The Portrait Process

1. Choose and “Save” the Date

First things first, let’s get that date booked for the shoot.

Contact me via email, phone, or the contact form right here on my website. I’m also available via DM on Facebook or Insta! We’ll set up a consultation meeting either here in my studio, at your home where we can discuss potential artwork displaying locations, or via Zoom and we’ll discuss all of the details and vision for your session! Including the design and the date!

After we choose a date, a session fee is required to secure your session. This session fee investment is non-refundable and covers: the creative planning, custom set design, access to my client closet, use of my props, wraps, bonnets and tiebacks, as well as my shoot time.  All artwork, digital and print products are purchased separately after you have seen the images. You can find more information about your session investment here.

2. Pre-shoot Design Session

Now we get to plan the details of your session!

Every client and every photo session is unique. When we have the pre-shoot consultation, which I like to call the “Design Session,” we will talk about your expectations, the type of images you want to create, and where you want to hang the photos in your home (as well as any other questions you might have).

We can do this in our studio, in your home, or via Zoom. Meeting at your home and showing me the space where you want to hang the photos can be very helpful. Or if you come to the studio for our meeting, I’ll also ask you for a photo of the wall or walls where you plan on hanging the photos.

We will talk about location choice and attire – whether you are looking for an outdoor session, a session in my Studio, or a session in or right outside of your home! We will also discuss styling – we have our own client closet with dresses, gowns, bodysuits, and plenty of other options to help you look and feel comfortable during your photoshoot! Or if you prefer purchasing a new outfit for yourself to keep, I can help with that, too! I will share a personalized style guide and recommendations to help you find the perfect looks for your session! We will also talk about special objects you might bring to add character and a storytelling component to your photos. Props are a fun way to make your family session even more compelling. We have plenty available in the studio, but I always love when clients bring a personal touch!

3. Picture Time!

This is the FUN part!

At this point, we’ve figured out a great plan for the shoot, so all you have to do is show up! Most portrait sessions take 60-90 minutes (mostly depending on the attention spans of the kids…or the adults), but I block off two hours for every portrait shoot.

We will meet at the location we decided on and take a few minutes to go over what we are going to do. I will point out the spots and/or poses that we are going to go to first, and lay out the general plan. I always encourage input any ideas you may have as we go along.

Don’t have modeling experience? All good; that’s what I’m here for! I’ll be with you every step of the shoot to help direct and pose you.

Young children have noticeably short attention spans, so I’ll get all the shots that involve posing done first, after that it’s best to let the kids have some fun and get those candid and “action” photos that everyone loves. I work very well with children and they respond great (95% of the time).

4. Viewing & Ordering Session

The shoot is the fun part, but this is the exciting part. 

Depending on your timeline and any deadlines that need to be met, we typically plan the Viewing & Ordering Session within 5 days from the shoot day. During that time between the shoot and the viewing, I’m working hard culling through non desirable images and lightly color correcting and cropping the best ones. At our viewing session we’ll go through these beauties on our large screen and talk through each working towards your final selection.

We can do the viewing & ordering session in the studio, in your home, or on Zoom. I recommend meeting in person whenever possible because you’ll have the opportunity to look at physical samples of prints, canvases, photo gifts, and more.

We’ll start with a slide show of all the proofs (“proofs” are not fully retouched/edited images, your final image choices will be fully touched up and ready for sharing!). You’ll be able to sit back, maybe grab some refreshments, and enjoy the photos. Most of my clients ask to see the slideshow twice! After that, we will go through them one by one and you can pick your favorites. 

I’ll make recommendations on beautiful products (many of which you can review samples of in the studio) for each specific photo you choose.

Once you choose exactly what you want, we’ll process the payment right away to minimize any delays in getting your pictures on your wall.  Photos are delivered within two weeks after payment is completed.

The whole point of the viewing session is to find a home for all your favorite photos. I want you to have all your favorite photos out in the open for you and your family to enjoy them….not forgotten on some hard drive. Seeing your photos in your home helps you love and appreciate those closest in your life better. We all need a little more of that in our lives!

5. Final Delivery

Now it’s time to enjoy your photos! This part will be easy!

Once the final selection has been made in our proofing session, we’ll then take the final images and retouch and prepare for them printing, framing and web delivery.

I am partnered with a professional photo lab to create all my prints, wall art, and photo products. I also have all my gear color calibrated to the specs of the print lab so there are no surprise red faces or discoloration. This ensures that you get the best quality available to professional photographers, and prints and wall art created by highly skilled photo technicians. These prints are archive – or “heirloom” – quality and will last long enough to pass down to future generations.

I personally inspect every piece that my clients order to ensure there are no defects. If there are, I deal directly with the lab to ensure you get a perfect final product, even if I have to order another print, canvas, or metal print at my cost.

After your order has arrived and been inspected by me, I’ll contact you to set up a studio pickup or delivery to get you your products! Digital images are delivered via an online gallery where you will be able to download and share your images with your loved ones!