Session Information and FAQs
MATERNITY
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK? Typically, the best time for these sessions is between 7-8 months of pregnancy (a bit earlier if expecting multiples).
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY SESSION? Once you book your session, you will receive an email with my styling guide. You will get access to my client closet, which has some gorgeous gowns and casual dresses available, and I will also walk you through an online, personalized styling service (Style & Select). This website will help you plan outfits from your closet, or guide you in purchasing new clothing options. Styling is so important to a session, and I love providing as much feedback and guidance as clients want!
— Packages start at $550 —
FAMILY
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? These sessions are done outdoors and typically last up to 1 hour. Lighting, location, and outfit coordination are key to how your final gallery will look. You will receive a location guide and a styling guide, and we will work together to ensure that your family photos are everything you envisioned.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME FOR A FAMILY SESSION? Consider what backdrop you want (green grass, wildflowers, beach, dry fields) and also your children’s schedules. I generally schedule sessions for golden hour, so if you have young children, consider scheduling in the fall or winter, when days are short. If you have older kids with school and sports schedules, then summer and spring days are perfect.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? I always work with clients to find outfits that are perfect for their session day. Between my client closet (for both mamas and young children), a styling guide, and some great online styling services, you will have all you need to show up dressed to the nines for your session day.
— Packages start at $550 —
SENIORS
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? Depending on the package you choose, we will visit 1-2 locations. We will work together to pick locations that will be beautiful and match your vibe and outfits. On the day of the session, I will guide you through poses and prompts, but we’re basically just going to have a lot of fun!
CAN I BOOK WITH A FRIEND OR GROUP? Yes!! I love doing group sessions and best friend sessions!
— Packages start at $550 —
NEWBORN & MILESTONES
NEWBORNS
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? Lifestyle newborn sessions are done in client’s homes, and are all about documenting your life now that your newborn is earthside. I will guide you in posing as we document your family. You’ll be holding and snuggling your newest family member in different areas of your home and nursery. This option is great for homes with natural light, but if your home isn’t quite set up for this type of session, there are other options as well (outdoors or a rented lifestyle studio space). These sessions generally last an hour, but timing is flexible to allow for feeding/soothing the baby as needed.
WHAT AGE IS BEST FOR A NEWBORN SESSION? The timing of a lifestyle newborn session is flexible, but we generally aim for 1-4 weeks old.
ARE PROPS PROVIDED? I will bring minimal props for these types of sessions (a basket, and a few wraps and headbands). These sessions are all about you and your baby, so we keep props simple, but I will help with styling to ensure that your session looks cohesive and beautiful.
— Packages start at $850 —
SITTERS
WHAT AGE IS BEST FOR A SITTER SESSION? These sessions are best for babies between 6-9 months old, who are able to sit up unassisted. This is the perfect age to focus on sweet expressions, for the few months before your little one starts walking.
WHAT IS PROVIDED? I have a client closet full of adorable outfits available to use for your milestone session, as well as the sweetest collection of props, headbands, and backdrops. You get to choose your style/outfits and I will tailor your session to be perfectly cohesive and adorable.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT? These sessions are relatively short, only about 30-45 minutes and can be done in-studio, or outdoors. Bring a well-rested baby, plenty of snacks, and we will get the cutest portraits together.
— Packages start at $550 —
BIRTHDAYS
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR A CAKE SMASH SESSION? Cake smash sessions are the best way to celebrate and document a first birthday (or any birthday, really). These can be done in-studio or outdoors, and we will work together to come up with a cohesive setting and design that fits your vision. All of my client closet outfits, props, headbands, and hats are available for these sessions, which you can look through and decide on before your session date. When your session date comes, we will start with simple portraits before things get messy, and next, bring out the cake! Parents provide the cake (for allergy reasons), but I will happily recommend some bakeries and guide you through the ordering process so that the final cake design is both cute and smashable. We sometimes end with a milk or bubble bath, and the final gallery is nothing less than adorable.
WHAT IF WE WANT TO SKIP THE CAKE? If you want an outdoor birthday portrait session, but want to skip the cake mess, we can grab some balloons or simple props and meet at a park. In a more casual setting, your child can be playful and explore the outdoors with all the cutest props and birthday style.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE? I have several different packages, depending on the session you want. Email me for a full pricing guide.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? I am located in the Bay Area, and primarily shoot in San Jose and surrounding areas.
HOW DO I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS? You will be sent an online viewing gallery, where you will either download your entire gallery, or choose the images you want included in your package. The number of photos you receive depends on the type of session and package you choose when you book.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY PHOTOS? Generally, my turnaround time for galleries is 2-3 weeks.
DO YOU CHARGE A TRAVEL FEE? I am happy to travel, but I do have a travel rate: $50 + $2/mile for anything outside a 35 mile drive distance from where I am located in San Jose.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? When you book with me, I will walk you through all you need to know for styling. You will also gain access to my client closet, styling guide, and a personalized styling web service that will help you plan outfits from your closet or guide you in purchasing new clothing options.
CAN I BOOK A MINI SESSION? I do offer several package options including a short session. I also offer seasonal mini sessions, which will be announced through my Instagram and Facebook. These are limited time and go quickly, so make sure you follow along to get notified when these spots open up!
CAN WE RESCHEDULE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS? Of course! Life happens, kids get sick, weather gets icky…if you need to reschedule, let me know ASAP and I will do my best to work with you at a later date.
WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR BOOKING A SESSION? Generally, I book outdoor sessions in the early morning or late afternoon/evening, as the lighting is simply beautiful at these times. Studio sessions are generally booked for morning hours.
WHAT LOCATIONS CAN WE USE? When you book a session, I will send you a location guide of hand-picked locations that are my favorites. Of course, I am also willing to scout out new options if you have something specific in mind, so don’t be afraid to share your vision for the session and we will make it happen! Note: There may be additional fees for travel and/or location permits, depending on the location chosen.