Q: How does the "Mobile Studio" work? Do I need a huge house?
A: Not at all! For headshots, newborn sessions, or kids, I just need a small cleared space. A living room corner or a pushed-back dining table works great (about 10x10 feet).
For Creative Sports or Dance sessions, I need a little more room to set up the lights and backdrops. A garage, an empty spare room, or a large living area is perfect. We can figure out the best spot when we chat. (Minimum of 12x15)
Q: I live outside of Reedsport. What is the travel fee?
A: Travel is FREE within my "Home Base" zone. That includes Reedsport, Florence, and Coos Bay.
For locations outside that zone, I charge a simple travel fee of $1.00 per mile round-trip. I love traveling to the City, the Valley, or up the coast, so just ask me for a quote!
Q: What if it rains on our outdoor session date?
A: Welcome to Oregon! If the weather is truly terrible (pouring rain, beach hazards, or high winds), we will reschedule. There is no extra cost for that. But keep in mind that overcast days actually give us the best even lighting, so don't worry if it's cloudy.
Q: Do I get the digital photos?
A: Yes! Every session includes a private online gallery and shareable images. You can also order professional prints, canvases, and albums if you want physical keepsakes.
Q: How do I book?
A: Just click the "Book Now" button on the site to see my calendar. You’ll pay a non-refundable retainer to lock in your date, and then you are all set.
The "Sneak Peek" (~24-48 Hours): I usually post a preview image on Facebook/Instagram within a day or two so you can share the excitement immediately!
The Editing Room (~2 Weeks): I hand-edit your images to ensure color and lighting are perfect.
Gallery Delivery (~Day 14): You will receive an email with the link to your private online gallery. You can download your high-res files immediately.
Prints & Products: If you order prints or albums through the gallery, they ship directly from the pro lab to your door in about 3-5 business days(shipping speed varies).
Mix it up
We don't do the matching white t-shirts and jeans anymore. Pick a color palette (like navy, mustard, and cream) and let everyone mix and match styles within those colors.
Watch the Logos:
Avoid shirts with big brand logos or graphics. They date your photos really fast. Solids, textures like knits or denim, and classic patterns work best.
The "Golden Hour":
For outdoor sessions, the best light happens about 1-2 hours before sunset. Trust me on the timing. The lighting makes a huge difference.
Why "Golden Hour" Matters
I know scheduling a session right before sunset can be tricky with dinner and bedtimes, but I promise it is worth it. That soft, low light is what gives professional photos that glowing, magical look. Mid-day sun creates harsh shadows under your eyes and nose (raccoon eyes!), while evening light wraps around you and makes skin look amazing. If we can make the timing work, the results will speak for themselves.
Coordinating vs. Matching
When everyone wears identical white shirts and blue jeans, everybody blends together into one big "blob" in the photo. By mixing textures—like a chunky knit sweater next to a denim jacket or a flowy dress—we create depth. It helps each person stand out individually while still looking like a cohesive unit. Think of your outfits as a collection, not a uniform.
Variety is Best: Bring 2-3 outfit changes so we get a few different looks. I recommend one casual look, one dressy look, and one that just feels like "you."
Props: Bring things that tell your story. Cars, musical instruments, sports gear, pets, or even your favorite books.
Details: Don't forget the small stuff. Iron your shirts, check your fingernails (they show in close-ups!), and bring accessories like hats or sunglasses.
Hair & Makeup: If you are doing your own makeup, keep it slightly heavier than your "everyday" look, but avoid makeup with SPF (it reflects the flash and makes you look pale). Bring hairspray—the coast is windy!
More Than Just a Headshot
Your senior photos are likely the last professional portraits you’ll have taken until your wedding day. That is a big deal! This session should be a time capsule of who you are right now. That is why I always encourage bringing props. Whether it’s your beat-up acoustic guitar, your soccer ball, or even your dog, these things help us tell a story. Don't worry about it looking "cheesy"—we will style it in a way that looks cool and editorial.
Style Tips for the Camera
Camera lenses see things differently than our eyes do. Small patterns (like tiny checkered shirts or thin stripes) can create a weird vibrating effect in photos called "moiré." Solid colors are always a safe bet. Also, watch out for transition lenses in your glasses—if we are outside, they will turn dark and hide your eyes! If you can, bring a pair of non-transition frames or pop the lenses out for the shoot.
The Vibe Check: Outdoor vs. Studio
Not sure which style fits you? Here is the difference:
The Outdoor Look: This is all about natural vibes. We hit the beach, the dunes, or the forest. I use natural sunlight (especially that "Golden Hour" before sunset) to create soft, glowing, and relaxed portraits. If you want wind in your hair and a "lifestyle" feel, this is for you.
The Mobile Studio Look: This is where we get dramatic. I bring the lights, the fog, and the colored gels to you (or a gym/garage). These shots are edgy, high-contrast, and look like they belong in a sports magazine or a Nike ad. This is perfect for showing off your sport, your instrument, or just a cooler, moodier side of your personality.
Can’t decide? Book the Senior Experience or Extravaganza, and we can do both!
Bringing Mom & Dad
I love meeting parents, and they are totally welcome to come along (especially to help carry outfits!). However, sometimes it’s easier to relax and be "cool" when your mom isn't standing right behind me fixing your hair every three seconds. I might ask parents to step back or hang out by the car for a few shots just so we can get those natural, independent expressions.
Cars, Pets & Big Props
I love including cars and dogs!
Cars: Please wash it before you arrive. We will likely shoot inside and outside the car, so clear out the water bottles and gym bags from the back seat, too.
Pets: If you bring a dog, bring a "dog wrangler" (like a friend or parent) who can hold the leash while we are doing solo shots of you. Also, bring treats!
The Space:
If you booked the Mobile Studio, we need a clear space like a garage or gym. I need room for the lights and the fog machine.
Gear Check:
Bring all your equipment. Cleats, balls, helmets, pointe shoes, instruments. Make sure you clean or polish them beforehand so they look good under the bright lights.
Skin & Hair:
Athletes, if we are doing "sweaty" shots, we might actually spray you with water, so bring a towel! Dancers, bring hair ties and hairspray so we can switch up your look mid-session.
Be ready to move:
We might have you jump, kick, or swing multiple times to get the perfect action shot.
The Mobile Studio Experience
When I say "Mobile Studio," I don't just mean a camera and a flash. I bring a full lighting grid, backdrops, and often special effects like fog or colored gels. It can look a little intimidating when it's all set up in your garage! Because we use such dramatic lighting (which highlights every detail), things like scuff marks on helmets or dirt on cleats will show up clearly. Taking ten minutes to wipe down your gear with a magic eraser or polish your shoes beforehand makes a massive difference in the final "poster quality" of the image.
Getting "The Shot"
Creative sports portraits are a workout! To get that perfect shot of you kicking the ball or leaping in the air, we might have to do it ten or fifteen times to get the lighting and your form to sync up perfectly. It’s a collaborative process—I’ll show you the back of the camera as we go so we can adjust your angle or the light until we nail it. Come ready to move and have fun with the process!
Timing: The "magic window" is between Day 5 and Day 14. This is when babies are naturally sleepiest and still curl up into those adorable poses.
Keep them Awake: If you can manage it, try to keep the baby awake for an hour or two before our session starts. A tired baby is a posable baby!
Feeding: Please feed the baby right before I arrive or while I am setting up. A full belly equals a happy sleeper.
Heat: Crank the heat up! Newborns settle best when it's toasty warm (aim for 75-80°F).
Light: Please open all the blinds and curtains in your main living area so I can scout the best natural light when I walk in.
The Mess: Please do not stress about cleaning your house. You just had a baby! I only need a small cleared area near a window; I can work around everything else.
What Should Parents Wear? Since you will be holding the baby close for many shots, your chest and hands will be in focus.
Moms: Comfort is key. I love the look of layers—start with a nursing tank or cami (white, cream, or black) for those beautiful skin-to-skin shots. You can layer a loose knit cardigan or sweater over it. Stick to light, neutral colors.
Dads: Please, no suits or stiff collars! A soft, solid-colored t-shirt or henley works best. Avoid buttons down the front if you can, as they can leave marks on the baby’s soft skin when you hold them close.
The Details: Check your fingernails! Your hands will be close-ups in many photos, so make sure they are clean and trimmed. If you wear polish, stick to neutral tones that won't distract from the baby.
Props & Personal Items I bring plenty of wraps and blankets, but I love incorporating things that are special to you. Whether it’s a crocheted blanket from Grandma, a special baseball glove, or yes—even a Darth Vader helmet—if it matters to you, have it ready!
Tip: If you have scarves or receiving blankets you love, bring them out. They make excellent, personal wraps.
Bring it all: There is no such thing as "too many props." Put them in a pile, and I’ll pick through to see what works best artistically.
Comfort comes first: If kids are wearing itchy clothes or shoes that hurt, they will cry. Please make sure they are comfortable in their outfits before we start.
The "Hanger" Defense: Please make sure everyone (even dads!) has had a snack before the session. A hungry family is a stressed family.
Bring a "Lovie": Feel free to bring a favorite toy or blanket. It can be a great comfort prop if they get overwhelmed, and it often helps me get their attention!
Let Them Play: Don’t stress about making them "sit still and smile." I will chase them, play games, and capture the real giggles.
Dirt Happens: especially with preschoolers, we might explore or play on the ground. Dress them nicely, but please be okay with the possibility of a little dirt or grass stains by the end!
Embracing the Chaos
Please hear me on this: Your kids do not need to be perfect. In fact, the photos you will cherish most in twenty years are rarely the ones where everyone is sitting stiffly and smiling at the camera. It’s the shot of your toddler laughing while you tickle them, or your son running down the beach. My goal is to capture the connection between you, not just what you look like. So if they run, I’ll run with them. If they cry, we’ll take a snuggle break. Just breathe and let me handle the energy!
** The "Clean" Snack Rule**
We all need a little bribery sometimes! But nothing ruins a photo faster than a mouth full of orange cheeto dust or chocolate teeth. If you bring treats, stick to "invisible" snacks like marshmallows, smarties, or yogurt melts. They are small, quick to eat, and don't leave a mess on faces or clothes.