff animals or loveys, a favorite picnic blanket. Do you have a wagon you pull the kids in? How about chalk or bubbles? Balloons? Don’t be shy or feel silly! Get creative! A rainy day shoot with colorful umbrellas? How about bringing some baskets and picking blackberries? We can even head to your house and bake a pie! Or does your daughter have a sweet tea set? Please I’d love nothing more then to help you tell your story! You tell me some of your ideas and we will work together to capture… YOU!
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