A little bit of this, a little bit of that...
Willing to travel!
Am I willing to travel? The answer is yes! I am based in Spencerport, NY, but am willing to travel! Click HERE, fill out the form or give me a call, and we will see what is possible. For requests within 60 miles of Spencerport, NY the travel is included. For requests outside of that radius, I will add a modest per mile surcharge - unless I am already planning to be in the area for another reason (For example, I will be shooting a wedding and your friend wants family photos taken.) Each case is considered individually and I am always willing to work with people to make for a wonderful photo experience!
A Special Note
I know that a lot of times it is difficult to have your child with a disability photographed. They don't like the itchy outfit you put on them; they hate that stuffy, smelly, all too bright studio; they don't like to smile on command; the wheelchair is always in the way; the "photographers" at the local chain portrait shop may be busy, impatient, and only have that one famous line... "say cheese!" I am so comfortable with children and adults alike with disabilities that I may just be your perfect solution! As I mentioned on my about page, by day I am a pediatric occupational therapist. Every day I get to work with these amazing people, and see them, and "get" them as clearly as you do as a parent. As a custom photographer I can come to a location that works for your child, and just be a comfortable part of their environment. I will photograph your child, not your child's disability.
What should I bring?
Children, family
Yes, you should bring them... ;)
For your session you are welcome to bring props - a favorite blanket, a hat that someone knitted especially for your little one, that cute headband that you got for your little girl. We will definitely discuss this prior to your session, so we don't both show up with the same props for your little ones. Feel free to bring a couple of outfits, but take your little one's tolerance level into account when packing your bag. For kids (& husbands, sometimes), snacks and drinks will keep them happy and tolerate those shots you might really want to get. And a favorite toy definitely counts as a prop. Try to dress in coordinating or complimenting combinations - but try not to be too matchy matchy. You want your photos to stand out, not be one big blob of white with heads poking out. I could list a lot more, but you know Google? Or even better, Pinterest!? Type in family portrait outfit ideas, and you will see someone else has already done a lot of work and sometimes I try not to reinvent the wheel.
Maternity
The outfits you choose should show off your beautiful belly. Textures photograph awesome. Pre-maternity pants are a must, we want to show off that belly, not hide it behind layers of elasticized cotton! You need to decide if you want mommy only, both parents, or the whole family. We will discuss how you want your photos to 'feel', including choosing to show the belly or not. Props are always welcome - & encouraged: Think a pair of baby booties, a name plate you have already picked out, sonogram pictures, etc. We can also discuss specific ideas you have for the style of your shoot.
Engagement
Believe it or not, this has to be said, make sure you are wearing your ring! And clean it before you come :) I love taking closeups of your ring! Think about details that you want in your photos. Do you want to make your session into a save the date? How can we portray that? Props! And don't overlook accessories. Scarves, chunky necklaces, earrings, an adorable set of heels all add excellent character in photos. I love when people bring their furry friends, too. You want to try to coordinate or complement your outfits - no matchy matchy! I could list a lot more, but you know Google? Or even better, Pinterest!? Type in engagement session outfit ideas, and you will see someone else has already done a lot of work and sometimes I try not to reinvent the wheel.
Newborns
You will need to pack the bag for this one! These sessions take 2-4 hours (plan on at least 3). You can bring an outfit or 2 for your newborn. Although I will certainly photograph your child as you wish, the newborns really are adorable au natural! Plus they will not stay sleepy and happy if we keep changing them. You should bring any important toys. Any props that you love - memorable or heirloom items, for example. Headbands, hats, tutus: all welcome. Your passions that you hope to hand down (are you a football or baseball family?). A uniform that you or your partner wear (babies look adorable propped in a fire helmet or snuggled in the arms of a man or woman in fatigues). Food - bring your formula or yourself! We aim to get the baby into a little milk coma, so food is important! There will be plenty of time for soothing, feeding, and snuggling. Try to pick simple, flattering clothing for you and your partner to wear. We will want to get photos of the family! And if there are siblings, pick something over the top adorable! There are so many details, and this is a good start! But we, of course, will always discuss your personal vision of your photos and strive to get to that vision.
Yes, you should bring them... ;)
For your session you are welcome to bring props - a favorite blanket, a hat that someone knitted especially for your little one, that cute headband that you got for your little girl. We will definitely discuss this prior to your session, so we don't both show up with the same props for your little ones. Feel free to bring a couple of outfits, but take your little one's tolerance level into account when packing your bag. For kids (& husbands, sometimes), snacks and drinks will keep them happy and tolerate those shots you might really want to get. And a favorite toy definitely counts as a prop. Try to dress in coordinating or complimenting combinations - but try not to be too matchy matchy. You want your photos to stand out, not be one big blob of white with heads poking out. I could list a lot more, but you know Google? Or even better, Pinterest!? Type in family portrait outfit ideas, and you will see someone else has already done a lot of work and sometimes I try not to reinvent the wheel.
Maternity
The outfits you choose should show off your beautiful belly. Textures photograph awesome. Pre-maternity pants are a must, we want to show off that belly, not hide it behind layers of elasticized cotton! You need to decide if you want mommy only, both parents, or the whole family. We will discuss how you want your photos to 'feel', including choosing to show the belly or not. Props are always welcome - & encouraged: Think a pair of baby booties, a name plate you have already picked out, sonogram pictures, etc. We can also discuss specific ideas you have for the style of your shoot.
Engagement
Believe it or not, this has to be said, make sure you are wearing your ring! And clean it before you come :) I love taking closeups of your ring! Think about details that you want in your photos. Do you want to make your session into a save the date? How can we portray that? Props! And don't overlook accessories. Scarves, chunky necklaces, earrings, an adorable set of heels all add excellent character in photos. I love when people bring their furry friends, too. You want to try to coordinate or complement your outfits - no matchy matchy! I could list a lot more, but you know Google? Or even better, Pinterest!? Type in engagement session outfit ideas, and you will see someone else has already done a lot of work and sometimes I try not to reinvent the wheel.
Newborns
You will need to pack the bag for this one! These sessions take 2-4 hours (plan on at least 3). You can bring an outfit or 2 for your newborn. Although I will certainly photograph your child as you wish, the newborns really are adorable au natural! Plus they will not stay sleepy and happy if we keep changing them. You should bring any important toys. Any props that you love - memorable or heirloom items, for example. Headbands, hats, tutus: all welcome. Your passions that you hope to hand down (are you a football or baseball family?). A uniform that you or your partner wear (babies look adorable propped in a fire helmet or snuggled in the arms of a man or woman in fatigues). Food - bring your formula or yourself! We aim to get the baby into a little milk coma, so food is important! There will be plenty of time for soothing, feeding, and snuggling. Try to pick simple, flattering clothing for you and your partner to wear. We will want to get photos of the family! And if there are siblings, pick something over the top adorable! There are so many details, and this is a good start! But we, of course, will always discuss your personal vision of your photos and strive to get to that vision.