FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Together we will decide the best location for your photos. Usually we take advantage of the beauty of San Diego and our mild weather and shoot outside. I have plenty of spots I shoot at regularly, but, I’m always open to a location of your choice that I may not know. Ultimately, I do leave that up to the client.

Mini sessions are 30 minutes. Some families prefer this, knowing their kids or family will not do well for longer than 30 minutes. Also with the mini session we usually pick a location that is easy and we don’t have to walk too much.  Even in 30 minutes I can get a diverse and adequate gallery of images in that time, but you will get about half the amount of photos than in a regular session.

 You should choose a location that fits your style and likes of your family. Some places might have a special meaning to you and you might want to take photos there. Some clients don’t have a preference and I’m always happy to suggest. We can take photos along the coast at the beach or rocky shores. We can go inland a bit to rolling hills of tall grass, wooded areas of pretty trees. We can go to a location in town with murals and walls that provide a fun backdrop, we have a lot to choose from! Some clients also like to take photos at home. I’m up for anything! I can send over some info on locations. If you can narrow it down to beach, woods, mountains, wooded, field, city, urban, we can go from there.

 The best light of the day is always about an hour before sunset up to about 10 mins after sunset. So typically I would advise that time of day, especially if you want those warm and golden hues in your photos. Also early in the morning the light is soft and not so harsh, that time of day can work as well. With everyone I alway ask we think about the kids nap times , etc. And we try to work around that. For little kids sunset time isn’t always the best, so in some cases we chose a time based a little more on them, less on sunset.

I try my best to have the images posted online within 2-3 weeks of our session. Depending on the time of year the turnaround time can be faster or slower. I try my best to work with my clients if they have a deadline for announcement or holiday cards for example. I'm happy to discuss.

My family portrait sessions take about an hour. I try my best to be quick, efficient, and prepared. With kids and adults they have their limit in front of a camera. With an hour long session we have plenty of time for exploring, walking around to different areas, and a few play breaks if needed. 

Remember that children are not usually fond of being told to pose or smile. It is best if we just give the children time to relax and I try to capture their natural self. Don’t worry if your child is running about and active, most of the images you see of young children on my site were captured the child or toddler was busy playing and exploring. To get the family shots, I usually direct the adults to simply ”be” with their child or children, or hold onto the child, engaged in some way, slight direction. And then we go from there. 

Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are. I do not recommend matching outfits, but rather coordinating complementary outfits. I happy to consult with you directly on wardrobe, just let me know.

I will arrive with a couple blankets depending on where we are taking photos and maybe a couple items to sit or stand on. For props, some clients will accessories or maybe something important to them, all are welcome. 

I except PayPal, Check, Venmo, and Credit Cards. 

If you are not feeling well, it is completely fine to postpone your session. I’m always happy to work with my clients to reschedule. There are no penalties or fees for rescheduling the session at this time, I just ask you to make the call by 24 hours before our session.

If I’m not well I do not want to risk spreading any of my germs to you. I will be honest if I’m not well and reschedule, I will try to give as much notice as I can 24 hours minimum.

I’m taking many precautions  for our session. I will be staying a safe distance at all times and I will be wearing a mask whenever we are less then 6 feet from each other, which is not often at all. In my personal life, I am keeping a small bubble as a precaution for my families health and to maintain my health for my photography clients.  I will have long lenses with me so I can keep my distance no problem, my camera lens can see up close. As with keeping with my normal health policies I will be in honest communication with my clients about my health. If I or my clients have any symptoms or test positive for Covid-19 or the flu after our session I will be in contact with the family and I expect the families to do the same and inform me.

All props and blankets are cleaned and sanitized before and after each session.  Also, I normally would get close to tease smiles out of kiddos but I’m relying a bit more on the parents for that these days. And I appreciate your help!

To get the most out of your session, make sure that your little ones (and adults!) have rested and have had adequate snacks and water. We can take breaks for snacks and play, however I will probably still shoot during these times. Please bring a few dry, non messy snacks so their little cases and hands can stay clean during the session. Lastly, prepare your child(ren) for the session by letting them know that a friend will be taking some photos of them. Its best not to surprise them.