Let’s get you ready

I’m so glad that you’re here hehehe.

Whether it’s your first shoot or your fifth, there’s a lot to think about. What to wear, where to go, how you want it to feel, how much direction you want from me… it all adds up and becomes YOUR shoot.

This page covers everything.

As you scroll through, remember: there is no right way to do this. Just whatever feels most you. I’ll meet you there and help make it feel easy and meaningful.

Below is a basic scale - from “Simplistic” to “Out of the Box”. Keep reading to explore what fits you best.

WE’re doing this

OUT OF THE BOX

SIMPLISTIC

LOCATION // where we shoot matters

Where we shoot sets the whole tone. While a wide open beach is beautiful, it’s not always the most meaningful option.

The more personal the place, the more your photos will feel like you.
I want you to look back years from now and say “That’s where we got pastries every Saturday morning” or “Remember how she used to pick flowers along that trail?”

Here's a mix of ideas

Your home / backyard
Breakfast at home in pajamas
Your favorite coffee shop
Grandma’s house or kitchen
Your beat up old truck or van
The beach you always go to
Your farmers market
A favorite hiking trail
That one place your kid won’t stop talking about
Your Sunday routine spot
A random roadside spot you’ve always loved

Where do you fall on the spectrum?

Classic: You love a scenic spot or a clean, easy access backdrop like the beach or an open field.
Personal / Specific: You’re drawn to meaningful places. Your grandma’s kitchen, the neighborhood farmers market, your favorite cafe, or a cluttered backyard full of childhood memories.

STYLING // SIMPLE VS. BOLD

Styling has a major impact on the mood and feel of your photos. On one end, you have simple, timeless outfits. Neutral tones, clean lines, and minimal accessories. On the other, you have bold, colorful, and expressive choices, like layered textures, fun patterns, and rich tones.

Here’s how each side looks:

Simple & Timeless: Think linen, beige tones, soft pastels, and minimalist accessories. This is beautiful when the pieces are quality and thoughtfully chosen. Classic is great but it needs to feel intentional and not just "safe."
Bold & Expressive: Think color, vintage sweaters, worn denim, fun shoes, layered jewelry, red lipstick.

Where do you fall on this spectrum? Are you more into a classic, timeless look, or do you want to bring more color, texture, and fun into your shoot?

A Quick Note on Millennial Basics: From your fellow millennial: yes, we can totally do better than the classic jeans, white tee or cardigan combo. If you’re leaning toward the simple and timeless end of the spectrum, think elevated basics.
Instead of a plain tee and skinny jeans, imagine an off white linen blouse with pinstriped barrel jeans or relaxed brown Dickies. Still simple, but more current with more texture, intention, and personality.

Here’s the spectrum:

Simple & Timeless:
Ease and subtlety baby. Maybe you’re drawn to linen, soft knits, well worn denim. You want your photos to feel calm and classic because YOU are calm and classic.

Unique & Expressive:
You are a vibe. Layers, color, vintage textures, and playful patterns. You might mix stripes with florals or throw on a statement sweater for the sake of fun. You want your photos to stand out from the rest and you know it.

Where do you fall?

Energy & Direction

Your energy matters and it’s my job to make you feel relaxed and supported. Some people arrive ready to run wild with their kids. Others need a little more hand holding to loosen up. I’m here for both.

I let things unfold naturally but I’m tuned innn baby. If you’re stuck, I’ll guide you. If your kid’s losing it, we pivot. If you’re blinded by the sun or something’s not working, we adjust. So fear not, I am there no matter what.

Some of my clients answer the door in pajamas, coffee in hand, kids running wild and don’t care what their kids are wearing — it’s real deal life. Others come with hair and makeup done, outfits steamed and a clear vision. Both are welcome here!! Your session can be as spontaneous or intentional as you want. And let’s be real…you probably already know which vibe feels more like you.

Here’s the spectrum:

Structured & Guided: You like clear prompts, direction, and maybe a few Pinterest poses for comfort.
Playful & Loose: No performance, no structure. You’re down to move, explore, and let the moment be what it may.

Where do you fall?

WEATHER

Oh man, if I could control the weather, I would.
But until then, we just have to cross our fingers and roll with it. When we’re shooting near the coast, you can pretty much count on some wind and fog. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the forecast and if rain looks likely, we’ll reschedule or move things indoors if that’s an option.

If you’re still choosing a location and have a toddler or newborn, I’d recommend steering clear of the coast. It’s beautiful, but the wind, cold and sand can be a lot for little ones (and for you too).

But this part is moST important

While I strive to create a gallery that feels true and beautiful, the real magic is YOU.

No like seriously.
It lives in your bond. The way you squeeze each other, the glances, the chaos, the calm. That connection is what brings your photos to life.

I can guide the session, choose beautiful light and take the picture at just the right moment, but what truly makes a photo sing is you. Your love. Your playfulness. Your willingness to be present with each other.

So come ready to lean in. Be a good sport, roll with whatever comes your way and let goooo of the need to be perfect. I can’t make you do that—it's all you baby. Hug, laugh, get silly, and shower each other with affection. These are your photos, FOREVER!