Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been doing photography?
Professionally, over 5 years. Personally, as long as I can remember. I have always loved taking photos. So in 2008, while going to school for art I decided to start my own business doing something I loved.
What is your favorite kind of session to photograph?
By far the most frequently asked question I receive. My answer is typically, "Whatever session I am photographing at the moment is my favorite." Basically if my camera is in my hand, I am happy. I have done a wide array of sessions and there honestly isn't one I love more. Each session is unique and has it's fun qualities. How do you compare spending the day surrounded by the glamour and excitement of a wedding to getting to spend even just an hour recording every tiny little feature of a brand new little person? Every moment of life is precious and I am just thrilled to have been able to be a part of so many of those varied moments and to be able to share my passion of capturing those memories for my clients.
What should we wear to our photo session?
While there are some colors that are probably not suggested under certain situations (such as primarily white during a winter shoot or dark green when photographing in the woods) I don't like to tell people what they should or shouldn't wear. The photos are something that you should like and while I do like to fancy myself an amateur fashionista if there is a certain style you prefer, you go for it. Some people prefer more formal and some are very casual and I am a strong supporter of "to each their own". If you have any questions because you are totally unsure, I would be happy to help you out but my suggestion most of the time is wear what you are comfortable in and what best represents you.
Do you have props for newborn/infant shoots?
Yes. I have some baskets, tutus, draping cloths and the like that I can bring along. That being said, I really like to incorporate personal items into the shoots as much as possible. While some of the standard props and poses are very cute, my goal is to take those ideas that you like that you have seen and make them as personal to you as possible. Plus sometimes my clients just have some super cute and unique stuff that I don't have. I always suggest my clients lay out any special blankets, clothes, or toys that were gifted or meaningful for use in the pictures. I want the photos to not only be absolutely adorable now but to also be packed full of personalized memories for you for years to come. That's what portraiture is all about anyway, right?
It is overcast, should we reschedule?
I prefer cloudy days personally. It makes for very even lighting. If you are worried about the weather or temperature though I am happy to reschedule, just let me know as soon as possible.
How much editing do you do?
My packages say that I edit select photographs. Basically what this means is that I edit a handful of photos (how many depends on the type/size of shoot) and then the rest are as is. However, if you want any other ones edited you are free to send me a request and I can do that for you. Editing can be somewhat time consuming and since you may not use every single photo you receive (even if you love every single one) it saves a lot of time and hassle to only edit some and do any others by request.
How far do you travel?
Most of my shoots are in the Madison area and surrounding but I am willing to travel just about anywhere (including Paris... just saying). There may be an extra travel charge incurred depending on where you would like me to go outside of the normal travel area but if you really want a specific location for your shoot let me know and we can figure something out.
"So I had this idea. What do you think about...?"
Yes. I will shoot basically whatever you want me to shoot. Unless the situation involves potential mortal peril or something equally serious I'm up for pretty much anything. Hike through the woods? Yes. Photos in waist deep snow? Yes. A session at Miller Park? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. (Can you believe I actually got that request? My job rocks.) I often times have people show me specific photos that they have seen they would like to reproduce which I am okay with as well with the condition that I may adapt it a little. Because of the nature of my photography I like to be unique. And because of that I don't like to identically copy other photographers original ideas. But I would be happy to take that idea and make it special for you.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask. Every shoot is different so you may have a question that has never needed to be asked before. Even if it seems silly, just ask. I have a wealth of odd knowledge about a wide range of topics, including photography, so I can probably find you an answer to your question.