What to Expect Part 3: Maternity Session

I honestly wasn't sure if I'd do a whole separate post about  maternity sessions initially but then I realized I need one! Maternity doesn't quite fit with family portraits, and it definitely doesn't always belong in the same camp as engagement sessions, or weddings! So here we go :) 

Maternity sessions are some of the most unique and specialized portraits I regularly shoot. They're all about someone you can't even see yet! Pregnancy is such a sweet time in a woman's life, and it's an amazing privilege to be able to capture this time. One of the best things is knowing that your life is about to change in big ways, and I love being able to photograph future moms and future parents as they prepare to experience all these exciting changes. 

Before I get to your maternity shoot, I'll talk with you a lot about what you want to make of your session. Most people will bring props - baby clothes, shoes, a cute chalkboard for the baby's name and due date, or whatever is special to them. I want to know all of that before I even get on location so I can plan out some super cute pictures highlighting all those little details that are important to YOU. This will prepare me to put a big emphasis on you AND your baby!

Once I get to meet you, I'll ask you a million questions, because babies are just so darn exciting! Beyond just focusing on the little life that is coming, though, I want to make sure you get the royal treatment - you're becoming a MOM. I'll make sure that your session reflects not just the little one growing inside of you, but your beauty and individuality. If you are by yourself - wonderful! If you come with someone else, that's awesome! Either way, I want to capture your joy at all the things that are coming.

After I get home, I'll post a sneak peek as soon as possible. These are always exciting, because EVERYONE loves babies, or so I hear :) I'll edit each and every picture so I can give you the most beautiful product that you deserve and when I'm done, I'll deliver a beautiful customized website for you where you can download, share, print...or whatever you feel like! And I'll be there every step of the way to help. You'll get a blog on my website, and some gorgeous pins on Pinterest so other people can get ideas from your special session. 

Maternity sessions are the only time I expect something back from my client - namely, posting a picture after your bundle of joy is born so I can share in your happiness! I love working with moms-to-be, and I hope to work with you soon if you're expecting. Let me know if I can help you in any way, and congratulations! 

Next on what to expect: WEDDINGS!

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What to Expect Part 2: Engagement Session

Before I begin, let me just say that I LOVE shooting engagements. I truly do. I remember getting engaged (over 3 years ago! crazy!) and it was just such an exciting time in my life. I remember just being so excited to be Nathan's husband in a few short months. It really is a special time, and I love working with couples who are getting ready to begin a marriage! 

When I go into an engagement session, I not only want to get to know each person, I want to find out what makes you as a COUPLE unique. How did you meet? What's your story? Almost everyone I've ever asked has a great story either about how they met or how they actually noticed each other. I know I do: I was in South Africa and we made weekly international phone calls until he finally admitted he liked me!  Anyways, my goal is to figure out your together story and make the most of it.

Engagement sessions typically take a little bit longer than senior portraits or even small family sessions, because there are so many things to capture. Between a fun picture for the save-the-dates and some really romantic shots to be printed at your wedding, there's so much to take in. I'll generally spend 1.5-2 hours taking pictures, talking, and walking around to find the best location and lighting. I will DEFINITELY grab your ring at one point to get some amazing shots of that - those are always some of my favorites! 

After the session I'll be in touch soon. I'll quickly show you a sneak peek of our session, which you're more than welcome to share with your friends and family. Then I'll get to editing right away! I'l spend time on each and every picture, making sure you and your fiancé look your absolute BEST in each shot.

Meanwhile, not only will I blog about our time together, but I'll put your photos all over Pinterest. That's right, ladies, you'll be famous ;) (unless you don't want to be but...who doesn't?!) You'll get every single picture you've seen plus a TON more when I deliver each edited picture in your own custom website. You can share that website with friends, family, and any one of your Facebook friends =) If you need ANY help ordering prints or sharing from your website, I will absolutely be there to answer any questions.

Ultimately, I want your engagement session to get you excited about your wedding day and the most important part - your marriage. I would love to be able to capture this special time in your lives. If I can answer any questions, drop me a line! 

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What to Expect Part 1: Family Portraits

It occurred to me the other day that since my photography business is so new, most of you who visit my site would probably have no idea what to expect when it came down to shooting a session with me. There are several different categories, and they're all going to look somewhat different, so I'm breaking this down in a few parts. I thought I'd start with family portraits.

I love families, especially big ones. Coming from a family of 6, I love it when there is constant chatter and commotion and people moving everywhere. However, going to my little family of 2 (including my introverted husband), I've also come to appreciate the quietness of a smaller family, and how each person's personality will shine under different circumstances. 

All of my family portrait sessions start out with introductions. I want to learn more than just a name and a face; I'd like to figure out something that will make each one of you smile or laugh, and even more importantly, what will allow each one of you to relax and ENJOY your session, rather than being nervous in front of the camera. It can be intimidating to be photographed, especially for young children, and I fully understand that! I was one of those hard-to-photograph kids, and I remember each and every time my mom 'forced' me into even one family Christmas picture (sorry, Mom!). 

After I get to know each one of you, I'll use the first 10-15 minutes of the session to get everyone warmed up. Sometimes I can get great photos during this time, but often it takes a few minutes for everyone to be comfortable. Then the fun begins! I'll photograph every combination of your family you can possibly think of, with pictures ranging from a stunning smile to laughter and playtime, depending on the ages of everyone involved! I like to get the great framed mantle shot, but I also love the spontaneous laughter that a family session can bring. 

When we wrap up, I'll get to work right away on your pictures. I'll post a sneak peek on my Facebook page so you can not only get excited about what's coming up, but share it with your friends so they can see your beautiful pictures! After about 2-3 weeks of carefully editing each and every photograph, I'll deliver all your pictures in a custom website, where you can download, print, and share to your heart's content. Meanwhile, I'll write up a blog about your session and choose some of my favorites - it might give you ideas if you're looking for pictures to frame! 

Hopefully that helps you understand what you can expect from a family session with me. As always, if you have any questions, head over to my contact page and drop me a line - I'd love to hear from you! 

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