+ Are photos included in Family Film sessions?

Yes, definitely! Each Family Film comes with a beautiful collection of photographs as well, available in an online gallery 2-3 weeks after your session. On your Film day, I’m periodically taking photographs as well, and while my style is very relaxed and natural, we’ll make sure to get beautiful portraits you can frame and send grandparents as well.

+ What should we do during our session?

First off, if you’ve never had a photo or video session before - It’s going to be waaaay easier and more fun than you probably expect! Many clients hire me because they love my nontraditional approach to family portraits and videos. I will not ask you to look at the camera and smile.

First, nothing extravagant has to be planned for a family film. A family film could simply be you hanging out on the couch laughing and reading... That being said, if there IS something that you find really special about your family, let's do that! If y'all go get donuts on Sunday mornings, let's do it. If you have game nights, Friday nights, let's do it! The best things to capture on film are the things you already do as a family. Capturing the moments that you will treasure and want to remember is the most important.

+ Should we clean our house?

No need! I may ask you to remove clutter from bedside tables and get some fresh flowers for you most-lived-in space, but otherwise don’t stress about deep cleaning or vacuuming. It won’t show on the video! We have creative ways of hiding the mess so it doesn't distract from the beauty of your connections and your family.

+ Is my house too dark?

We are light seekers, and we can always find pockets of beautiful light to work with. And actually, we ask all of our clients to keep their artificial lights off and window blinds open for the films. This allows for the most beautiful, most natural lighting. We don't need a ton of light to make a beautiful film. You would be surprised what we can work with!

+ What should I wear?

Something you feel comfortable and beautiful in! In all my years in photography, this is the most important thing. Wear something you feel good in. If you’re uncomfortable in a new outfit, or your straps are falling down, it will show. Wear something you can move, dance, play in. The same goes for your children. You want them to play and have fun while I'm there so make sure you don't put them in something you're worried about them messing up! *I offer more personalized guidance and personalized styling suggestions based on what you want and what you need.

+ Do you travel for Family Film sessions?

Yes, we love traveling for family sessions and frequently travel to create with families all over the country.

+ How long are the sessions?

We find that 3-4 hours is the sweet sport. It varies based on what you're family needs and wants, and we stay as long as everyone is having a good time! In the time leading up to your session and in our planning we'll discuss these details and make a flexible plan that works for you.

+ I'm nervous. I haven't lost the baby weight, and I don't know if I want to be on film.

In my six years of photography, I’ve learned your kids don’t care that you haven’t lost the baby weight and you deserve to be seen for the incredible parent that you are. The most common thing I hear from my clients is that they want to book a session to remember their kids in this stage of life. And despite not necessarily feeling the best about themselves, they know how important it is to document this time in their lives. Not just for them, but for their children.

And after working with hundreds of families, I can say with certainty I know how to create space for you to feel comfortable and relaxed, which means I can make the session feel effortless and help you feel beautiful, just as you are.

+ My children aren't babies anymore. Does this work with older kids?

My answer is 100% yes. I believe we can make magic at any age. There is always love and your story is unique. We’ll capture the beauty that is present in your family the way it is in this season of life. We’ll plan an activity around what your children love to do currently, then we’ll capture the love and beauty that unfolds.

+ What if my children aren't cooperative?

I have a wild, energetic 4 year old who is quite strong-willed, so I totally get this one. I’ve wanted to push off photos because we were in a “hard season”. I think one of my superpowers is finding the beauty in the struggle, the beauty in the mess. You can trust me to do this. We’ll follow your child’s lead and if they meltdown, we’ll find the sweet moments after the meltdown. Our sessions are judgment-free zones. We get it, we’ve been there. I’ve found that often children love all the undivided attention and love they are receiving from their parents, that they generally eat it up and have a wonderful time.

+ How do I get my family (or apprehensive partner) on board?

Let me reassure you that this happens at most of our sessions. Usually (but not always) there is one partner who is more reserved about the experience. My first suggestion is to get them involved. Show them other films I have made, have them on phone calls when we talk. Make sure they know what to expect. If that is hard to do because of busy schedules, know that they will warm up the day of. Once we get started filming most people realize how easy it is and there are never any issues! So many times now, we’ve heard from the reluctant partner that they had “way more fun” and it was “way easier” than they anticipated.