❋

shot on half frame camera

what our time can look like

A chance to really focus on your kids little hands, their unique spunky - wild - silly - serious - quiet selves. 

What to Expect
I won't tell you exactly what to wear

This is the time to let your families unique qualities show. Don’t force your child to wear something that doesn’t feel like themselves. Have them try on their outfit before, and have them give you honest feedback (too small? too big? Maybe your daughter wants to add a hat or some princess shoes….why not?). If your kids hate their outfit, it will show - no matter what sort of bribe you give them. Find a way to compromise.

*I will say, all black, all white, or monochrome can be a little boring. Fun prints or PATTERNS, and textures can all add playfulness, interest, and warmth to photos.

I won't tell you what to do

I might suggest you stand near that tree, dip your toes in the water, sit down over there…but I won’t tell you how to do it.

Maybe you space out a bit, maybe you want to huddle close. Maybe you grab your 3 year old and tickle and kiss him as you touch the sand. Maybe you quietly hold his hand. WHat is true to you? Maybe you race to the waves (if you do that, let me know so i can be ready) or maybe you play airplane the whole way. If this feels like you and your kids love it, Do that. 

Lean into your season of life

Don’t expect tons of movement and laughter, with a newborn. Don’t expect your teen to be ultra cuddly or comfortable. Let your kids have a little space and redirect, connect with them like you normally would. Start a CONVERSATION with them and me, about SOMETHING YOU'VE noticed they are doing or into lately, that really catches your eye.

When you start to notice you are feeling tense over your kids death stare, your partners forgetful nature, pause and do your best to Focus on their still small hands, their soft cheeks, your husbands eyes, and choose to shake and laugh it off.

Allow yourself to be okay with whatever your kids are feeling that day. You may not have the perfect everyone smiling at the camera photo (which throws me back to older photos when everyone had to be still and serious for old film cameras - no smiles there and STILL so good.)

It will be a small reminder of the real life you live - messy, challenging, and yet BEAUTIFUL.

BEAUTIFUL is not perfect, it’s embracing all the parts that fit together to make something whole.. 

Here to support you

If you need a break (to change a quick diaper, feed a sad baby, or your kids are driving you nuts and you need to take a moment) please let me know. I am happy to photograph whoever is available or set my camera down and breathe with you

Trust me with I say - I have experienced so much of what it is like to be on the other side of the camera with my own kids. my own kids have not listened to another photographer, acted really goofy and got a scraped knee in the first 2 minutes. my own kids death stare me when I photograph them at times, or try to poke my lens (please no), or run away from me. It is so so normal. You are not alone.

Trust me when I say - if you stay calm, laugh, poke or tickle, give a boop on the nose, and let your ideal of perfection go, you will have way more fun and so will your family. I have photographed screaming babies, toddlers who don’t look at me for most of the session, and I will say every time, the families are amazed at what I can create out of seemingly nothing. If we really really need to reschedule or try again, I am open within reason! But again, I cannot make your child love me and smile beautifully all the time - they just met a stranger hehe. Part of that relies on you keeping the vibes calm and fun before, during, and promise of a reward after. Also - having a lot of grace for when your kids are kids - that's when the magic happens. 

these are the moments piled like postcards in my memory - tyler staton

  • You captured our family in such a genuine way, and they'll continue to be special to us for years to come.

    Ehrich Family

  • We truly love these pictures -- they feel like us and made us smile so big. I know we will cherish them forever"

    Eckberg Family

Okay but wait:

  • Real talk - have you considering letting him out of this one? Maybe he skips this session and joins the next. Maybe he hangs for half the time and the other time, he helps get the kids to smile or hangs with a kid who needs a minute while we shoot.

  • 99.9% of my clients feel this way and say the same thing. keeping the above tips in mind (deep breathes, stay playful, focus on the little sweetness before you) all helps you feel more at ease. I am also here to help you feel calm and comfortable. :)

  • Then do it! Find a pin and duplicate it. If your kids are into it too for their outfits, go for it. Just please wear it once or twice before to make sure you actually love it (how it feels, fits, moves)

  • nope! honestly I have parents pay for the 1-2 hour sessions and ask me to keep it under. I can do that! Especially for the super tired parents, the kid who only has 30 minutes in them that day. I get it. We can create beautiful images in whatever time your kid (and you) have capacity for.

    If you really want to make use of all the time, we can. Let’s take a quick break if a snack or outfit change is needed.

  • yes! thank you, yes!!

    I LOVE film. I can shoot more rolls or pivot to all film (I can invoice you the upcharge).

    If you prefer more polaroids, want some messier vibes (disposable type photos) let me know - I love love mixing it up.