Preparing for your Photography Session with Me

Booking a photography session should feel exciting, not overwhelming. One of my biggest goals is to make the entire process feel smooth, stress-free, and fun from the very first message all the way through gallery delivery.

If you’re wondering what the process looks like, here’s exactly what to expect when preparing for your session with me!

Let’s Start With Scheduling

The first step is reaching out so we can chat about availability and start bringing your vision to life.

When you inquire, be sure to let me know:

• what type of session you’re looking for

• your ideal timeframe

• how many people will be included

• any special details I should know about

• the overall vibe or vision you’re hoping for

Once we find a date that works for both of us, I’ll send over an invoice via email for the $50 retainer fee.

This retainer goes toward your total session balance and is the only way to officially secure your date on my calendar.

At this time, I’ll also send over my package guide so you can review the session options I offer and choose the package that best fits your needs.

Choosing the Perfect Location

Next, we’ll talk about location.

If you already have a spot in mind, amazing! If not, don’t worry at all — I’m here to help.

I have hundreds of galleries from sessions around town that I can share to help you visualize different locations. I also offer a curated location guide that walks you through my favorite spots, including the pros and cons of each one.

This helps you choose a location that best fits your style, family needs, and overall vision for the session.

Once we’ve chosen your location, we’ll schedule your start time based on your session length.

I typically love to shoot as close to sunset as possible for that dreamy, glowy light, unless it’s a unique session type or an indoor session.

Outfit Planning + Session Prep

Once your session is officially booked, I’m happy to help with outfit planning as much as you need.

I can help you coordinate colors, suggest outfit ideas, and even share galleries from your chosen location so you can better envision what photographs well in that space.

A few examples:

• Beach sessions: keep wind in mind when planning your hairstyle and outfit flow

• Fort Fisher sessions: plan for shoes in most photos due to sand spurs and ants

• Downtown sessions: comfortable walking shoes between spots can be helpful

Thinking through the location details ahead of time helps your session feel effortless and comfortable.

Week-of Session Details

Typically, we reconnect during the week of your session.

This is when we’ll:

• review the weather

• confirm the exact meeting location

• finalize timing

• go over any last-minute questions

This is also when your final invoice will be sent.

Invoices are always due before the day of your session unless otherwise agreed upon.

During Your Session

One of the biggest things I want every client to know is this:

You do not need to know how to pose.

You do not need to show up with a Pinterest board full of poses unless that’s something you personally want to do.

I fully guide you through posing, movement, and prompts during your session.

My goal is to make you feel comfortable, natural, and confident so your images feel like you.

More than anything, I want your session to be filled with genuine smiles, lots of laughs, and happy memories — not stiff posing or stress.

After Your Session

For full and extended sessions, you’ll receive previews right away so you can get excited about your gallery.

For mini sessions, your full gallery will be delivered together, and you’ll make your image selections at that time.

Your gallery is typically sent through whichever communication method we’ve been using, unless you request another delivery method such as text or email.

Gallery Availability + Important Timing

Because of storage limitations and the number of sessions I photograph each week, all galleries are guaranteed to remain open for 30 days.

During that time, please make sure to:

• download your images

• make your final selections

• order prints

• request any additional edits

After the 30-day window, galleries are not guaranteed to remain active.

I always recommend downloading your images as soon as they are delivered so you have them safely saved. I also suggest saving your photos in more than one place. I do try to backup all my sessions but please keep in mind if I have to reopen a gallery there is a $20 archive fee for me to dig them out!

My Goal for Every Session

My heart behind every session is to make this experience feel easy, joyful, and memorable.

From planning to posing to final delivery, I’m here to guide you every step of the way so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the moment.

I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.