FAQ
Q: What do you mean by “environmental portraiture?”
A: Environmental portrait photography describes portraits made in the subject's own natural environment such as home, work or play. Including elements of your environment in your portrait can better "tell the story of who you are" rather than just recording your physical likeness. By photographing you in your natural surroundings, I can better capture you and/or your family's character and that elusive spark that illuminates the essence of their personality. I strive to make my photography go beyond "just recording your physical likeness," I want it to also capture real emotions expressed in the moment, and these moments are most likely to happen at places in which you are comfortable. This is especially true when photographing children. When photographing in your home, favorite toys, favorite foods, and a quick change of clothes are all easily at hand, making for a more relaxed child. NOTE: PLease don't stress about making your home a contender for the "cleanest house of the year award" before I arrive. I'm there to photograph you and your family; I can work around anything you DON'T want to be in the photographs.
Q: Do you photograph at places other than my home?
Definitely! In addition to making portraits at a home session, I enjoy taking photographs of real moments in your life: it can be a trip to an amusement park, making cookies, playing a favorite sport or instrument, picking berries, coloring Easter eggs, etc. So if you have any ideas about having me photograph you and/or your children engaged in a favorite activity, let me know and we'll include it.
Q: What should I/we wear for the session?
As with most things in life, the advice “keep it simple” works here, too. If you are most comfortable in denim jeans, then wear your jeans. If you like to get dressed up, then definitely dress up. No matter what, wear something that is true to you and/or your family. Then you’ll look comfortable, allowing me to capture an accurate depiction of who you are as an individual or family. NOTE: If we will be shooting the whole family, then the family should wear outfits that are complimentary to each other, not clashing. This doesn’t mean you have to all match, just that your family should be the center of attention in the photos. So don’t wear glaring colors or busy-patterned clothes that will draw focus away from you. In general, bright or rich colors are good. One catchphrase to keep in mind when selecting clothes is “timelessness,” so I’d suggest to stay away from any clothes that are the height of a current fashion trend because it could definitely date your photos later on. “Long sleeves or short sleeves?” Long sleeves are typically more flattering for adults, while kids look great in any length of (or even absence of) sleeves. “How many outfits should I bring?” It’s nice to have several outfits for each person, this can include layered outfits which can be changed out by simply removing a top layer. “Hats?” Yes if you have them and like them, particularly for children, kids are always great in hats. “Shoes?” Clean, new to fairly new shoes will be best. If it’s weather appropriate and you’re not in danger of hurting your feet by being barefoot, you could chose barefoot for the photos, too. (Kids always look cute with bare tootsies!) For maternity sessions, I have various luxurious fabric lengths for wrapping discreetly as a top and/or skirt. You can also bring favorite luxury scarves to utilize as part of your outfit, too. And of course, regular street clothes work for maternity portraits, too.
Q: Do you do portraits of adults, too?
Yes I do, all types of portraits. It could be a simple portrait for an annual report or for posting on your page on a dating site, it could be an engagement portrait session on location in your favorite romantic place, or even "boudoir-style" portraits for a special someone. One of my favorite photographic portrait subjects is what I call "Dress-Up for Grown-Ups." Whether you want to be photographed as a pin-up or a rock star,I can help your "Fantasy Identity" come to life in a photograph!