Fredericksburg, VA & Surrounding areas
Understanding the Process - what every client should know
You will notice during your session that I may take many photographs. I do this so that I can give you the best of the best. Sadly, not all shots are worthy of keeping. There may be blinking, facial expressions, body posture, colors, etc. that are off. Editing can take up to a hour per image depending on the photo. Getting photographs taken with me is not like getting images at many places where they take your photos quickly and immediately sell them to you. I take my time both in photographing and in editing to give you the best photographs possible! You can expect that eyes, teeth, skin and more will all be fine-tuned in a natural looking manner and that backgrounds, colors and so much more will all be managed to make your images the absolute best. Please keep in mind that this is an artform. As an artist I do not show images that are unedited or edit images that do not meet the standards of excellence that I set for all my clients. Please trust me when I tell you that those that are chosen are done so with great care and consideration. Doing business with high standards is my mission and I strive to showcase only the best for you and your loved ones!
~ Family Sessions ~
Helpful Information
Have on your calm face! If you are calm the baby/kids will be calm (or at least calmer). If you have a child who is not behaving (or more than one) please do not yell or be demanding as children are much less likely to smile and this may result in strained unnatural photographs. Please do not worry if your children are not perfectly behaved! I have four children of my own so I definitely know how to handle some rambunctiousness and if I need assistance, I will let you know. With younger children it often helps to give them some sort of incentive for behaving well following the session or to make it some sort of game.
Clothing
- Do not try to match your family instead try to coordinate.
- Choose a color group or category. Example color groups are pastels, deep colors, primary colors, earth tones, etc.
- Neutral and soft colors work best for these sessions.
- Please do not wear florescent colors as they tend to color cast on faces and skin and can be very harsh.
- Be sure to have the right undergarments on for your outfits so that straps, etc. do not show.
- Stay away from green when taking photos in grassy\wooded areas as it can be too much green
- Stay away from small patterns, graphics and busy fabrics
- Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle free
Makeup & Hair
- Ensure that your skin is hydrated and apply a good primer for makeup.
- The camera can diminish features you would normally try to accent like your lips or eyes. Be bolder when applying makeup to those areas. For example, if you normally use brown liner or mascara, black would be better. Keep it balanced and be careful not to overdo one specific area.
- If you decide to wear lipstick, please bring it along for any necessary touch ups if needed
- Oil blotting wipes, especially in the summer months, can be your best friend for removing excess shine. Please bring these along if you feel you may need these.
- Please do NOT wear highlighter or reflective\shimmery eye makeup as it can create harsh light that may ruin otherwise good photos. Matte makeups are your friend when being photographed.
- Please have hair clean, dry and brushed\styled for your desired session.
- If you need assistance with hair, I would be happy to add this service on before your session!
~ Senior Sessions~
Helpful Information
Once you have booked your session it is time to start planning your outfits. Remember that it is recommended to bring a minimal of 3 outfits! 4-6 in a mix of casual and dressy are even better. Pull items from your closet, go shopping and get ready for this amazing session and don't forget your props and accessories. Choose the order in which you would like to change into your outfits and keep all of your items together in one place, so you do not have to search for items last minute. On the day of your session bring everything you need including a smile and a fun attitude. Relax and most importantly - have fun!
Clothing
Outfits:
1) Parent Pleaser - Think crisp shirt or blouse with great jeans, nice shoes and classic accessories for a timeless look. This outfit will also look amazing as you feature your future college choice (If this applies). A college shirt, pennon, etc. are all great accessories for this.
2) Activities/Hobbies - From sports to chess club, your activities make up a big part of your high school experience. Bring a team jersey, dance line costume or favorite debate duds to commemorate your achievements. What's the most "you" thing you do? Bring along your musical instrument, your art pad or another object that shows off your most important personal interest.
3) Cap & Gown - Please wear the dress/dress clothes that you plan to wear for your big day underneath your gown so that I can capture amazing images everyone will love. If you can't decide on a color to go with white is always a great choice. Keep these things in mind when choosing your clothes:
- Wear items that coordinate. Choose a color group or category. Example color groups are pastels, deep colors, primary colors, earth tones, etc.
- Neutral and soft colors work best for these sessions.
- Please do not wear florescent colors as they tend to color cast on faces and skin and can be very harsh.
- Stay away from green when taking photos in grassy\wooded areas as it can be too much green
- Stay away from small patterns, graphics and busy fabrics
- Be sure to have the right undergarments on for your outfits so that straps, etc. do not show.
- Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle free
- Don't forget props/accessories!
Makeup & Hair
- Ensure that your skin is hydrated and apply a good primer for makeup.
- The camera can diminish features you would normally try to accent like your lips or eyes. Be bolder when applyiing makeup to those areas. For example, if you normally use brown liner or mascara, black would be better. Keep it balanced and be careful not to overdo one specific area.
- If you decide to wear lipstick, please bring it along for any necessary touch ups if needed.
- Oil blotting wipes, especially in the summer months, can be your best friend for removing excess shine. Please bring these along if you feel you may need these.
- Please do NOT wear highlighter or reflective\shimmery eye makeup as it can create harsh light that may ruin otherwise good photos. Matte makeups are your friend when being photographed.
- Please have hair clean, dry and brushed\styled for your desired session.
- If you need assistance with hair, I would be happy to add this service on before your session!
~ Maternity Sessions~
Helpful Information
Please Schedule your maternity session for when you are around 28-34 Weeks. You will be just the right size for me to show off your cute bump while you can still move easily and comfortably enough for flattering poses. I can of course photograph later, however, you may show signs of swelling, flushing and the process may not be comfortable standing or staying in position for prolonged periods. There are many beautiful maternity gowns available for these sessions - please reach out to me if you need assistance finding something perfect for your session.
Clothing
- I may have a maternity gown for you to use if desired - please inquire if this is needed.
- Have your fingernails professionally manicured or tipped. your hands will be in every image, so we want them looking fabulous!
- Black, white, neutral and soft or deep rich colors work best for these sessions. More on personal coloring and examples of flattering color palettes can be found below under Clothing Color Guides.
- Be sure to have the right undergarments on for your outfits so that straps, etc. do not show.
- Please do not wear florescent colors as they tend to color cast on faces and skin and can be very harsh.
- Stay away from green when taking photos in grassy\wooded areas as it can be too much green
- Stay away from small patterns and busy fabrics
- If dad is in images with you white, gray and black outfits in a mixture of casual or dress work best. Jeans, slacks and khakis work as well as black and white t shirts. Everything should be fairly new with no piling or rips.
- Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle free
- Apply non greasy lotions about two hours before session
- Remove any elastic clothing at least one hour before session
Makeup & Hair
- Ensure that your skin is hydrated and apply a good primer for makeup.
- The camera can diminish features you would normally try to accent like your lips or eyes. Be bolder when applyiing makeup to those areas. For example, if you normally use brown liner or mascara, black would be better. Keep it balanced and be careful not to overdo one specific area.
- If you decide to wear lipstick, please bring it along for any necessary touch ups if needed.
- Oil blotting wipes, especially in the summer months, can be your best friend for removing excess shine. Please bring these along if you feel you may need these.
- Please do NOT wear highlighter or reflective\shimmery eye makeup as it can create harsh light that may ruin otherwise good photos. Matte makeups are your friend when being photographed.
- Please have hair clean, dry and brushed\styled for your desired session.
- If you need assistance with hair, I would be happy to add this service on before your session!
~ Newborn Sessions~
Helpful Information
These sessions are recommended between 7-10 days, if premature you can adjust this to 7-10 days past their due date. The first few days are hard, and moms are often still bloated and tired. The younger the baby, the more naturally they pose like they are still in the womb. That being said anytime can be the perfect time. Right after or 6 weeks out is entirely up to you. Please have Mom, Dad and siblings ready for photos so that I can get you all photographed with the new addition. When I arrive, please plan to show me around the house if you opt to do an in-home session. I will want to look for the best light and seating set-ups. A bedroom is usually my top choice as they usually have good light and beds are excellent places to pose baby and family. (Please do not stress about messes, needing to feed the baby or anything else! I am a mother of four and I know what a busy time this is.) Please try to feed the baby just before the session starts. Let me know if there is anything specific you would like captured before I start and please prepare other children in the home with the fact that I will be there taking photos. Have on your calm face! If you are calm the baby/kids will be calm (or at least calmer).
Clothing
- I may have a newborn outfit for you to use if desired - please inquire if this is needed.
- Do not try to match your family instead try to coordinate.
- Neutral and soft colors work best for these sessions. More on personal coloring and examples of flattering color palettes can be found below under Clothing Color Guides.
- Please do not wear florescent colors as they tend to color cast on faces and skin and can be very harsh.
- Stay away from small patterns and busy fabrics
- Make sure clothes are clean and wrinkle free
- Be sure to have the right undergarments on for your outfits so that straps, etc. do not show.
- Please wear something you are comfortable in.
- These sessions look best without shoes.
Makeup & Hair
- Ensure that your skin is hydrated and apply a good primer for makeup.
- The camera can diminish features you would normally try to accent like your lips or eyes. Be bolder when applying makeup to those areas. For example, if you normally use brown liner or mascara, black would be better. Keep it balanced and be careful not to overdo one specific area.
- If you decide to wear lipstick, please bring it along for any necessary touch ups if needed.
- Oil blotting wipes, especially in the summer months, can be your best friend for removing excess shine. Please bring these along if you feel you may need these.
- Please do NOT wear highlighter or reflective\shimmery eye makeup as it can create harsh light that may ruin otherwise good photos. Matte makeups are your friend when being photographed.
- Please have hair clean, dry and brushed\styled for your desired session.
- If you need assistance with hair, I would be happy to add this service on before your session!
~ Couture & Fine Art Sessions ~
Helpful Information
What is a couture Session? These sessions are done in hand made, one-of-a-kind gowns to make the wearer feel magical, beautiful and like pure royalty! If I do not have a couture gown that fits the style or size you desire for your session, please let me know what color/size/look you are going for before we book your session, and I can rent a gown specifically for your session that will be absolutely perfect! These sessions are available for ALL ages!
What is a Fine Art Session? These sessions are where fantasy takes flight and costumes, makeup and digital special effects take your photos from great to absolutely breathtaking! These are great for Halloween or just plain fun and are often combined with couture sessions to take your couture session to the next level! Imagination is the inspiration and there is no limit to the beauty that can be created!
Clothing Guidelines
- No animals are allowed near couture dresses.
- No eating or drinking while in couture dresses. Please make sure you or your child(ren) have eaten, drank and gone to the bathroom (or been changed) before the session.
- No going into muddy, wet or other obvious areas that may soil couture dresses.
- When moving around during your session the hem of the couture dress must be held up, so it does not drag on the ground, snag or tear.
- Please be respectful of the couture dresses and accessories used as they are expensive; require special upkeep and we want to keep them looking great for all the people who will use them in the future.
Makeup & Hair
- Ensure that your skin is hydrated and apply a good primer for makeup.
- The camera can diminish features you would normally try to accent like your lips or eyes. Be bolder when applying makeup to those areas. For example, if you normally use brown liner or mascara, black would be better. Keep it balanced and be careful not to overdo one specific area.
- If you decide to wear lipstick, please bring it along for any necessary touch ups if needed.
- Oil blotting wipes, especially in the summer months, can be your best friend for removing excess shine. Please bring these along if you feel you may need these.
- Please do NOT wear highlighter or reflective\shimmery eye makeup as it can create harsh light that may ruin otherwise good photos. Matte makeups are your friend when being photographed.
- Please have hair clean, dry and brushed\styled for your desired session.
- If you need assistance with hair, I would be happy to add this service on before your session!
- If you would like assistance with makeup and are willing to bring your own supplies, please inquire. This may be available for your session.
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