FAQ

General Questions

Do you have a photography style?

One thing I know for sure is that I’m a natural light girl all the way. This means I avoid using flash photography and use natural sunlight or window light whenever possible. But, I also think my photography fits into multiple categories of different types of photography including lifestyle, fine art, and photojournalism. Basically, I’m like an “everything” bagel who likes good sunlight and candid smiles 😉

Are you a wedding photographer or a portrait photographer?

I’m both! I am currently accepting bookings for weddings, family sessions, boudoir sessions, engagement sessions, senior sessions, and newborn sessions.

Do I get all the original pictures from the shoot or wedding?

No way! First, because sometimes I can take up to 700 pictures in an hour- 90% of which are of you blinking 😉 Second, because part of my art is the editing process that I use for my images. I shoot in a format called “raw” which requires me to digitally correct every picture for color, contrast, and warmth. The way I edit the pictures is a part of my art, so you will never see any originals- not because I’m being rude, but because I would never want to give someone an unfinished product! All of the images you get in your gallery are lightly edited to meet my artistic requirements.

Can you photoshop my freckles, gray hair, or lopsided eyebrow out of the picture?

No, no, and more no. You are perfect just the way you are, and in my opinion, nothing is more powerful than seeing how perfect you are without any digital alterations. Don’t make me get sappy on you. P.S I also will not photoshop a dinosaur running after your bridal party because…well this needs no explanation.

Once our session or wedding is done, how will I get the pictures?

About 2-4 weeks after your portrait session or 6-8 weeks after your wedding, I will email you a link to a online gallery where you you will retrieve your photos. The online gallery will allow you to easily view, download, and share your photos. Eventually your gallery link will expire and go offline, but have no fear! Your pictures you download from the gallery to your computer will never expire.

The contract you sent me to book my wedding or portrait session is a bit overwhelming, can you explain everything?

The contract I require my clients to sign is basically a glimpse into the legal and business side of everything going on to protect both my clients as well as me. I will send you an electronic version of a contract so sign, where your electronic signature is recognized as a real signature. After reading the contract, please feel free to call or email me with any questions. I would be happy to walk you through everything!

Do you have liability insurance?

Like any professional photographer should, YES!

What is considered “Lifestyle” photography that you mention outside of weddings and engagements?

Lifestyle sessions include family, maternity, high school seniors, and newborn!

Do you travel?

If where you live has good pizza, I will absolutely travel. There may be an additional investment fee to cover travel, so shoot me an email to discuss!

What type of gear do you use?

I shoot with two Canon 5d Mark IIIs and my lovely lenses which are a 85mm f/1.2L, 35mm f/1.4L, 50mm f/1.2L, and 70-200 f/2.8L.

Weddings

I’m getting eloped, do you have elopement packages?

I sure do! Let’s chat!

Can we meet you before we book you for our wedding?

Yes, please! I won’t book a wedding without meeting you two before because I love a good cup of coffee or drinks while discussing everything that you want/expect out of your wedding photography. If you live far away, Skype or a phone call works great too!

How much time should portraits take on a wedding day?

The answer to this question depends so many different factors that it is hard to even ballpark an answer. But, a rough (very rough) estimate is about 2 -3 hours. This could be less or possibly more depending on your expectations and flow of your wedding day. As your photographer, I am more than happy to go over timeline options to make sure your day flows the best it can.

Can we do a first look?

I’m so happy you asked that, because I actually recommend couples do a first look on their wedding day! Feel free to ask me why and I will give you a slightly emotional but also very practical answer 😉

Do you have vendors you can recommend for us to use?

Absolutely!

Family/Engagement/Lifestyle Questions

What should we wear?

I recommend you and your family wear semi-coordinating complimentary outfits! This doesn’t mean you all have to match or wear the same color, but I do recommend you try to be in complimentary color families. Neutrals like blush, white, gray, tan, etc. always photograph best! Avoid graphic tees, large logos, and moire fabrics. I am always more than happy to advise you and your family on what outfits to choose! I’m always a phone call or text message away!

Where should we take the photos?

Since I am a natural light photographer, I do not shoot in a studio. Instead, I prefer outdoor locations, or indoor locations with ample natural window light. If there is a forest preserve your family frequents, or a downtown area you and your Fiancé love, please let me know and I will see if it would be a good location for pictures! Otherwise, I always have a million locations up my sleeve.

How should I do my makeup

I highly suggest that you (or other age appropriate family members who normally wear makeup) treat yourself to getting your hair and makeup professionally done for your session. If you need recommendations on hair & makeup artists, feel free to ask!

When should we have the session?

I try to always do my outdoor shoots two hours before sunset, or two hours after sunrise. The reasoning behind this is mainly due to the positioning of the sun during that time and the ahhh-mazing soft light it creates in photos. Though I prefer to do sessions during that time, I am also realistic and realize that this time does not work for everyone, and often books up fast for me!

How far in advance should we book our session?

Fall or Summer sessions are typically booked several months in advance. Winter and Spring sessions are usually booked a month or two in advance. Not in your timeframe? Still shoot me an email! I sometimes have cancelations or other slots that can still be filled.

What happens if our shoot is scheduled to be outdoors and the weather is bad?

Well, seeing that we live in Chicago, unexpected surprises in weather are bound to occur! If the weather forecast looks bad, we will stay in contact to determine if we will reschedule the shoot. Rescheduling the shoot because of weather will never result in a fee or double charge.

Boudoir Questions

When/where should we take the photos?

Wherever you want! I recommend doing the shoot in your home for comfort reasons. If we do shoot on location at your home, we would probably use your bedroom, living room, or any other room in your home that has great window light. Because I work with natural light, the shoot must take place after sunrise and before sunset. If you are uncomfortable with doing the shoot in your home, email or call me and we will figure out an alternative!

Let’s be honest, will this be awkward?

I will be honest; this may push you out of your comfort zone. But, what’s life without some risks?! If you would like to meet me beforehand to grab coffee or talk about your concerns, or want to to talk more about what to expect, please do so! Having you feel comfortable and beautiful is ALWAYS my number one concern.

Do you do group packages for bachelorette parties or birthdays?

Duh! What’s better than getting together with your besties, having your hair & makeup done, drinking champagne and having a totally feel-good photoshoot?! Nothing. The answer is nothing 😉

Should I get my hair or makeup professionally done?

Yes! Contact me for my recommendations.

I am self-conscious of my (insert body part here), what can we do to make sure it doesn’t show up in pictures?

First, let me say that as a woman, I know how we tend to set high, unrealistic expectations on how our bodies should look. I have a million poses up my sleeve that will translate to be flattering and beautiful on camera, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. I should also note that I never photoshop any of my clients. You are beautiful the way you are, and in my opinion, there is nothing more empowering than seeing how perfect you are without ANY digital alterations.