BIOGRAPHY OF YOU

About the Session

Portrait sessions are really just about celebrating your love and life together

I’m all about embracing individuality, showcasing creativity, and illustrating the love you share. My sessions are laid back with a bit of quirk and the result is warm photos to share who you are with the ones you love. Aside from having photos of the two of you, this session is a chance for us to just get to know each other.

We’ll learn a lot about each other’s personalities so the next time we’re in front of the camera together, it’ll just feel like coming home again; it’s really amazing how much I learn about how people interact with each other just hanging out for a few hours taking photos.

After the session, I’m always open to any feedback you may have in case we need to change anything up the next time we’re out shooting together! Some people prefer less kissing photos, sometimes portrait sessions lead people to finding their “good side,” whatever the case may be!

CHOOSING A DATE FOR YOUR SESSION

When to Book

We can schedule our session together on Mondays through Thursdays. Ideally, we’ll be shooting in the evening or early morning. The best light is right at sunrise & two hours before sunset.

As early as a sunrise session sounds (and totally is), I promise, the light is perfect. Sometimes there’s an early morning fog, and if it’s a mid-summer session, it’s a perfect way to beat the heat.

While it’s not always possible to schedule on a week day morning or evening, the sidewalks are always a little more cleared out, parks are usually emptier, and we can schedule further out in advanced if you’re willing to plan for a weekday!

  • Washington DC Family Session Photography
Planning & Printing

Engagement Sessions

These photos are just a chance for us to get to know each other and to get some pre-wedding practice in, so when we book in can be based on what you plan to use the photos for. If they're just for you or for your wedding website, just pick a season you love.

If you're having a fall wedding, maybe you'd want spring photos. If you wanted to incorporate ice cream cones, let's do a summer day in the city. If you want to be bundled in layers, aim for autumn. Beach and campfire sessions are perfect for warm summer nights.

I also recommend scheduling the make up trials on the same day as the shoot, if you have the option! Sometimes this alone will help you feel more ready to be photographed.

Timing to consider:


+ Save the dates are sent out 6-12 months before the wedding

+ Invitations are sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding

+ Guest books take around 4 weeks to design and deliver

+ Your engagement session will be delivered after 6 weeks, so just add that (and bonus time if we need to reschedule because of weather) to your photo timeline.

tips & suggestions
  • Choosing Your Location
    The location sets the mood

    As a photographer, I’m happy to help my you find a location, especially if you're traveling and don’t know the area.

    If you’re on the hunt for a spot for your own photographs and feeling a little lost, I have some general guidelines I’ve found helpful and I wanted to share the 9 tips to keep in mind when looking for your engagement session location.



    9 Tips for Picking an Engagement Session Location
  • Match your location
    Wear your "where"

    The tone of your outfit should fit the vibe of the location we're in. A formal outfit in a living room might be less "you" than a pajama day making waffles.

    Pastel tones and warm hues could be perfect for a visit to a garden.

    Dress as though you are attending the same event; if one of you is dressed for a date at a coffee shop or if you’re planning to go barefoot in a field, match each other accordingly.

    Just keep the location in mind as you put together your wardrobe!



  • Prepare to Move
    Pack light

    I never mind an outfit change, but if it's possible to leave it in the car, please do!

    During the session, plan on only carrying the bare minimum – if you can, leave purses, bags, cell phones, etc. in your car. I can usually carry a set of keys and a cell phone in my bag for you, though!



  • Choose an activity you enjoy
    Museums, bike rides, baking, etc

    Dream ideas for sessions that I'll put into the universe:

    + Family bike riding. It would mostly be a lot of circles around me, which kids may not like as much, but it would be incredible for a couple, right??

    + Sipping cocktails in neon-sign dappled hotel bar. I just like the idea of night time photos and the intimacy of two people sitting close in a crowded area.

    + Renting a vintage car for some time at the beach. A retro car? Bathing suits with shorts? Yes.

    + Pizza by the slice and a session in a laundromat. It just sounds romantic, OK?

    + Bowling. Or skating. I do not need to say more.

    + Hiking in wide open spaces instead of in the woods. I LOVE a field view.

    + A session by a lake. But then, actual swimming.



  • Couples Inspo
    Pinterest for clothing and locations

    I'm a visual learner and I've put together a Pinterest board full of activities for couples including activities, color themes, ways to match outfits, and general styling suggestions.

    If you have questions, though, let's chat about it!



    Couples Inspo
  • Families Inspo
    Location ideas, how to match, etc.

    I'm a visual learner and I've put together a Pinterest board full of activities for couples including activities, color themes, ways to match outfits, and general styling suggestions.

    If you have questions, though, let's chat about it!



    Family Inspo
  • Plan a Color Theme
    Intentional colors play a huge role in styling

    Matching warm or matching cool colors can bring cohesion to outfits.

    If you’re generally comfortable in black or navy, maybe a green, tan, or burgundy would be more in your comfort zone, but being intentional and thinking about outfit colors always make for lovely photos. Take this as your excuse to buy that outfit and to wear those shoes you look amazing in and just had to buy.

    BUT! I do encourage bringing along an extra outfit or two for each of you JUST in case one gets dirty; if we have time to change during the session; or if you’d just like a second opinion before we start the session



  • Don't listen to me
    You'll look great if you FEEL great

    While it might be helpful to avoid uncomfortable clothing that may show unintentionally visible bra straps, tags, or semi-transparent clothing that could reveal undergarments that could show up in photos (IF it makes you uncomfortable) know that I trust your style. I wear mismatched socks, mix all the patterns, wear socks with sandals, and love when my partner and I are wearing nearly matching outfits because that’s who I am at my core.

    Trust your personal style, but I'm here if you want to send photos and get feedback.



LAST NOTE

There Are No Rules

Planning is hard. I can help, I want to.

I just wanted to share some things that might help if you’re wanting a bit of advice or feeling lost. Some folks like to show up coordinated. Sometimes I’m photographing a kid wearing the extra shirt found in the backseat because spit ups happen. The goal isn’t to dictate how you present yourself, it’s to help guide where you have questions.

This is your session. I just want us to have some fun and make some art together.

I look forward to photographing you soon!

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