Before Your Session
From the moment you let me know you’re interested in working with me, I’m here for you.
Consult & Booking
The best way to start the process of booking your session is to reach out and let me know what you’re looking for and when. If you’re up for it, I’d love to treat you to coffee and meet up face-to-face to get to know you and learn about you and your family.
Styling Services
This is the ONE thing I know is true – the right outfits take your images from great to WOWZA. No idea where to start? I got you! From a personal styling site to a gorgeous styling closet, you’re going to have NO problems looking (and feeling) your best.
Location Selection
The good news is that we live in a beautiful place. The bad news (okay, it’s also good news), is that there are SO many beautiful places to choose from! Don’t worry - we’ll work together to find the perfect spot for you and your family to play.
top 5 pre-session questions:
How do I book a session?
Just fill out my contact form to get the ball rolling. I’ll email you back (and maybe even pick up the phone!) and we’ll make sure I know exactly what you’re looking for. I’ll send you a proposal to sign and an invoice to reserve your date. Everything is handled online and easy to use and understand.
When should I book a session?
Most clients book sessions 2-6 months out, depending on when and where they want to shoot. I recommend May-September sessions, due to the weather, but I start as early as February and end as late as November some years. You can also book a session a few weeks out. It’s up to you, but I always suggest reaching on earlier rather than later. As soon as a deposit is put down for your session, your date is locked in my calendar.
Where do we shoot?
We’ll work together to pick the perfect spot for your family. I have a ton of session examples from 10+ locations on or around Whidbey Island, and if you’re looking for something truly epic - we can even shoot your session on Mt. Baker or Hurricane Ridge! We’ll pick a place that has everything you’re looking for (trees, driftwood, beach, etc.), but just remember - the location is just the backdrop. You’re what matters most.
What should we wear?
I love this question! I have so many ways to help you pick the perfect wardrobe to take your gallery to the next level. Between my personal styling closet, my online styling site, and your closet, we’ll find the perfect clothing to make everyone feel comfortable and coordinated.
How should I prepare for our session?
Once your wardrobe is squared away, all the work is up to me. I’ll reach out just before your session to let you know what the weather looks like, give you directions to our location, and will answer any remaining questions you have. I’m always just a text, email, or call away, and I’m ready to serve you in any way I can!
During Your Session
I’ll guide you through your session so you don’t feel awkward and actually have FUN!
Relax — I got this!
I totally understand the butterflies before your session. My goal is to make your session so fun and stress-free that everybody (even dad!) wants to do it again. Instead of worrying if everyone is doing the right thing, just focus on having fun together, and I’ll get all the shots I need (and more)!
Let’s have fun!
I will give you games to play, songs to sing, and ask you to snuggle. Don’t worry about feeling awkward or not knowing where to look – you’ll know where to sit, who to look at, and what to do. I really do want you to have a fun night out with your family.
Top 5 Day-of Session Questions:
What time do we start?
We’ll start about an hour before sunset, earlier if it’s cloudy. I’ll be in touch the day before and day of with a final start time. The sun changes so much due to our northern location, so we might start at 4 pm in October and 8 pm in July.
What should I bring?
Just yourselves! Mama, if you’re wearing some killer shoes, you might want to throw in a pair of walking shoes for when we move to different spots at our location. And an extra layer that goes with your outfits is always a good idea (for everyone)! It can get chilly even in the summer months.
What are you bringing?
I bring my camera (of course!), some bribes for the kids (typically Pez), and a selection of blankets to pick from for sitting shots when they ground is too wet or dirty. We don’t need a whole lot to make magic!
What if the weather is bad?
I’ll be in touch the week of and day of your session. The only times I cancel sessions is if the wind is extreme (> 15-20 mph), it’s raining (ain’t no body got time for that), or if it’s too cold for kids to feel comfy (less than 50 degrees). If we cancel for weather we’ll reschedule ASAP and you won’t be charged a dime extra.
What if my kids don’t cooperate?
This is definitely something you don’t need to stress about. I make the kids the focus of my session, and talk to them and get to know them (if they’re talkers!). I being candy as a reward (if it’s okay with you mama), and in general create a fun atmosphere where we’re playing and singing and cuddling and building sand castles. I also get TONS of experience working with kids through my school photography, and have lots of tricks (and fart noises) up my sleeve!