Session Times that include children: Please schedule your session at a time that is best for your child. If your child is the happiest in the morning, then please schedule your session in the a.m. But rest assured that feeding time, "me" time, and potty breaks are more the acceptable if at any time your child needs to stop. Please bring along a change of clothing so that your shoot can continue if there is an accident also include in your supplies their favorite toys, snacks, and anything that makes them feel more comfortable in a new environment.

In the event of family illness: I kindly recommend that you call and reschedule the session. Children who are sick have difficulty following commands, and are often too sick to make your photographic session successful. Trying to "tough it out" will only result in disappointment, as your finished images will likely not be 'the child you know', and their state of health will show through in the images - the camera doesn't lie!  I would much prefer to reschedule a shoot if it means getting you the portraits you can truly be proud of.

What to Bring: To make the day go smoothly don't forget favorite toys, snacks, hair spray, brush, wet wipes, and a change of clothing for small children. Take a deep breath and smile ....I am here to help you and will make everything move along smoothly and easily.

What to Bring: ..... PART TWO: I encourage you to bring along anything that will add personality to your family portraits. I have seen Harleys, Pets (from billy goats to dogs to boas), Antiques, Collectibles, Toys, Stuffies, Quilts, Wedding Dresses,College & Sports Gear, military children often bring some of their parents work attire---let your creativity flow. I LOVE to work with you to create the exact portrait you have in mind...you will not be stepping on my toes. I get excited when I see some creative ideas come in the door.

What to Wear
   When planning your portrait session, the best is to "keep it simple".  If the clothing is busy, then it is a distracter from the real focus of the portrait.

• Simple clothing works best for all types of portraits.Try to stay away from logos, busy patterns, or clothing that is uncharacteristic of your family’s personality. Solid colors are recommended, although fun colors and patterns can add wonderful individuality. Comfort is the most important factor with children, especially babies.
• If you are considering purchasing black & white portraits and have dark hair wear light colored clothing and light hair wear dark coloring clothing, this will give you a better contrast for your black & white style.

• Children in overalls with no shirt or in a basic sundress look great. Casual styles such as jeans and khakis work great, as well as bare feet. Bare feet capture the timeless innocence of childhood.
• Newborns and infants are always adorable when photographed in their birthday suit. If you would like to have your infant photographed without clothing, remember to dress the baby in loose fitting clothing before your session so that there are no clothing marks on the child. If your baby is a newborn, please have a small space heater available at your home so that your child doesn't get too cold during the session. (After your child's 1st Birthday I am no longer able to do these type of portraits.)
• Make Up: Please avoid glitter as it becomes small reflective mirrors on your face. Please avoid sparkly, shiny, glossy blushes or creams or gels as they tend to reflect a lot of light and women often tend to look like they are sweating in portraits from the shine rather then glowing as the make up does under normal conditions.

• When the portrait is to be multiple people, it is important to match clothing.  Having all members wear similar clothing unifies the group and allows the eye to focus on each expression rather than on their clothing.  Cream shirts and jeans is a classic choice. Don't worry about dressing up fancy. ....unless that is your families natural style. Be YOURSELVES for a family portrait you will find the outcome is much, much more pleasing, realistic, and enjoyable.

Portrait Check: Lay everything that is going to be worn on the bed (including socks and shoes).  Take a careful look at the collection. If your eye darts to any one object in particular, you can be certain the same thing will happen in your finished portrait. Change that item out now....and you will be happier when your portrait is hanging on your wall.