The VIP Client Lounge
Welcome!
I value each and every one of my families and I want you to have the best experience. I do not take this privilege lightly. I know how valuable your time and investment is. I promise you that I will give you a fun and relaxing experience. Take a look at the info below. My hope is that you will be as prepared as you can for your session. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me an email or text.
Scroll all the way down to find info on the type of session(s) you have planned with me. I can't wait to photograph you and your family.
Your Storytelling Session Experience
Hello!!!
I am so excited that you decided to book a documentary session with me!
It doesn’t matter if you picked 3, 6 or 12 hours of coverage, we are going to have a blast! I love documentary sessions because they tell a story of you and your family at this specific moment in time. They are honest, fun and unpredictable. And most importantly unique to each family. Here is what you can expect.
Location:
Together we will decide on a perfect location(s) that are meaningful to you. It could be your favorite park, ice cream shop or simply your home and backyard. The sky is the limit as long as it means something to you personally.
Time:
We will decide on a perfect time for me to photograph you. Depending on the amount of time I will be hanging out with you, I can photograph your morning, midday or afternoon/evening routine.
What to wear:
Whatever you want. I’m going to say whatever makes you feel pretty but comfortable and is appropriate to the things we will plan to do.
What will we do:
Whatever you want. We will pin point some activities that are typical or special for your family. Depending on the ages of your kids and the family dynamic we will come up with things that are worth wile documenting. Plus everything in between. There will be no posing. Unless you need one or two photos of your family for a card or grandma, that is totally fine but majority of time there is no posing. Things usually unfold naturally and I am there to capture it.
Should I clean my house:
It’s up to you. Documentary photography is suppose to show the life that you have right now. If you feel that you have to have a clean house for the photos, go ahead. But don’t stress out about it. Life with kids can be overwhelming and I do not want you to add another thing to do. Messes are part of life. Perfection is overrated.
I am so excited to be able to be a part of your family for this brief moment. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!
Your Custom Newborn Portrait Session
Hello!
I am so excited to photograph you and your sweet newborn baby. Your custom newborn session is done in the comfort of your own home. My style is documentary with a dash of lifestyle, which means that I will capture this fleeting moment in your life naturally, genuinely and artistically. There will be some very light guided posing and some candid unposed photography.
Day of The Session:
When I arrive, I will walk around your home and scout out the best lit areas for family and sibling shots. I often use the couch, master bed, and nursery for photos. I know what it is like to have a newborn. Please don't feel like you have to clean the house before I arrive. We can easily clean up an area that we want to use for photos.
Your Baby:
Your newborn baby is perfect just the way he or she is. I don't try to make babies sleep or place them in unnatural poses. I suggest you have your newborn in a simple onesie that is form fitting with no graphics or words. This usually means you will need a preemie or newborn sized onesie. I will likely take it off and get some nude or near nude newborn photos as well. Also, please gather a few favorite swaddle blankets for baby to be wrapped in. I recommend feeding the baby as much as he or she wants about fifteen minutes prior to my arrival. Newborn sessions can take some time, that is okay.
I do not do major posing or have any expectation on how the baby should behave (alert or asleep). We let the baby guide the session. What is important is that we capture this beautiful time in your life.
Siblings:
Again, I know exactly what it is like to have a new baby, I have three of my own, and I know exactly how big this change is for the siblings in the house. I usually try and get sibling and family photos right at the start because the sibling may loose interest in me quickly. I have no major expectations for the siblings and will never force them into doing anything they aren't comfortable with. It is best to prepare the sibling for the session by telling them that a friend is coming to visit to take some photos of your family. It is always best not to surprise them.
Mom & Dad:
You are going to be thrilled and exhausted. You will likely be experiencing with the highest highs and perhaps some of the lowest lows. Having a new baby is hard and wonderful all at the same time. I have three kids of my own and I remember very well how it was for me at that time. My job is not to make this time in your life look perfect, my job is to show you just how beautiful it is. I want you to be relaxed and at ease when I am photographing your family. You don't need to be anything but yourself.
Wardrobe:
I recommend neutral colors and comfort. What is most important is that you are comfortable. I am happy to discuss wardrobe with you further if you would like. Just let me know.
Feel free to e-mail or text me with any questions you might have. Thank you and I look forward to capturing you and your newborn soon!
Your Maternity Session
Hi!
Pregnancy is so many things. It is joyful, beautiful, and often hard, if we are being honest. You will never regret your decision to capture this time in your life as it goes by so fast. Now that you have booked your maternity session you may have some questions. Hopefully this resources will help you feel at ease about your upcoming photo session.
As you have seen in my portfolio, my images are organic and natural, capturing who you are right now. I will never ask you to wear an uncomfortable gown or place you in uncomfortable positions.
My goal is to capture the beauty that is your pregnant body and to also capture the connection between you and the little soul inside you. We will also celebrate these last moments as a family of two, three, or whatever size your family is right now. I think it is special to have memories of what your family looked like right before the baby arrives.
Location:
Together, we will select the best location for your session. Most women want to take advantage of one of the many outdoor locations northern Illinois has to offer, however some prefer the intimacy of their home. It is up to you.
Who is included in the session:
Your maternity session is for you, your significant other and children, if this isn't your first pregnancy. Yes, fur babies are welcome too. If children will be included, please know that I am very experienced with working with kiddos of all ages. It is okay if they are active or silly or on a contrary very shy.
Wardrobe:
I want you to feel your best. I find that long dresses seem to be the most comfortable and allow for easy moving, however it is entirely up to you. I am happy to discuss this with you further if you would like. What is important is that you feel beautiful.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to capturing you during this very special time.
Your Fresh 48 Session
Welcome!!!
A birth space session is the perfect way to remember those fleeting first moments. As a mother of three I have a deep understanding for how raw and precious those moments are. These sessions are 100% documentary in nature. All you do is text me when the baby arrives and I capture the baby in the first 48 hours after birth.
If you deliver in a hospital, I come before discharge. If you deliver at a birth center, discharge is rather fast, so I typically meet you in your home, however depending on the time of day or night of the birth, I may be able to make it. If you deliver at home, I come to the home in the first 48 hours.
I capture all the little details of the new baby, genuine interactions between family members, nursing, and all the moments in between. This session is designed to be stress free. I simply observe and capture.
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to capturing you during this very special time.
Your Custom Family Portrait Session
So you booked your session. Now what?
Hi! I am super excited to capture you and your loved ones. Custom photography is unique because it not only captures what you look like at this time, it captures who you are. I aim to capture honest photos of your family and children. The goal is not to get a stiff and posed shot with everyone looking at the camera, but to capture the true essence of your family.
I specialize in a documentary approach to photography with a dash of natural guided posing.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your session with me.
Next, we will discuss the location of the session, wardrobe selection, and I will answer any questions you might have.
Location:
Together, we will decide on the best location for your photos. We can shoot in your home as long as your home has adequate natural light. Many clients prefer their home because of the intimate and personal feel it provides.
If your home is not an option I have other locations that I love to shoot at regularly but I am always open to new locations as well. You should choose a location that fits your style and personality and if possible that is meaningful to you. I can help you along with this decision.
Time:
If we have a session in your home, I prefer late morning, because that is when homes are usually lit up the best. If we are going outdoors we will have a session either in the morning or in the evening. The light is typically too harsh mid day. If your children are up for it, photo shooting one to two hours before sunset provides gorgeous light and atmosphere. The images in my portfolio look the way they do largely because of my use of light and the time of day your session takes place has a huge impact. Many families tell me that they simply have the kids take a late nap or have some down time prior to their evening session.
Length of Session:
My family portrait sessions last about an hour. I find it, it is a good amount of time for me to get a diverse and adequate gallery. Families have time to relax and get comfortable with me.
What To Wear:
Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching but rather coordinating. I am happy to consult you directly on that subject. Some of my clients text me photos of their outfits and then we talk about adjustments if necessary. I also wrote a blog with 7 general tips on what to wear for your family photos. You can read it here:
Props:
I do not use props during my sessions, however if you have heirlooms or something special in mind I am open to it. Please let me know.
Your Children:
Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. Please do not say "cheese" or "show me your teeth" or "smile!" Most of the time it results in unnatural, forced grin and we want to avoid that. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and try to capture their natural self. Don't worry if your child is running around and active, most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured while the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring.
To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply "be" with the child, or hold the child and we go from there. To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little one has rested and has had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still take photos during the breaks. Bring dry, non messy snacks so their little faces stay clean during the session.
Prepare the child for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them and that we will have a fun time, it's best not to surprise them.
Please arrive on time or be ready to start on time. Remember, your session is scheduled according to light. It is important that we start on time. Please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early.
I can't wait to capture your family! Do not hesitate to ask me any questions you have.