Frequenty Asked Questions

Please read through the FAQs below and if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

  • You can expect us to meet at a location we’ve agreed on and spend the session exploring together—walking around, finding great spots, and taking lots of photos along the way. Sessions tend to fly by because we’re always moving: trying different poses, exploring new areas, and taking short walks in between.

    If you ask past clients, they’ll probably tell you I talk and laugh a lot! I love meeting new people and guiding you through the session with easy prompts, a little silliness, and plenty of encouragement. My goal is to help you feel completely comfortable and confident, so you leave your session feeling like you had a great time—and excited to do it again.

  • A full session typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. Specialty sessions can vary— from 10 minutes all the way up to 2 hours!

    These time estimates include shooting, posing, walking between locations, and giving everyone a chance to feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.

    To make the most of our time together, please arrive ready to begin, and ensure children are fed and well-rested when possible. Our time together is valuable, and being prepared helps us create the best experience (and photos!) possible.

  • Yes — a 10% deposit is required to secure your session (weddings included). For example, if your quote is $245, the deposit would be $24.50. Deposits are non-refundable, due before your scheduled session, and are applied toward your total balance. Deposits may be paid via Venmo, Apple Pay, check, or cash.

    I understand that life happens (I’m a mom and a human too!), so you may reschedule once at no charge. Any additional reschedules will incur a $25 fee. I truly care about my clients, so please communicate with me if you need to reschedule due to illness, injury, or another emergency—I’m always happy to work with you when possible.

  • Yes—I love to travel and explore new places! If the location we choose is more than 25 miles from Salem, a small travel fee will apply. I’m also happy to visit multiple locations in the same day when possible.

    Travel time and distance will be reflected in your session’s estimated price. Since fees vary by location, feel free to reach out and we can chat through the details together!

  • Trust me, I completely get it. I’m one of the most awkward people, so if you’re feeling nervous or unsure in front of the camera, you are absolutely not alone. I’ve worked with many clients who start out feeling stiff, uncomfortable, or convinced they “aren’t photogenic,” and they always end up surprised by how relaxed the session feels—and how much they love their photos.

    If you’re wondering what to do with your hands (same!), how to stand, or whether you’re doing it “right,” don’t stress—that’s my job. I’ll guide you through everything with simple prompts, demonstrations, and plenty of encouragement. I’ll get down on the ground, stretch it out, and move into all the weird positions needed to find your best angles, while gently directing you so you never feel lost or awkward.

    My goal is to create a laid-back, supportive environment where you can be yourself, feel confident, and actually enjoy the experience!

  • Online Gallery – The easiest and most convenient option. You’ll receive access to a private online gallery where you can view and download your entire collection to your phone or computer. Galleries are available for two weeks and this is the option I use most often.

    OR

    USB Drive – These are reserved for weddings or large events, a USB drive provides a physical copy of your images.

    With the online gallery, you’ll also have the option to order professional prints directly through the gallery and have them shipped straight to your home!

  • Heck yes you can! Printing your favorite images has never been easier! You can order prints directly through the online gallery—simply select your favorites, place your order, and have them delivered straight to your door.

    Download and share them all over all your socials to your hearts content! Just don’t forget to give me a shoutout ;)

    I do reserve the right to use select images for marketing purposes, including my website, social media, promotional materials, or professional portfolio. If I believe an image may be sensitive or something you might be uncomfortable with, I will always ask for your permission first.

  • Nope. I don’t use Photoshop for editing. I am dedicated to giving you my best, authentic work. I pride myself on taking the time to take good photos from the start that don’t require a lot of editing. I don’t use filters, or add in the sun when it’s not actually there, or a cool sky background, and I can’t add in someone who doesn’t make it to a session.

    I want to capture YOU, because you are amazing exactly how you are and you are loved the way you are! I don’t want to change that. I can and will edit some blemishes, bruises, or other random things that take away from the image, but very minimally so I don’t change the way someone looks. I don’t change the environment or background either because that takes away from the documentary style that is seen in my portfolio.

    Editing after a shoot is a lot of sitting in front of my computer, going through every single photo, picking the best, and using my artistic eye to make it look the best. Sometimes images may not be centered, I might change it to black and white, or I will crop it in a way that makes the viewer focus on a specific area.

  • My biggest piece of advice: wear what you’re comfortable in! If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your photos. Jeans are absolutely acceptable.

    I especially love flowy dresses and outfits in neutral or natural tones like greens, browns, tans, cream, dark blues, and muted yellows. These colors photograph beautifully and work well in almost any environment or background.

    Patterns such as plaid, stripes, and florals can also look great when styled thoughtfully.

    What to avoid:

    • Tiny stripes or ribbed fabrics – These can photograph strangely and create visual distortions.

    • Too many patterns in one group – Try to limit patterns to 1–2 people and balance them with solid colors.

    • Graphics or logos – Character shirts, brand names, or sayings (like “Just Do It”) can be distracting and take away from the overall image.

    • Neon colors – Unless everyone is wearing neon, it’s best to skip them. Neon fabrics are difficult to edit and can look unnatural in photos.

    When in doubt, keep it simple, coordinated, and true to your style!

  • For a regular full session, you can expect at least 15 edited images. Smaller sessions typically include fewer photos, depending on the session you book. I always take far more images than needed during our time together so I can carefully select and deliver the very best moments.

    Please allow up to two weeks for your gallery to be completed. I share this timeline to be safe, as I’m a working mama, but galleries are often finished and delivered sooner. Keep an eye on your email after our session!

    Wedding galleries require additional time due to the volume of images and detailed editing involved. Please allow 4–6 weeks for full wedding galleries to be delivered.

  • Aren’t all kids difficult at some point? Yes — absolutely! I’ve photographed all the wild phases. Even my own kids tend to lose it a little when the camera comes out, so trust me, you’re not alone. I’m patient, experienced, and I promise I can capture at least a few great shots, no matter the mood.

    And full transparency — I’m not above a little bribery. If a piece of candy helps bring out a smile, you may see me pulling treats from my pocket or camera bag just for them!

    Tip for parents:
    Talk to your kiddos about the session in the days leading up to it. Let them help choose their outfit or hairstyle, make it sound fun and exciting, and maybe even plan a small reward afterward (ice cream is always a winner!). These little things can help them feel involved and comfortable enough to be their awesome selves.

  • Depending on the location, you’re welcome to include as many people as you’d like! I’ve photographed everything from large families and parties to full weddings, so big groups are absolutely doable.

    For family sessions, the starting price includes up to six people. For groups larger than six, pricing will increase based on the total number of people involved. This helps ensure there’s enough time, attention, and care given to everyone during the session.