What is Lifestyle photography?

My style of photography focuses on you as a family. The authentic connection between family members.

It is the posed unposed look. I’m not recommending that your husband show up in camo but…if that is your family then bring it!

I want you to feel as natural and relaxed around me as possible. There is a lot of laughing in my sessions! After my last session, I literally had tear stains on my camera screen from laughing so hard! My hope is that clients will focus on the authentic connection of their family and I will merely be on the sidelines (or up in their grill) capturing these precious moments that can be printed, shared and admired for years to come. I will rarely ever ask you to look at the camera. Occasionally, we will try to capture that money shot to send to grandma but my primary focus is capturing authentic family moments!

I try my best to make my sessions a fun experience! We will adapt to your family and I will take care of all posing and directing. You can relax! I do not like to make families feel too posed or frozen. I want them to feel as natural around me as possible. My hope is that clients will focus on the authentic connection of their family and I will merely be on the sidelines (or up in their grill) capturing these precious moments that can be printed, shared and admired for years to come. I will rarely ever ask you to look at the camera. Occasionally, we will try to capture that money shot to send to grandma but my primary focus is capturing authentic family moments!

How long are your sessions?

My sessions typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Sometimes fresh 48 or newborn sessions can take a little longer depending on the little one.

What to wear?

It really doesn’t matter! My goal is to capture you and your family in the moment. I want you to feel great and confident about yourself! A lot of families wear jeans or other comfortable type clothing for the outdoors. Dresses are totally fine as well, I always bring a clean blanket we can throw down if we do any sitting poses. Besides being you, I do recommend neutrals and solids as the best clothing option. It is helpful to coordinate instead of match everyone because this is easier on the eyes. Staying away from stripes and louder colors (ex: Bright red and yellows) can be a good idea, but if a stripe is your jam we will run with it!

Locations?

I love the outdoors and feel that this is the best for kids. My favorite places are a woods and streams, Cades Cove and the botanical gardens. I also welcome the urban challenge as well like the Old City or Market Square in Knoxville, TN however, urban is a bit difficult with very little ones.

Some families prefer an in home or backyard session if they have very little ones and that is ok!

How does the scheduling work?

Families usually prefer weekend shoots. I prefer to book my clients for a particular weekend and then as the weekend gets closer we look at the weather and decide on a day Saturday or Sunday. Once the day is decided, we pick a specific time that will work best with the family’s schedule.

Fresh 48 sessions take place within the first 48 hours of life at either the hospital or birthing center. Families usually text me updates and we try to do a quick session the morning after the little one is born. This type of session is more documentary in nature and there is no need to stress or prep at all! I am merely there snapping away to capture you interacting with your precious new little one!

What if my kids are not in the mood for photos?

I try to schedule around naps and recommend a snack beforehand if possible. However, if need be we will throw a blanket down by the riverbank and capture a fun family snack in the great outdoors!

Kids will be kids and that is the beauty of these sessions! As a mom I know that small children can be a handful. And that is ok! I firmly believe in children led sessions. If the littles aren’t feeling it, we will find something they do like. Playing, dancing, running. That’s what a fast shutter speed is for!

So relax and come prepared to have fun!

How do payments work?

After we decide on a date for your session, I will email you the contract to sign and the deposit will be due in order to secure your session. The day of the session, the rest of your package price will be due. The total package price will be discussed and listed in the contract that was emailed the day we book your session.

How long does it take to see my photos?

I always say 4 weeks. My goal is much less than this! But life happens and I never want to promise something I may not be able to accomplish. I try to send you a preview shot 2-3 days after your shoot and then the online gallery is typically ready in 2-3 weeks. There will by 2 galleries online for you, one with print quality and one that works better for social media/facebook sharing.