How does a lifestyle portrait photographer work?
I spend time with you and your family in a meaningful environment to create a series of photographs that reflect your authentic personality and get a glimpse into your lives.
How long have you been shooting & what's your background?
This is my fourth year as a pro, and I have been a nut with a camera for much longer. I’ve always had a passion for art. In fact, many of my childhood memories are inside art galleries and museums across the globe. I studied art in college and traveled to Florence and Paris to study Renaissance and Impressionism. My background in art plays an inseparable role in my photography. As I compose images, I can still hear my art professors instructing me to think about the direction of light, negative space, leading lines and so many other fundamental aspects of art and photography. I love capturing intimate connections in an artful way.
I love black and white photographs, do you shoot in black and white?
Yes, I love black and white photographs too. Generally about 30% of your images are in black and white. I use my artistic judgment to decide what imagery is best suited to black and white or color. You may also request black and white or color when ordering prints.
Do you use film or digital equipment?
My equipment includes a variety of digital cameras, lenses, flashes, additional lighting, reflectors, memory cards, batteries, and backup gear sufficient to deal with the possibility of equipment failure. I find that digital equipment lends me the creativity and flexibility to better serve my clients. The images I show you are captured digitally.
May we have a consultation?
Certainly! Feel free to contact us for a complimentary appointment to meet me, see previous work, discuss your desires, and pre-plan your portrait session. All of this can be done at my studio location in Greenlake.
What does a portrait session cost?
This depends on the type of session you are seeking and where/when it is located. Session fees are provided on our website and you may contact me for detailed pricing. Typically session rates start $100 for a relaxed, no rush session at my Greenlake studio and surrounding areas. Remember to ask how you can waive that session fee by purchasing towards your order in advance of your session!
What kinds of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AE, and Paypal.
Do you have packages?
You can purchase prints, wall portraits, canvas gallery wraps, slideshows, books, and even jewelry on an a la carte basis -- simply pick and choose what fits your needs.
When is the best time to schedule a maternity session?
Maternity portraits turn out the best when you have a nice belly bump, but are not too big that you feel uncomfortable. The timing can depend on how your body shows during pregnancy, but typically I suggest about 2 months prior to your due date.
When should I schedule a newborn session?
It is best to capture your newborn one to three weeks after birth, and the earlier the better! These little ones change so quickly over the course of their first year, so consider having portraits again at about 6-9 months when they can sit up and again in one year when they are standing.
What are the differences between proofing systems?
Proofing is mechanism that allows you to select which images you would like to purchase prints of and/or include in your album. Online proofing is included in all collections and allows you the ability to preview, select, and order prints online. You can also order a complete set of 4x6 print proofs or a preview book which is a spiral bound book containing thumbnail versions of each of your images along with the image number for easy reference.
Do you charge more per kid or family member?
No, your session fee is the same regardless of the number of family members you wish to include.
What is a boudoir session?
Boudoir, also known as glamour or pinup portraits, are intimate, sexy portraits. These boudoir style photographs are as a gift for your significant or as a keepsake for yourself.
Where will the session take place?
Sessions take place at my Greenlake studio and surrounding areas. Location sessions may take place at your home, backyard, favorite place or at the beach. Sessions outside of Seattle are subject to an additional fee.
What happens if I need to reschedule my session?
I understand that personal emergencies, illness or inclement weather sometimes require sessions to be rescheduled. Please provide as much notice as possible in order to make that time slot available to other clients. Cancellations or postponements less than 48 hours prior to your session may result in a cancellation fee.
What should we wear?
Think simple and timeless. I recommend avoiding busy patterns, logos and large designs on your clothing.
I suggest expectant mothers wear their pre-pregnancy clothing to maternity sessions. This gives your body noticeable curves. We don't need to zip or button anything up. You may also bring fun tops, a skirt that fits below your belly, or drapes, scarves, and lingerie.
For young children, bright colors can be lots of fun, while timeless white dresses are lovely for little girls. For babies, the more skin showing the better! Bare feet are so much fun! For families, we encourage you all to coordinate, but it is up to you if you want to wear matching colors. I recommend bringing a few changes of clothing, as multiple clothing changes help add variety to your session.
Boudoir clients can bring lingerie, bras, corsets, mini skirts, jeans — whatever you feel sexy in! It’s also fun to bring props such as a music instrument, sports jersey, or the like.
How long will you spend with us?
Portrait sessions are relaxed and last as long as needed. We end when you and/or your kids have run out of enthusiasm and we've got a great selection of images. This typically takes 1-2 hours with a couple short revitalizing breaks to change clothing and snack.
How many images will I see from my session?
I shoot an unlimited number of images and poses and show you 50-100 of the very best from the session.
When will I get to see my photos from the session?
Approximately one to two weeks following your session, I will invite you into the studio to review all of your images, assist you in making your selections and to place your order. I recommend that all of the decision makers are present at the time of your ordering appointment. I am happy to accommodate your schedule and hold appointments in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
What should I expect to spend on my portraits?
You can spend any amount you wish as I do not have predesigned packages. Your investment can range from a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more. If you anticipate spending more than $600 on your session, I can apply your session fee to your print order.
How do I waive my session fee?
Your session fee can be waived if you agree to a mimimun purchase of $600 in advance of your scheduled session.
How do I schedule a session?
Depending on the season, I generally schedule sessions about 2-6 weeks in advance. The session fee is payable at the time you schedule your session or if you want to waive the session fee as noted above, $300 (or 50%) of your purchase minimum is required.
We absolutely love your photos, but what we want is not in our budget, are your prices flexible?
If you would like to meet with me in advance of your session, we can discuss the prints, portraits, and products you would like and create a custom package at a discount. I also offer bonuses and discounts at our appointments.
What kind of retouching is done?
Every portrait in your order will be individually enhanced for rich skin tones, smoth skins, and minimal blemishes.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, of course, in any amount you wish. Not only do we provide gift cards, but we offer gift registries!
Are you a member of any photography associations?
I am a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, Modern Photographers, Photographik, Senior Portrait Artists, the Seattle Professional Photographers Association, and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International. Most require a portfolio review to be accepted and provide continued education.
