Hey hey! I'm so excited to have the opportunity to document and craft some photos for you. You can come with a glimpse of the kind of images you want, or we can figure that out together! These sessions can be collaborative, so if you want to go for a certain look or vibe, I'm here for it. It's totally normal to also feel a little anxious about your session, so this guide is here to help ease any worries and questions. We'll cover choosing a location, outfits, the process, and more.
Family Sessions
Session Guide
Located in Poultney, VT. This is the location I've utilized the most for its amazing versatility. We have access to an open (mowed) field with plenty of gorgeous backlight, wooded areas for a moodier look, lake access for photos by or in the water, a rustic wooden fence, and plenty of paths and areas to explore. *A $5 fee per person may be needed for admission to the park.*
Location 1
Located in Bomoseen, VT. This location offers a variety of backdrops, including: a wooden boardwalk with lots of cattails and dreamy backlight, a lake with mountains in the distance, multiple wooded areas for a moodier/earthier feel, and so many paths and roads. This location tends to be quieter or less busy than Location 1. *A $5 fee per person may be needed for admission to the park.*
Location 2
Located in Hubbardton, VT. This is the second most-used location I've utilized the most for its open fields and mountain backdrop. We have access to multiple fields with soft front-facing light, and a mind-melting view of the mountains far in the distance that get hit with the sunset. I've had the most sessions ask for drone or lantern photos here.
Location 3
Located near Middletown Springs, VT. This location I was recently granted permission to shoot on, and holy moly is it gorgeous with a ton of variety. Between the ponds, dirt road, stone walls, open fields, birch trees, and mountains. *DISCLAIMER: Out of respect to not overstay my welcome, I limit the number of times I shoot here each month.*
Location 4
Located in Poultney, VT. This location is private for those wanting a quieter or more intimate space, with access to multiple open fields, paths, overgrown trees, as well as moody pines in the distance. The grass tends to be taller here, and catches the tail-end of golden hour magic.
Location 5
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Location 6
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Location 7
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Location 8
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Location 9
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Location 10
If you have a location in mind (whether it's your property, family/friends property, or a public space) please do not hesitate to send photos my way so I can see if it'll work! A handful of these photos were also taken on private property that I have permission to shoot on, so let me know if any here or in my portfolio appeal to you.
Your location
You might be asking what the heck golden hour is! In short, it's the hour or so before sunset when the light is the softest. So I tend to shoot my sessions 60-90 minutes before sunset to make sure we get the most magical light, and to avoid harsh shadows and bright spots. This also means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting.
To get the soft, golden, and earthy tones you see in my work, we'll be meeting during golden hour.
Time & Light
Sessions may fall during or after bedtime for your kiddos. As much as I know a consistent bedtime routine is important, in order to capture the best light (during golden hour) we're likely going to have to throw off your schedule a bit. Sorry about that, but I promise it's worth it! And ultimately this is how I keep my work consistent.
To make this all happen, there are a few things you can consider: such as pushing their nap a bit later in the day, keeping them awake on the ride over (so they don't wake up groggy/grumpy) or packing some PJ's so that they can crash in the car and you can tuck them into bed as soon as you get home. Kids also often get a burst of energy once the fresh air hits them, and they can play/run around during some photos.
Parents, I have a feeling I know what you're worried about: "What about bedtime?"
BEdtimes & Light
A stranger holding a big ol' camera in front of your kiddo(s) is an entirely new element for them! They’re likely not going to entirely be themselves. Your quiet child may unleash the energizer-bunny from depths you've never seen, or your wild-child may suddenly become shy or anxious. Rest assured, it’s all ok! The best thing you can do for your kids is to go with the flow and stay positive. The more you relax and have fun with things, the more likely your little (or big) one(s) will get on board. It can also be helpful to pack a few treats/bribes for younger kids. My 2022 family sessions were practically sponsored by M&M's. FUN NOTE: We got the best genuine smiles + laughs when parents yelled out funny words instead of "say cheese." See below!
Managing Little Ones
A lot of families have their go-to goofy words to get the giggles going. I’ve heard everything from “poopy booty” and “buttcheeks,” to yes, even “penis.” No judgment here. Whatever works, works. If it gets your kid (or your partner) to laugh uncontrollably, I’m all for it.
Unscripted
What do we say?
I highly encourage families to not forget about the love they all share. Get close, share a moment with your kids, or with each other, and give them the space to do so. It can be serious, silly, or intimate. Not every family is open or shows their love the same way, so I get it if you want to keep things fun. Tickles and/or cuddles all make for great photos.
Don't forget about the love.
"Say Cheese" vs. "Poopy Booty"
When it comes to posing for your session, you don't need to worry about a thing! With kids, there is more of a focus on prompts and games to get them to forget about the camera a little. Get goofy. Get serious. Go full model if you want. I'm incredibly patient with kids, and things don't always go as planned. It's ok to drop expectations of perfection. We'll still document your family authentically <3
I'll guide you through every step, pose, and prompt.
Posing
Average Golden Hour Times 05764
January • 7:22 AM
February • 6:50 AM
March • 6/7:04 AM (DST)
April • 6:09 AM
May • 5:28 AM
June • 5:11 AM
July • 5:26 AM
August • 5:58 AM
September • 6:32 AM
October • 7:07 AM
November • 6:46 AM
December • 7:19 AM
January • 4:42 PM
February • 5:23 PM
March • 5/6:59 PM (DST)
April • 7:36 PM
May • 8:11 PM
June • 8:35 PM
July • 8:31 PM
August • 7:55 PM
September • 7:02 PM
October • 6:09 PM
November • 4:27 PM
December • 4:17 PM
Sunrise
(Start Time = 15 Min Before)
Sunset
(Start = 60-150 Min Before)
There is only so much that we can prep for and control with photos, and so retouching is an extra option for those who want their favorite images to be absolutely perfect. Hell, even I retouched most of the photos of myself on my website to remove the bags under my eyes. Retouching can include things like removing stray hairs, blemishes, eye-bags, redness, slightly enhancing the eyes, smoothing out skin and clothing, teeth whitening, and so on. You'll notice a few of these changes by hovering over the before & after image here. Retouching services vary in price based on complexity.
Bringing your favorite images from "wow" to "double wow."
REtouching
Hover for before & after
I want you to be comfortable in the outfit(s) you pick, and to feel like *you* with whatever you wear. With that in mind, there are styling choices we can make that work well with both my editing style and your personal style. Neutrals are always an amazing option for any location, and work well with pretty much everyone. Go white or off-white for brighter, elegant look, or darks for a moodier vibe. A common pairing is a neutral shirt with blue, black, white, or tan/brown pants. Some go formal! You'll see some of my favorite outfit choices below.
I want you to feel comfortable and confident, and the best way to do that is to wear clothes you feel great in.
outfit picks
Overalls are always super cute and photogenic on kids! If haircuts are planned before your session, do it at least 1-2 weeks in advance so the hair has some time to blend a bit. Clean and iron/steam clothing to limit wrinkles, and bring hairspray, accessories, brushes, snacks, and bug/tick spray!
other tips
04.
For guys, it’s best to sick to a simple neutral shirt, nice shoes or boots, a pair of fitted pants, and a possible layering piece. You can always add a jacket, vest, or suspenders for a little extra interest. Avoid baggy jeans, unfitted shirts, polo shirts. Go for fitted clothing and choose muted colors.
FOR HIM
03.
Dresses offer a great amount of variety, whether flowy for more movement or lace for a textured look. Casual options are typically a solid color shirt with jeans/fitted pants. Or strike a balance between dressed up and casual. Pick shoes that you can move around in.
FOR HEr
02.
Neutrals are your best friend, and are the most flattering tones to wear. White, cream, ivory, black, tans, and browns. They're my top recommendation, and lend themselves best to my editing style! Dark navy, olive green, or any other muted or darker colors as a second outfit.
Colors
01.
The Process
When we first meet up for your session, we’ll take a few minutes to settle in. I’ll walk you through the flow of things, answer any questions, and check in on anything you’re hoping for. If you’ve brought ideas, I’d love to hear them. If you haven’t, that’s totally fine—I’ll guide you through everything as we go. No one’s expected to know what to do. We’ll keep things relaxed, follow the light, and see what unfolds. If music helps you relax, bring a playlist. We’ll go with the flow and see where it takes us.
After your session, I’ll sort through all the photos to remove the ones that just didn’t land. During editing, I work on each photo individually in one of two styles—warm and golden, or deeper tones with moody greens. You're welcome to share a preference, and I'll note some styles suit certain light better. The muted look works well in any light, while golden tones shine best on sunny days. Once they’re ready, I’ll upload them to an online gallery you can share (or not), and download your favorites (or all of them).
Style One brings out golden highlights and deep contrast. The tones are rich, nostalgic, and full of glow. This look creates radiant skin tones, enhances golden hour light, and gives each photo a warm cinematic edge. Style Two leans moodier and more subdued. It is darker, more desaturated, softening the frame with gentle greens and deep shadows. Some color remains, but it takes on the role of atmosphere, not spotlight. Earthy, muted, and quietly cinematic.
Like in film, the color grade sets the tone—shifting the feeling without changing the frame.
Editing
Styles
BEFORE & AFTER: Full warmth and golden tones. Muted greens, creamy highlights, and rich contrast.
BEFORE & AFTER: Darker tones and moody greens. Creamy highlights, deep shadows, and a more atmospheric feel.
I've been shooting more and more sessions where we incorporate lanterns or a drone at the end. If you're not into either, which is totally fine, skip this section. We can break the lanterns out as the sun sets to get that beautiful moody blue haze. Or do sky-down portraits with a drone overhead (where you lie back facing the sky with the ground as your backdrop). Both of these are totally optional. You can opt for one, both, or neither, but I like to offer these as FREE options for unique photos during your session.
