Memories that matter.
Family | Children | Maternity | Anniversary
I can’t tell you how quickly the time goes. We have 4 kids of our own and I feel like entire years have eclipsed without the requisite documentation of major milestones.
Put simply—we blinked.
It’s so important to save those moments; to laugh with your head thrown back, to see which grandparent her nose came from, to capture that sneaky dimple or the kiss that makes everything better.
Family Portrait Collections
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The Cat's Meow
295
1 Hour Session
1-2 Locations
25 High Resolution Digital Portraits
Personal Online Gallery -
The Cat's Pajamas
495
2 Hour Session
2-3 Locations
50 High Resolution Portraits
Personal Online Gallery
Need to Know
A signed contract and a non-refundable retainer fee of $50 is due at the time of booking. The retainer counts toward your Collection amount, not in addition to. The remainder of your balance is due by the day of your session. Both of these can be handled quickly and easily online! (I make this process as easy as possible!)
Each Collection includes digital images, but I also have print items and packages available with easy access from your online gallery. No high pressure sales here—you can choose on your own or I can provide any guidance you may need!
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Outfits
I don't put a limitation on outfit changes during sessions but I find that a 1 hour session allows for no more than 1 change, and a 2 hour for 2-4 changes before it begins to affect the amount of images you receive in your gallery.
What you wear should be a reflection of who you are! Clothes should be comfortable, clean and neat. In most sessions, neutral colors and non-graphic materials are typically best (aka no graphic tees and neon colors). But that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed!
A stylized session breaks all the rules so if you have a specific shot in mind, just reach out so I can provide guidance and prepare ahead of time.
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Location
Your location matters! I want your family’s personality to shine! Your session location should be meaningful, and/or add to the style of your session, and it should be convenient.
I serve Northeastern Kansas, especially the Kansas City, Topeka, Manhattan, and Emporia areas, and everywhere in between but can extend that area for a simple travel fee.
I love outdoor sessions, but also offer indoor or portable studio style sessions as well.
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Scheduling
The first step in scheduling is always finding the time that works for everyone. But the second step is choosing the best time of day for photos. The sun often dictates the best times of day for photos. Sunrise and sunset offer the ‘golden hour’—a beautiful golden hue and softer light, which I love. Mid morning and afternoon can also provide softer light and great shade for an even, flattering light. And the few hours around noon/midday are usually not the best choice for families—not just because it causes low shade, squinting (especially for littles) and it’s the warmest time of day—it also is less flattering to the face.
In short, let’s aim for early to mid morning or late afternoon to evening.
However—I use off camera flash often in my work, which helps control and enhance the light exactly how I want to still achieve the desired results! If you’re unsure what is best for your session, I am happy to guide you with a few details!
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Fun!!
I have over a decade experience in teasing out smiles in preschoolers, chasing toddlers while they chase butterflies, and making adults feel at ease.
My style combines a posed/prompted approach in which I help you find the most flattering, comfortable poses, and then guide your interactions to draw out authentic, loving, joyful interactions with your family. This method creates genuine smiles and memories which become favorites for generations to come. You should ENJOY your session!!
Questions?
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Life happens! Rescheduling is allowed. I just ask my clients to be as respectful of my time as I am of theirs! Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule so I can try to replace the session with another or at the very least, save myself the drive and time away from my family.
Additional fees may be incurred if cancellation is less than 24 hours prior to session or if rescheduling is required by client more than 2 times.
In case of weather, we’ll watch the forecast closely and make a decision together. While I am always game to work with what we’ve got—some weather just isn’t compatible with cameras—or kids!
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I love kids! I love wild and rowdy kids! After 8 years of running my home daycare and having 4 children of my own—I have lots of experience with all types! Kids aren't really uncooperative—they just don't generally smile without having a reason! So we’ll do everything we can to showcase your kiddos’ beautiful personalities—no matter what comes!
Before and during the session, I let the kids take time to warm up to me, explore my gear and the environment. And then our focus will be more on interacting with you—their parents!—the people who know them best and make all their memories better.
But if we absolutely can’t get a single image out of the session, I have absolutely no problem rescheduling to a day or time that might work better, and trying again!
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Return on your digital image gallery is typically 2 weeks or less, though peak season can take up to 3 weeks. I communicate my progress to you as I go, so you know what to expect.
You may receive a sneak peek via social media, if you choose, within 3-5 days of the session.
Once you receive your gallery, you’ll have up to 30 days to make your final selections on digital images and/or print products. Digitals will deliver to email upon check out and prints typically take about 2-3 days for deliver (though it can be longer during peak times).
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Honestly—this is probably a question most people don’t think to ask—until it happens to them. Broken cameras, corrupted SD cards and hard drives are more common than you’d think.
But if you’re photographer is truly prepared, you often might not even know there was a problem!
I come to every session with double or triple the equipment needed. I have multiple camera bodies, lenses, lights, etc. and batteries and SD cards coming out of my ears. If my camera decides to ‘meet its maker’ at a session—it won't cause more than a few moments delay. Each camera records to 2 memory cards. When I return home, I upload the session, then back it up to 2 external drives and I don’t erase my SD cards until I deliver the session to you. It would take some extreme circumstances to eliminate a session permanently.
I also frequently work with off camera flash—a skill that allows me to work in all kinds of lighting and weather conditions and still deliver the fantastic product you expect. Your images belong in the hands of a professional—one that knows how to prepare before, during and after your session!
What are you waiting for!?
We are going to rock this!! Let’s change how you and your family feel about photos. No more stuffy poses or complaining kids! It’s time to preserve happy memories in beautiful keepsakes—images that will be favorites for years—and generations—to come.
If you have questions, or prefer to book your session through me, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I am thrilled to meet you and assist in any way I can.