What It’s Like to Book a Photo Session with Me | Step-by-Step Guide

What It’s Like to Book a Photo Session with Me | Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re thinking about booking a photo session—whether it’s for a surprise proposal, family shoot, engagement, or just-because—you might be wondering how it all works. I like to keep things simple, seamless, and stress-free from the moment you reach out to the moment your beautiful gallery lands in your inbox.

Here’s exactly what to expect when you book a photography session with me:

1. You Reach Out + We Chat Details

It all starts when I get your initial inquiry—yay! Once I hear from you, we’ll talk about the details of your session. This includes:

• Your ideal date or general timeframe

• What kind of session you're envisioning (proposal, engagement, family, etc.)

• Any early ideas you might have for location or vibe

Once we land on a date that works for both of us, we move on to the booking step.

2. Booking Your Date with a Retainer

To officially reserve your session date, I’ll send over an invoice that includes a $50 retainer fee, this also comes off your total amount due. This fee holds your date on my calendar and ensures no one else can book it.

Once the invoice is paid, we’re locked in—woohoo!

3. Let’s Talk Location

Next, we’ll start dreaming up the perfect spot. I have a location guide I’m happy to share—it’s packed with some of my favorite photo spots and includes notes on what kind of vibe each place gives off (think beachy, woodsy, urban, romantic, golden hour glow... you name it).

Clients are also welcome to screenshot any photos from my portfolio that they’re drawn to, and I’ll gladly tell you more about that location. Whether you want something classic or completely unique, I have a location suggestion to match every vibe.

4. Choosing the Right Time

Once we have your location picked, we’ll figure out the best time to shoot. This depends on:

• The session type you’ve chosen (mini or full)

• The sunset time (especially important for those dreamy golden hour shots)

I’ll make recommendations to make sure the light is perfect for your photos.

5. Outfits + Final Details

If you’d like help choosing what to wear, I’m happy to offer outfit suggestions or color palette ideas that photograph beautifully in your chosen location. I know picking outfits can feel overwhelming—I’ve got your back!

Otherwise, we’ll be in touch a few days before your session to:

• Check in on the weather

• Finalize the meeting spot

• Make sure everything is good to go!

6. After the Shoot: Editing + Gallery Delivery

Once our session wraps, I’ll head into editing mode! My typical turnaround time is about two weeks. If you booked a full session you can expect previews within 24 hours of your session unless otherwise noted. Your final photos will be delivered in a private online viewing gallery, where you can:

• Download your images

• Make prints

• Purchase additional photos (if you booked a mini session)

Your gallery will stay open for 30 days, giving you plenty of time to download and share your favorites. Need it reopened after it expires? No problem—a $20 re-opening fee applies. Please be advised if you have selected a mini session each time you click "download" on a new photo it will count against your total of 10. You are allowed to download any of your selected photos over and over again. I can not add more photos to your allowance for free, so please only click download to the photos you want!

Ready to Book Your Session?

Now that you know what to expect, I’d love to help you bring your photo dreams to life! Whether you’re planning a Wrightsville Beach proposal, a golden hour engagement session, or a cozy family shoot—I’m here to make the entire process easy and fun from start to finish.

Have questions or ready to get started?

Let’s make some magic!