Frequently Asked Questions

Does my home need to be clean?

If part or all of your session is taking place in your home, it’s not uncommon to think that it has to be spectacularly clean, white, and appear un-lived in. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. My sessions are about capturing life. I recommend cleaning to your level of comfort but not stressing about it. Some dirty dishes in the sink or a pile of shoes by the door will NOT make your photos any less beautiful.

👆🏻 This image beautifully captures the reality of a 6-year-old’s cluttered, well-loved and played in room.

What is a print release?

You may have read on my pricing page that all digital images delivered with my sessions include a print release. This is a document that allows you to take your images and print them at a lab of your choice for personal use only. I retain the copyright for all of the images. This is a standard professional practice in the photograph industry and means that clients cannot edit, add a filter, or alter the images in any way without written consent. Simply put, you can print your images for your home and family and post them to social media, but you can’t alter them or use them for profit without permission.

What gear do you use?

I shoot on two full-frame professional Nikon camera bodies — the DSLR d810 and the Mirrorless Z6. In my lens bag, I typically carry a 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 macro, wide 24mm f1.4, and 70-200mm f2.8 (all Nikon). I also bring along my Nikon SB600 Speedlight and Brolly Box modifier with light stand in case I need a some extra light at your session!

Will you travel?

Yes! I LOVE to travel for sessions and photograph in new locations. Sessions outside of a 15-mile radius of Arlington, VA are welcome but will incur a $75 travel fee to cover expenses and time. If farther than 30 miles, we can discuss and make a custom plan for your needs!

What should I wear?

The short answer is coordinate (thankfully the days of matchy family photos are over!) and be comfortable. The longer answer can be found in my ALP Session Guide. Feel free to have a peek — It can often help to answer questions not found here as well.

👆🏻This sweet family chose comfortable outfits and shoes with fun pops of color. A great choice!

How long until I receive my images?

I don’t like to keep my clients waiting for their images so within 24 hours of your session, I deliver a handful of sneak peeks via blog post (if you’ve granted permission on your model release, of course) and one or two on social media (Instagram + Facebook). Then within 14 days of your session date (usually less!), you’ll receive your private online gallery link where you can download your images and place any print/product orders if you’d like.

How long does my gallery stay open?

Your private online gallery stays open for two weeks from its delivery date. Be sure to download (and back up!) your images and place any orders for prints and products through my professional lab during this time.

What if the weather is bad?

The day before your session, I keep a close eye on the weather. If we have an outdoor location planned and the weather looks poor, I will contact you with rescheduling options or offer a location change suggestion if possible.

Can I bring my dog?

Some of my favorite sessions of all time have included dogs! So, yes! As long as our session location allows dogs, please feel free to bring them along.

Newborn Session with Dog Northern Virginia

What if my kids won’t cooperate?

My sessions are designed to be full of fun and not feel like a photo session at all! We plan fun activities ahead of time and I always recommend clients tell their kids that I’m a friend coming to play and take pictures! — But… of course despite all the preparation, kid’s can just be cranky sometimes. I’m a former elementary school teacher, mom of 3 boys, and child photographer of 10 years so this is certainly not foreign to me. I always have my “bag of tricks” on hand for those times where extra fun/distraction are needed. And I can honestly say, in 10 years, I’ve never NOT gotten the shot. 📸

Storytelling Family Session Northern Virginia Photographer

When are Payments Due?

50% of your session fee is due within one week of booking your session (choosing your date). If not paid within one week, your session date is reopened to other clients until payment is made.

The remaining 50% balance is due 8 days prior to your session. You will receive email reminders for this payment.

How much retouching do you do?

I get this question most frequently from Moms — “I don’t love my post-partum body, can you help with Photoshop?”. The short answer is yes. My goal is to make my clients look like I caught them at their best angle on their best day. I use Photoshop to help. I’m against drastic body changes or dramatically changing the way you truly look, but I tuck bellies a little, trim arms a tad if it’s a bad angle, lift chins slightly, amplify hair, smooth skin and remove blemishes. My basic rule of thumb is - if I’d want it done for me, I’ll do it for you!