Before Your Session
Families - Engagements - Maternity - Newborn
I’m so excited to be part of capturing this special moment in your life! It’s an honor to preserve these memories for you. To help you make the most of your session, I’ve put together this guide. By the time you’ve read through it, I hope all your questions will be answered, and you’ll feel both excited and prepared. After that, you can just relax, be yourself, and enjoy the experience—I’ll take care of creating photos you’ll treasure forever.
If you still have any questions after going through the guide, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help!
DATE, TIME AND LOCATION
I’m a photographer who loves using natural light because the sun and its reflections create stunning, timeless images that feel authentic and full of life. However, I also incorporate flash photography when needed to ensure every shot is beautifully lit. Whether it’s enhancing golden hour, capturing indoor moments, or photographing evening events, blending natural and artificial light allows me to create images that are consistently beautiful, no matter the time or setting.
Date
Most clients prefer to schedule their sessions on weekends, so my Saturdays often book out several weeks in advance. However, I’m typically available on Thursdays and Saturdays and can make time on other days with enough notice. If your schedule is flexible, I’d love to work with you to find the perfect time for your session!
Time
The ideal lighting for your photos occurs during the “golden hour,” the magical hour just before or after sunrise. During this period, the sun is low on the horizon, casting soft, warm, and flattering light. Even after sunset, we have approximately 20 minutes of dreamy twilight that’s perfect for capturing stunning images.
To determine the best time to start your session, simply check the sunset time for your shoot date and location, then subtract an hour and a half.
TIP: Keep in mind that sunset times vary throughout the year—setting earlier in winter and later in summer—so be sure to consider this when scheduling your session, especially if you’ll need to take time off work or have evening plans afterward.
Early Bird?
Did you know there’s a golden hour right after sunrise too? While I’m not naturally an early bird, I’m more than happy to plan a sunrise shoot with you if mornings are your thing! Sunrise sessions have their perks—like having the beach, park, or pier all to ourselves—and my mornings are often more flexible than my busy weekend evenings. If you’re up for an early wake-up call, let me know—I’d love to make it happen!
Children?
To set your session up for success, I recommend planning it around a time when your kids are happiest. While golden hour is beautiful, it’s more important to me that your little ones are in a great mood than the light being perfect.
If midday works best for them, we can choose a shaded location or even do an at-home session with soft, natural light from a bright window or use flash and modeling lights. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where your children’s personalities shine, resulting in photos that truly capture your family’s love.
Location
The location of your photography session is entirely up to you! (But I can always offer some suggestions!) The first decision you need to make is whether you want an urban or natural ambiance for your photos. Are you captivated by the charm of New Hampshire’s quaint towns, with their historic buildings and rustic streets? We can perfectly capture that ideal, picturesque vibe. Or do you prefer the beauty of nature? The White Mountains offer breathtaking trails with stunning views and serene landscapes. Are you a water enthusiast? New Hampshire’s lakes and rivers provide the perfect backdrop for peaceful, scenic photographs. Regardless of your preference, I’m here to assist you in choosing the ideal location for your photography session!
Some Recommendations
Clough State Park - One of my favorite spots to do sessions!
Benedictine Park - Nice open fields, mostly up hill, with some bushes for good backgrounds.
Prescott Park - Great flower garden with some water front area in Portsmouth, NH.
Ferrin Pond - Will need to do some walking for this spot and a SUV or truck with preferred in Weare, NH.
Tower Hill Pond - A good spot in Auburn, NH.
Don’t forget New Hampshire Beaches as well!
Storytelling
To make your photo session truly unforgettable, let's tell a story through your pictures. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing a meaningful location, incorporating props, or planning a fun activity!
Meaningful Location?
Do you have a favorite spot that holds sentimental value—perhaps a place where you and your partner enjoy romantic dates? Or maybe you have access to a unique location, like an orchard where you can pick fresh fruit? How about attending a local music festival or visiting the pumpkin patch when selecting your fall pumpkins? Perhaps you know someone with an Airstream you can borrow for a memorable experience, or there’s a local landmark you’ve always wanted to explore but never had the opportunity. Let’s unleash our creativity and embark on a truly unique adventure! Just remember to choose a location that offers ample natural light.
Props?
Picture this: a vibrant flower crown adorning your head, a classic vintage car gleaming in the sunlight, twinkling sparklers, mesmerizing smoke, colorful balloons, and more! It’s a celebration of life, love, and joy, and it’s sure to leave you spellbound.
Activity?
Looking for a fun way to make your photo session memorable? Turn it into an activity! Whether it’s baking cookies at home, hitting the gym together, or getting messy making clay pots, there are endless activities that can bring joy, laughter, collaboration, and reveal the unique essence of your relationships. It could be something simple like a champagne toast or a picnic, or more involved like setting up a tent at the beach and diving into the waves fully clothed. Staging an activity will capture many candid moments and keep our time together exciting and diverse.
For Her
Have you ever fantasized about wearing a beautiful gown, a tulle skirt, or a flower crown, but never had the chance to wear it? Well, guess what? This is your chance to make it happen! Remember, there’s no such thing as being too dressed up for a photo session. So, don’t be shy and have some fun! Dresses and skirts are especially flattering for women, especially when taken in photos. Plus, a full and flowy skirt acts like a built-in prop, giving you something to twirl and swirl, and adding a touch of effortless movement and interest to your photos. I suggest avoiding pants and shorts for your session and opting for a dress instead.
Color
When picking colors for your outfits, I suggest going for soft, light tones and muted shades. By avoiding super bright and bold colors, you can make sure your face is the star of the show.
The camera loves soft pastels and neutrals like peach, lavender, blush, sky blue, sage green, golden yellow, heather gray, creams, tans, leather, denim, and soft white. This soft color palette looks great with almost all natural outdoor settings.
Black can make you look shapeless in photos, so it’s best to avoid it. But if you really want to wear it, black pants are a good choice.
Fabrics & Prints
Choosing the right fabric can make or break your photo. A solid-colored fabric is always a safe bet, but if you don’t have a solid-colored dress, go for a print that’s simple and not too flashy. Think calicos, dainty florals, repeating patterns, checkered stripes, or small stripes.
Another way to add some visual interest is to play with texture. Lace, seersucker, linen, denim, chiffon, and tulle are all great options.
Remember, the goal isn’t to have someone look at your photo and say, “Whoa, check out that crazy dress.” Instead, you want them to say, “Oh my goodness, you look absolutely stunning!”
Cut
Dresses and skirts look stunning on camera because they add movement to the photos, especially when paired with nature like our lakes, mountains, and beaches. Think about a cut that allows for beautiful movement in the images.
If the location you’ve chosen might be windy (like many beaches and mountain tops are), I suggest a mid-thigh or longer hemline. Wind is our friend most of the time because it creates drama and movement, but not so much when you have to keep one hand on your backside to keep the dress down.
A good rule of thumb I’ve learned is that: the eye is drawn to what is revealed. Meaning, bare arms up to the shoulders, bare legs in short dresses, and particularly low-cut necklines—no matter how great they look—might distract from your face in the photo. I’m not saying don’t do it… I’m saying be aware.
Expecting Mothers
Hey there, expecting mom! When it comes to choosing a dress, I highly recommend floor-length gowns or maxi dresses. They’re perfect for showing off your bump and creating a stunning silhouette. Whether you prefer a fitted or flowy style, there’s a dress out there for you!
Footwear
Heels make women’s legs look longer and slimmer, especially when closed-toe. They make the leg look smooth from the knee to the toes. But if you show your toes in a peep-toe heel, you might want to get a pedicure before the photo. That way, you won’t have to worry about any regrets. These small changes can make a big difference in the final results.
If you’re going to be walking a lot or wearing uncomfortable heels in your photo session, bring a pair of flip-flops. That way, you can switch between your heels and flip-flops easily.
If your photo session is at the beach, wear sandals or flats that you can easily take off and put back on. Slip-ons are a good choice because they’re easy to take off and put back on.
Accessorize
Adding a few accessories to your outfit can totally take your photos to the next level. It’s also a great way to coordinate with a group.
Big statement necklaces are super eye-catching, while smaller, more delicate ones are less noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets, and earrings are all great choices for adding visual interest, but make sure to choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown can be a really lovely touch for you or children!
TIP
To ensure a seamless fit, steam your dress thoroughly to eliminate any creases or wrinkles.
Carefully remove the tags, ribbon hangar straps, and any other embellishments that may protrude from under your arms.
Before wearing the dress, try it on with the undergarments you intend to wear. This will allow you to identify any gaps or noticeable lines that may need adjustment.
Hair & Makeup
Most of my clients opt for professional hair and makeup services for their photoshoots. It enhances the photos and takes the pressure off doing your own makeup. Treat yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or perfectly styled hair, professional hair and makeup gives you an extra confidence boost in front of the camera. And the photos always turn out amazing! However, doing your own makeup is always a good cost-saving option too!
For Him
Fit
Men, you’ve got a classic look going on with long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes. They’re a sophisticated choice that keeps your legs and feet out of the spotlight and focuses on your charming face. Fitted dress pants or solid-colored pants are perfect for camera shots. But hey, denim is also great if it’s nice and not too busy with pinstripes or plaid. Stick to graphics and logos, they can be a bit distracting.
Now, here’s a fun way to spice things up: mix a suit coat, blazer, or sport coat with a different pant color. It adds a pop of visual interest and breaks up the color tones. It’s a fresh take on a timeless classic!
Layer Up
It’s a secret trick that makes them look super stylish on camera. Even if you feel a bit overdressed, adding another layer can give your photos a cool, three-dimensional vibe. Blazers, vests, and sweaters are your best friends when it comes to layering. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!
Brown leather dress shoes are like the chameleons of the shoe world. They can go with almost anything, from a full suit to a blazer and colorful pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, watches, and statement rings are all your friends when it comes to adding some extra flair to your outfit. Whether you’re a man or a boy, these accessories will take your look to the next level.
Prep Him
Your partner may share your enthusiasm, but it’s normal if they’re not as excited. It can be challenging for them to be enthusiastic about taking photos for an extended period if they’re unsure about the expectations or the significance of the session to you. Take a few minutes to explain your reasons for choosing me and your appreciation for my style. Share some of your favorite sessions, explain why you admire them, and convey the emotional value they hold. Trust me, once he understands the importance of the session, he’ll be more receptive to capturing your essence.
The most common concerns men have before photo sessions are rooted in negative past experiences or hearsay. These experiences can lead to apprehension or a perception of inadequacy. However, they often express astonishment at the rapidity of the experience and the enjoyment they derived from it.
Families
One
Plan your outfits using a color palette. Select a base color and two to three neutral colors. Construct most of your outfits using these colors.
Black can appear two-dimensional in photographs, so minimize its use and keep it confined to the lower half of the outfit, if possible.
Two
Add a few accent colors! Just remember to use them sparingly, as they should complement your neutral and nearly-neutral outfits. Finish off with some fun extras like wraps, sweaters, hats, and statement accessories that tie in your core and accent colors.
Three
Picking a palette can feel daunting, but don’t worry! You can still let everyone shine with a neutral color scheme. Start with cream, tan, and beige for most of the pieces. Then, add a few stylish denim, black, or gray pants. To make it more interesting, throw in a pair of animal print shoes or a cute hair bow. This combination is simple, minimalist, and super eye-catching!
Checklist & Setting Expectations
Checklist
Collaborate with David to finalize the session details.
Familiarize yourself with the suggested fashion guidelines to ensure everyone looks their best.
Coordinate and choose outfits that complement each other and align with the sessions theme.
If you’re planning to have hair and makeup done, make the necessary reservations in advance.
Pack a bag with essentials for the event, including:
Comfortable footwear (flats or flip-flops) for walking between photo spots, especially if you’re wearing heels.
Touch-up makeup for any necessary adjustments.
Snacks and water for you, your partner and children.
If you have a toddler or younger, small, eye-catching toys (or lollipops) to keep their attention.
Setting Expectations
Post-processing, or editing, is a super important step in digital photography. I mostly use Adobe Lightroom to edit photos (I do not use Photoshop). Lightroom is the go-to software for digital photography processing, and I use it to turn raw images into edited ones (Also known as JPEGs). During post-processing, I use a bunch of techniques to make your images look amazing.
Some being:
White balance: Adjusting the temperature, color balance, and saturation of colors to make your photos look just right.
Tone: Manipulating exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, and other elements to create a well-balanced and visually pleasing image.
Cropping/straightening: Making sure the perfect framing of the image, including the horizon line.
Adding filters: Applying special effects to enhance the visual impact and give your images a professional, polished look.
Spot removal and light skin smoothing: Eliminating blemishes and imperfections, especially in close-up portraits, to achieve a flawless finish.
Minor background clearing: Removing distractions like people walking in the background to create a more focused and visually appealing image.
What I don’t do:
Provide RAW images - Most photographers do not provide the RAW images due to the fact that it is not the final product of our work. Only final edited images will be provided.
Do a session without a signed contract and modeling agreement and retainer fee.