Are you looking for a lifestyle family photographer in Columbus, Ohio who will:
Document your family in a way that feels natural and authentic….
but also beautiful and creative?
Help you figure out what the heck to wear?
And also what to do with your photos after you get the digital versions?
Don’t worry, I will take care of you. And I GET IT, because I want the same thing. Join me through a step-by-step guide for planning your family or newborn photography experience with me, from start to finish.
My steps for a great experience from start to finish:
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1. We'll get to know each other
It starts with a quick, no-pressure conversation. I have found that the most important step to great family photos is to establish a relationship. You are not just a number to me. I am fully invested in telling YOUR unique story and the only way to do that is to get to know you and your family. I also don’t want to waste your time. A conversation will quickly let us know if we’re a good fit for one another.
If you are phone-call averse I’m also happy to do this step through email ;)
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2. Let's schedule your session
I’m available for sessions mornings and evenings most days of the week. Here’s what you need to consider when scheduling yours:
● Spring and fall are the busiest times of year for outdoor family photos in Ohio. If you'd like a session during one of those times (ESPECIALLY if you want a weekend spot), please get in touch as soon as possible!
● If you have a particular date or holiday by which you need prints or gifts (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, etc.), be sure to book a date at least six weeks in advance of that date to ensure sufficient processing and printing time.
● Babies and young children are almost universally at their very best first thing in the morning, which just happens to also be a great time of day for beautiful light. If your kids are really little, we’ll want to schedule as close to sunrise as possible for outdoor photos, or mid-morning (between 9-11am depending on time of year) for in home photos.
● If you’re not morning people, the other time of day that gives us great light for outdoor sessions is around one hour before sunset.
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3. Preparing for your session
I’ll work with you prior to the session to come up with a plan that feels natural, stress-free, fun and most importantly: true to you and your family.
You’ll get a session guide that will walk you through how to prepare, what to expect, and tips for keeping kiddos (and dads) happy. I also offer one-on-one wardrobe advice for those who need, and access to my inspiration boards for everything from outfits to creating wall art out of your images.
I also offer flexible payment plans upon request.
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4. The big day!
I’ll work with you during an in-depth pre-session consultation to come up with ideas that feel natural, stress-free, fun, creative and most importantly: true to your family.
So, what’s a session with me like? Child and baby-led, relaxed and fun. I come with a plan but am completely flexible to whatever arises during the session. I strive to capture both gently posed images as well as authentic, candid moments shared by your family. Most importantly, I encourage you to just be yourselves and enjoy the company, so you can look back on your experience with tears of JOY (not anguish and frustration).
My sessions are longer than most (1-3 hours depending on which session you book), which allows time for me to truly immerse myself into your family, to notice each person’s unique personality and how you all interact together once your guards are down. It allows time for creativity, playfulness, wonder and curiosity, as well as much-needed breaks for littles.
Keep scrolling for a detailed look at both family and newborn photo experiences.
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5. Choose your favorite images to turn into works of art
You’ll receive an email from me letting you know your gallery is ready 3-4 weeks after your session, where you’ll have access to my online store full of prints, albums, frames and other beautiful options for showcasing your images.
I include gift credit for prints for two reasons: I want to get your photos into your hands in the same year that they were taken (I see you, procrastinators!), and because I’ve found through personal experience that all prints are not created equal. Shutterfly and Walgreens prints will NOT do your images justice. I’ve invested a lot of time into researching and ordering samples from my print labs in order to offer you the most beautiful products out there, at various price points to suit a variety of budgets. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your product, I’ll make it right.
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6. Join the membership
Take scheduling family photos off your to-do list by joining the membership. Get locked-in low pricing, first-availability scheduling, even free mini-sessions! Hooray!
Lifestyle Family Photography in Columbus, Ohio
I have a new mantra, and it’s that each moment is beautiful. Is it really? No. But if I remind myself to look for the beauty, I can always find it. And the more I practice, the more easily it comes. Our lives, especially after we become parents, are made up of mundane moments. Routines, lots of time spent at home, getting ready (for bed, for lunch, for school, etc). If we can look for the beauty in these moments, our lives will be richer for it. This is the mentality I bring to family sessions.
Wondering what your session will be like?
I’d describe my approach as a blend of documentary and lifestyle photography, or as I call it, “natural photography.” I try to start each session with several minutes of loosely posed images (I hate to use the P word, as I’m still looking for playfulness and connection in my posed images - nothing stiff and perfect). This gives me the freedom to experiment later on in the session, knowing I’ve captured the “Christmas Card” shot. We’ll play games that I know the kids like, snuggle together on the bed or a blanket, and incorporate activities into the session based on what we covered during your pre-session consultation. We’ll also say “poop” a lot (I’m okay with that P word!). When I sense a child is getting bored or doesn’t like one of my suggestions, I pivot and let them take the lead for awhile, catching documentary-style images. I always make sure to grab individual portraits of each child, all the siblings together, and just the parents, as well as all the in-between moments that make up the bulk of your story.
What if your kids don’t cooperate or hate having their photo taken?
It’s okay. Yep, really and truly. I take a non-judgmental, patient, and laid-back approach to family photography. If your kids don’t want to sit and smile for a photo, that’s totally normal and fine by me.
I’ll focus instead on playing with them, learning about them, seeing what ideas they have (kids LOVE to share their photo ideas with me), letting them take a picture or two with the big camera, and at that point they’re usually good for a posed photo or two.
I also have a few tricks up my sleeve, like focusing on other family members to give them a break, busting out bubbles/candy/a silly book, or asking them to do the opposite of what I actually want them to do (“don’t you dare smile!”).
PS: I’ve been told that I’m incredibly patient and that kids love me (as evidenced by the hugs I get on my way out). I always take a minute to sit and chat with the kids, asking them to show me their favorite toy or tell me about their day. This builds trust, which goes a long way towards an authentic session with cooperative kiddos.
View my portfolio
Lifestyle NEWBORN photography
Ahh, new parenthood. The days when feel like you’re moving underwater, relying on muscle memory because sleep deprivation makes it impossible to hold on to a thought. You sleep when the baby sleeps, feed, change, rock, repeat. You stare in wonder at what feels like the truest love of your life, wander your home barefoot throughout the night, listen to lullabies, the whoosh of the sound machine, drink endless mugs of coffee, entertain visitors passing through, eat your meals standing up and with fingers only - one arm on the baby at all times. It feels like it will never end but oh, it does. And quickly - the memories of that special sleepy, magical time slip away like a dream.
My goal is to bottle it up for you, to help you remember what it really felt like. That’s why newborn sessions with me take place in your home, where you already have everything you need and are most comfortable. I capture your growing family with a blend of documentary style images as well as gently posed/guided images that create beautiful portraits.
Newborn sessions with me are very hands on unless you specifically request no touching. I am there to help safely guide your baby into positions that are NATURAL (no baby yoga poses) - all of my “posing” takes place right in your arms. I have completed an online newborn safety course and as a mom of two, I’ve had plenty of experience with tiny babies.
I recommend you book your newborn session as a 2-3 hour “Whole Story” session as that will allow time for your baby to eat, get changed as necessary, and fall asleep for some of the session (it’s much easier to pose them while they are sleeping). If there are older kids involved, this gives them plenty of time to take breaks, get snacks, and have some time to show the photographer all of their favorite toys. I treat older siblings like super-stars, because I know the transition can be hard on them and they could use a little bit of extra attention, which I’m happy to provide! You’ll get used to having a third adult around and never want me to leave ;)
