FAQs

Oh man, I feel ya on that! I always feel so uncomfortable when I get mine done! No need to worry, though. I’ve had so many clients tell me that they hate getting their photo taken, and then by the end of the session, they tell me they had a blast. Part of the uncomfortableness is maybe not knowing how to pose. I’m happy to give you suggestions and will help point out what looks better on camera. Another big factor is that I like to have really relaxed sessions. While I come ultra-prepared, I like to go with the flow and have a lot of fun in sessions! I’m more than happy to chat with you about specific concerns, also. Just shoot me a message!

No worries! I loooove working with kids and have 10 years of experience working as an elementary, middle school, and high school counselor. I have plenty of ideas to help them feel comfortable and smile! I’ve had so many parents tell me that they were worried they weren’t going to get any photos of their kids, but can’t believe how many incredible ones are in their gallery.

Since I’ve been able to hold a camera, it’s always been a part of my life. However, I’ve been photographing professionally for 15 years, really focusing on it more since moving to Chicago 6 years ago. I love it!

I LOVE sessions with pets! Yes and please! We have our own pet, Simon the hedgehog, who gets photographed non-stop. I aspire to be more of a petographer. (You can check out some of the photos I’ve taken with pets on my portfolio page.) One note: I am allergic to cats/dogs, so if we’re doing a home session, just let me know so I can take my meds!

While I don’t have my own, I do offer studio sessions! There are several studios that I love and use regularly. The cost is additional and is usually around $50–100, depending upon your needs/wants.

Regardless of session type, I’ll be keeping a close eye on the weather, confirming plans the day before. If it looks like it’s not going to be the best, we’ll reschedule! No extra fee for rescheduling when it’s due to weather. (Also, you can get some really fun photos in the snow and rain, so if the weather changes during our session, I’ve got umbrellas and blankets and would be stoked to take some creative shots with you!)

Shoot me a message with the details! Happy to let you know if it’s something I can do, otherwise I can send you some great referrals.

I’ll work to get you your gallery ASAP, but generally speaking, wedding galleries take 10–12 weeks and portrait and newborn galleries take 2–4 weeks. If you have specific dates for which you want photos, please let me know so I can work with you on those!

While I include a minimum number of images with each package, I don't limit the number of photos to this minimum, as I include all the best photos. I really want to get the smiles, the behind-the-scenes, the whole picture for you to enjoy for years to come! That said, I guarantee a minimum amount of high-resolution edited digital images:

• 3–8 hours = 300 min.

• 9–12 hours = 375 min.

• 13–16 hours = 475 min.

YES! I love collaborating with my clients! For years I worked in publishing, editing, designing, and producing books. I’m very comfortable making albums, working with printers, and putting together a custom album for you! Just shoot me an email for pricing and specifics.

I’ve got your back! I’ve been photographing in Chicago for 6 years and absolutely love picking locations (or scouting out new locations!) that most flatter you, your story, and your loves. Just shoot me a message and we can start conspiring.

Yes and yes! My business and equipment are all fully insured and I’ve always got backup equipment.

YES. Shoot me a message and we can talk details!

Vaxxed, boosted, and ready to go! All my other shots are up-to-date as well.

Feel free to message me directly to read my full policy regarding COVID, but the gist of it is that I’m here for you in these crazy times and I want you to have the best day possible. If you get COVID, we’ll work with each other to reschedule to a different date. If I get it and rescheduling is not a possibility, I’m connected to a wonderful community of photographers and will hire someone with my same skill level to take over the day, editing and delivering the final gallery myself.

Whenever I photograph, I have cameras with dual-card slots, which means the photos are stored in two places from the very beginning. After our session, I upload them to an external hard drive, backing up this hard drive in two places so that the photos are in a minimum of three places at all times. I guarantee that I’ll retain your images for at least two years after the session date.

Absolutely! I want to make sure to get all photo information. All files are shot in RAW and processed into JPEGs.

Unless there’s a specific, pre-agreed number of images promised, I deliver all of the best images! That means the only photos that you’re not getting are blurry, unflattering, duplicate, or otherwise unusable photos. I want you to have as many photos as possible.

Asking for RAW files is a bit like asking for an unfinished painting. When I edit RAWs, I assure that each image is color balanced, cropped correctly, that the light is balanced, and that it’s consistent with the style I portray in my galleries. I want to give you the very best product that I can, and part of what I deliver is not just the images, but also the post-production! (Also, RAW files are huuuuge and believe me, you don’t want files that large!)

All of your gallery images have had basic edits applied, including adjustments to exposure, white balance, cropping/straightening, some blemish removal, etc.

• One or two CANON 5D Mark IV or EOS R6 bodies

• My usual go-to for lenses is a combo of the 24mm, 24–70mm, 50mm, or 70–200mm

• Too many Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II speedlites and again, way too many light stands

• For specialized sessions, I also have beauty dishes, boxes, and other off-camera lighting

• A hearty supply of coffee ;)

Your session date is secured once the contract is signed and retainer (50% of the total) is paid.

50% of the total is due upon contract signing as a retainer and the remainder is due 30 days before the event date (though for standard wedding packages, the retainer is 30%).

Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, credit card, or check!

Just kidding . . . unless . . . ? ;)