F A Q

SO...WE'RE AWKWARD AND UN-PHOTOGENIC. WHAT DO WE DO!?

Believe it or not, pretty much EVERYONE tells me this before their session, and it never turns out to be true! I love coaching my clients through having their photos taken, and I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve to make you look fabulous! When you’re having a great time, you’ll look more beautiful than you thought was possible. I promise! 🙂

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE OUR IMAGES?

My turnaround time is 4-8 weeks after your session.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I love authentic images that are filled with emotion. I love bold/bright colors and moody. I seek out genuine moments that make me FEEL something.

Most photos are lightly posed, meaning I’ll help get you into place first and then encourage interaction and real expressions while we’re snapping away.

If you want to sum it up in a couple of words, my work is most often categorized as lifestyle photography.

WHERE DOES THE SESSION TAKE PLACE? DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?

Typically sessions take place either outdoors or in my clients’ homes. For outdoor sessions, I’m happy to provide location suggestions within Springfield/Nixa/Ozark area. Travel is included for locations covered within Springfield/Nixa/Ozark. For locations outside of that map, travel will be billed at $60/hour. Studio rental, additional client closets/locations (Permit fee for parks/garage parking, etc), extensive planning, travel fees, and purchases for the shoot will be added onto the price*

WHAT'S THE BEST TIME TO HAVE A SESSION WITH A NEWBORN?

If we’re talking about the sleepy newborn type of photos, the session needs to happen up to 3 weeks after birth. There are certain tips and tricks that can help you get ready for the session, which I will share with you in a detailed client guide, after you’ve booked your session and signed the contract.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

You can find lots of tips (including recommended color pairings) on this page!

I’ve also put together a complete session preparation guide for my clients that I send before every session. It includes information about clothes, hair/makeup, and other useful tips to help eliminate stress from your experience.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE GET RAINED OUT?

I keep a number of backup dates open each month in case of bad weather, and there is no fee to reschedule to a new date if it’s raining or overcast. Springfield weather is notoriously unpredictable and changes very quickly, so I typically wait to call off a session until that morning (or the night before sunrise sessions). If you want to follow along with me, I find that the app Dark Sky has the most reliable forecast. Sunshine is a huge component of my style of photography, and it’s definitely worth waiting for a beautiful day!

WHAT IF MY KIDS DON'T COOPERATE?

I love getting to know my clients’ kids, even the ones who are shy/stubborn/you name it! I always approach the session as a new friend who’s just there to play and have a good time. I have all the patience in the world, and I find that being easy-going translates to happy kiddos. That being said, not every moment of the session is perfect, and that’s totally OK — in fact, it’s encouraged! In 10 years, I’m willing to bet that you’ll cherish the image of your toddler crying fake tears just as much as the one that we took 10 seconds later of him happily running toward the camera. My goal is to capture the personalities of the kids in front of my lens, including all of the beautiful quirks, details, and small moments that make up childhood.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THE SESSION GO SMOOTHLY?

The BEST thing you can do is to let go and enjoy! I know it’s hard not to be stressed before your session, but babies pick up on anxiety really easily. We’ll have the best chance at getting gorgeous images if we let them happen naturally (with a little guidance from me, of course!) I want your pictures to be amazing and will do all the hard work for you! Your only job is to relax and have fun. 🙂

CAN I KEEP THE IMAGES FROM MY SESSION PRIVATE?

All clients sign an optional model release before the session. If you would prefer to keep your images private, you may indicate your request at that time. For clients who choose to decline the model release, I absolutely respect your decision and will keep your images under lock and key.

CAN WE DO A HOME SESSION EVEN IF OUR HOUSE IS TINY/DARK/MESSY?

YES!!! I’ve worked in hundreds of clients' homes, and I’ve never found one that didn’t work. There is always a beautiful little patch of light that’s perfect for photography! I’m used to photographing in a variety of homes, from Fremont Hills Townhouse to 500-square-foot. If it’s home to your family, that’s all I need to work with! And PLEASE don’t worry about the mess — nothing fazes me! If needed, I’ll help you move furniture/clutter around as we go.

DO YOU TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF MISSOURI FOR PHOTOSHOOTS?

Yes, I sure do. While Missouri is my main area of work, I am happy to discuss any photoshoots around US. All sessions happening outside of Missouri will have an additional travel feel added to your invoice.

Depending on the location, additional accommodation costs my may apply. All this is discussed individually before I send you any invoices.

OK, WE ARE READY TO BOOK! WHAT NEXT?

I can’t wait to work with you! Please send me a message here, and we’ll come up with a game plan for your session. After that, you’ll be able to sign your contract and submit your session deposit online. 50% is due upon booking to reserve your date, and the remainder is due on the day of your session.

I also ask new clients to fill out a short questionnaire, which helps me get to know you and your hopes/goals for the session.