Portraits & Photo Shoots
What kinds of portraits do you do?
All kinds! I photograph families, generational portraits, children, newborns, pets, maternity, professional headshots, modeling headshots, senior and grad portraits, artist portraits, large groups (7+), solo portraits, and more.
Do you help with posing?
Always! Regardless of what kind of portrait session you're looking to do, I will chat with you before we start shooting about your session goals, what kind of look you're hoping to achieve, whether you want more action shots, posed portraits, or "of the moment" shots; and during the shoot I'll prompt and pose you as needed to help create that vision. If you're worried or uncertain about where to put your hands or how to angle your head, worry not! I've got you covered.
How do I book you for a session?
Check out the Booking page! Depending on the session type, you can book using the automated online booking calendar, or you can contact me directly to coordinate a more involved shoot type (such as newborn sessions and styled shoots). I go into detail about how to book and what to expect on the booking page, so give it a look! And if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
How soon do I get my photos?
It depends on the session type and time of year. Simpler session types and slow periods (~January, February, July, August) have quicker turnaround times. Generally, for shoots 30-45 minutes in length, you will receive your photos within 4-8 business days after your session. For shoots longer than 45 minutes, or shoots that include retouching, anticipate 5-15 business days.
How many photos are included in a "full gallery"?
If your package includes the "full gallery", that means I have gone through your set and selected every photo that I deem to be of professional quality and/or sentimental value, with no restriction on the total number of images. This can sometimes mean I include photos that are slightly blurry or out of focus because the subject has a smile that's just right, or it was a capture of an otherwise perfect candid moment. Full gallery packages most fully and accurately reflect the best of every pose and candid moment we had during your shoot.
"Full Gallery" packages typically include:
This is not a hard guarantee; total photo count can vary based on the type of shoot, the number of people being photographed, their ages and mobility. If the shoot is longer or there are more people involved, you will likely get more photos. If the shoot involves a lot of set up (i.e. styled shoots or shoots with backdrops or lighting kits) or includes infants, young children, the elderly, or those with mobility and/or hearing impairments, you will likely get less photos. If the shoot goes smoothly overall (the weather is good, there isn't a lot of foot traffic at the location, the subjects are loose and comfortable in front of the camera), I can shoot quite high--sometimes 25-70 final shots higher than the average numbers quoted above. I have shot plenty of 30 minute sessions over the years with active or smiley families that have resulted in 100+ final edited photos. If you have any questions about how many final photos you can expect for your group, feel free to ask!
"Full Gallery" packages typically include:
- 30 minute session: 40-60+ photos
- 45 minute session: 55-70+ photos
- 60 minute session: 70-80+ photos
- 90 minute session: 90-150+ photos
This is not a hard guarantee; total photo count can vary based on the type of shoot, the number of people being photographed, their ages and mobility. If the shoot is longer or there are more people involved, you will likely get more photos. If the shoot involves a lot of set up (i.e. styled shoots or shoots with backdrops or lighting kits) or includes infants, young children, the elderly, or those with mobility and/or hearing impairments, you will likely get less photos. If the shoot goes smoothly overall (the weather is good, there isn't a lot of foot traffic at the location, the subjects are loose and comfortable in front of the camera), I can shoot quite high--sometimes 25-70 final shots higher than the average numbers quoted above. I have shot plenty of 30 minute sessions over the years with active or smiley families that have resulted in 100+ final edited photos. If you have any questions about how many final photos you can expect for your group, feel free to ask!
how do I prepare for my session?
I've got several articles on my blog to help you prepare for and get the most out of your photo session, be it prepping your pet, your toddler, or dressing your best. Check out some of the articles here.
What happens if it rains? Do you have a weather policy?
My weather policy is to shoot rain or shine, with the exception of unsafe conditions. Generally, I consider unsafe conditions to be heavy rain, hail, heat over 96 degrees, or wind gusts in excess of 40mph; however if you have sensitive folks in your group, such as elders or the mobility impaired, please let me know, as that can change the parameters! In the event weather conditions are deemed unsafe, I will do my best to reschedule you. If we are unable to find a date that works you will receive a refund of your deposit.
In the event of safe adverse weather, I will coordinate with you based on weather conditions. I've done plenty of cute rainy day sessions with clients in matching raincoats and galoshes, and have made good use of windy days to create dramatic, windswept portraits. I also have lots of tips and tricks for handling less-than-ideal weather so your session isn't spent getting hair out of your face or keeping water off your toes!
Part of why I have a pre-chosen selection of shoot locations is that I take issues like weather into account when I choose where to shoot. I try to make sure as many of my locations as possible have shade, some form of rain covering, bathrooms, and a potable water source so that when bad weather strikes--be it a heat wave, rain, or wind--we'll have what we need to complete our session comfortably, and get the best possible shots out of the conditions mother nature throws our way.
Want to know more about how to make adverse weather conditions work for your shoot? Read more here!
In the event of safe adverse weather, I will coordinate with you based on weather conditions. I've done plenty of cute rainy day sessions with clients in matching raincoats and galoshes, and have made good use of windy days to create dramatic, windswept portraits. I also have lots of tips and tricks for handling less-than-ideal weather so your session isn't spent getting hair out of your face or keeping water off your toes!
Part of why I have a pre-chosen selection of shoot locations is that I take issues like weather into account when I choose where to shoot. I try to make sure as many of my locations as possible have shade, some form of rain covering, bathrooms, and a potable water source so that when bad weather strikes--be it a heat wave, rain, or wind--we'll have what we need to complete our session comfortably, and get the best possible shots out of the conditions mother nature throws our way.
Want to know more about how to make adverse weather conditions work for your shoot? Read more here!
Editing & Style
What is your editing style?
I edit light. I aim to create images with a wide tonal range, balanced contrast, bright (but not over-saturated) colors, and a touch of warmth. I custom-design all my Lightroom filters and do not use generative AI. I edit each session by hand to ensure consistency across a set, address individual issues in an image, and better meet my clients' style goals. You can see an example of my editing below (click to enlarge).
What is the difference between 'editing' and 'retouching'?
'Editing' is when I take a raw photo (unaltered, straight from the camera), and make basic adjustments to the image to give it a clean, professional look. These adjustments include color balance, exposure, contrast, sharpness, and cropping, among others. 'Retouching' is taking an edited photo and making additional, fine-detail adjustments: removing blemishes or scratches, flyaway hairs or passersby in the background, smoothing skin, whitening teeth, etc.
Unedited/Raw
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Edited
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Edited + Retouched
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Do I need retouching on my photos?
Retouching is ideal for certain types of limited-subject portraits, like professional headshots, engagement photos, or when there is a particular known issue you would like addressed in your photograph such as an acne flare up or a recent cat scratch.
For example, I once did a fall senior portrait where the young man had spent the summer caddying on a golf course and got a distinctive hat tan line on his forehead. In his portraits, the client paid to have this removed. In another instance, I photographed an outdoor wedding which suffered unexpectedly high winds. Many of the wedding portrait subjects had flyaway hairs which the client paid to remove.
Barring the instances described above, in most circumstances basic editing alone is more than sufficient to achieve a stylish, professional look to your session photographs.
For example, I once did a fall senior portrait where the young man had spent the summer caddying on a golf course and got a distinctive hat tan line on his forehead. In his portraits, the client paid to have this removed. In another instance, I photographed an outdoor wedding which suffered unexpectedly high winds. Many of the wedding portrait subjects had flyaway hairs which the client paid to remove.
Barring the instances described above, in most circumstances basic editing alone is more than sufficient to achieve a stylish, professional look to your session photographs.
How would you describe your photography style?
My photography roots are in photojournalism, so I tend towards the candid, documentary, and editorial. You may see my shooting and editing style sometimes referred to as "lifestyle" photography. It emphasizes the natural and steers away from the openly posed and artificial--capturing people as they are in real life, artistically. A large part of what I incorporate into my work is getting to know my clients--their personality, interests, and life experiences--so that I can capture and convey those things about them in a natural and aesthetically pleasing way.
Now that doesn't mean there is no posing involved! I always make sure to take a few classic, posed shots in every portrait session, and I often guide or prompt my clients to help them achieve a clean, comfortable look in their pictures. I may show them where best to place their hands, I may use supplemental lighting sources, tell jokes, or stage important moments in a wedding or event if the moment didn't naturally pan out "picture-perfect".
Now that doesn't mean there is no posing involved! I always make sure to take a few classic, posed shots in every portrait session, and I often guide or prompt my clients to help them achieve a clean, comfortable look in their pictures. I may show them where best to place their hands, I may use supplemental lighting sources, tell jokes, or stage important moments in a wedding or event if the moment didn't naturally pan out "picture-perfect".
Weddings
How many weddings have you photographed?
Over 100! About 70 of those weddings were as the lead photographer, and the rest as a second shooter.
What's the difference you ask? A lead photographer is doing a lot of the directing, coordinating, communication with the client, shot planning, time management, that sort of thing. A second or associate photographer is a photographer the lead brings on to help capture supplemental shots such as detail shots, wedding guest/table portraits, or shots from a second angle during important moments. While the lead role is certainly more responsibility-heavy, each role is uniquely important, and demands a slightly different skill set and perspective.
What's the difference you ask? A lead photographer is doing a lot of the directing, coordinating, communication with the client, shot planning, time management, that sort of thing. A second or associate photographer is a photographer the lead brings on to help capture supplemental shots such as detail shots, wedding guest/table portraits, or shots from a second angle during important moments. While the lead role is certainly more responsibility-heavy, each role is uniquely important, and demands a slightly different skill set and perspective.
What kinds of weddings do you have experience with?
I've been really lucky to shoot a very wide array of weddings during different times of year, varied weather, and even in different states! I've photographed in rain, snow, heavy fog, hot summer sun, and high winds. I even once did a wedding which took place as a blizzard was getting started along the Massachusetts Cape. Driving home that night was sure something!
I've photographed a (shortened) Cambodian ceremony, traditional Indian ceremonies, several Catholic weddings with full Mass, Jewish ceremonies, and plenty of secular ones. I've photographed weddings as large as 400 and as small as 10.
I've photographed in large historic churches and small community ones, on beaches and in forests; in backyards, barns, restaurants, country clubs, and event halls of all sorts.
I've photographed a (shortened) Cambodian ceremony, traditional Indian ceremonies, several Catholic weddings with full Mass, Jewish ceremonies, and plenty of secular ones. I've photographed weddings as large as 400 and as small as 10.
I've photographed in large historic churches and small community ones, on beaches and in forests; in backyards, barns, restaurants, country clubs, and event halls of all sorts.
What is working with you like? What can I expect?
Prior to your big day we will discuss at length the outline of events, location, and guest list. I take meticulous notes and will have plenty of questions for you during our meetings and research the venue ahead of time so as to be as prepared as possible for the shooting conditions on the day of your wedding.
Throughout most of the event day I shoot with one camera, though I use a two-camera setup during the ceremony. The specific equipment I use varies depending on space, lighting conditions, need, and client preference; though I bring with me 4 off-camera flashes and stands, flash umbrellas and reflectors for portraits (if needed), as well as a variety of lenses.
My goal is to be as unobtrusive as possible throughout your day, and I adjust my shooting strategies accordingly as I go. I aim to capture largely candid, natural moments when and where I can, though I will step in to pose or stage shots when natural moments don't pan out quite "picture perfect".
Throughout most of the event day I shoot with one camera, though I use a two-camera setup during the ceremony. The specific equipment I use varies depending on space, lighting conditions, need, and client preference; though I bring with me 4 off-camera flashes and stands, flash umbrellas and reflectors for portraits (if needed), as well as a variety of lenses.
My goal is to be as unobtrusive as possible throughout your day, and I adjust my shooting strategies accordingly as I go. I aim to capture largely candid, natural moments when and where I can, though I will step in to pose or stage shots when natural moments don't pan out quite "picture perfect".
What do you recommend including in a wedding photography package?
For a typical 6-8 hour wedding, I recommend getting at least 300 JPEG's with editing, a flash drive, and a 50+ page photo book. In my experience, that is the bare minimum a client will still be really happy with years down the road.
However, if photography is a big component of how you plan to remember your day in the future, or is important to you generally as a medium, I would recommend instead opting for the full day's photos with editing, a flash drive, a 100+ page photo book, and at least 1 medium-large sized framed print or wall canvas. This is a big topic though, and I go into it in greater depth in this blog post. Be sure to give it a read!
However, if photography is a big component of how you plan to remember your day in the future, or is important to you generally as a medium, I would recommend instead opting for the full day's photos with editing, a flash drive, a 100+ page photo book, and at least 1 medium-large sized framed print or wall canvas. This is a big topic though, and I go into it in greater depth in this blog post. Be sure to give it a read!
I'm on a really tight budget. Where should I consider cutting costs?
Generally, I would recommend cutting out the photo book, and trimming down on editing or the number of images included in your package. What I would not recommend is whittling down your coverage hours. While this isn't true for all photographers, it is true for me: I hold on to client photos (both JPEG's and digital negatives) for a minimum of 1 year after the shoot date (though in all honesty, I'm still maintaining my archive all the way back to 2012). If finances change down the road, you can always come back to me and purchase editing, licensing to more photos, or a photo book. What you can't do is go back in time and have a photographer cover the hours you originally opted out of on your wedding day.