Frequently Asked Questions

What to wear?

For an outdoor photo shoot, I prefer a very casual look. Jeans work really well, as do simple, un-patterned tops. Light colored clothing works best for hand-painted photos, as black or very dark clothing does not. Try to remember that these photos will be in your family for many years, and a classic, simple look will stand the test of time. If the weather allows, bare feet are in order! If it is a little chilly, brown or black shoes photograph better than white sneakers.

For a studio shoot, we like to keep the babies as bare as possible! A swaddling blanket is great for newborns, so please bring your favorite light colored one. I like to suggest that the parents wear all black when we plan for a dark backdrop baby shoot. The parent will then blend into the background, and the baby will grab the attention of the photograph. Your outfit does not need to be fancy, as it will become part of the background. Natural colored finger nails on the mom works best for black and white photography. I also have the option of an all-white backdrop, in which case either white, black, or even denim looks great on the parents.

What to bring?

Please bring your child’s favorite toy or other item that can calm him if we need, or become a prop in a photo. I have a few simple props that can entertain little ones, as well. I am very open to your ideas, and no two photo shoots are the same, so bring whatever you might like to see in your final art. For the babies, please be prepared to feed them at some point during our shoot.

When is the best time to photograph my child?

Anytime, but the earlier the better! For newborns, I suggest that you plan an appointment within the first 2 weeks. Many babies get baby acne around the 3 or 4th week, and begin to get less and less "pliable" as the days go by. My studio is very warm and quiet, and parents in the past have been very comfortable bringing their little ones to me.

Great milestones to photograph your baby might be: Newborn; 3 months when the smiles are plentiful; 6 months, when the baby can push up on their tummy; 9 months, when a baby can sit up, and of course at one year.

For bigger kids, anytime is a good time to have fun in the park! I of course can also do studio shoots with your older child for a very dramatic and classic portrait session. Parents, you could become props in our shoot with your kids, so come prepared!

How does payment work?

Your sitting fee is due at the time of the portrait session. I accept cash, check, MC, Visa, and Discover Cards. Payment for the final order of artwork is due at the time of ordering. Your final art will be ready for pick up or delivery about 7 days after the order is placed.

What about proofs?

I provide you with web proofs for your convenience. These proofs are posted on my web site at an address that I give only to you. On your proof page, I might digitally color a few of your photos, so you can have an idea of what a final artwork might resemble. The proofs are normally ready for viewing 2-3 days after the shoot. I will email you with instructions on viewing your proofs as soon as they are ready.

What if I need to reschedule my photo shoot?

I understand that situations arise with little ones, so if you need to reschedule your photo shoot, please call me at least 24 hours in advance. Please help me to keep our no deposit policy in effect by providing me ample notice if you must reschedule. If you must reschedule less than 24 hours of your shoot, don't worry. Even though there will be a $20 late cancel fee, you can still reschedule to a different date and take a $20 credit on your first art order with me.