+ What if my baby is uncooperative?

I've been a professional photographer for over 8 years. I'm also the mother of three boys. When I say there is no situation I haven't encountered, I mean it. My experience allows me to work efficiently and quickly. Because I work with newborns and little ones so often, I can keep it fun too so adding older siblings into the mix isn't a problem. I believe that these sessions should be a joyful time of memory making, not feel like a chore or burden. I am confident that I can make that happen for you, so you can breath a sigh of relief and just enoy it! I promise!

+ What should I wear?

I love the minimalist approach when it comes to choosing outfits for you and your family. Choosing simple outfits keeps the focus on you, not what you're wearing. I suggest neutrals or pastels most often with whites, beiges and chambray denims being my favorites. Having similar tones with all outfits will balance your image so staying away from patterns or logos is helpful. Most importantly, you should choose something you feel comfortable and confident in and be yourself. Pops of color can defintely too, especially around the holidays. If color is what you and your family prefer, by all means, wear that! I love offering suggestions so feel free to e-mail me what you're thinking of wearing for my opinion!

+ How Should I Prepare Baby for their session?

Try to feed and change your baby before their scheduled session or before getting them into the car to come. Most babies who arrive asleep stay that way for their session (I am pretty good at the carseat transfer)! Don't worry about bringing a ton of outfits. I prefer to photograph baby in diaper or a simple swaddle so save yourself the stress and leave the fancy clothes at home.

+ What Should we Bring?

I know I just told you to skip the fancy outfits in the last question. With that being said, if you have a special blanket, adorable bow or hat or an heirloom item that means a lot please bring it. I will do my best to incorporate that into your session.

+ What Should We Expect?

Maternity sessions last about an hour while newborn sessions last anywhere from one to three hours depending on baby. Parents will always be in a few of the photos, so come prepared for that. Expect to have fun, this is such a wonderful time in your life! If your baby poops or pees on the bedding, or me, just know that it is nothing I haven't had happen before and don't stress over it!

+ When should I schedule my senior session?

These sessions are usually scheduled in the spring or summer prior to senior year. If you'd like a fall or winter session we can make that happen but please contact me. One of the biggest hurdles in these late season sessions is ensuring we have time to turn in your iamges by the yearbook deadline. Contact your school if you are uncertain when your photos are due, but usually it is at the beginning of the schoolyear in September or October.

+ What should I wear?

Style is so personal, so this can be tricky to give advice on. It can be an emotional process choosing outfits that you feel express who you are and highlight your best features. I suggest choosing two must-shoot outfits, and bringing two extras as back-ups. For at least one I advise to go much dressier than you normally would. Why? I feel this type of outfit will never go out of style and will stand the test of time (plus, it is FUN to dress up)! This is the perfect opportunity to grab that flowy maxi or amazing tulle skirt you've been eyeing. Neutrals always photograph well and lend to that dreamy, airy style of my photographs. Be mindful of location and props. Are we shooting on a boardwalk with icecream and a bicycle? Maybe a pair of ripped jeans, graphic tee and converse would be perfect. Are we meeting in a country field? Perhaps barefoot with a long dress would make the most sense. Still feeling lost? Shoot me an email, I would be happy to help you with your outfit choices and I even offer styling services with a professional if you really want to take it to the next level!

+ What can I add on to my session?

Professional hair and makeup- $125 Floral element (bouquet or floral crown)- $55 Vintage furniture- $75 Personal stylist: $75 Upgrade to a full film session: $200 Share package: $200 (75 wallets, 3 8x10's, 5 5x7's and 10 4x8's)

+ How Should I Prepare for my session?

Professional hair and makeup always makes your confidence soar. I suggest at least getting a blowout at a local salon so you're feeling great. Makeup is trickier, but I feel that the most beautiful thing is a fresh and timeless face with minimal makeup. Bring your makeup bag in case we need to do any touchups during your session. I also will photograph your hands around your face, so be mindful of nail polish and opt for soft neutrals or none at all. You may be tempted to self tan prior to your session but please do not! Film photography favors natural skin tones and your tanner will make you look nothing but orange. Nothing is more beautiful than natural skin wether you fair skinned or have an olive complexion. If you're going to be outdoors a lot, be mindful of tan lines from bathing suits and avoid sunburns before your session.

+ How Do I Choose a Location?

We all have places we hold dear to our hearts. Some of us crave open water while others love urban cityscapes or historic architecture. If I am traveling to you, you may already have a few locations in mind. If we are shooting in the Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids area I have a handful of spots that I feel always deliver and we can choose toegther. Nothing will look more natural than you in a location doing something you love. So if you spend your summers at the lake, let's find a canoe. Love hanging with your friends? Let's grab some for a few photos at the end of your session! We can work together to come up with the best possible scenario so you have images you'll cherish and make you feel like YOU!

+ What should I wear?

I love the minimalist approach when it comes to choosing outfits for you and your family. Choosing simple outfits keeps the focus on you, not what you're wearing. I suggest neutrals or pastels most often with whites, beiges and chambray denims being my favorites. Having similar tones with all outfits will balance your image so staying away from patterns or logos is helpful. Most importantly, you should choose something you feel comfortable and confident in and be yourself. Pops of color can defintely be great too, especially around the holidays. If color is what you and your family prefer, by all means, wear that! I love offering suggestions so feel free to e-mail me what you're thinking of wearing for my opinion!

+ My home isn't picture perfect, will it work?

Please don't feel like your home has to be perfect, or styled to perfection. I am a real mom, I know what it means to actually live in a home, and most of the time that means it is not magazine ready. I love styling so let me help you choose corners, rooms or spots that will work the best. Don't stress out about it being perfect! Remember, these sessions should give your joy, not anxiety!

+ What if my children won't cooperate?

Remember when I said I am a mom of three boys? I have had all the experiences with photo taking with my own family, so I promise whatever your kids throw at me isn't going to phase me. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to get giggles and laughs and keep the session fun. We do lots of movements like running, jumping, tickling and being silly so this will feel more like play time than work! It is also good to remember that perfectly smiling kids isn't always genuine or true to their personalities so getting those real life tendencies captured is priceless and perfect!

+ Can our family pet join?

YES, YES, a million times yes! I love when we incorporate the family pets! Have a farm? Let's have the kids feed the chickens or incorporate that into our session!