FAQ »

Wedding Photography, FAQ:

How many pictures do I get?
The amount of pictures that you receive depends on the day and how many guests are at your wedding. I take as many pictures as I can and make sure to document the most important and candid moments. You will probably hear my shutter and think I’m taking hundreds of photos (which I am), but each has a minor adjustment until I get it get exactly the way I want it. Have no worries, you will have more pictures than you know what to do with!

Do I get a Full Copyright with my images?
I provide a “Limited Personal Copyright.” This copyright gives you permission to print the photos and post them on Facebook. A full copyright would mean you have the rights to sell my work. Please note that US copyright law requires that anytime you share an image on Facebook or any other social media site you give credit to the photographer. I ask that if you do decide to share images online, that you upload only from the pictures provided to you on your disk titled “web”. These have been sized appropriately for online upload and are watermarked.

Do you take black and white photographs?
Yes! I love black and white photography! You will receive a folder on your CD that has all of your images also converted to black and white. This way you can decide which ones you like best!

Can I have a second photographer at my wedding?
I have a network of photographers that I work with who love the art of photography as much as I do. As long as they are available for your special day one of them will be there.

When is the best time to do group and family pictures at my wedding?
That is completely up to you. First you need to decide if you want to see each other before the ceremony. If you don’t want to see each other plan on saving about an hour between the end of the ceremony and the start of the reception to do photography. I will spend about 30 minutes doing family portraits and then I will pull the bride and groom aside for 30 minutes to do a quiet session with just the two of you!

Do you offer “First Sight” sessions?
Yes! The private moment is so emotional and beautiful and a great opportunity for the bride and groom to relax and celebrate their special day. After this session I always provide my brides and grooms some time to regroup before we start family portrait sessions.

Children and Families Photography, FAQ:

How many pictures do I get?
The amount of pictures that you receive always depends on the day and mood of child. I take as many pictures as I can and make sure to document the most important and candid moments. You will probably hear my shutter and think I’m taking hundreds of photos (which I am), but each has a minor adjustment until I get it get exactly the way I want it. Have no worries, you will have more pictures than you know what to do with!

What should I wear?
You should wear something that you are comfortable in and don’t feel like you have to be all matchy, matchy. If you’re not comfortable with what you’re wearing it will definitely show in your photographs. If you love polka dots? Great, wear them! Patterns? No problem! Other accessories such as hats and scarves are also fun to layer up with and add texture! Just wear something that is you and not somebody else!

How do I choose my location? Are my photos done in a studio?
I shoot only on location as there is so much more you can do in natural light. I try to capture your family for who they really are which means I’m not going to provide you with a traditional posed studio experience. I work with you and your family to ensure everyone is having a good time and themselves which helps bring truth and emotion to the shoot.

Senior Photography, FAQ:

How many pictures do I get?
The amount of pictures that you receive depends on the day, how many locations and how the amount of outfit changes during session. I take as many pictures as I can and make sure to document the most important and candid moments. You will probably hear my shutter and think I’m taking hundreds of photos (which I am), but each has a minor adjustment until I get it get exactly the way I want it. Have no worries, you will have more pictures than you know what to do with!

What should she wear and bring with her?
Bring lip gloss, mascara, hair brush and preferably 3-6 tops, vary the styles with off the shoulder, polo, button down and three quarter length sleeves. Jeans, light and navy blue, along with capris look great. Shorts are not recommended.

What should he wear and bring with him?
Guys should shave prior to their appointment. Bring plenty of clothing selection, preferably 3-6 clothing styles such as T-shirts, rugby, polo, crew neck and button down. Jeans, light and navy blue, along with tan shorts, letter jackets and sports jerseys look great.

What colors should I avoid?
Light pastel and neon colors. Avoid t-shirts with busy patterns that will distract from the subject’s face.

How do I choose my location? Are my photos done in a studio?
Choose an outdoor location that is meaningful to your senior. Some examples include football fields, bleachers, beaches, downtown, etc. I can help with location choice as well.

What about acne on the day of my shoot?
I will retouch the images to make your senior look their best!

Should I tan the day of my shoot?
Tanning is fine but not necessary. Remember tan lines will show unless you tan evenly.

Maternity Photography, FAQ:

When should I schedule my maternity photography session?
I recommend women to schedule their maternity photography session between 28-36 weeks. This is the time where the pregnancy is showing but not too close to the due date where the mother-to-be may miss her scheduled photography session due to an early delivery. It is up to you to decide when within the time frame to schedule a session. Some pregnant women want to be as far along as the can for maternity portraits. Other’s may feel their best before the last few weeks of pregnancy.

I would love to bring my husband and children along, do you photograph families during a maternity photography session?
I love photographing families, so please feel free to bring your significant other and any children you may have. Photographing interactions between family members not only allows for variety in your maternity portraits, but adds another dimension of emotion in your photographs.

I don’t want the studio look that other mainstream photography businesses provide. Can I can choose a location that has a special meaning to me?
I am a location-based photographer. I have a portable studio that I can bring with me, but I specialize in environmental photography. We can choose an outdoor location or we can hold the maternity session within the comfort of your own home. I am flexible with whatever you have in mind. The wonderful thing about custom portrait photography is that YOU are in control.

What is your style as a maternity photographer?
My style as a photographer is truthful and candid. I love capturing interactions between loved ones and am not a huge fan of “posed portraits”. Grabbing the moment as it happens helps tell a story and the photographs start to become a personal reflection of the love shared between mom and baby. Michigan has some beautiful backdrops that provide picture perfect settings. I can recommend some if you are interested in more natural maternity photographs. Depending on how comfortable you are, I am available to photograph intimate, yet classy maternity portraits as keepsakes.

How do I prepare for my maternity photography session?
Take into consideration what you will be wearing to your maternity photography session. Make sure to wear a shirt that flatters your pregnant figure and shows off your belly. Try to avoid “frumpy” clothes; you want to look your best. A solid colored maternity shirt or dress is ideal for your photography session. If you are wanting a fun, outdoor session, bright colored, stylish clothes look best. If it is cool out, dressing in layers will add depth to your photographs. Accessories like a textured scarf or cute hat add an element of fun and whimsy character If you desire more natural, simplistic maternity photographs, I can provide a variety of fabric to wear as a wrap. This will give your portrait an artistic, polished look. For these kinds of portraits where much of your skin is showing, avoid tight-fitting bands from maternity pants. These will leave pressure marks. You can also roll the band down at least an hour before your session. Also avoid sock lines by either wearing low cut socks or none at all.

The best piece of advice I can give you on how to prepare for your maternity session is to just relax. This is an enjoyable experience where you can capture the wonder and excitement of your pregnancy.

Newborn Photography, FAQ:

At what age should I photograph my newborn?
I photograph newborns between 5 and 10 days old. Past this point they become more difficult to move and pose during photos. Between 5 and 10 days leaves you time to get home from the hospital, establish a little routine with sleeping and eating, and allows for flexibility still. I can never be exactly sure when a baby is coming, but please let me know as soon as you are in labor or if you have a c-section planned and that will allow me to clear my schedule and be ready for you. After you have delivered please give me a call so we can figure out the exact date.

Do you already have props?
Yes! I have a whole house full of backdrops, blankets, baskets, headbands, and hats. My hubby even had custom shelves installed just for my photography props (props to him). If you have a specific item that is meaningful for you please let me know and I will try my best to incorporate it.

Do you have a studio?
No, however I feel that newborns do best in their own environment anyway. I will bring everything necessary to have a beautiful and comfortable session right in your own home. I will only need about 5’ x 5’ of space next to a large window or sliding glass door. Since I come to your home please do not feel like you have to clean for me. I understand that you have a newborn at home; where not getting any sleep and even a shower seems like a task.

Can you take pictures of my newborn and other children together?
I encourage this and love to provide you with special photographs of your family. However, newborn photo sessions typically last a very long time. If you would like a sibling involved I ask that you allow them to join us for the last hour of the session and that either the other parent or a family friend bring them to and from the session separately. This allows us to work quietly with your newborn and not have any distractions that would upset the photo shoot.

Does the photo shoot include a DVD with my images?
Yes, a DVD with professionally enhanced images are included. After the session is over I will edit the images and give you the best of my work. While I cannot guarantee a specific number of images due to how the session may go, I do give you as many as I can. Approximately two weeks after the session your DVD will be mailed to you. Within 3 – 4 days of the session a Sneak Peek of some of my favorite photographs will be uploaded to my Facebook business page for you to share with your friends and family. I encourage you to tag yourself in the images so that everyone can enjoy them. You will also receive a custom app for your iphone or ipad featuring your little peanut.

Will I get all the photos that I see on your website of other babies?
Each baby is different. I try to get all the images I want to give you for each session, but the session is always run by the baby and how the session goes. The best way to ensure that you get all the images you want is to be prepared. Following my instructions on feeding and sleeping routines before the shoot will be the very best way to guarantee the most of your photo shoot.

What will the baby’s schedule be like the day of the photo shoot?
Plan on the photo shoot lasting anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. The time of the shoot will depend on the baby’s feeding schedule. I want the baby to be “milky drunk” by picture time. I think it’s best that the baby be fed 2 – 3 hours before the photo shoot, kept awake as best you can, and then fed again upon your arrival. They will get fussy and hungry during this time before the photo shoot, but it will ensure that they will be able to eat and be full and sleepy for photos. During the session you can feed as much as needed to keep your baby calm for photos. Expect to be feeding more than normal. The sleepier the better.

Will my baby be naked?
Yes. Clothes overpower newborns and take the focus away from your baby. However, I do add little hats or headbands, this is usually to show if your baby is a boy or girl. I also really love shots that are simple with just the baby with no props. When I photograph babies naked I do my best to hide all of the “important bits” and keep the images classy. Most of my newborn props come from CLD Designs.

What will we do while you photograph the baby?
Aside from needing you to feed the baby as needed during the session, plan on some time to relax too. Once the session gets moving and baby is calm it’s a nice moment for mom and dad to relax. There may be some times throughout the session that I will need your assistance in supporting your baby for certain poses.

Will the baby have potty accidents during the session?
Yes. Almost all newborns have accidents while being photographed. They will poo and potty all over my props. Please know that I know this is natural and expected. I prepare for it and have a laundry basket on hand, extra towels, etc. I do wash everything I use in between sessions because these accidents happen all the time. Please don’t be embarrassed when your newborn has an accident because I am certainly used to it!

Will the baby be cold when you are photographing it naked?
Please keep your temperature in your home warmer than usual. I bring a space heater, blow dryer and heating pad to ensure your newborn is as comfortable as possible.

What should we wear?
I recommend that you wear layers in case your home gets hot. However, for photos of the baby in your hands and family photos I ask that you keep it simple and wear black.

What should I do if my baby gets acne or scratches his/her face before the photo shoot?
If the baby gets scratched or has any acne its okay because I will do my best to make your baby look their best during image editing and processing.