Number one question… “so how much is this gonna cost?”
Whether you’re looking to book a portrait session or your wedding day, your investment covers much more than just beautiful pictures… you are investing in an experience that will help create the moments you want captured! I promise, I’ll be there every step of the way to ensure you made the right investment.
Portrait/Lifestyle sessions begin at $500 (weekdays only)
Family/Engagement sessions begin at $800
Includes photographic coverage, digital edited images, online gallery, location knowledge, and complimentary online styling service. Only a $350 non-refundable retainer and signed contract to book your session date reservation. (Travel/session upgrades available) There is a 10% off discount for returning clients.
Please inquire for exact details and quotes for elopements and intimate weddings.
“How did you get into photography?”
Growing up, my mother was a fine art film photographer who ran her own business/studio out of our beautiful victorian style home in the country of Midland, North Carolina. I began assisting her with sessions at the age of ten. After college, I worked for two high end wedding photographers in Charlotte NC and Charleston SC. During those years, I started out as an assistant, then a second shooter for weddings, then editor and full time studio manager. I am so incredibly thankful and humbled by those experiences which led me to branch out on my own and begin my own journey as a business owner and full time photographer!
“What would you consider your style and approach?”
Everyone wants “the perfect picture” but what I consider perfect are the moments that portray how YOU truly are as a unique individual. My style is very candid and natural, but also genuine, joyful, warm with a touch of magical light because who doesn’t love that! My approach is all about creating an atmosphere where you can forget about all the stresses in daily life for just a little while. My focus is catch the little quiet gestures that you may not even notice until you see your pictures. I am very intuitive (its a blessing and a curse) so I can pick up almost instantly within the first few minutes of your session what the vibe may be and how I can turn it into beautiful creative images.
“We are super awkward in front of the camera… will this effect our photos?”
First off… who doesn’t feel awkward in front of the camera? Ok, maybe if you’re a model but most of us freeze up the moment the camera turns to us and that’s totally normal! Luckily with the amount of time we have for your session, we’ll get to know each other, play a few ice breaker games and of course I’ll be there every step of the way to help give you little prompts or ask how you may show your affection/goofiness to each other naturally. Your session is supposed to be fun space where you can be yourself not something you dread! Even if that means bringing a few beers to loosen up or blasting your favorite music while we play and snap away!
“I have no idea what to wear… do you help with planning outfits?”
Once you’re officially booked with me, not only will I give you my personal cell number so you can reach out to me anytime if you ever need a second opinion about anything… but you’ll also have access to an exclusive complimentary online wardrobe styling service! With this stress-free service you can style all your outfits from the comfort of your couch! It’s pretty dang awesome.
“Are we allowed to bring our fur babies with us to our session?”
OMG YES!! Unless we’re going to a location that forbids it (which I personally think is uhh rude) you can absolutely bring your animals! I have lots of experience working with animals from rabbits, large breed dogs, horses etc. If you can’t tell already, I’m a big animal lover :)
“So you’re based in Ventura, CA… do you travel to other places?”
Depending on my availability, I am so down to travel! Another reason why I love living in this state so much is that we literally have EVERYTHING HERE! You want mountains? beaches? beaches and mountains? I’m also more than happy to scout out your local town for hidden gems if you’re looking to stay close by. Unless you have a specific place that has a special meaning to you (which I highly suggest thinking about!), you tell me your dream location, and I’ll find it for you :)
If the location you desire is further than the travel included, I’m totally willing to work with your budget or split it between you and a friend if you both book within the same weekend!
“What if the weather is bad?
During my years of photographing portraits, I have shot in all different types of lighting situations and weather. I personally encourage to embrace the spontaneity (one of my favorite couples sessions was taken in the rain on the beach and another at night in the water!). As for families with little little ones or if the weather is TERRIBLE where it could damage my gear… we can absolutely re-schedule or postpone.
“Do you do extensive retouching in Photoshop?
During the editing process, I’ll make sure that you look absolutely fabulous! I mainly focus on enhancing whats already there and taking out anything that is really distracting (like blemishes, or people in the background at a crowded beach). I DO NOT contort or change body shapes, do head swaps or anything that is extensive in Photoshop.
What to expect…
Booking Process - After some friendly chatting over emails, we both decide on a date that works best with your schedule. Weekends book up very quickly and are always the first dates to go. I highly suggest booking far in advance for a weekend date if that’s the only day of the week that works for you. Weekdays are available as well and are very helpful if you are choosing a popular destination if you want to avoid crowds. Once we have agreed on the date, I will send you a contract with all the details/terms and your non-refundable retainer invoice. Once those are both completed, for portrait/lifestyle sessions, you will receive a personalized code to your complimentary styling service; for weddings/elopements we will discuss a time to meet via phone call, FaceTime, coffee date to discuss more about your vision for your wedding day!
Planning / Locations - For sessions, we will discuss different types of locations and a general area where you would like to have your session. Around a week or two before your session date, I will send you a pin location to our meeting spot! For weddings, most brides have a venue in mind before booking with me, however if you’re eloping and wanting something off the grid… we can totally put our heads together and find the perfect spot for your wedding vows!
Time to Shine! - The day is finally here! This is the time where I want you to embrace everything in love, joy and most importantly flexibility. Sometimes the weather acts up, sometimes the kids decide not to take a nap that day, you broke out with a big pimple on your forehead… hey, that’s life and its ok! That is why you hire someone like me to help you not worry about those things. I promise, I see way past it, its small potatoes. The most IMPORTANT part of this experience is for you to embrace it, be vulnerable, honest and allow yourself to trust me as your storyteller. The imperfections and unplanned moments usually end up being the best shots. I promise, you’ll be so surprised.
The Final Result - Your session is finished! Yay! You realized it wasn’t so bad and now the anticipation! I promise I won’t keep you waiting for very long. I’ll be sure to send you a sneak peak a few days afterwards and the remaining full gallery 3-4 weeks after your session date (6-8 weeks for weddings)! Once you’ve received your gallery, be sure to download them and save them onto a back up hard drive or USB!