FAQs

GENERAL:

  • Lifestyle photography captures portraits of people in real-life environments in an artistic manner. Often there are no props or artificial lighting. Lifestyle is an approach using a combination of candid and posed photography.

  • Most photo sessions take place outside at Moore State Park, Paxton, MA. Newborn sessions and some motherhood sessions take place in your home. I’m available to travel to other locations such as beaches, parks, or a location of your choice. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, your session will be rescheduled at no extra cost.

  • Photo sessions are fun! Let me do all the work and guide you. I’ll let you know how to pose and what to do in order to look your best. I promise you will have a great time. I’ll likely take a lot of photos but my goal is for you to fall in love with just a few photos that will turn into wall art. I also provide phone consultations to go over wardrobe and to answer any questions.

    When you book a session with me, I take the time to get to know you. I make sure to get a good variety of poses and looks. This is not meant to be quick, mini session.

  • No worries, you are not alone! Many people find taking photos awkward. I will guide you and provide a lot of direction as to what to do, how to stand, where to put your hands and where to look. But I’ll also keep it fun and relaxed. I know how to make you look natural as opposed to stiff and posed. I have coaching techniques, games, activities and a sense of humor to help you feel comfortable. I have worked with many people who have felt this way and you could never tell from my photos. Many of these people are featured on my website.

  • All of my packages include an album or wall art. I don’t just give you digital files and call it a day. I want you to leave with something in hand that you will treasure forever. Also, I will treat you like family because if you choose to work with me, you are special.

INFANT HOME SESSION:

  • Newborn and infant sessions take place in the comfort of your home. A new baby is a huge transition for any family and an at home session helps alleviate some of the stress of packing up a new baby to leave the house. I photograph infants mostly in their parents arms, with siblings (if applicable) and include both family posing and many solo photographs of the baby. I focus on connection in a natural, loving setting. The baby leads the session and we will certainly pause if the baby needs to eat or needs a diaper change. Babies are perfect the way they are, so I don't do any unnatural poses or use any props. There is beauty in the simplicity of their presence.

  • No, I photograph babies both awake and asleep. The baby will lead the session. I capture awesome photos whether the baby is asleep or awake.

  • For family sessions with children, I will not force children to smile or pose. However, I do use play and games to help children feel comfortable and enjoy their time. I always find ways to gain cooperation. I'm a mother and I have several tricks up my sleeve to capture beautiful photos regardless of their mood. Don’t worry, I got you!

  • I take as many photos as needed to make sure you have a good variety in addition to mix of candid and posed photos: baby alone, baby with siblings, baby with parents, baby with whole family. On average, an infant session can take one to two hours.

  • Lifestyle photography captures your family in a natural setting most commonly in your home. The focus is on capturing connection over perfection. Photographs typically are timeless, lovable, warm, and evoke emotion. Lifestyle photographs make beautiful wall art or can easily be turned into albums.

    I will likely use the master bedroom for most of the session (near a window), though we could move throughout the home if lighting is better in a different room. I will determine that when I get there. I will likely use the master bed to photograph the baby. Solid colors (neutral tone) comforters or sheets will photograph best. If you don’t have a solid comforter, I will pull back the comforter and use white or beige sheets. I also recommend removing clutter from the bedroom so it is not in the background in any photos. We can do this when I arrive if you don’t have time beforehand.

    What to wear? Parents and children’s wardrobe should complement each other, but not match exactly: wear colors in a complementary color palette, such as earth tones and neutrals, or blues and greens, pinks and purples, or browns and beiges. Neutral and light colors help match the softness of your little one. Avoid black or very dark colors and don't wear clothing with logos or writing. Solid colors tend to photograph best, rather than patterns or designs, because patterns can be distracting. But if you have a pattern dress or outfit, your partner should wear a solid color. Keep in mind, these are recommendations and not rules. The most important thing is that you feel good! If you have something you really want to wear, it’s no problem at all. You can also do a simple google search for “indoor or in-home infant photography” for ideas.

    I will guide you on how to pose. You don’t always have to look at the camera. I will take a variety of photographs of you all looking at each other, looking at the baby and some looking at the camera.

    What should the baby wear? A onesie or just a diaper with a blanket is perfectly fine. A classic swaddle photograph is common. This will depend on your comfort level and what makes the baby comfortable. The baby is in charge! If there is a blanky, stuffed animal, or special outfit or item you want to photograph with the baby, feel free to do so.

COUPLES:

  • If you are investing in a photoshoot, take the time to look your best and dress up. Here are some tips:

    Complement each other, but don't match exactly.
    Matching outfits and patterned prints aren't ideal for portrait sessions. When deciding how you and your partner will dress, look for complementary colors and solid prints. Try to stay away from anything too busy, as it can be an unnecessary distraction in photos.

    Avoid logos and be careful with patterns.
    You don’t want your photos to look like an advertisement for your favorite clothing store so stay away from graphics.

    Lighter colors and neutral shades photograph nicely because it keeps the attention on the subject and not the clothes.
    By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces and let the eye focus on the way you feel about each other. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.

    Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Especially when juxtaposed with nature, like a field.

    Keep in mind that these are recommendations not rules. The most important thing is that you feel good! If you have a favorite dress that is bold and bright, go for it! My major recommendation is to wear something clean and comfortable that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and badass. Don't overthink it too much. I photograph all types of clothing.

    Also, wear comfortable shoes or bring another set of shoes you can walk around in. We may be moving around a lot to different locations in the park so being comfortable will be important.

    And last, a google search for “what to wear for a couples photography session” is very helpful in planning what to wear.

  • Most photo sessions take place outside at Moore State Park, Paxton, MA. However, I am available to travel to other locations such as beaches, parks, or a location of your choice. Travel fees will apply if the location is more than 30 miles outside of Worcester, MA.

  • I take a variety of photos and deliver on average 40-50+ digital images. The images will be available to view on your own private gallery, within two weeks after your session.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:

  • If you are investing in a photoshoot, take the time to look your best and dress up. Even if it's a nice pair of slacks and a shirt with a collar. I do not recommend you wear sweatpants, shorts or flip flops.

    Solid colors tend to photograph best, rather than patterns or designs, because they work well with most backgrounds. Whether blues and greens, pinks and purples, browns and beiges, pick a color that makes you feel good. When you feel good, you look good! However, if you want to bring a fun, crazy pattern because it represents who you are- feel free! These are recommendations not rules. A good photographer can work with any outfit.

    Unless you are doing a marketing shoot for a clothing line, avoid wearing clothes with logos or words. You want the focus to be on you rather than your outfit. The exception would be if you would like a photo wearing a sports jersey or school name.

    When it comes to jewelry, less is more. A watch or school ring can complement and outfit nicely but don't overdo it.

    Take time to think about your hair and how you want it to look. Style it knowing these photos will be with your family for generations.

    Many senior guys opt to dress more formally with a shirt and tie. This provides a classic, timeless look and will always be in style. You can always remove the tie at the end of the shoot for a more relaxed look.

    Nice options for a more casual look are jeans/slacks with a collared polo shirt.

    Whatever style you choose, make sure the outfit is ironed. Wrinkles are very obvious in photographs.

    If you know where you plan to attend college, you could request a few shoots with your school's name. It's a nice way to reveal your future plans and showcase school pride.

    You are welcome to do one outfir change. This is optional.

    Remember to relax and have fun! These photos represent a wonderful time in your life. When you are happy and enjoying yourself it will shine through in the photos.