• FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the sessions that I am NOW BOOKING

In an attempt to streamline client communication, I have gathered a list of frequently asked questions and responded with links to support my answers. These answers apply mainly to children and family portraiture but some responses can be applied to events and weddings as well. If you have specific questions about a session, please don’t hesitant to reach out.

Personal Headshots / Bulk & Company Rates / Custom Photo Sessions / $100 Headshot Day / Mini, Full and Extended Family Photo Sessions / Adventure Session / Events / Weddings

What is your approach to a photo session?

My main objective as a portrait photographer is to understand and connect with the people I’m photographing—a skill I’ve been repeatedly told I excel at. I take the time to get to know my subjects, whether through conversation or, for candid images, by quietly observing from afar to capture natural reactions without disrupting the moment. During family sessions, I alternate between asking for specific poses and encouraging my clients to play games and enjoy one another, ensuring I capture genuine, authentic moments. Above all, I believe a successful session is one where everyone has a great time and walks away with positive memories.

When photographing children, I aim to gain their attention and trust at the very start. Since many kids assume family photo sessions will be a drag, I take time to warm them up. I may pull kids aside at the beginning to play a game with my camera, asking them to show me their best silly faces—which usually leads to real smiles. I often say 'film is free,' meaning I’ll take as many photos as needed to capture a beautiful family portrait out of what feels like a lot of goofing around. That’s just the nature of kids! The more we allow them to be wild, free, and themselves, the easier it is to create happy photos. Patience is key, and connecting with your kids is crucial to the session’s success.

In addition to 25 years of photography, I’ve worked as a preschool teacher, private nanny, house manager, and Mom for even longer. When I say 'I understand children,' I truly mean it!

What types of sessions do you photograph?

I am, at heart, a portrait photographer. My extensive understanding of various lighting conditions and skill in managing supplemental light allow me to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of settings. I cover in-home, studio, and outdoor children’s portraits, families, senior sessions, headshots and branding, events, weddings, and even roller derby photography.

  • Children - Connecting with kids is usually my main goal and greatest gift.

  • Families - Fun, posed and candid family portraits that promote play, showcase personality and capture connections.

  • Seniors - Unique, individualized portraits that truly capture personality.

  • Headshots  / Branding - Professional, posed, authentic and fresh headshots and branding sessions for corporate companies and individuals. 

  • Events - Mostly candid but some posed photos that properly document and thoroughly capture the essence of any event.

  • Weddings - Capturing every key detail of your wedding day with grit, kindness, soul and a lot of fun.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

There is no better way to challenge me than to tell me that your toddler will not look my way. Also, I really enjoy senior sessions because of the individualized attention that I am able to give my subject. My personal project is roller derby - I have been a roller derby photographer for 10 years for up to 6 leagues at a time. My derby name is: RAW Power. (It’s an Iggy Pop reference / file format joke.)

What is the best way to communicate with you?

The best way to reach me directly is via email. Since I am typically booked solid over the weekends, emails received during that time (unless related to a session scheduled that weekend) will be addressed by Tuesday of the following week. My phone number is reserved exclusively for day-of-session communication.

A message about connection through social media: 

I do not book jobs through Instagram, my business Facebook page, or my personal Facebook page. All booking requests made via social media will be redirected to email. If you have questions about a session, please review the information on the FAQ page before emailing me. Alternatively, you can book directly through my booking page.

How much do sessions cost?

Rate information can be accessed here. I work really hard to keep my prices as accessible as possible for everyone. I offer discounted sessions multiple times a year. The best way to be alerted of those offerings is by signing up for my newsletter.

How do I pay?

Sessions booked through the booking site require a $200 booking fee to reserve your date, though you’re welcome to pay the full amount upfront upon request. I will email your remaining invoice, which can be paid electronically via the provided link (I invoice through Quickbooks) or in person (cash or check). Full payment is due two weeks before the session. Invoices are sent on Tuesdays and Fridays, so if you haven’t received yours, please wait until.

What is your background in photography?

I have been studying photography for over 25 years, starting with my first camera—a Pentax K1000. I was trained on film and in the darkroom, developing my skills while working as a preschool teacher throughout high school and college. Many of my rolls of film featured a mix of children and the rock bands I was following at the time. In 2001, I earned a commercial photography degree from The Art Institute of Seattle.

When my daughter was born in 2007, I became a nanny and house manager, allowing me to spend my days with her while dedicating my evenings and weekends to growing my photography business. After an internship with a wedding photographer in 2014, I rebranded, rebuilt, and expanded my work. I’ve been a full-time photographer ever since, although I still care for kids from time to time—because I truly enjoy it.

As a certified Nikon professional photographer, I bring extensive experience and top-of-the-line equipment to every session. I actively use five camera bodies and eight lenses, supplemented by five Profoto lights and modifiers—often considered the Cadillac of lighting gear. Yes, I’ve made the switch to mirrorless, embracing the latest advancements in technology. I also still own and occasionally shoot with film cameras, although I don’t use them for client sessions.

This combination of skill and professional gear allows me to create high-quality, dynamic images in any setting.

As a certified Nikon professional photographer, I bring extensive experience and top-of-the-line equipment to every session. I actively use five camera bodies and eight lenses, supplemented by five Profoto lights and modifiers—often considered the Cadillac of lighting gear. Yes, I’ve made the switch to mirrorless, embracing the latest advancements in technology. I also still own and occasionally shoot with film cameras, although I don’t use them for client sessions. Yes, I utilize AI while culling and editing small areas of images while editing.

This combination of skill and professional gear allows me to create high-quality, dynamic images in any setting.

Credentials, Awards and Affiliations:

When are your mini sessions?

I offer a series of mini sessions on warm, sunny evenings during spring and summer weekdays - because that’s when I love taking photos, and trust me, your kids feel the same way! Exploring a park or garden is so much easier and more enjoyable when the weather is nice and the days are long.

Mini sessions are offered at a discounted rate on select weekday evenings between April 23st and August 29th. While ideal for families, they’re also perfect for special circumstances, high school seniors who prefer a shorter session, headshot refreshes, social media or dating profile photos, small branding sessions, and more.

2025 mini session fests will be held as follows and will be available for booking after September 1st 2025:

These sessions are carefully scheduled and curated, highly structured, and held at a location of my choosing. Typically, they are not customizable. I take the time to scout the perfect location and plan a full or half day of sessions for multiple families. This efficient approach allows me to offer these sessions at a reduced rate, as it condenses the hours spent on planning.

Any available mini sessions will be listed on the scheduling page.

Any sessions booked between September 1st and December 25th will be considered a full family session and charged my full family session rate - please plan accordingly.

How far in advance do I need to book with you?

My calendar is typically booked out about six weeks in advance. However, I reserve a few days each month for last-minute bookings or rescheduled sessions. These reserved dates are typically days I would otherwise use for editing, so availability is not guaranteed. During busy seasons, I may not be able to accommodate last-minute requests, so please plan accordingly. If you have a specific date in mind or want to inquire about booking or feel free to send me a message.

Is there a contract?

All clients are required to sign a contract. You will need to pay close attention to the information you receive after booking a session. From there, you will be directed to your contract page - which is also where you will purchase your session. Sessions are not considered booked until they are contracted and paid for.

Do I have to pay taxes?

Yes, since I am a taxpayer, I also have to be a tax charger.

Do you have a rain plan?

  • I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years, so I’m no stranger to unpredictable weather! Because of this, I do not cancel sessions until 24 hours in advance - or sometimes even just hours before - unless it’s absolutely pouring.

  • I come prepared with an arsenal of clear umbrellas and a handful of covered location options to keep the session running smoothly. My philosophy is simple: we shoot regardless of weather!

  • For those who prefer indoor options, I have three studios available. However, these studios are small and require significant Photoshop work for larger family sessions.
    For more details on how we handle rainy day sessions, please check out our rain plan.

What is your cancellation policy?

  • Cancellations: Clients may cancel or reschedule by providing written notice at least 72 hours before the session. Cancellations or rescheduling with less than 72 hours’ notice will forfeit the booking fee unless otherwise agreed in writing.

  • Rescheduling: For rescheduled sessions, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the client’s new date. If the photographer is unavailable despite these efforts, it will be treated as a cancellation. Sessions must be re-booked within six months, with at least six weeks’ notice before the new date. The session fee is valid for 12 months from the original date, after which it may expire. Reschedules more than 6 months after the original date may be subject to pricing increases, which will be communicated beforehand. Reschedules due to weather will not require a new booking fee, and priority scheduling will be offered.

  • No Refunds: Fees paid prior to same day cancellation are non-refundable.

  • Late Arrivals: Session time may be reduced for late arrivals, and no compensation or refunds will be provided for lost time.

  • Replacement: If the photographer cannot perform the session, they may offer a replacement photographer with the client’s consent. If no consent is given, all fees and retainers will be refunded, and the agreement will be terminated with no further obligations.

What do we wear?

Read more about what to wear here.

Can we bring our dog?

I’m absolutely an animal person! Dogs are welcome at sessions, but it’s important to note that they can change the energy—especially when kids are involved. Dogs are usually good for a handful of photos before they’d rather just do dog stuff. (I’ve taken thousands of images while standing on a dog leash because of this!)

While I’m also a cat person, I recommend leaving your cat at home—unless you’re ready for chaos!

My toddler is impossible, are you sure you can photograph them?

With my background as a former child care provider, I’ve seen it all—and developed a deep well of patience that only comes from decades of experience with children. I pride myself on being able to connect and level with just about anyone, kids included.

My approach to photographing children is relaxed and calm. I believe the photos should capture the essence of the people in them, so I don’t come with rigid expectations or a set agenda. Instead, I continuously adapt throughout the session to meet the needs and interests of each child and family.

Do you own a studio?

Yes, here you can find information about the studios. Please note that they are very small and can currently host no more than 3 people at a time.

Do you shoot with natural light or studio lights?

The use of lighting gear depends on the type of session, the time of day, and the time of year. For children and family sessions, I typically avoid using lighting gear because little ones are far too busy, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with them while adjusting lights! Instead, I plan these sessions around the best possible natural lighting conditions. That said, I own five portable, highly powerful lights that I bring to sessions and events as needed, ensuring flexibility for a variety of settings and lighting challenges. To ensure the best possible natural lighting for family sessions, I plan the session timing and location carefully. Here’s how I optimize the lighting:

  • Golden Hour: Whenever possible, I schedule sessions during golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset. This time of day provides soft, flattering light with fewer harsh shadows.

  • Open Shade: If midday is unavoidable, I look for areas of open shade (like under trees or near buildings) to diffuse the sunlight and reduce harsh contrasts.

  • Window Light (Indoors): For indoor sessions, I position subjects near large windows for even, natural light. North-facing windows are especially ideal for consistent light.

  • Overcast Days: Cloudy skies are actually a hidden gem for family sessions, as they act as a giant natural diffuser, providing soft, even lighting.

  • Constant Adjustments: I stay adaptable during sessions, adjusting positioning and angles on the fly to capture the best light as it shifts throughout the session.

This thoughtful approach helps create beautiful, natural-looking images while allowing the session to remain fun and relaxed for families.

How many photos will I get?

The number of images you receive depends on the type of session, how smoothly the session flows, and the level of editing required.

  • Full Family Sessions typically result in 75 to 100 photos.

  • Weddings generally yield 300 to 500 images.

Each gallery is carefully curated and edited to ensure high-quality images that reflect the best moments of your session.

Where can I view my photos?

  • I will create a custom gallery for you and provide a download PIN. The images uploaded to your gallery will be full, high-resolution files.

  • Your gallery is connected to a top-tier professional printer, allowing you to order prints and products directly. Simply click the shopping cart icon in the top right corner of any photo to begin your order.

  • For custom orders or special requests, please email me, and I’ll be happy to assist you.

I forgot the link to my photo gallery and/or the PIN. Can you help?

Yes, just email me to access that information again. 

What is your turnaround time?

Please be aware that my lead time is essential to ensure I deliver the best possible images for every client. I have recently extended my turnaround time during the 2024-25 school year as I anticipate a very busy year—my daughter is graduating and aging out of her roller derby league, a milestone filled with emotions that I want to be fully present for. In some cases, sessions can be rush-processed for an additional fee of 50%.

  • Please allow 5 weeks for session galleries and 8 weeks for weddings to be fully processed.

  • Reaching out to inquire about the status will not expedite the post-production process.

  • I am always working diligently to produce multiple galleries at once, and I take great care in editing each image to ensure the highest quality. This meticulous editing process takes time.

  • Flexibility for Small Edits: If you have minor edit requests after receiving your gallery, I’m happy to accommodate. While these small changes are typically handled within my regular lead time, I will do my best to expedite simple edits when possible. For any urgent edits or revisions, feel free to email me to discuss options.

  • Upgraded Options: If you’d like additional edited images, please let me know before the session so I can capture enough material to build a full gallery.

  • One-of-a-kind prints and products are also available upon request. To initiate a conversation about these options, please email.

  • Rush Processing: If you require rush processing, please let me know as soon as possible. You can request this via email or mention it at the time of booking. Rush processing comes with a 50% fee and is subject to availability.

  • Thank you for your patience and understanding—this lead time ensures that I can deliver the best possible images to every client.

How long will you store my photos?

  • Your images will be available for download from my hosting site for up to six months after your session. Please download all photos to a desktop computer and save them in a secure location. (Note: Downloads are not permitted on handheld devices to help prevent image theft.)

  • If you need your gallery re-uploaded after the six-month window, a $50 re-upload fee will apply.

  • Extended Access & Backup Options: If you’d like extended access beyond six months or want to purchase a backup service, please contact me to discuss options.

Can I have the RAW (unprocessed) files?

  • I do not deliver RAW files under any circumstances. (Think of it like delivering the macaroni without the cheese—it’s just not complete!)

  • However, if you feel that any particular image needs to be reworked or re-edited, please let me know. I’m happy to accommodate re-editing requests at a rate of $150 per hour.