FAQ
What types of photography services do you offer?
Realistically, I am open to photographing just about any session type, but I am primarily focused on maternity, newborns, and family. Some sessions that I am open to working more with are Fresh 48 newborn sessions and engagement/wedding photography. If you think you want to hire me as your photographer, but don't see what you're looking for listed on my website, please feel free to reach out anyways! I'm open to hearing ideas, and I will be honest with you when it comes to whether or not it's something in my wheelhouse.
How will I receive my images?
I currently only provide digital images for your personal use. I do not offer physical prints or other products at this time. This is something I hope to offer for the future, but for now, your gallery will be delivered digitally.
Please make sure to actually download the images you receive, and do not screenshot them. This ensures they will hold their full image quality. Screenshots take away from the image quality and can make them look more pixelated.
I also recommend downloading your images at their full, original size so that they maintain that image quality as well!
What is a retainer fee, and why do you charge it?
A retainer fee is a non-refundable fee that ensures your commitment to working with me, and my commitment to the time on my calendar. While it does go toward your total session or package amount, it is different from a "deposit" because it is not something you will receive back at any point. The reason for this is because there is a lot of effort that goes into my scheduling. I have two small children at home, and sometimes it requires me finding care for them, or coordinating travel, etc. depending on where the session is located. Paying the retainer shows me that you are committed to working with me, and acknowledging that my time is being dedicated toward you.
Another reason is that I may turn away other clients interested in the same date, in order to hold that space and time for you. Turning away clients means that I am turning away business. If you were to cancel, that means that I lose out on potential business, and therefore the retainer helps to relieve some of that.
I completely understand that life happens though, so if you choose to reschedule, you can absolutely do so without losing that retainer and we can get you scheduled for a date and/or time that works better!
How many images do you typically give?
I list the minimum image amount under each offering on my website, as this can vary depending on the session type. This means that I guarantee delivering that minimum amount to you.
If I have more images to offer than the minimum, rest assured I will absolutely provide those for you at no extra cost. I believe everyone should receive every viable photo I take, so that you aren't missing out.
Rule of thumb though, is that any "smaller", shorter, or mini session will have fewer images just because the session itself doesn't allow for as much time for taking photos.
What's your photography style?
I am a natural light, lifestyle photographer. In my own words, this means that I don't use flash or any filling light for my images, and my goal is to photograph you and your loved ones in the most authentic form that I can.
I accomplish this by gently guiding you with prompts, to invoke genuine laughter and smiles instead of the forced and cheesy perfection of everyone looking at the camera. Perfection is definitely in the eye of the beholder, so if you don't feel like the candid style is for you, then we probably won't work well together unfortunately! I believe that imperfection is part of the perfection, and capturing everyone in their truest form is what makes your photos beautiful.
What should I expect at a session with you?
Like I mentioned above, my goal is to capture you in real and genuine moments. Which means letting go just a little bit in front of the camera (mamas, I'm looking at you ;)). I will help guide you through the process, but you'll hear me telling you much of the time to simply just BE with each other. Make each other smile and laugh, play around, and don't worry about what the camera is doing. It's my job to capture the moments that happen as a result.
So if your toddler just isn't having it, that's okay. It will only make it worse to force them into place. Let them play, explore, or be silly. If you and your significant other aren't in front of the camera much, I'll tell him to whisper seductively in your ear what he had for breakfast that day. Seem silly? Good. That's the point! We aren't striving for forced photos, we're striving for moments that make us smile unapologetically and without trying.
Questions About Me
What's your favorite thing to do outside of photography?
Pretty much all of my free time is spent with my family. I have two toddlers that constantly keep me busy, so much of my free time is centered around them and doing things they enjoy. They are definitely outdoor kids, so I do my best to spend a lot of time outside, weather permitting. I grew up camping, and hope to start doing more of that as they get a little older.
If my husband and I every have a kid-free moment, we like to go to local restaurants and breweries. In fact, our first date was at a brewery in Rochester, MN. So craft beer has definitely been part of the fabric of our relationship and bonding. A more recent hobby of ours (well, mine - it's always been his) is golf. It's a great way for us to get outside and be active, and its been fun learning with him!
What's your favorite genre of music?
I grew up on country and 80's rock (think along the lines of AC/DC), but I'm really open to any music genres! I'm always open to putting on some background music during our sessions, too, so feel free to let me know what you like to listen to as well!
What's your favorite location for a photo session?
I'm a sucker for a studio session, just because the lighting is *chef's kiss* every time. And I don't think I could narrow down one single studio above all the others I've been to, I have really loved every single one I've used. I'm happy to provide recommendations based on your vibe!
Otherwise, outdoor sessions are also up there for my favorites. Ritter Farm Park, Lake Minnewashta, and Rice Creek North Regional Trail are some great spots.
Nothing against in-home sessions, these are actually what I do the most of! But the variety of lighting, colors, etc. can sometimes be trickier to work with. On the flipside, though, that's what can make them so unique and beautiful all at the same time!
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
The concept of time. I think too often we take it for granted, and before you know it... it's gone. I wish we could all value time just a little bit more, and slow down. Our world moves at lightning-fast speeds, and I think this is how we lose sight of so many wonderful moments and memories right in front of us. And we won't realize it until they're gone.
This is why I think photography is such a beautiful tool, and a luxury worth investing in.