What does the session fee include?

I am an all inclusive photographer. This means the session fee covers my time to capture and edit your photos, and return them to you quickly. You will also receive access to all images via high-resolution digital download! Prints and fine art, such as metal prints and canvas are available to purchase once your gallery is ready to view, usually within one to two weeks.

I only need digital images so I can print them myself. Is that okay?

Once your gallery is ready, you'll get an email to see your photos. Choose to download digital images for easy sharing online or order prints from the gallery. I recommend ordering prints from my professional lab for the best quality. Avoid using pharmacy labs for lower-quality processing that may distort colors. Invest in art for lasting memories on your walls!

How much can I expect to spend on my photo products?

It depends on what you decide to do with your final images and how you intend to display them. Each family is different and spends differently. My clients spend anything from $200 to $1,500 and beyond on prints and products. What I suggest is to keep in mind the importance of capturing these special moments, and how quickly time passes. Many families budget in annual photos every year to capture the growth of their children and their changing families. I can ensure the photos you purchase will truly be a precious investment you are proud to share with others. I take great care to deliver only exceptional images for all my clients!

What’s your photography style?

I specialize in Lifestyle Photography, and I also combine a bit of Documentary and Traditional photos to my sessions. My goal is to capture the connection and emotion you have with one another as a family. You will spend more time looking at one another, cuddling, and laughing than you will spend looking at my camera.

How did you get into photography?

I started out as a landscape and wild life photographer, and fell into portraiture quite by accident. I took a photo of my youngest daughter, Sarah, age 5 at the time, jumping in a field at a location of Stallion Springs known as “The Bench,” and entered it into a local photo contest. I won first place in the Portrait category, and TO MY COMPLETE SURPRISE, the photo also won Best In Show among all photos entered. This was in 2016. Since then, I fell in love with the style of marrying landscape with portraiture. I also enjoy using a variety of background and urban textures in my work, which you may notice in my work on this site.

Do you do newborn photos?

Yes! I offer in home newborn lifestyle sessions. These intimate sessions last one to two hours, as we go with the speed of the newborn. I usually do these sessions mid-morning for the best light, but also because this is the time of day when baby is less fussy. I do not bring props or place baby in awkward poses. Baby is perfect just as they are. No props are needed. When I arrive at your home, I’ll have you give me a tour so I can find the room with the best natural light. This is often in the master bedroom, and sometimes in the nursery. All I need is one good window. Nothing else.

When is the best time to book our Newborn Session?

Book with me when you’re expecting so I can get you on my calendar. I try to keep my schedule flexible to allow for newborn sessions within their first month. We can always schedule it for later, but during their first month of life is the preferred time. Babies grow SO FAST, so that first month is a super special time to capture them AND YOU on camera.

What should I wear?

As I tell my kiddos, “You be you.” I do not style my clients for their photo sessions. I prefer to capture people exactly as they are, in their own style. Therefore, dress nicely in your own style! Don’t dress in any way you don’t normally dress, because then you won’t feel comfortable in your own skin for the session. If you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t look comfortable on camera. So…”You be you!”

Where will we go for our session?

After you book your session, you will complete a questionnaire where you can select an ideal location for you and your family. This may be a local park, urban area in the city, family farm or ranch, such as a location only you have rights or access to, etc. A specific location like that may make your photos that much more special and meaningful. If it’s a personal family location, I may request to visit it prior to the shoot so I can plan the session better. I have locations in Bakersfield and outlying areas I can suggest for different seasons of the year. Some suggestions may be different than you were thinking…such as Vasquez Rocks, or the Mojave Desert. I am also open to traveling to the beach for a shoot. Please note, travel fees apply to any location outside of Bakersfield. Fees vary upon location and are charged at a rate of $1/each mile. (For example, 50 miles outside of 93312 would be invoiced at $50, etc.)

What if my children misbehave and carry on during the shoot?

I’m used to working with kiddos! I take playful and heartfelt photos to capture real moments. You can rely on me to manage the session smoothly, including capturing photos of your children being themselves.

Do you fix things like acne on teenagers?

Absolutely! Carefully editing each selected image is all part of the service, so there is no need to worry about getting a break-out on the day of your shoot!

I don’t like getting my picture taken. Can we just do a photoshoot of the kids?

Of course, no problem! I love to get parents involved, but this doesn’t always happen.

I want to encourage you to consider it though. Perhaps you feel you are not photogenic or that photographs draw attention to your insecurities. However, remember your kids don’t care about any of these things, and especially as they get older, images with their parents will be one of the most important things they have in the future. I bet you wish you had more photos with your own parents…Please TRUST ME to pose you in a way that will flatter you, giving you photos you will not just LIKE, but will LOVE!

How long after our session will the images be ready?

I know you will be excited to see your images which is why I aim for a QUICK turnaround. Your images will be ready for you to view within TWO WEEKS…usually sooner!

How do we see our images when they are finished?

I love showing your images to you! When your images are ready, you will receive an email to view your entire gallery. From there, you can purchase your prints and canvas from your gallery or download your digital images.

Can I share the cost and invite extended family along?

Of course! Please be sure to book the “Extended Family” session. Many families decide to arrange a shoot along with their parents and/or siblings, nieces and nephews. This is the purpose of the “Extended Family” shoot. I will happily take individual and group shots and make arrangements to email each family their own gallery. Please arrange to gather the email addresses of each person “in charge” of the ordering for each family from the Extended Family shoot. This is how everyone will receive their individual invitation to view their own gallery.

We can only be available for a shoot on a weekend but you only seem to have weekday availability?

Weekend slots can be snapped up very quickly and quite far in advance, meaning many families opt for weekday slots. I encourage you to think of your shoot like any other weekday appointment a few hours off work and/or school. After all, it is a special occasion!

During the Summer months, an early evening shoot is possible due to the lighter nights. The light can truly be gorgeous at this time, and these often are my favorite shoots!

During the rest of the year, shoots take place earlier in the day to maximize available light.

How do I book?

If you have decided to go ahead and book a photo shoot with me - GREAT! All you need to do is book by clicking that button below! I will do the rest. Don’t put it off. Get in touch and let’s start planning your shoot. I’m looking forward to working with you!