learn about the process

My artistic vision is to tell your story in pictures. I do love to get the perfect shot, but my heart is to create art that helps you remember & re-live the beauty of a moment or stage in life. I see life like a movie with scenes that make you feel something.
I know too well how quickly time flies. I can't make life slow down, but I can help you preserve memories. That's the magic of photography. I love serving clients in Santa Cruz, Monterey, & Santa Clara counties. I frequently travel to Napa, Reno,  San Luis Obispo, & Pasadena as well. I love bringing out beauty in every person & relationship.

"The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."
- Helen Keller

and artistic vision

INSPIRATION

  • A 30 minute session at one location
  • Minimum of 50 edited images will be delivered in a personal online gallery 
  • Ask about group senior sessions with your friends - so fun & each senior gets a discount.

package includes:

investment starts at $275

seniors + families

  • Eight hours wedding coverage from getting ready to reception
  • Optional: second shooter if guest count over 75
  • Includes complimentary engagement session
  • Includes planning consultation
  • Edited images delivered in personal online gallery within 6-8 weeks, sneak peeks delivered within first week, minimum 750 images.
  • Ask me about pricing for elopements or small weddings!


package includes:

investment starts at $3400

wedding  

  •  A one hour session at one location
  • One optional outfit change.
  • Minimum of 75 edited images will be delivered in a personal online gallery
  • Ask me about in-home lifestyle sessions


package includes:

investment starts at $325

maternity + newborn

Reach out using my contact form. We'll chat about how I can help you. Tell me your vision, share any insecurities, and what's important to you. Next, let's find a date and time that works for your session or event. To secure a time & date, I'll send you details that include a confirmation of pricing, and a proposal that tells you exactly what you will receive. 
When we meet, I'll put you at ease, and walk you through every step.I use a combination of poses and engaging prompts that bring out your personality. You'll receive a few "sneak peeks" in a couple days, and the rest of your photos will be delivered in an edited online gallery.

initial meeting

From our initial contact, we will decide on a session time and place that works for you. If you are a potential wedding client, we will have a brief phone call, video chat, or meet in person to answer questions and make sure we are a good fit for each other. 
After your session, I know you'll be excited to receive your photos as soon as possible! I will deliver a few of the best to you within the first week. These are called "sneak peeks."  Portrait session galleries are delivered within 2-3 weeks, and wedding galleries are delivered with 4-6 weeks. I usually deliver galleries much sooner than this though!

ready to book

from meeting to delivery

the process

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?

Lifestyle photography is a way to remember a stage of life, typically at your home or at a favorite place. The photos capture your life in a documentary style. Plenty of candids, and captures of you interacting, sweet kisses, hugs, and at play. This works well for families, newborn, and maternity. How about capturing your family making cookies together in the kitchen, or riding bikes by the beach, or quiet intimate moments like gazing at your newborn in the nursery? I love photographing real life - just you being you. These moments in life pass by all too quickly - let's make memories that last.

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?

First, please wear what fits your personality and makes you feel both comfortable and beautiful. For family sessions, I recommend neutrals that go well with any background: shades of green, blue, or white. Avoid stripes, or loud patterns. I'm happy to provide you with style ideas and Pinterest boards to give you a better idea. Or send me a snapshot of what you have and I'll walk you through the choices. 

DO YOU YOU RELEASE ALL OF THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE?

Part of my job is being a curator of images, which means I select only the very best images that I take. I want you to receive the best representation of you! The process of eliminating images that are duplicates, have closed eyes, or just came out unflattering is called culling. In general, for most of my full sessions I do release all the best images. For mini-sessions, or special promotions, I will clearly state the # of images included, and offer the remainder for additional purchase.

DO YOU EDIT YOUR PHOTOS?
 
Yes, I edit all my photos. My goal as a photographer is to capture the photos perfectly in camera, which means less editing in post. Let me know ahead of time if you are self conscious about certain areas. Skillful posing during the session definitely helps to flatter you. Worried about your chin, tummy, waist, acne - I got you!! For extra editing, I'll add even more touch ups to up to 20 images at no cost.

IS STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY AVAILABLE?

Sure! I'm primarily a natural light photographer, but I come prepared with my full flash setup for any lighting scenario. I have access to an indoor studio with beautiful indoor light.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

You'll receive a few of the best photos the first week. Portrait session galleries are  delivered in 2-3 weeks, and wedding galleries delivered within 4-6 weeks.

WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?

I know that the unexpected happens, and sometimes sessions need to be rescheduled. I'm grateful that for the most part, my clients keep their scheduled session times. My calendar does fill up, so let me know as soon as possible. If you need to reschedule, your signed proposal will tell you the time frame and last opportunity to do so. I make every effort to choose a time that works and understand the challenge of having a busy life.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?

In the case of severe sickness, catastrophe, or acts of God, I will make every effort to reschedule. If you wish to cancel your session completely, and I'm unable to re-book another client, then your signed proposal will explain the amount that is non refundable which covers my loss. I do try to keep this minimal, and in my experience I've actually have never had to do so.

HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I RECEIVE?

For typical, full one hour sessions where you receive all edited images - you will receive anywhere from 75-200 images. I know that's a huge range, but most sessions produce about 150 images. For weddings, a typical full gallery is 800+ images which include: highlights, getting ready, first look, family formals, bridal party, ceremony, cocktail hour, & reception. For special promotional sessions I will clearly specify # images included, with an option to purchase more. This is to provide high quality images with more affordable options.

WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND THAT I PRINT THROUGH YOU?

You can download and print anywhere, but I provide print options for affordable and high resolution prints, framed art, and photo books. Beware of taking your fine art images to a drug store and expecting high quality printing. I provide an easy ordering system within your delivered gallery of online images. Select your favorites, and quickly receive your prints. I'll even design an album for you.  

WHAT TIME OF DAY SHOULD WE SCHEDULE THE SHOOT?

Good question! Lighting is the #1 indicator of how flattering your photos will look. For outdoor sessions, my favorite is late afternoon, or "golden hour" which is the hour before sunset. Morning light is also flattering. I'm skilled at finding good light and locations regardless of the time - it comes down to knowing where and how to place you to avoid harsh glare. 

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? 

Please reach out and ask on my contact form below. I look forward to chatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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thank you!