Or what I like to refer to them as 

Mantle shots -vs- Memory Shots lol

Posed Photos:

Intentional Composition: Posed photos are carefully composed and arranged. The photographer directs the subject to adopt specific postures, expressions, and settings for the perfect shot

Intended Aesthetic: Posed photos often aim to capture the subject in the most flattering light, emphasizing their best features and creating an idealized representation of the person or scene.

Formal and Planned: They are often associated with formal events like weddings, portraits or families with older children where the subjects are aware of being photographed and actively cooperate with the photographer's directions.   

Candid Photos:

Natural and Unscripted: Candid photos capture moments spontaneously, often without the subject's awareness. The photographer's role is to seize authentic, unguarded moments, reflecting the subject's true emotions and expressions.

Emotional Authenticity: These photos often convey genuine emotions, expressions, and interactions, making them more relatable and intimate for viewers.

Storytelling Approach: Candid photos are excellent for storytelling, as they can document genuine moments and narratives as they naturally unfold.

Both types of photography have their own unique benefits and are suitable for different contexts. Posed photos are great for capturing controlled and stylized representations, while candid photos excel at revealing the authenticity and raw emotions of a moment. Professional photographers often use a combination of both styles to create a well-rounded and comprehensive narrative.

I Offer 2 main types of sessions: General sessions & mini sessions. Lets talk about the difference & what is the best option for your needs. 

MINI SESSIONS

Mini-sessions are about 15-20 minutes, can include up to 7 people, produce a smaller number of images. They are mostly limited edition and usually have a specific theme. Minis sessions are at a set location with set props. 

Q: What types of themes are typical for a mini session?

I always include holidays & seasons i.e. Christmas, Easter, Summer & Fall. I also have other themes throughout the year that make fun memories like Muddy Puddles, Red Dirt Road, Lakeside and in the Tulips. 

Q: What can I expect from a mini session?

These sessions are quick & simple. We run through a few simple posing prompts which results in a gallery from 15-30 images. It just varies on the client’s participation! You get 7 images with your initial investment but can purchase the full gallery for an additional fee after you view your images. 

GENERAL FULL SESSIONS

General sessions vary timewise from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type and produce a larger variety of images. General sessions give clients more freedom. We can choose any theme, milestone or location you’d like and can include up to 12 people! 

Q: What are typical full sessions?

These can be for varied celebrations: Families (Immediate & Extended), Newborns, Milestones (3,6,9,12+ months), Maternity, Seniors, Boudoir

Q: What can I expect from a general full session?

These sessions allow a little more flexibility and options. We can talk location/vibe options beforehand to curate the best session for you! Whether its cake smash color schemes to a funky location for high school seniors. I will reach out to discuss your vision! 

Q: When do I normally reschedule?

I want your session & investment to be the very best they can be! With that always in mind, I may reach out before your session to reschedule if the weather is off. 

Q: What kinds of weather cause a reschedule?

High winds, chance of rain or storms, severe temperatures. If there are 30 MPH winds, 30% chance of storms, below freezing or above 95°. 

Q: Why would those factors cause a reschedule? 

If you or your kids are uncomfortable in a shoot it shows! If your hair is swirling around like a cyclone its hard to capture quality images. Rainy weather will ruin your hair, makeup and my camera gear.. I just want the best photos for you that I can get!

Q: What happens after a reschedule? 

I will offer you new dates for sure! Normally, I keep make-up days planned throughout the month for these exact instances! 

Q: What seasons reschedule the most?

Honestly, Spring & Fall. The weather is changing & not as stable midway through those seasons. Its often rainy, windy and/or cold in March, April, Oct & Nov.

Rescheduling due to crazy weather causes me lots of anxiety. I know it takes time & energy to get your family ready. If I think your photos & investment may be negatively impacted by the weather then I will message you the morning of your session. I don’t reschedule lightly and only do it if I feel its needed. 

Love & Light,

Katie

Q: What is a Maternity Session?

These sessions can be just the Mom to Be or bring your partner & other kiddos if any. Maternity sessions capture the beauty of your growing baby bump.

Q: Why do a maternity session?

To capture the start of a new season for you & your family. These sessions are also great for baby related announcements too! Babies are the start of a new family legacy so lets document the journey. 

Q: What do I wear?

This one can be tricky. I want Mom to be comfortable but also in something that makes her feel as gorgeous as she is! I recommend flowy dresses in solid colors with layers, hats & accessories are always a bonus too. Still don’t know what to wear? I have dresses you can borrow at no extra cost. Take a look at my inventory HERE:

Q: How far in advance should I book?

I like to takes photos when Mom is between 28-34 weeks along. The bump is showing but hopefully Mom is still comfortable in her own skin. 

Q: Where do these take place?

My studio is always set up with a lifestyle set (bedroom/living area). I also have a whole prop room to use for building a custom set that matches your vibe!  As long as the weather is cooperative we could shoot outdoors as well. I have lots of location ideas if that is what you’d prefer. 

Q: Do you offer maternity/newborn packages? 

Yes, I do! But… only a few times a year during a sale. You have to snag one when I run a sale or special. They are not offered on the general pricing schedule. 

I will pose you & direct you the entire session. Trust me, trust the process and lets create some lasting memories with your new additions. 

Here are 5 Reasons to get Maternity Photos Taken...

1) To commemorate a new season for your family.

2) You will be surprised at how beautiful these will make you feel!

3) It helps build the bond between parents & partners.

4) These are sweet memories that You can look back on as your family grows.

5) Your family legacy is important and deserves to be documented.

November is my busiest month of the year so please be patient as I try to meet clients needs & still stay a little sane.
 

When do we book our Holiday sessions:

I like to shoot Christmas & Holiday sessions in November so I have plenty of time to return them for Christmas cards & gifts. 

What types of Holiday sessions are typically offered:

I like to offer an indoor studio set up or two and usually a tree farm or outdoor option. If you celebrate in a non Christian way such as Hanukkah or something else and want a session please let me know! I’d love to accommodate your faith and or traditions!

What is the turnaround time for these sessions:

I try to get everything out by the first week of December. My normal T.A.T. is 4 weeks but during November I try to make it just ASAP lolol. But remember… if you booked earlier in Nov. your photos will come up on the list first. Kinda like first booked, first edited lolol. 

Do I shoot in December:

I usually have Santa the first Saturday. After that…. I don’t shoot. I make exceptions for newborns & milestones until the 18th. But then, I take 3 or 4 weeks off to rest <3 

What NOT to say to your photographer this time of year. 

(all of which has been said to me)

* I know your schedule is full but I just need 1 photo of my kids

*Just Checking In..

* I know our session was a few days ago but any chance my session is ready early?

* If you have time to post on FB or TIKTOK you have time to edit my photos!

* Even though I wore a sleeveless dress, I don't like my arms. Can you edit them in all 80+ photos?

* What do you mean you don't work Thanksgiving or Christmas Day? I need you and my family is in town. 

Ok, what’s the perfect way to dress for a photoshoot?

There is no PERFECT outfit. When clients ask I tell them to look for these qualities below when putting together outfits

1) Make sure the clothing is comfortable, if not it shows in your body language or on your face in the photos lol. 

2) For Women: Simple, flowy fabrics with textured layers and a few fun accessories

For Men: Collared shirts, no logos (sports or brand)

For Boys: No brands or characters on clothing or shoes, solid colors are best

For Girls: No brands or characters, wear shorts under dresses

For Baby: Nothing with words, either no shoes or neutral shoes

 3) Advice for Everyone: No matchy matchy i.e. all white t-shirts & jeans. Outfit Pairings look best when you pick a color scheme. I love when the Client takes one piece of the group’s clothing that has multiple colors and use that to pull from for the other outfits. Make sense… maybe lol?

 4) If you are wearing these I’ll probably ask you to take them off lol: smartwatches, ballcaps and sometimes glasses lol. 

 5) Also, all of these rules are subjective. If you have a fun outfit or wanna match the theme… DO IT!! Wanna be all matchy matchy?? Then do it lol. At the end of the day these are your photos, I'm just the facilitator. 

I do have a small client closet for Moms which you can see HERE. Use of these for your session is complimentary. Just let me know beforehand so I can have it ready to go!

Here are some Pinterest Inspiration images to give some examples

Q: What is a Cake Smash Session?

For a one year old’s birthday, parents bring their baby in to see Me so I can capture this big milestone! We do family photos (if parents would like them), individual photos of Baby then at the end, with the cake! They can eat, smash, or cry at it…. Sometimes all three lol. 

Q: What props are included vs what clients are responsible for bringing?

I have a cake stands, ‘O’ ‘N’ ‘E’ letter options, garlands & greenery. I have some themed props & backdrops, seasonal options, chairs & other accents. If clients want a specific theme or prop please contact me beforehand and we can plan it out! 

Q: What if my baby doesn’t smile?

Ok, honestly….. Most babies are pretttttty confused by this whole circus. I normally get the most smiles after the sugar kicks in a bit. As long as your baby isn’t just screaming bloody murder… I count it as successful lol. If your baby is just a chill kiddo, that's still wonderful! Let them be who they are!

Q: How far in advance should I book?

My average turnaround time for galleries is about 4 weeks. If you need them in time for a party then plan accordingly!

Q: Where do Cake Smashes take place?

My studio is where I shoot 99% of these sessions but occasionally I get a request for outdoors. As long as the weather is mild that is fine with me too! Just contact me a week or so ahead of time to pan it out with me!

Q: What if I want a Birthday Session but don’t want a cake?

Then you can book a regular milestone session! There is a small prices difference as there is less clean up with a regular milestone sesh. 

Q: Can I bring food besides cake?

ABSOLUETLY! I have had parents bring, pie, cupcakes, doughnuts, watermelon, cookies and strawberries! You can bring any food you’d like for them to eat or smash!

These sessions are on sale TONIGHT 10/2 at 9pm HERE

Q: When is Busy Season for a photographer?

For most Photogs, the craziest time (aka Busy Season) is the Fall. October-December is literally a marathon. 

Q: What is Busy Season?

The weather is cooler, landscapes are prettiest and the Holidays are fast approaching. Lots of families take their yearly family portraits for gifts and Holiday cards too. So typically, our appts tend to explode during this part of the year. My appointments almost triple in October & November.

Q: How does Busy Season effect Clients?

Well, unfortunately sometimes turnaround times can extend a bit. We take on extra appointments to accommodate clients at our own expense. It takes more time away from family & personal duties. BUT…. I LOVE MY JOB! That's why I do it. I try my very best to get evryone on the books that want to be on the books. Just know that by mid November I’m a zombie lol. 

Q: What My Clients need to know

- Small business means Small Business. Its just Myself & a part time assistant. Photographers aren’t amazon, our services aren't instant.  Sometimes our art or communication may take a little extra time

- I’m incredibly understanding if/when we have human moments or hiccups. So please, I ask you to please treat me the same.

- I only have a finite amount of appts and once those are filled I will not be able to open more. So book early! 

Q: What do I mostly shoot in Busy Season

In October, I shoot Fall (In Studio & Outdoors) and Halloween. In November, I shoot alllll Christmas & Holiday sessions. In studio & Tree Farm. Throughout the busy season I also shoot Fall Family sessions and lots of Fall senior sessions! The main thing I shoot in December is Santa! Then sprinkle in my normal Newborn & Milestone sessions and thats Busy Season!

These tiny humans are my favorite type of session to photograph! I have photographed babies for 8 years and have loved every minute of it! Let me answer a few Frequently Asked Questions to make it easier on my clients!

Q: WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?

A: Newborns photograph best during the first few weeks of life. I prefer them to be 7 days to 20 days old but will take babies up to 1 month if needed. 

Q: CAN PARENTS & SIBLINGS BE IN PHOTOS TOO?

A: Absolutely! And at no extra cost too! They are included! I also have a Momma Client Closet if you don’t know what to wear! I have you covered! Look at the dress options HERE

Q: WHAT PROPS SHOULD I BRING?

A: Honestly, nothing! Unless you have a sentimental item or two… I have everything you need! Blankets, swaddle wraps, baskets, hats, bows and more! Also, I hate to say it… but please, no onesies or everyday type outfits. Babies don’t normally photograph as well in them. 

Q: HOW MANY POSES ARE INCLUDED?

A: Well… It depends on the baby. Some of them do every pose easy peasy, some need a little coaxing & maybe some milk. Then, there are some newborns that have their very own agenda!

So, while I do have a posing workflow, the babies run the show

Q: ANYTHING ELSE?

- Sessions last 2-3 hours, depending on baby's cooperation

- I don't do naked shots unless parents request it (its messy lol)

- All newborn sessions take place in my studio