Frequently Asked Questions

→ HOW DO I BOOK A PHOTO SESSION?

Contact me through the contact me page on my website. I’ll reply ASAP with more details on the type of session you are interested in as well as my current availability and a link that you can use to virtually sign the contract and pay the session fee online.

→ HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY PHOTO SESSION?

As soon as possible! I only schedule 2-3 photo sessions per week and very limited weekend sessions per month so my schedule fills up quickly. I would suggest contacting me 2-3 months in advance to make sure I have dates & times that work for you.

→ DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ANY EVENTS, LIKE WEDDINGS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES OR BABY SHOWERS?

I don’t photography any events, but I love to attend them ☺

→ WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Newborn & Cake Smash Sessions all take place at my studio in Stoughton Ma. I have a perfectly lit natural light studio filled with tons of props available for use.

Milestone sessions for children can take place either in studio or on location (if weather permits).

Family sessions all take place outdoors, at an agreed upon location, with 20 minutes of Stoughton. I can make suggestions or am happy to discuss some of your favorite locations to see if they would be a good fit. There is an added fee for travel outside of the 20 minute radius, just email me for more details!

→ WHAT TIME OF DAY DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Indoor sessions typically take place between 10AM-2PM to make sure my studio is well lit.

Outdoor sessions typically take place 1-2 hours after sunrise or before sunset which of course depends on the time of year. If you have a little one who you suspect will not cooperate during these hours, lets chat more!

→ WHAT IF IT RAINS?

We reschedule! I cannot hold a rain date for each client because that would make my schedule impossible to manage but ifs rainy, freezing, super-hot or incredibly windy we will find another date that works for us both.

→ DO YOU OFFER MINI SESSIONS?

I offer seasonal mini sessions when I am able to. My schedule fills up very quickly and Newborn, Cake Smash and Family sessions are always my top priority. When/if I am able to, then I offer limited availability mini sessions which are released to my email list first. If you would like to get notified when mini sessions are being released, please make sure you join my email list here.

→ HOW DO I BOOK WITHOUT KNOWING EXACTLY WHEN THE BABY WILL ARRIVE?

I limit the number of sessions that I take per week to ensure that even if a baby arrives before or after his/her due date (which is of course, very likely) I will always have room for those who have finalized a session with me. I will use your due date as a placeholder in my calendar and once your baby is born you will just shoot me an email to let me know and we can schedule a session within the first 2 weeks! Once you book your newborn session I’ll send you a detailed email with all the information you need to know including scheduling once the baby is here, what you need to know in advance, etc.

→ HOW SOON AFTER GIVING BIRTH WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?

My goal is to get you in within the first 2 weeks when babies are still very sleepy and easy to pose. After the 14 day mark babies begin to become a lot more alert and it makes certain poses a bit harder. If your baby winds up in the NICU or you require any special postpartum care please don’t panic, I may need to adjust some poses but we will make it work!

→ ARE SIBLING AND FAMILY PHOTOS INCLUDED IN MY NEWBORN SESSION?

Absolutely! Both are always welcome and encouraged. Because a newborn session can be lengthy, I do require an adult to be available to bring any siblings to and from the session so that they are not a distraction during the newborn-only portion of the session. I provide more details on this as we prepare for your actual session.

→ HOW LONG DOES A NEWBORN SESSION TAKE?

This all depends on your baby and how sleepy and cooperative he/she is feeling on the day of our session. The atmosphere is very relaxed and comfortable but the pace of our session will be determined by the baby. I ask clients to block off 3 hours, however a typical session is closer to 1.5 -2 hours.

→ HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?

It's never too early to book! Newborn sessions should be booked during your pregnancy, the earlier the better as I am usually booked 2-3 months out.

→ MY BABY IS ALREADY HERE AND I DIDN’T KNOW I SHOULD BOOK IN ADVANCE, IS IT TOO LATE?

Email me! Since babies are often born earlier or later than expected, I occasionally have shifts in my schedule which allow me to accept last minute bookings. If I have an opening in my calendar I am happy to accommodate.

→ WHERE DO THE STUDIO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Your session will take place in my private and cozy photography studio in Stoughton, MA. Just bring yourself and your baby and rest assured that the studio is fully stocked with all the necessary props, toiletries, and snacks to keep you comfortable throughout your session. You can also find more details about the studio here.

→ WHO SUPPLIES ALL THE CUTE HATS/HEADBANDS AND PROPS FOR THE SESSION?

I do! In my studio you will find a large supply of hats, headbands, wraps and props that are available for use during your session. If you have already booked a session and have seen a certain prop that you would like to use during your shoot, just send me an email and I can make sure I still have it in stock and will have it ready for your session!

→ DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS FOR BOOKING MULTIPLE SESSIONS OR RETURNING CLIENTS?

Yes to both! I offer a 10% discount for clients who return within 1 year and you discounts for booking the babies first year. Email me for me info on both.

→ WHAT IS A CAKE SMASH?

On or around your baby’s first birthday we give them a cake and let them go to town eating, destroying or playing with it however they choose. For most babies, this is their first taste of cake or a sugary dessert, so it’s a fun milestone to capture and celebrate their birthday. It’s also fun to see how babies will react because they are all so different.

Some clients prefer a themed set with props and custom outfits to match a color scheme or idea, while others stay with a more simple approach with just the baby and the cake. There is no right or wrong way to do a cake smash. Pick what you like or ask me for ideas or help with any themes.

→ WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE THE SESSION FOR?

Some parents like to do these sessions very close to baby’s first birthday or after they have turned 1. Others want to use the images for a party or invitation so they schedule the session in advance to allow time to receive their images. It takes me about 2-3 weeks to receive final images, so keep that in mind when looking at your calendar. Many parents like to use the images for their birthday invitations, post party thank you cards, or to have a large canvas displayed at the party itself.

→ ARE THERE ONLY PICTURES COVERED IN CAKE?

Nope! Before the cake is even brought out we spend some time capturing your little one just being their adorable self. If they are crawling, standing, walking, we will document all of that first. I understand the importance of having some timeless images and this is also good on the off chance your baby is not a fan of cake (sometimes it happens!)

→ HOW LONG DOES A CAKE SMASH SESSION LAST?

I will ask you to block off an hour just in case your little one needs some time to warm up to a stranger/new space but typically we move pretty quickly since 1 year olds don’t have a long attention span. I would say 30-40 minutes is more typical if everything goes smoothly!

→ WHERE DO CAKE SMASH SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Cake smash sessions take place in my studio in Stoughton, MA. This allows me to control lighting with a natural light studio, have everything prepped in advance, and isn’t weather dependent. We can also pick a time of day that works around your child’s nap, which typically doesn’t mesh with best times of day for outdoor sessions with ideal lighting.

→ WHAT'S THE BEST AGE TO DO PHOTOS?

Truthfully, any age is a good age. Little ones grow up so fast and milestones like sitting, standing walking, losing those first teeth, all fly by way too fast. What's more important than choosing the appropriate age for photos is setting your expectations. I don't ever expect a two year old to sit perfectly and smile for the camera and you shouldn't either. I also expect three and four year olds to do cheesy smiles and pre-teens to be a little too cool. I have tricks to loosen them up at all ages and as long as you are ready to embrace the current stage of life, then any age is a good age for photos!

→ DO I HAVE TO BE IN THE PICTURES?

You can certainly choose to do photos of just the kids and I 100% understand not always feeling comfortable being in photos yourself and I know you really just want to capture them. I always tell parents to plan on being in the photos for a couple of reasons - 1. Sometimes kids are shy when put on the spot in front of the camera and it's easier to start off with some shots where they are comfortably in your arms. 2. I promise you that someday you will want the images that are in you and if you don't, I am certain that your kids will! 3. It's the same cost and only gives us more options which results in more images in your gallery… that's never a bad thing. You choose the images you purchase so if you hate all of the ones that you are in then you don't have to choose them (this NEVER happens).

→ HOW LONG WILL A SESSION TAKE?

Typically regardless of age, kids don't last more than 30 minutes. We typically jump right in with some formal pictures and get those out of the way in the first 10-15 minutes and then we do some more candid shots of everyone just playing around and interacting.

→ WHAT IF MY CHILDREN DON'T COOPERATE?

Kids are kids and sometimes they don't behave the way you want when you want, I totally get that and I have seen it happen. The number one thing that parents of “uncooperative” kids say is “wow you got some many great shots, I thought it was a disaster”. So don't worry, if your kid is being a little difficult during the session, the best thing you can do is not get upset and roll with it. I take my lead from the kids and I have a few tricks of my sleeve to make the session fun for everyone so the best thing you can do is come with a positive attitude and no expectations.

→ WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

I always encourage coordinating rather than matching. I suggest picking a color scheme that matches your style, home or preferences and keeping everyone coordinated in that scheme. Layering and accessorizing always photograph well. Comfort should be a top priority for both kids and adults and if you have some questions then I am happy to help review your options prior to the session.

→ WHERE DO SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

As a photographer, light is by far the most important thing to me in any photo so I have lots of great local spots where I know the light is fabulous and I prefer to shoot at one of those locations. I am happy to give you the best options in your area and will certainly consider other locations if you have one in mind but typically it's worth it to drive a little out of the way for a great spot, trust me!

→ HOW FAR ALONG SHOULD I BE FOR MY PHOTO SESSION?

The ideal time is during the third trimester, between weeks 27 and 36 but everyone shows differently and I want you to be comfortable so we can chat more if you have a different preference. I don't typically like to go past 36 weeks because I don't want you to go into labor before (and especially not during) the session :)

→ CAN MY SPOUSE AND OTHER CHILDREN BE INCLUDED?

Yes, families are always welcome. I love to capture not only pregnant bellies but also the excitement of the whole family.

→ WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

My personal preference is a more natural maternity style. Casual maternity dresses or even jeans and a cute top work. Maternity clothes should fit well and show off your belly. Loose and flowy do not photograph well on pregnant women. Comfort should always be a top priority and if you have some questions then I am happy to help review your options prior to the session.

→ DO YOU HAVE MATERNITY DRESSES?

I do have a few casual maternity dresses and am happy to share photos but as I mentioned above my personal preference is outfits that you already have or would normally wear.

→ WHERE DO MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

Just like with family sessions, light is by far the most important thing to me in any photo so I have lots of great local spots where I know the light is fabulous and I prefer to shoot at one of those locations. I am happy to give you the best options in your area and will certainly consider other locations if you have one in mind but typically it's worth it to drive a little out of the way for a great spot, trust me! During the winter months, in studio sessions are also available for maternity sessions.