When you book your photo session with me, you will receive a curated experience unique to you. I handle all the posing, lighting and direction. I honestly get so excited when I have an upcoming session and spend a lot of time visualizing the entire session from beginning to end. I also have an affinity for list-making so you may see a shot list in hand.
Here’s what to expect when booking a session with me.
Pre-Session Planning
We will coordinate a day and time that will work best with your family. We ideally want to avoid nap times and meal times – no one likes to be hungry or tired, especially adults ;). Golden hour is a beautiful time for pictures and is the hour before sunset (most popular time) and the hour after sunrise. If we choose a time between golden hours, we will find a spot with shade. This prevents harsh light and shadows.
About 3-5 days before the session, I’ll start keeping an eye on the weather so we can plan accordingly or reschedule. I understand family photos can be stressful, and we want this to be as fun and relaxing as possible.
Day of Photo Session
We will meet at the predetermined location. I usually arrive early and scout the area for the best lighting and backdrops. Every family is different, and I like to observe what the dynamics are. Typically, we will take more formal photos first – standing and possibly sitting. I have a shot list I like to work through, individuals of each child, all the kids, each parent with children, each parent with each individual child. As the kids get more comfortable with me and the camera (and ultimately grow restless), I will capture the more candid photos. I really love to make sure I get a few of just the parents at the end – you guys deserve a photo of the two of you!
Sporrer Family 
Niece Family
Extended Family Session
With extended family photos, we will do the largest grouping first and then individual families and grandparents with grandchildren. This shot list is longer than standard family photos and I come prepared with a list because I do not want to miss any groupings.
Photo Session Length
Photo sessions will take approximately 45 minutes, as always, it depends. Newborn sessions usually take all of an hour up to 2 hours. Mini sessions are around 15-20 minutes. Most parents feel like there is no way their child/children cooperated for any spectacular photos, but I guarantee that I will have captured beautiful moments of your family.
The photos may not be what you imagined or pinned on Pinterest, but they will be unique to your family’s connections and personalities. Which is waaaaay better than any Pinterest photo, and you’ll cherish them forever – that’s the ultimate goal!
Post Session
You will receive your edited and processed images within 2 weeks of your session. I will send you an email to your gallery for download and optional printing services (here’s a compiled list I’ve put together of photo services).
Check out this post on my post-session process and delivery.
Past clients, let me know if I should add anything that I may have missed.
