Because no One ever said, “they grow up too slow”
I come from a family of 5 kids! In middle school, when one of my classmates found out, he said “how do you all fit in family pictures?!”, I responded “we just move the camera back a little…”
I love family photos! I have always loved looking through old photo books of my ancestors, my direct family, and now the family I am building with my husband. My girls also absolutely love looking at those pictures all the time, which is why I print photo books every year!!
We always think we will never forget the way they laugh, smile, play together, the silly faces they make to make us laugh, the cute curls in their hair, their small little hands always grabbing ours to take us places. But the truth is, time goes by, and we forget until we look back at some pictures and remember it all.
My goal is to capture those little moments, interactions, and personalities of each member of your family. Of course I will still capture some simple “everyone looks at me and smile” images. But I will make sure you can also be yourselves and have fun together as I capture more candid moments.
The outside world is my studio. I love shooting at parks with rivers, trees, flowers, rocks or nice bridges.
If the location is over 30 min away from Omaha, a fee may apply to cover driving time and gas, but I am always open to new locations and will brainstorm some ideas with you to make sure you love the end result!
If you have a specific location in mind, please talk to me about it!!
I like checking out new places ahead of time to plan your session, check out the lighting, and make sure we are efficient especially if you have little ones who might be cooperative only for a short time.
Finding the right thing to wear always seems like the most stressful part for me! And yet, if you put a little effort into it, your pictures will look a million times better!!
Whatever you end up choosing, make sure to lay out everyone’s outfit next to each other, and see if the colors and patterns look good together.
Don’t hesitate to text me some pictures of the clothes you are thinking of wearing for feed-back.
But here is a few tips for you:
Mixing colors and patterns is great! Avoid logos and distracting designs! Long sleeves are usually better. Avoid shorts. Make sure you dress at the same level (casual, semi formal or formal). Wear clothes you are comfortable in. Avoid see-through fabrics.
Feel free to bring a Jacket / cardigan or accessories.
Never under-estimate the power of spandex shape-wear! (no joke, I wear those every time I get my family’s pictures taken… to keep those love handles in check!)
Shoes are very important as well, I recommend avoiding sport shoes, or flashy colors.
A little foundation, blush and mascara can go a long way and help your skin tone look a lot more uniform and natural for your pictures. They also make my editing job a lot smoother!!
Eyelash extensions can add a beautiful touch and make your eyes pop as well.
I would avoid any lip or eye color you wouldn’t normally wear.
Keep your nails nice as well, your hand might show on some pictures, so avoid cracked nail polish or distracting colors.
Please do not do anything drastic to your hair or your face!
I would also recommend you not cut or color your hair the week before your shoot.
Feel free to ask me any specific question!
I typically schedule sessions about 90 min before sunset time. Take into consideration your children’s bed time, and meal time! Family sessions with little kids are usually best in spring or fall as the weather is warm enough and sunset time is still early enough. If you must schedule in the summer, just let me know and we will work it out.
Contact me early on and we will find the time best suited for your needs. I am pretty flexible and will be happy to reschedule your session if the weather is bad (rain, too cold etc.)
I do not schedule sessions on Sunday as that day is reserved for my family exclusively.
If you have a baby/toddler and would like to take some couple’s pictures during your session, bring a stroller!! I would also recommend to bring snacks, diapers, toys, a blanket (if it is cold) anything to insure your child is comfortable!!
There will be zero judgement on my part if bribery is used during your shoot to get your kids to cooperate!! Feel free to bring their favorite candy, toys or anything that will make them smile and get their attention if needed. I will not hesitate to start singing and dancing to get your baby’s attention or say silly things to make your kids laugh. Just be prepared!
When all else fails, I will still make sure you get plenty of candid moments with your child, even if it means comforting your crying baby, tossing him/her in the air, or running after your toddler. Honestly these might turn out to be your favorite pictures anyways!
Within a few days of your session, I will send you a pre-selection of images lightly edited to choose from. You will then get to choose the images you want and I will finalize the editing on those images (removal of blemishes, color enhancement etc.).
You will receive your final images 2 to 3 weeks after your selection in an online gallery where you will be able to download them for 6 months.
I love editing pictures! I usually spend about 10+ hours per session on editing. I use both Lightroom and Photoshop on each image. I carefully adjust colors, remove blemishes on the skin, remove dark circles, sharpen the eyes, whiten the teeth if needed, remove distracting things in the background, such as unwanted guests. If you want something specific to be removed or adjusted, let me know and I will do my best to make it happen!
