Question: What goes into a good photoshoot and fun images?

This is the most important FAQ (aside from all the others).

Producing unique, meaningful, and creative photos is crucial to me (and you, of course). But, to accomplish this, it requires frequent communication and mutual effort. It is not simply a book-and-show-up endeavor.

I need to know what you want, need, and expect. You need to know that I can deliver that based on my style, experience, and equipment.

Awesome! It's the Pacific Northwest, after all.

Now, if it is a safety issue or just downright miserable conditions, I will always offer the opportunity to reschedule to the best of my ability and schedule.

It is likely that we will be dealt misty, rainy, or overcast conditions. I have experience shooting in all conditions and will work with you to make the best of all situations! Often, “bad” weather is great weather for photography! Rain and overcast conditions can really open a scene up for creativity and great lighting!

A second photographer is certainly an option for weddings and elopements, but at a separate cost, and is not included in the base pricing. Contact me for more details, or to talk through whether or not you will require one (I usually recommend it, at least for part of the day, but is not always required!)

If you feel ready to crush a photoshoot in a onesie, and will feel more awkward in a button down and jeans, then YES.

People ask me what to wear all the time.

Wear whatever you feel good in! Or whatever makes you feel like… you. I shoot in a style which lends itself well to “earthy” tones and colors, but seriously, whatever represents your own personality the best. Happy to talk through it with you and share inspiration, but there are no hard rules here.

For portrait, family, and couple/engagement shoots, they are generally 1-2 hours. I don't press just to fill time, but I also don't "shoot to the watch" - meaning it generally doesn't matter to me, so long as we are having fun, you want to continue, and we are getting what we need.

Weddings and Elopments: I do ask for shot lists with family/friends, but prefer to keep it as brief as possible. Otherwise, I prefer not to work off a shot list or Pinterest gallery. This day is a series of dynamic moments - some of which I may try to facilitate - but otherwise should be candid, honest, and authentic. We will spend more time ‘replicating’ a shot than trying to create our own. This day is not a checklist. It is a memoir.

Portraits: See above

Small Business and Entrepreneurship Collaborations: Let’s talk. Again, communication and mutual brainstorming are key here. I’m very open to ideas, and want to work with you to find a solution! Often, it can be helpful to discuss staging and setups in advance.

YES. Or any of your four legged, winged, or scaly companions.

(But….. this also depends on location. So, let’s discuss this.)

For those furry friends who may not do well in pubic or crowded spaces, or would otherwise be illegal to bring along (e.g. National Parks), I am happy to help talk through options

I primarily work with natural light, although will occasionally use on-camera flash and minimal external lighting when needed. That said, depending on the project or shoot and the available light in a given enclosed environment, I may work indoors. I do not work out of a studio

Where should we go?

Depends on what you want, really! Are you a city person? Let’s head to downtown Seattle and take a walk.

Are you the nature type? Let’s plan a hike!

If you want to set up a sunset bonfire at Alki, let’s make it happen.

If you want to go to a winery, that’d be cool too! I’m all ears, and will do my best to make it happen!

Just keep in mind there may be additional fees imposed by municipalities or venues for commercial photography.

I do not shoot for a certain number (some pun intended), and instead try to focus on telling a story and creating quality photographs. Generally, you can expect anywhere from 30-40 per hour of shooting, but this can vary a bit depending on the event or shoot.

I provide you with a private, password-protected gallery within 3-4 weeks (1-1.5 hours photoshoots) and 6-8 weeks (weddings, elopements, small business collaborations). This is accessible via direct link and on my website on the top-right corner.

You can download your images, mark favorites, share them, and order prints [coming soon] directly from this gallery.

You will have access to your online gallery for 2 years from time of delivery.

The short answer is yes: I have a creative vision that I try to apply to the final product, which will be in a style similar to those on my portfolio. However, every environment and situation is unique, so I refrain from simply copying/pasting a filter or preset, and will always adjust as needed

I do basic lighting and color corrections, and may remove detrimental blemishes and/or detracting elements when necessary.

Advanced editing, including, but not limited to, removal of objects, persons, or artifacts is only available at my discretion, and for an additional fee.

Please do not ask me to recreate a scene or completely modify or distort reality, as those requests will usually be denied.

Please don't! =)

I have worked hard at this craft and I promise that many hours will have been dedicated to providing you your final images.

I do not provide the original camera RAW files. Even if you have the software and capability to open these files, I take pride in the creative process. Much of the cost is not simply for the service itself, but for the time spent during the days and weeks following it. Providing the RAW/Original images compromises both consistency and quality, and allowing further edits devalues and minimizes my time and effort.

I do recognize that with the accessibility of photo editing software, I cannot police this. Should you choose to disregard the above and further manipulate the delivered images, please DO NOT tag me on social media. Even if you and your peers prefer them, it will ultimately not be reflective of me and my own product.