Creating a family legacy.
Precious Family Heirlooms
Shared for Generations
When getting photos taken people often think about the immediate future. What photo they want to fill that new frame with, put on their holiday card, or share on social media, but what are you leaving behind for your children to look back on in the years to come? Of course, a beautiful family portrait is so important (and we will capture that!), but so are the ordinary moments that make up a majority of our lives. I would argue that they are even more valuable than a perfectly posed portrait. They tell a story, trigger a memory, and capture the essence of who you are. During your family photography session, I will create a set of photos that you can look back on and say remember how he or she always did that? Remember that spot in the house we all loved to gather? Remember that place we loved to visit? Remember that activity we always did as a family? Remember the chaos? Remember the beauty? All of those memories your heart will long for down the road.
What to Expect
Step 01: Preparing for Your Session
The first step in preparing for our session is to think about what you want to remember most about this stage of life you are in. Think about little quirks of your children you would love to capture, places that hold meaning, and activities you often do together. After you share these details with me, we will come up with a plan that is unique to your family. All sessions are centered around simple activities or daily routines.
Step 02: The Day of the Session
The day of the session is all about connection. I want you to focus on being present with your loved ones and enjoying time together. This will enable me to capture real moments and those little details that mean so much. We will of course get beautiful portraits along the way too.
Step 03: Delivering Your Gallery
Within three weeks, I will deliver a beautiful online gallery of images that you can share with family and friends. You will also have access to the high-resolution files and the ability to order professional prints and albums.
Placeholder for Sticky Section
Commonly Asked Questions
Where are you based?
I am in the western suburbs of Chicago, but I often shoot on the Northshore and in the city. I also spend a majority of the summer in northern Michigan (Petoskey and Harbor Springs) and would love to connect with you there.
How would you describe your style?
Documentary and timeless. I am there to notice all the unique pieces of your story and honor them with a set of beautiful images.
Do we need to plan activities?
I have found that in order to make space for connection and honest moments it is helpful to have simple, meaningful activities or routines incorporated into our session.
What happens if it rains?
I will get in touch a day or two before the shoot if it looks like it will rain to discuss our options. We can always reschedule, but sometimes moving photos inside works and embracing the rain can lead to some fun photos too. Kids in wellies jumping in puddles would be a great way to end the session! If our plan was already to shoot indoors, I will only reach out if it looks like it will be dark and stormy.
What if my child is sick?
If someone is sick, please let me know, and we will reschedule.
Do you deliver images in color and black/white?
I deliver a mixture, choosing what I think works best for each individual photo. A majority of the photos will be in color.
Do you retouch images?
Every single image you receive is carefully edited; however, I don’t do any retouching. My goal is for your photos to look as natural and timeless as possible. I want you to look like yourself, not an overly edited version of yourself. With that being said, you can always choose to have retouching done at an additional cost.
What is your turn around time?
You can expect to receive your final gallery within three weeks of your session.
Do you offer mini sessions?
Throughout the year (often in the spring and fall), I announce 1-3 mini session dates at a predetermined location. I first share the booking information with past clients that have asked to be informed and those that have signed up for my email list. I then share on Instagram.
How do we book?
If you would like to move forward with booking a session, I will send over a contract you can electronically sign along with a link to pay a 50% retainer. Those two things secure your date and the final balance is due the day of the session.
What does preparing for the session entail?
I will send over a prep guide and some questions to get you thinking about what is special about this stage of life you are in. We will then formulate a plan over email or a phone call (whatever is most convenient for you). All sessions revolve around simple activities or daily routines.
“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.”
