Welcome!

I am so glad you are here and excited to capture this amazing milestone in your life!

Please take some time to read over this information. If you have any additional questions, I'm happy to answer them!

WHAT TO EXPECT…

• We will have fun. People usually leave the session saying "wow that was better than I thought it would be!" The session does NOT have to be hard - if you relax and let me take control, you'll see how easily it can unfold.

• I am a modern, lifestyle photographer which means I aim to get you at your natural best, not perfectly posed. I will pose you and then wait for it to naturally "de-compose" - often that's when we get the best shot.

• I take a lighthearted approach to the session and will often step back and just let our time together unfold. In order for you to get the most out of our time together, I ask that during the session, you leave the cares of the world behind and vow to be yourself, laugh, and have fun!

• We want to capture you being you! I will give you direction and suggest poses, but our goal is to get a finished product that leaves you with memories of who you are at this perfect time in your life. So, what helps achieve this?

Let me be in charge! I know what I need to do to get you the outcome you hired me for.

Be yourself! Don't be afraid to laugh, move naturally, or show your personality.

Be confident! This is YOUR moment to shine. Embrace who you are right now.

Have fun! Laugh. Smile naturally. Show your interests. Be comfortable in your own skin.

Relax! The more comfortable you are, the more your authentic self will shine through.

Doing these things will allow me to capture the real you and the true beauty of this milestone moment. Leave the stiff "cheese" faces behind. Show me who you really are, so that I have the opportunity to capture your authentic spirit through my lens.

PREPARING…

• Prior to our session I will be sending you a questionnaire. It's very helpful for me to have these short questions filled out so that I understand your goals for the session and I can make the best of it. It's very important to me that I know what you're looking for going into the session!

• Communicate any goals for the session with me before or at the beginning of the session. Is there a certain look you're going for? Do you have something particular in mind that you want to do - a photo that you love, a setup, a location? Feel free to send me any sample photos in advance.

• Think about what represents you. Are you an athlete? Musician? Artist? Academic? We can incorporate props, instruments, sports equipment, or anything that tells your story.

• Consider meaningful locations. Is there a place that's special to you? Your school? A park where you spent time growing up? A spot that represents your interests? Let's talk about it!

• Get plenty of rest the night before your session. You'll look and feel your best when you're well-rested.

• I have seen and heard it ALL. So come with an open mind and do not worry about judgment. I don't care if you're nervous about photos or worried about how you look - that's totally normal, and I'm here to help you feel comfortable and confident.

WHAT TO WEAR…

• Always take enough time for yourself to get ready and DO NOT stress too much about what you're wearing. It's not the ultimate decider of good portraits - the emotion and feeling is.

• When selecting your clothing think of the outcome you're hoping for and dress the part. What is the location? Is there a theme? Are you going for a certain look? Are you going for soft elegance where neutral tones will look best? Outdoors where jeans and blues work well with nature's colors and textures? Dress for the situation and location - A fancy black dress and dress shirt wouldn't be the most appropriate wardrobe for a forest or grassy setting. More formal wear would be more appropriate for an urban or "big city" feel.

• What is most important is that you are comfortable in what you wear. I am going to ask you to sit on grass, benches, lean against walls, and I want you to look good but I don't want you to worry about getting dirty or wrinkled because you might. Choose outfits that you feel confident and comfortable in - if you're constantly adjusting or worried about your clothes, it will show in the photos.

• Bring multiple outfits! Plan 2-3 different looks that show different sides of your personality:

  • Casual/Everyday: What you'd wear hanging out with friends

  • Dressy/Formal: Something that makes you feel put-together and confident

  • Personality/Interest: Something that represents who you are (team jersey, band t-shirt, etc.)

• Coordinating colors work better than matching. Choose a color palette rather than exact matches. Examples: earth tones, pastels, deep colors, or primary colors. Layering adds depth and dimension - sweaters, cute belts, statement necklaces, blazers, etc.

• Things to stay away from:

  • Fluorescent colors - they can color cast on your face and hair

  • Small checks or gingham - they can make photos look fuzzy

  • Loud patterns and graphics - big logos or cartoon characters draw attention away from your face

  • Green in grassy/wooded areas - it can be too much green

  • Clothes that make you uncomfortable - if you're constantly adjusting or worried, it will show