General tips and information for every session…

The most important tip that I can offer is to have fun with this.  Enjoy yourself.  If you are having a session as an individual, couple, family or pawrent just enjoy the ride and show some love to yourself and others.

What should we wear?

• Wear what makes you feel good, confident and comfortable! Avoid shirts with logos and large designs as they can be distracting and date the photos.  Choose simple clothing… the photos are about you, not the clothes.  We want you to be the focus of the pictures.  Clothing that is extremely colorful or busy will take away from you.
• For couples or families, the idea is to blend with each other.  If the idea is to have a casual feel then everyone should be in line with this.  If you want a more formal look go for collared shirts and button downs.  Keep the color scheme united… remember not all colors go together.  Use complimentary colors or themes.  For example, everyone wears jeans and a white top or white and black.  If you want everyone in the same color make sure that they blend, not all reds go together or all greens.  They can clash. 
• If it’s a family with different groups have each group wear a different color.  For example, mom and dad wear white, son’s family wears blue, daughter’s family wears yellow.  Just make sure the colors mix well with each other.
• Ladies… I love the shiny, glittery stuff just as much as the next girl but, it does not photograph well.  It will look harsh (and make you look older—yikes!) when the sun or a flash reflects off that shimmery blush or eye shadow.   Also, heavy eyeliner and mascara can cause shadows under your eyes which can make you look tired.  Dramatic makeup is fine, just go with more neutral shades and blend and smudge. 
• I like to let kids (and the grown-ups) explore the location where we are, climb trees, get in the water or play on a playground.  So, we will take the more posed photos first.  This helps with everyone’s attention span also!

What happens if anyone gets ill or has an emergency?

• I will call you as soon as I am aware that I will not be able to make and we will schedule a new time.  I ask that you do the same.  If we are not able to reschedule due to an illness or emergency on my end, I will refund your money.  If I am not notified of your need to cancel or reschedule prior to the session the deposit will be non-refundable.
• For wedding and other events that cannot be rescheduled, I know other photographers and with your permission I can have them take over.  If you do not want me to find a replacement, I will refund your money. 

Bad weather…

• It's always good to have a Plan B.  I do monitor the weather in case we need to change location.  Most places have some type of shelter/covered area that can be incorporated.  And if the weather is not too bad (gusty winds, driving rains, lightening or a tornado siren) we can use umbrellas, raincoats and rainboots!  We can always reschedule if the weather is not cooperating.          

What if our children won’t co-operate and turn into little tyrants?

• Relax.  My husband and I have 4 children and 7 dogs, plus I have been a social worker for a long time.  Not a lot surprises me.  It’s a good idea to bring their favorite toy, doll, blanket and snack.  I have a few tricks that work also.  Remember, they are human and there are just days that nothing in this world will fix your crabby mood.  So, if that’s the case then what do we do?  We can roll with it… this is life with kids after all.  Or we can take a break and reset.  Or we reschedule.  Life happens.

What if our pet won’t co-operate?

• Again, relax.  If you are uptight, your pet will be uptight.  If you are like us, we consider our dogs just more kids, so the answer above will apply to furry kids as well.

What about props…

• Absolutely.  I have several props from bubbles to a portable backdrop.  If there is something you want to bring please do so.  This is about you.  When we are discussing what your vision is for your photos we will also go over props.

 Weddings and Other Events…

• Thoughts on guest who want to take photographs during the ceremony, reception or your event:  No, I do not mind if other take pictures as long as you are ok with it.  However, I do request that others not use flash while I am taking stills and groups as they can distort the image we are working to capture.  
• I do mind getting pushed out of the way or someone else taking over the direction of the photos (yes this has happened).  
• Remember, this is your wedding or event and you are paying me to photograph it.
• For weddings or other types of ceremonies please ask your guests to not hold up cell phones to take pictures and videos.  They really do not look nice in photos when they are blocking my shot.

 Senior Portraits…

• This is all about you and your personality.  What clubs and activities were you in?  This can be accomplished in many ways.  If you have your uniform, equipment, team shirt or other props bring them!  Letterman jackets are also a great way to show what you have done.  

 Maternity Photos…

• There are no fast and hard rules for how far along you should be.  Everyone is different and carry their babies differently.  Some moms-to-be want to take the pictures when they are about to pop and others do not want to wait that long.  A good rule of thumb is around 7 ½ to 8 ½ months.

 Newborn Photos…

• Newborn shoots should be scheduled between 4-14 days.  Babies at this age are more likely to curl up and remain sleepy for much of the session.  They are also more tolerant of being posed and moved around.
• Sessions can take place where you are most comfortable.  It is probably easier for me to haul my equipment to your home than for you to haul everything baby needs!
• These sessions usually run long due to baby needing breaks and nurturing.  These sessions can take 2-3 hours.  I allow plenty of time and work around the needs of the baby and you. ·       

Sports, Clubs & Activities… 

• What a great way to really capture your child working hard and achieving a goal.  Please make sure that it is okay for photos to be taken during the practice or event.  
• What types of clubs and activities will you take photos of?  Whatever you want... sports, teams, 4-H, FFA, UIL... just ask.

Tips for a successful pet photo session…

• Play with your pet right before the shoot and wear them out.
• Bring along any of your pets’ favorite toys.
• Please no treats during the shoot.  They will enjoy them more when they are finished being a super model.
• Keep them on a leash but no harnesses.
• Expect that they may not be the well-behave pet that you normally have.  This is probably a new experience and they are going to be curious.
• Make sure you clean up after your pet.  I carry bags in case you forget or run out.