Your Session

My style has been described as candid, clean, emotional, and real. During your session I will always try and make everyone comfortable before we start shooting to capture the most natural smiles and expressions as possible. I love capturing candid moments full of emotion and creating a photograph that will make you smile every time you look at it–not because it was the perfect setting with the perfect smile and the perfect clothes, but because it shows real life, real love, and real happiness.

What to Expect? Some Frequently Asked Questions:

How long will a session last?
Expect your session to run anywhere from one to two hours, though longer for newborns (see the page dedicated to newborn information). I like to take my time and make sure everyone (especially the little ones who may be camera shy) is happy and comfortable before I start snapping away. This is the best way to capture the real smiles and giggles so that images really shine. Please don’t worry if your three-year old would rather play with cars than pose for a picture, I’m not a fan of forced poses either! I am happy to wait for the perfect moment–it’s what makes this profession so rewarding.

Where will the session take place?
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to choosing the right location for your session. My studio is designed to be completely portable, so we can have an indoor studio session at my home, or in the privacy and comfort of your own living room. I love this option, as I’ve found children are often much more at ease in their own environment. I also love to shoot outdoors on location–I’m a huge fan of taking advantage of natural lighting. I have several favorite locations in the Frederick area, but I’m always open to suggestions. It’s great to find a new hot spot for photographs! I will travel up to 30 miles from the Frederick, MD area. Areas beyond this are subject to a $1/mile charge at my discretion.

What is the best time for photographs?
For indoor studio photography, I like to pick the time of day when your child is happiest. For most children, this is in the morning, when they are well rested, well fed, and full of energy. This is espcially true with the littlest ones! I will work with each family individually to pick the best time that suits your needs.

For outdoor photography, timing is everything! Photography is all about light, so using the best possible natural light is absolutely critical in capturing a perfect image. The best times of day are just after sunrise, and an hour or two before sunset, when the light is soft and flattering for portraits. We can always arrange for other times outdoors, as long as the location we agree upon has abundant amounts of natural shading.

What should we wear?
Believe it or not, I hear this question all the time. It’s a great question to ask too, because clothing can really make or break a photograph. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:

Don’t be afraid of color! Rich colors are a great way to show flare and personality, and make for beautiful photographs. Just try and shy away from bright neon colors.
Textures add a lot of depth and character to your images. A baby wrapped in a richly woven blanket, a child bundled in a warm winter sweater or a fun textured hat bring a unique dimension to your photographs.
Avoid overly busy patterns and logos. Subtle prints and patterns are beautiful and can bring life to a photograph, but overdoing it distracts from the main subject–you!

For family or sibling pictures, you want your wardrobes to “go,” not “match.” Try and coordinate colors that compliment one another, but everyone in the family can be dressed in their own individual styles.

A Few Other Important Notes:

For sessions at your home or on location, keep an eye out for anything that you would like to incorporate into your photographs that is especially meaningful or full of character. For example, using the blanket your grandmother made for you as part of your six-month old’s portraits, Daddy’s favorite tie in your son’s photographs, or even a great antique chair or bench as the perfect prop. You’d be amazed at how the simplest of additions can add a wealth of meaning to your photographs.

Lastly, HAVE FUN! I want all of my clients to relax, be themselves, and truly enjoy themselves as I take photographs. This allows me to capture the best moments, beautiful personalties, and glowing smiles. I want you to see your photographs and be filled with the wonderful memories from this time in your life. Thank you for choosing me to share it with you!