I'm not your typical photographer.
I would describe my style of shooting as laid back, no frills and fancy-free fun. I have never had professional photos done of myself...crazy, right? But if I did, this is what I would want to experience at one (and what you will experience at my sessions):
No Judgement zone
(I could never get in front of a camera with someone I didn't feel comfortable around, yikes!)
I was an artist before I was a photographer and I have a very strong love for all people and their unique stories. I appreciate and love flaws, differences and new perspectives. Even if we haven't met yet, I love you and I accept you and no matter who you are, I'm going to give you my absolute best because I'm so honored you decided to share your memories and time with me.
Patience
I need a photographer that can be super silly and down to earth so I don't have to worry about my daughter likely trying to eat a bug at some point in the shoot (I mean no, she never does that!) having a meltdown, or the fact that my family is not completely traditional (I didn't graduate college, get married and THEN have kids, though thats awesome. Its not the path we all take and theres not one thing wrong with anyones path as long as its bringing them happiness. Can I get an amen?)
I will do just about anything to get a smile out of your little. I'm so glad there isn't a camera pointed at ME during sessions! Haha. My sessions should feel more like just hanging out with a goofball than a structured or timed photoshoot. We are making memories here, not getting on the cover of People! -Except for my headshot & boudoir clients, there will be some fans and glam for you of course. But I'm still going to do it in my laid back, no-pressure style. And I'm not going to kick you out after your allotted time if we haven't gotten what we needed to give you an AWESOME album.
TRUST
Hey, I've got you. I will make sure you take that ponytail off your wrist, that the zit in the middle of your forehead or your son's black eye never makes an appearance in your album, or that little bit of fat that falls over your bra (why does this happen? WHY?) gets cleaned right up and tucked away. These are not flaws that anyone should be ashamed of, I think they are BEAUTIFUL, but I don't want them in my photos I paid big bucks for, am I the only one? I always go that extra mile to treat you the way I would want to be treated in post production.
Now, my style may not be for everyone, if you want to walk into a 500 square foot studio and a photographer dressed in heels and curls greeting you, that is SO awesome, but you won't get that here. You just get plain old me, giving you my 100%, but in my little country loving, laid-back style.
If we shoot on my property, (which is my favorite, but I am willing to travel!) you will pull into a little, middle-of-nowhere house with a couple barns and a whole lot of things left on the honey-do list. Thats how we like to live though: small, simple and surrounded by the beauty of nature. I was an Arizona big city girl once and I've never looked back since I moved to my little slice of Michigan heaven. Kids love my place because of our wide array of silly animals, trekking through spacious forest land and my ridiculous amounts of things to play with and experience at the beginning and end while the adults talk.
My studio is also located at my home and is used mainly for newborn sessions and children under 5 as well as a place for outfit changes for outdoor clients. It is small, but you will never tell in your album. We currently have another barn under construction for a somewhat larger studio space, but it will not be finished likely until my daughter is 18 because.. toddlers. I encourage you to only bring immediate family to newborn/ studio sessions and a helper if needed because of the limited space.
Again, coming to see me for photos should feel like just coming to hang out, and not anything to stress over. I want you to have fun, experience some beautiful nature, and feel as absolutely breathtaking as you are.