Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some more details about the services I provide. Feel free to contact me about anything else!
1 | I've never had my photos taken. do you think I should go for it?
Yes! I promise you will never regret having photos taken. I want you to look and feel amazing before, during, and after our session. This is such a great experience and I can’t wait for you to feel glad you did this!
2 | What is the process like to work with you?
1) Propose: reach out and let's see if it will work!
2) Plan: we establish time, place, outfits, skin, accessories, etc.
3) Play: time to take photos, make magic, and have a great time!
4) Package: you receive your stunning photos on a flash drive or online.
3 | Do you have a studio?
I'd be happy to host a studio shoot, but clients must cover the cost of the rental.
4 | What do I wear?
The clothes you wear are so important, and the right ones will greatly will enhance your session! You should feel comfortable, and they should suit the location and vibe. If you're feeling overwhelmed or just need some ideas, I would be happy to help you plan outfits to suit what you're going for.
5 | What if it rains?
Honestly I love when it rains and I will do anything to make it work if you're game. In the event of a hazard or a downpour, we will play it by ear, but no worries if we need to reschedule. In any case, I will always ensure your photos are done by the deadline.
6 | Can I bring props?
Absolutely! I am here to capture your most authentic self whether that involves sporting equipment, a beloved pet, art supplies, an instrument, etc. You can bring whatever you'd like!
7 | Can I bring my dog?
Yes! If we are shooting where dogs are allowed, your dog is allowed—just be sure any buddies you bring are well-behaved and have a leash.
8 | Can I order prints through you?
Once you have access to your photos, you can print wherever you'd like as much as you'd like. If you need assistance printing, I am happy to do so for an additional cost. If you'd like to order any large prints of my work, any of the landscape photos on my website can be purchased and delivered right to your door.
9 | Can I get a discount?
I currently offer a 10% discount for new clients, friends, and family!
10 | I booked you! Now what?
Time to chat about the details and start to plan so our session runs smoothly. Time, location, clothing, shots you’re hoping to get, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during this process. Last minute changes are okay, too, just be sure to communicate!
11 | Should I practice posing?
No need to practice! It’s my job to catch you looking amazing and prompt you as needed. If it helps you feel ready and you have some ideas, follow your bliss. Just show up ready for fun and I’ll coach you and catch you in natural motion. Basically you'll be having an amazing time and pretending the camera is not there. IMO, the best images aren’t necessarily when you're holding still and looking right at the camera.
12 | When will we get our photos?
Anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the package you select. I send teaser shots as well—sometimes as early as same day or next day depending on my schedule.
13 | What if we lose our photos?
My primary camera has two memory card slots that get written to simultaneously, so I have a backup from the start. Upon arriving home, I put the photos on my laptop, and from there they get copied onto two external drives. When not in use, those external drives are stored in a firebox. I also send some photos to a cloud server, and some photos stay hosted on my website. One way or another, everything is there and in multiple places.
14 | If I buy digital images from you, do I own the Copyright? Can I get the RAW files?
You will be given a release so you can post and print ad infinitum. As the photographer, I retain the copyright to the photos, meaning I can post them on my website or have them published in a magazine. Sadly, RAW files are never given out. These images are an energetic signature of my love and energy. As an artist with my name attached to my work, I get to choose what I want to publish and put into this world.
15 | Can I post the images on social media?
Absolutely! I always appreciate being shown some love. Just please refrain from cropping or adding filters, and though it is not expected, it would be great to be credited.
16 | What locations do you recommend?
There are so many great parks and treasures in the Madison area. If you select a package at the Arboretum, Olbrich gardens, or anywhere with an entrance fee, or are going beyond my 60 mile radius, an additional cost is added to the package. I'd love to help you decide where to take photos and what to wear there!
17 | What does the session fee cover?
Your deposit, a pre-shoot consultation, my time and skill set the day of the session, the editing of your images, the number of high resolution digital images received, a private online gallery, a flash drive, a print release, business expenses such as local travel, advertising, website hosting, editing software subscriptions, and purchasing, updating, and maintaining equipment. If we are doing a session beyond my 60 mile radius, an additional travel fee is calculated. The entire session fee is due by the date of your session.
18 | Do you travel?
Yes! I love to travel, and prices vary on a case by case basis. Please contact me so we can discuss travel and accommodation fees.
19 | Do you require a deposit?
A 50% deposit is collected before the session, and the remaining balance is due the day of the session. The deposit is non-refundable, but it can be used at a later date, or gifted to someone else.
20 | Are your prices flexible?
Prices are flexible if you'd like to customize your session, and I have an income-based sliding pay scale if needed. Just let me know ahead of time!
21 | Do you offer minis?
Sessions with the real meat take time to ease into. Sometimes minis can force you to be more creative in a tiny amount of time, but sometimes they stifle the creativity. I love working closely with my clients and having a relaxed, fun atmosphere. So for me, minis can sometimes be too quick and stressful. Therefore, I only offer a whirlwind of pop up minis from time to time when I have the capacity.
22 | How many people are included in a family session?
Five people are included in any of the family session packages. Each additional person is $25.
23 | what types of payment do you accept?
I happily accept cash, check, Venmo, and PayPal. A sales tax of 5.6% will be added to the total cost.
24 | Are you committed to diversity?
I am committed to justice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion without justice are just stalling techniques. I am deeply aware of the way America has not atoned for her original sin, and I am disturbed by the atrocities she continues to commit in our name. While I am grateful for the opportunities and "freedom" I have here, I am not wrong to demand dignity and safety for everyone.
25 | Where are you from?
I currently benefit from living on the land known as Madison, Wisconsin, and throughout my life I grew up on the stolen lands of the Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, Peoria, and Tongva. Parts of these places are now otherwise known as Waukesha, Wisconsin - Chicago, Illinois - and Redlands, California. Want me to come to you? I love to travel. Contact me for travel and accommodation fees.
26 | Why should I pick you as my photographer?
If I resonate with you, work with me! If not, find someone who does! I am not more magical or special than anyone else, and we all have different specialties, energy, and abilities to offer. Overall, if you want something relaxed, fun, creative, authentic, hilarious, candid, or artistic, I'm your girl. If you want to laugh, explore, feel hyped-up, make magic, and enjoy your existence, I'd love to be your guide.
