Photography is one of my many passions.
It is a privilege to create a safe container for individuals to express their power, depth, and vulnerability. I am a seasoned photographer with over a decade of experience. I have delved into many genres of photography, but I am most aligned with portraiture whether it is a simple outdoor shoot, or an elaborate creative shoot. I can almost guarantee plants will be incorporated. My photo journey began as a necessity. Prior to falling in love with photography, I was an environmental artist and began to add photo courses in hopes of decently documenting my work. At the time I had no idea I would be catapulted into art photography that was centered in capturing ephemeral moments. I suppose all moments are ephemeral, but my work has been deeply rooted in manipulating light and nuance. My children were my most available subjects at the time, so you will see them in various bodies of work I have created over the years. I consider their photos my strongest body of work because I love them with all my heart.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME
We will connect prior to your session to discuss your goals/vision for the shoot. I will offer suggestions for clothing, and allow for 2 outfit changes per session. Anything over 2 outfit changes becomes chaotic, and takes away from our time to co-create dynamic images. I take my time on the day of the shoot. I allow for 60-90 minutes per full shoot and 45 minutes for a mini shoot. It’s not easy being in front of a gigantic lens so I want to make sure that you have time to breathe. If we shoot in studio, I will often bring snacks and tea/water. I shy away from contrived posing. I have two decades of experience reading body language and nuance.
My sessions are unique to my process. I want to capture you in your most authentic feelings and emotions, so I allow extra time for me to establish an organic flow based on your natural rhythms. I will chat with you the duration of your session, and when I’m quiet you can be assured that I am capturing powerful images. You’ll often hear me say, “YES…that – more of that!” I take my time and allow for those authentic “sweet spots” to emerge. My approach is gentle, encouraging (I’ll be your biggest hype person), and intentional. I am obsessed with light and consider light manipulation one of my biggest aesthetic strengths aside from creative direction and composition. I look forward to capturing all elements of your dynamic beauty.
BOOKINGS:
My rates vary as I often work with creative folks that require more time and more editing. I do offer equity-based rates because I believe everyone should have access to beautiful images. My community contribution is 6 sliding scale sessions per year. I do not ask for justification or proof of financial hardship. I trust that you will show up in integrity. In addition to individual sessions, I often offer my services at a discounted rate to community collectives that are working closely within the community. Dynamic images support momentum in the important work they are doing.
Consider paying less if:
You are eligible for public assistance
You are an unpaid community organizer/volunteer
You offer your discretionary time for community building activities
You live paycheck to paycheck
You have outstanding or pending medical bills
You do not have financial means for discretionary activities
I trust you will inquire with integrity. Once the sessions are spoken for, I close my sliding scale books for the year. My general rates will be determined upon the type of shoot you are requesting. A typical shoot ranges from $400-$1200 depending of the complexities of the shoot (creative direction, set design, extended time, travel beyond 10 miles, multiple locations, etc.) It’s a wide range, but I’ve found it’s best for everyone involved to have a clear vision of the project before either party commits to any financial agreement.
I offer one complimentary phone call for duration of 10 minutes to discuss your vision and booking fees.
THE BUSINESS SIDE:
My editing turn-around time is typically 2-3 weeks. Your photos will be delivered digitally, and you will have full printing rights for personal use. I will provide you with a contract prior to our session that outlines social media policies, press release photos, and third-party printing. Your photographs will be predominantly in color, but I often include a few black and white images.
Please note that I reserve the right to edit and release photos within my artistic standards. I do not offer a preview gallery, but I promise I choose the best photos for your collection. I am aware that the slightest facial variation could make or break a photo for an individual. We are our own worst critics. For this reason, I will often release multiple photos of a very similar image (that is not part of the total images provided) so you have the ability to make a final decision on those close calls.
You will receive no less than 25 high resolution images that have been retouched when booking a full session. Mini shoots are approximately 45 minutes with 15 high resolution images that have been retouched. Please take time to check out both my photo gallery and social media accounts to familiarize yourself with my style and aesthetic. I often get asked to recreate images from previous shoots. I simply cannot do that because you are you. I can most definitely shoot in the same locations that speak to you, but you are divinely unique and your images will be a beautiful representation of you.
Lastly, my favorite time to shoot outdoors is close to sunset. In studio shoot times vary depending on the aesthetic you are looking for.
