The FAQ
How do we book you?
Fill out the contact form!
You can totally send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook and say hello/let me know who you are. (I mean, we are about to become best friends.) However, I do prefer to keep any communication about your session via email. This just streamlines things a bit for me, and your messages are less likely to get lost in the shuffle.
Once you've sent your information over and we've had the chance to iron out the details of your session, I'll send you a link to the booking contract and information about deposit and payment.
How long have you been doing this?
I started out in the pre-digital era, loading film as an assistant wedding photographer on my weekends home from school. One thing led to another and I managed to break out on my own sometime between 2008 and 2010. I'm no spring chicken!
Do you Travel?
I have the fortune of living in a relatively central location here in Southern Ontario. I travel in many different directions to accommodate my clients. However, if you're stuck for a photo location, you're also welcome to travel to me! If you're cruising the portfolio galleries, my little Springvale oasis has provided the backdrop for multiple sessions.
How many photos do we get?
I never really set a number on the amount of images you'll receive. If I took your photo and it's good, I'm going to give it to you! That being said, I find that for every hour of shoot time that I work, there will be approximately 75-100 images that I hand pick and edit. If I'm feeling wild, there will be well over 150 frames to be shared.
Do you retouch photos?
Part of my job as your photographer is to go back after your session and review, refine, and publish your images. I will often colour correct your photos, add or remove contrast, get rid of that nasty pimple you were concerned about, and create a final product that not only makes you happy, but makes me happy too. What I won't do, is create an image that isn't authentic to the moment I captured it. For example, I won't swap out heads, add a missing family member, or make you look like Kim Kardashian (you're better than her, anyway). Additionally, if there is a photo you remember posing for that you don't see in your final gallery, it's likely because I'm not perfect. It was over-exposed, out of focus, or Grandma's eyes were closed.
How do we get our photos?
It's as easy as the click of a button. I send out all previews and full collections via a direct link to an online gallery. You can download, print and share directly from your personalized page. Once you've received the link, I highly recommend that you download all of your images and back them up on a computer or external hard drive for safe keeping. Additionally, if you ever find that your link is no longer active, be sure to reach out. I will never leave you hanging!
Whats your turn around time?
I'm so grateful to be someone who lives her life with a plate that's full of experience, responsibility and commitments. Depending on the time of year, I like to promise small sessions within 30 days and weddings in 8ish weeks. If I'm feeling spry and there's lots of flexibility on my calendar, I can turn things around much quicker. I will always keep you in the loop with my workflow and never leave you without a few goodies to tie you over until I can complete your full gallery.
Can you help us with planning?
Of course! I am happy to help make your vision a reality. With years of experience attending, working, and even planning my own wedding, I bring a considerable amount of knowledge to the table. I've tasted the best food (and the not so best), I've seen the behind the scenes scramble to get more ice, pinned hundreds of boutonnières, and offered up my own clothing for the right shot. I am an open book when it comes to questions about vendors, decor, and choosing the right vibe for you. However, as your photographer, the biggest thing I can do for you is help with the timeline and flow of your day. There is no other vendor that spends as much of your day with you than me. Together, we become a beautiful trio. Trusting me to keep your day looking and moving the way you want, is crucial. Let me read the room, so you don't have to.
How far out do you book?
Aside from weddings, I typically book about 2 months in advance. For obvious reasons, late spring/early summer and fall are highly sought after times of year. However, if I can't accommodate you during peak times, I do recommend looking outside of the box. Some of my favourite sessions are ones that get planned on a whim - where we risk getting caught in middle of a rainstorm, or freeze our butts off and have to bundle up in a blanket and get real cozy. Additionally, in-home or studio sessions can add a nice twist to the ol' fall family photo.
*Note: if you're hoping to book a lifestyle newborn session and aren't sure about how you're going to be feeling/adjusting to life with a baby, please don't fret. You can give me a heads up about your due date, I'll pencil you in, and we can totally play things by ear before booking.
What should we wear?
You absolutely MUST wear something that makes you feel good...even if that's barely anything at all! When it comes to styling your session, please don't over-think it. The most important thing is to ensure you feel comfortable, and that what you've chosen fits the vibe check. Will you be the first to send me a Pinterest board or flat-lay of your families outfit options? Heck no...send over the whole fashion show! I will happily advise you of which colour combos are more appealing and totally support costume changes mid-session. My only request is that you understand how much it matters to me that you love who you are. The best outfit you could possibly wear, is CONFIDENCE! (For more of the cheese factor, see unsolicited advice below).
WTF do I do with my hands?
Please know, you're not alone. Everyone suffers from this conundrum. Personally, I enjoy watching you struggle for a bit before I jump in to your rescue. Rest assured, I will never let you 'Ricky Bobby' for too long.
some Unsolicited advice from your photographer
You can have the best matching denim outfits that money can buy, a hair and makeup team, and an entire litter of cute puppies with you for your session...and still not be in love with your photos. Should you plan ahead a little and keep the Crocs in the closet for this occasion? Sure, not the worst idea. However, this is where it's important for me to note that it’s ok to be yourself, love (and even embrace) your imperfections.
This in fact, is what makes the most beautiful portraits - not the sunset, fall trees, perfect outfit, hair or makeup. Learning to love who you are isn’t an easy feat, and being vulnerable enough to have your photo taken can sometimes make this process super challenging. Just remember that what I see from the other side of the lens is a beautiful baby with a superhero mom; a couple in love; the innocence of youth, and the wisdom of age. If you can let go and just be yourself, I'll guarantee you're going to rock it!