What Inspired Your Journey into Photography?
Photography became a passion for me when I realized its power to freeze moments in time. It started as a way to document my surroundings and experiences, but soon, I found myself captivated by the challenge of telling stories through images. Whether capturing raw emotions, breathtaking landscapes, or everyday details, photography allows me to see the world differently and share that perspective with others. It’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving memories and emotions that would otherwise fade.
How Do a Photo Session Work?
Feel free to send over any pose inspiration or outfit ideas leading up to your session! On the day of the shoot, we’ll move between locations while I guide you through poses or use prompts for a natural, candid feel. For seniors, I’ll have a gallery of inspiration shots on my phone to help spark ideas.
Throughout the session, I’ll show you previews on my camera so you can check your expressions, hair, and overall look. Within 72 hours, you’ll receive a preview gallery with side-by-side shots to choose your preferred editing style. Once I finalize the edits, your full gallery will be ready—expect at least 40 images for a 30-minute session and 80+ for an hour-long session.
When your gallery is ready, you can favorite and download your selected images, with the option to purchase more if you’d like. If you’d like any retouching (such as acne removal), just send me the file numbers after downloading, and I’ll perfect them before sending them back to you!
Would you make a video of our session?
I absolutely adore creating videos sessions! I set up camera and record the entire session. Later, I’ll edit the highlights and pair them with music. When else will you have the chance to capture those precious moments of your family laughing, snuggling, and bonding? It’s also a fantastic option for graduating seniors. You can pick the music, or I can choose it for you. Families who opt for this add-on often tell me they’re moved to tears when they watch the video, and it becomes their favorite part of the entire experience!
How Many Photos Will I Receive, and Can I Choose Which Ones Are Edited?
Great question! I’ve considered sending proofing galleries—where clients see unedited images and pick which ones to have retouched—but because I often shoot backlit, those raw photos can look dull and make it hard to envision the final product. Instead, I carefully select and edit the best shots (for light, color, and that signature magic I’m known for) before sharing them with you. This approach also helps me manage my time effectively.
I used to deliver an entire gallery—usually 25–30 photos—for each session, choosing my favorite images. However, I realized clients might prefer different angles or expressions, so I ended up editing more and more. Ultimately, I was overworking myself and still not covering my costs. Now, I still edit a large gallery but limit the number of downloads in each package, giving you the option to purchase additional images. If I end up with more great shots than expected, you can buy the entire gallery at a discounted rate—I want everyone to have the photos they love!
I edit all images that turn out well—those in focus, with everyone looking good in posed shots. For a 30-minute session, you’ll typically see around 40–50 photos in your gallery, and up to 100 images for a 60-minute session. From there, you can “heart” your favorites, and based on the package you chose, download that many.
How Do I Pose?
Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every pose! We’ll capture a mix of both posed and candid moments, and yes, there will be plenty of “fake” laughing. It may feel a bit silly, but trust me, you’ll look genuinely joyful in the photos (your eyes will sparkle!). I also have a gallery of poses on my phone if we need extra inspiration.
Feel free to speak up at any time. If you spot a cool location or have an idea for a specific shot, let me know. I’m here to bring your vision to life!
Want to practice ahead of time? Check out Christine Buzon on Instagram—she’s great at demonstrating flattering poses for the average body type.
For solo portraits (like headshots or senior photos), it’s helpful if you send me a couple of your favorite photos beforehand so I can see which angles you prefer. During our session, I’ll show you the images on my camera as we go, so you can request changes or even have me delete a shot on the spot.
What Should I/We Wear?
Over time, I’ve seen just how much outfits can influence the final look of your photos. Above all, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. I usually recommend that women choose an outfit they love first, then coordinate everyone else around that. Here are a few tips:
Avoid matching everyone in the exact same color or pattern (even white). It can create what I call the “Family Blob” effect.
Don’t match any two people’s outfits exactly, since it’s tough to pose them without it looking off.
Instead, aim for coordinating colors that complement one another without being too uniform.
What About Our Hairstyles?
For family sessions, I recommend a half-up, half-down style for both moms and daughters. When I capture hugs or have kids balancing on logs, loose hair can fall across the face and ruin an otherwise great shot. Ponytails are also a fantastic option for kids. Personally, I love wearing hair down but using a bobby pin to tuck the front section behind the ear.
How Can I Help the Session Run Smoothly?
The most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourself! While it’s natural to feel a bit anxious, children and babies easily sense stress, which can affect the outcome of the photos. We’ll get the best images if we let moments unfold organically (with a little guidance from me, of course!). My goal is to capture stunning shots, and I’ll handle all the hard work. Your job is simply to have fun.
Can I have my Session at Home?
Absolutely! I often do newborn sessions at clients’ homes, and for family or senior portraits, we can plan a time on your property or in your yard when the lighting is most favorable (usually with the sun behind you).
Just keep in mind that home sessions with children between 2 and 10 can sometimes be more challenging. Kids tend to be extra comfortable in their own space, which can mean a little more mischievous behavior. A neutral location may help them stay more focused and cooperative. It’s worth considering!
How Do Headshot and Senior Sessions Work?
Headshot and senior portrait sessions differ slightly from standard shoots and include an additional proofing step, as well as fine portrait editing, which is built into the cost. Here’s an overview:
Before Your Session
After we confirm a date and time, feel free to share pose ideas or ask for outfit suggestions. I’ll touch base the night before about our meeting spot and any weather updates.
During Your Session
We’ll explore various locations, and I’ll guide you through poses. If you need extra inspiration, I have a pose gallery on my phone—you can choose what resonates with you. Every few minutes, I’ll show you previews on my camera so you can see how your expressions and hair look.
Style Preview
Within 72 hours, you’ll receive a short style preview gallery with a few images side by side, letting you pick between a classic or modern editing style. After you decide, I’ll apply that look to the rest of your photos for a cohesive feel.
Proof Gallery
About a week later, I’ll send you a full proof gallery. Expect around 50 images for a 30-minute session and up to 100 for a 60-minute session—all edited for light and artistic flair. You’ll then select the number of photos included in your package, with the option to purchase extras or even the entire gallery at a discounted rate.
Final Edits & Delivery
Once you’ve chosen your favorites, let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like retouched (e.g., acne, glare). I’ll make those adjustments and send you the final downloads within 4–6 days. The entire process—from your session to receiving your edited images—usually takes 9–12 days, depending on how quickly you choose your proofs.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
I understand that life happens—kids get sick, weather changes—and I want to keep things as simple as possible for you. I request a $50 deposit to secure your date, but if someone falls ill or the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can reschedule anytime within six months (subject to availability—please don’t wait until the last minute!).
If you cancel within 48 hours for any reason other than illness or weather, the deposit is non-refundable, and you’ll need to pay another deposit to book a new date. (Note: The 48-hour rule doesn’t apply if we’ve already discussed the possibility of rescheduling due to weather.)
Lastly, if your photoshoot was booked under a seasonal promotion (e.g., a 20-minute mini or Santa photos) and you decide to switch to a traditional session, a higher rate will apply, but your initial deposit can be used toward the new session.
What Kind of Camera and Lens Do You Use?
I primarily shoot with a Nikon Z6ii mirrorless camera, paired with my current favorite lens, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2. This setup gives me that dreamy, blurred background with a sharply focused subject—my signature look. If you’d like a slightly sharper background than what you see in my portfolio, just let me know and I’ll adjust my settings accordingly.
All images are edited in Adobe Lightroom, with any detailed retouching done in Photoshop CC. I mainly rely on natural light (no flash) to stay quick and adaptable, and I’ll position the sun behind you so you’re not squinting and the lighting is most flattering.
How Long Does It Take to Edit My Photos, and How Do I Get My Edited Images?
Editing is my favorite part of the process! On average, I spend about 4–5 hours editing for each hour of shooting. Under normal circumstances, you’ll receive your completed gallery within 7 days of your session, and even in my busiest season (September to November), it rarely takes more than 10 days. I usually send sneak peeks—so you can choose your preferred editing style—within 48 hours.
When your photos are ready, I’ll email you a link to your online gallery with clear download instructions. Once you have them, you’re free to print or share your images wherever you’d like.