{Session Details}

When should I schedule my session?

I prefer to book family and senior sessions at least 4 weeks in advance, but will do my best to accommodate you if you need a session sooner. For newborns, try to schedule your session 8 to 10 weeks in advance and for 5 days after your due date. Babies are very sleepy in their first few days of life after delivery and photograph best at less than 10 days old. Although most babies won’t show on their expected due dates, you can rest assured that I will be available to capture your baby in those drowsy early days.

Where will the session be?

I do natural light, on location shoots. I would LOVE to shoot a session in your home among your personal belongings, but for this type of situation, there must be plenty of available light to get great shots. There are also many interesting places to shoot in Downtown Shreveport and maybe even in your own backyard. Seniors may wish to shoot at a variety of locations for different looks. Whatever we can fit in a two hour time frame is fair game. If you have no ideas in mind on where you would like to shoot your session, I have a handy list of places that are tried and true for getting great portraits.

How long will the session last?

The typical session lasts about an hour and a half to two hours. Newborn sessions typically last three hours or more with time for breaks, feedings and diaper changes.

For family sessions, I will spend some time getting to know your children before even picking up my camera. This will give them time to get used to me and will result in more relaxed shots. There will be plenty of time for snacks and breaks, so don’t feel like you are rushed to get everything in as quickly as possible.

Can I bring props to my session?

I encourage you to include things in your session that you feel represent you. Your clarinet, your beloved pet or your favorite book can be good additions. We can include props that will compliment you, but not so many that it overpowers your beautiful personality. I want your photographs to showcase YOU.

Can I bring someone along?

Feel free to bring along a friend. Having someone you know on the sidelines helps you to relax and can lead to some very natural shots. Be forewarned, though, if you bring along a friend, they may be asked to hold a reflector.  

What if I need to cancel?

Session fees are non-refundable, but I understand that emergencies or illnesses can sometimes arise.  I will do my absolute best to accommodate you in these circumstances.

{What to Wear}

Solids or large prints in bold, bright colors photograph best. Instead of matching your family in the same outfits/colors, pick a color palette of no more than three colors and “coordinate” your outfits instead. Accessorize with jewelry, hair pieces, scarves and hats. Etsy.com is a terrific resource for locating unique accessories for your session. Add layers with a jacket or vest and throw on some funky shoes to really showcase your style. Natural make-up looks best in photographs.

Avoid logos, cartoons and small, busy patterns. They can make an image look like a snapshot and will take attention away from the main subject, YOU! For outdoor sessions, you may be tempted to wear white, but try to avoid it if possible and instead opt for some color. For newborn sessions, white is perfectly acceptable and preferable.

Seniors should plan for at least a dressy outfit and something more casual.

No matter what you decide to wear, make sure you let your own personality shine through.

{My Style}

I aim to get the most natural, relaxed shots possible, with a few posed, smiling shots, too. I find that beautiful, natural interactions between parents and children and between brothers and sisters provide for the most adored shots and these are the shots that I most want in my portfolio. I want you to play, tickle each other and be silly during our time together. “Say cheese!” shots are not natural and it will show in your images. If you have some fun with your kids during our session and let me capture that, we will be able to get the shots that you will adore. One day when your kids are grown, they will look back at those natural moments we captured together and know that they were and are truly loved.

My processing style is fairly clean with no neon colors, selective color or heavy textures. I want your photographs to stand the test of time and still be as appealing to your eyes twenty years from now as they are today.

{Ordering and Proofing}

How many final images will I see?

I typically offer 25 proofs to choose from, but sometimes offer more depending on the number of locations, etc. Some images may not be available due to closed eyes, strange faces or other mishaps. You can feel certain that when I cull the session, I am offering you the absolute best images of the lot. It is my job to make sure you are not missing out on anything great.

Where can I view my proofs?

Two weeks after your session, your proofs will be available for viewing on my website in a password protected gallery. You can choose the date of when your gallery starts and it will be available for 10 days.

{Payment}

Full payment is due upon placing your order. Products will not be ordered until payment is received in full. I accept cash, checks and paypal.