COMMON QUESTIONS
GENERAL
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVICE?
I service Pensacola, FL and surrounding areas of the Gulf Coast.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?
I currently only accept a limited number of sessions per month, and it is not uncommon for my schedule to be full 2-3 months in advance. A non-refundable retainer of 25% of your session fee is required to secure your appointment.
DO YOU OFFER MINI SESSIONS?
I only offer mini sessions in two capacities: 1) as events in which multiple clients (minimum of 4) are scheduled for back-to-back sittings at a single location, or 2) as part of a First Year package.
I am happy to look into scheduling mini session events by request if you have at least 4 families ready to book together.
WHAT IF MY CHILDREN WILL NOT COOPERATE?
The beauty of lifestyle sessions if this...They don't have to! Our goal is to capture them authentically and in a very candid and natural way. I encourage children to play and be silly and mom & dad to follow their lead. And I'll let you in on a little secret...I actually love it when they misbehave. Real is so much more interesting than perfect!
WILL YOU POSE OR HANDLE MY BABY A LOT?
As a lifestyle photographer, I do not bring props or spend a lot of time posing babies. The majority of our session, you and your family members will hold and interact with the baby, just as you normally would. I will also photograph baby alone (in the crib, on the master bed, on the changing table, etc.). I always bring a few wraps and will help you wrap and/or soothe baby. Images of baby alone will be very organic and baby-led. Feel free to pull out special quilts or blankets to have baby photographed on.
HOW CAN I INVOLVE MY OLDER CHILDREN IN OUR NEWBORN SESSION?
If you have older children, think about ways that they can interact with their new sibling (bottle feeding, bathing, reading books, etc.) and prepare for these activities. Often toddlers are not interested in the new baby, or even resistant to cooperating for photos. I really encourage you to just let them do their own thing. Focus on your spouse and other children and give me an opportunity to make a connection with your toddler. Once I am his or her best friend and he/she sees how much fun we are having, he/she will join us in their own time. And small candies (gummies, smarties, jelly beans) are always a good idea.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE FROM MY SESSION?
Every session tells a different story and I am not able to guarantee a certain number of images. I can promise you that I will give you everything that I believe to be important to your story. The images left out are duplicates, blinks or unflattering moments, or do not meet my standards of technical quality.
MAY I SEE/PURCHASE MY RAW FILES OR UNEDITED IMAGES
While I may show you the back of my camera during your session, you will not otherwise have the opportunity to view or purchase your unretouched images. I believe in delivering a collection of storytelling art that will absolutely wow you. Editing and perfecting each image in your final collection is a vital part of that process.
DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS?
For active duty military, clients of collaborative care partners (Belly to Cradle and Stand & Deliver Midwifery), and anyone willing to sign a model release, I offer a complimentary custom designed hardcover photo album stuffed with beautiful images from your session. These gorgeous books are valued at $350+.
DO YOU OFFER A REFERRAL PROGRAM?
Absolutely! I love for awesome clients to send me their awesome friends. I also love to offer opportunities to earn prints and product for your walls. You will receive a $50 print credit for every person you refer that books a session. (Minimum print order totals apply)
BIRTH SPECIFIC
IN WHAT AREAS DO YOU PROVIDE BIRTH COVERAGE?
I am available to provide birth coverage within 60 miles of Pensacola.
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?
I accept a limited number of birth clients per year. Please book your birth as soon as possible. I understand the possibility of miscarriage, as I have experienced it myself. In the even of a loss, your retainer may be applied to your next session or refunded, less the small processing fees that I incur.
HOW CAN YOU GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE PRESENT FOR MY BIRTH?
Honestly, I can't. Neither can any other photographer...or even your doctor! If I am unable to make it, I will endeavor to send another trusted photographer in my place or to compensate you accordingly. You have the option to further mitigate the risk by securing one of my amazing back-up photographers to be on call with me. Your images will still be edited by me and presented in my style.
WHEN DO YOU ARRIVE AT THE HOSPITAL?
My goal is to arrive at the hospital just before you enter ‘transition’, usually around 6-7 cm dilated. Frequent and timely communication on the progress of your labor is vital (I suggest designating someone to update me hourly, even if there has been no change, as this helps me to gauge the progress of your labor). Let me know as soon as you are sure you’re in labor, and I will begin making preparations to be there or prepare you if a back-up photographer will be joining you. There is nothing I would rather do than photograph a birth. Know that I will do everything I can to be there.
CAN YOU PHOTOGRAPH A C-SECTION?
This is dictated by the hospital. If I am not allowed into the OR with you, I will send my back-up camera in with your support person or a nurse, and wait to meet you in the recovery area. If asked in advance, hospital staff will usually delay or repeat vitals and footprints when I can be present to capture them.
WHAT IS YOUR DEMEANOR LIKE DURING BIRTH?
I am naturally pretty introverted, so it is no struggle for me to remain quite and inconspicuous during labor & delivery. The majority of moms (and dads) tell me afterwards, “I didn’t even know you were there”.
WHAT DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH DURING BIRTH?
The scope of coverage is entirely up to you and your comfort level. I will attempt to cover everything, unless specifically asked not to.
DO YOU USE A FLASH?
While I prefer the look of available light, it is really up to you. I have professional equipment and I am skilled in shooting in low light situations. However, cameras all have limitations and image quality is directly related to the quality and availability of light. I encourage my clients to consider this unavoidable reality, how it affects their birth plan, and what their priorities are. Often, clients find that use of flash during labor is less obtrusive than having all of the lights in the room on.
WHAT IF I DELIVER PREMATURELY OR MY BABY NEEDS NICU CARE?
I am flexible and I encourage you to consider and discuss with me in advance what you would like me to do in this case. My son had to spend time in the NICU and it was very (emotionally) stressful for me. Looking back, I wish I had asked my birth photographer to go to the NICU with my husband and son.
WILL MY IMAGES BE IN COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE?
My personal inclination is toward color images, punctuated with artistic black & white. However, if black & white is your preference, please let me know.
ARE YOU GOING TO POST MY IMAGES ONLINE?
While many clients do choose to allow me to share their birth images, the choice is always yours. I always ask permission prior to sharing.