FAQs

So, what is lifestyle photography?

Lifestyle photography’s primary goal is to tell stories about peoples’ lives. For me, this means that the focus is completely on your and your family. Real smiles, real emotions, the real you. For newborn sessions, that also means that I do not wrap or pose your baby. They find themselves in the sweetest positions all on their own!

What if I don’t know what to do or don’t feel comfortable getting my picture taken?

Leave that to me! While I do want to make sure we capture your family ‘for real’ on camera, I’m on hand to help us get there. I will prompt you, play games with you and your children, and step out of the way when a soft, quiet moment is occurring- all the while making sure you are in flattering positions and light so when the perfect moment comes, we are ready!  Years of experience, plus two children and a husband of my own, have taught me how to handle anything that comes my way to make sure that no matter how shy or awkward you may feel at the beginning, that we all feel like long-lost friends by the end.

I have a toddler/less-than-enthused husband/moody tween. Are you sure you can handle them?

I have two children who are less than two years apart, who are polar opposites in every way, but are somehow both insane little balls of chaos. I dare you to beat the crazy I’ve seen. I meant it- let’s swap stories. I can guarantee that no matter what is happening with your child, I’ve been there. More importantly, capturing joy on film is my job, and it has been for 10 years. I’ve seen a lot of tantrums, a lot fussy babies and a lot of cranky dads walk out of their cars at the start of their sessions. I’ve never had a session end without real, genuine, sweet, bursting with joy emotion on my memory card. I will do whatever it takes to get that to happen and I have an arsenal of tricks up my sleeve for every age and every situation. I will warn you, you may have to hear me sing a Disney Junior song, and it’s probably going to be terrible, but it will get your kid to smile, and your images don’t have sound. Thank god.

What if my baby is cranky or has colic?

Unlike with my other subjects, I can’t distract or play my way out of a cranky mood with a baby, but I can give them time. Time with you, time to eat, time to cuddle with you alone. Newborn sessions are longer for that very reason. The amazing things about babies is that given a little time, a little food, or a little change in environment, their mood will improve. I never rush my newborn sessions for this very reason. You will have the time you and your baby need to capture every single incredible newborn moment during our session.

When should I book my session?

As soon as possible. My calendar books up quickly, and the only way to secure your spot is by officially booking with a deposit and contract. Once that’s in, you have a spot and even if your session needs to be rescheduled for some reason, you will have priority and we will fit you in.

How do you schedule newborn session when we don’t know when they will arrive?

If you book before delivery, we will block a date 2-3 weeks after your schedule due date for in-home newborn sessions. Once the baby comes, you can see how you feel and when you delivered, and make sure that date works for you. If scheduling a session just didn’t happen before the baby was born, that’s okay, too. Contact me ASAP and we will work together to find something that works!

Where do you work? Do you charge travel fees?

I am based in Marin and regularly shoot both in Marin and in San Francisco. As long as your session is within San Francisco county or Marin county limits, no travel fee applies. I do travel to Sonoma County and the East Bay, but a $100 travel fee applies to those locations. Unfortunately, I no longer travel to San Jose or the Peninsula. Outdoor sessions happen at one of six locations in Marin/San Francisco and you can view those here.

I’m not ready to book my session yet, but I know I will be in the future. How do I keep up to date?

Are you interested in newborn or maternity sessions but you aren’t pregnant yet? Waiting to finish a remodel before your family session? I highly recommend subscribing to my newsletter here if you are interested in my work. It’s the only place where you’ll find out about special things happening around here and you’ll get first dibs on new dates and special sessions.