Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Hi there! I am so excited to work with you! I feel honored that you would trust me to capture these precious memories for you!
It's normal to feel a little unsure/anxious about your session. I've been there! Some things that might just be swirling in your head right now - Will I choose the right outfits? Will my children act like magical unicorns or be a hot mess? What will I do with my hands? I feel so awkward in front of the camera, will she tell us what poses to do? Our house is tiny, will she be able to get good photos for our lifestyle session?
I totally get it!
Whether it is a newborn session, family session , senior or just you and your love! There is a-lot to think about when planning a session and it can feel overwhelming!
So... I thought it would be beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know! I will cover what to wear, how to prepare for your session and location ideas! Ready? Let's do this!
- Alexis
We get it. Having pictures taken might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and maybe just maybe you had a little bit of fun ;) Most importantly.. I'm assuming this is something that means a-lot to your love and she will be oh so happy to have these memories to look back on!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
Yay! It's time for your session! Now, you may have never had pro photos taken or maybe you have. But my goal is to make this a fun, relaxing experience. The tips below will allow you to have the best possible session. Just keep in mind, no single session goes 100% smooth and thats okay! As long as you're having fun and trusting that I'm getting the shots you want then that's all that matters. My style of photography consist of mainly candid, authentic, in the moment shots of you interacting with your people!
Getting ready for your session
A family or couple session typically lasts about 30-60 minutes (depending on how kids do). When we can—I love to begin sessions about two or so hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. If we need to schedule earlier in the evening due to bedtimes that is no biggie! I've done sessions at noon or 3 p.m. before and they still turned out lovely!
Is there a "good" time to take outdoor photos?
TIME & LIGHT
*Travel Fee may be included depending on location
location options
GOSHEN/NEW PARIS
•Oxbow Park
•Downtown Goshen
•Benton Spillway
•Defries Garden
SOUTH
BEND/MISHAWAKA/GRANGER
•Copshaholm Gardens
•Saint Mary's College
•Notre Dame
•Saint Patrick Park
•Battell Park
•Cobus Creek
BRISTOL
•Bonneyville Mill
WARSAW
•Biblical Gardens
Family Session
WANT TO SAVOR SOME HEARTFELT MOMENTS WITH YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE!? LET’S DO IT! Family sessions are one of my biggest passions! I think it is such a gift to have photos to remember whatever phase of life you may be in. I know they can be a little stressful so I compiled a list of some tips that might help you out!
01
02
03
~ I am NOT above bribing! So if there is something you think you can bring to get your kiddo to bring. PLEASE bring it! If you decide to bring a certain type of snack or candy just make sure its something that wont leave a mess on their face. A quick snack that leaves no mess is what we want!
-If you have young kids and you need an extra helping hand feel free to bring Grandma along or someone that would be able to stand behind me and get your kiddos attention!
-LETS GO WITH THE FLOW! I AM A MOM MYSELF AND TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION OF A TODDLER NOT BEHAVING DURING THE TIMES YOU WANT THEM TO THE MOST! HA! BUT THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO DURING A SESSION IS BE MAD AND UPSET WITH THEM. I DONT EXPECT KIDS TO DO EVERYTHING PERFECTLY DURING A SESSION! THERE WILL BE TIME FOR POTTY BREAKS, RUNNING AROUND TO GET ENERY OUT, SNACKS (ALWAYS GOOD TO BRIBE WITH SNACKS) PLAYING IN THE GRASS.. ALL OF THE THINGS!
I PROMISE TO WORK AROUND IT! KIDS ARE UNPREDICTABLE AND I WANT YOUR SESSION TO BE ENJOYABLE SO WE WILL WORK AROUND IT! I HAVE NEVER LEFT A SESSION WITHOUT GETTING IMAGES THAT HAVE SOME TYPE OF MAGIC IN THEM!
-Let loose a little bit because a little fun and laughter really brings out your personalities and makes for some awesome pictures.
-Candid shots! I love them! If you have littles lets let them play! I want to capture the joy in the moment so dont worry about getting the perfectly posed photos. Yes we will get some shots of everyone looking and smiling for Grandma to print and put on her wall but I want you to play with them! Show me how you interact in real life! Toss them in air (a great job for Dad!), tickle them or give them relentless kisses! Interacting with the kids and coaxing those smiles out naturally will make for the best photos and will allow them to be genuinely happy.
Newborn Lifestyle
A lifestyle newborn session is meant to capture a glimpse of your life with your new little one. This means I don't really do perfectly-posed photos in a studio setting. A newborn session with me will take place in your own home! We will capture what life looked like in your home during the first few weeks with your little love.
01
02
03
FAQS
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE?
I recommend scheduling the session within the first 3 weeks! Babies are typically in that sleepy stage the first couple weeks of life out of the womb. I also want mama to feel comfortable so if we need to schedule a bit further out than that is okay too!
TIME OF DAY THAT WE SHOULD SCHEDULE?
Anywhere from 9-12 am is the best time to schedule for best lighting and to avoid the oh so lovely witching hour ;)
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
I usually plan on about 2 hours of the newborn session. This gives us plenty of time to change diapers and sneak in a feeding if we need to.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE NEWBORN SHOOT?
I typically take photos where we have the best lighting in the house. So make sure to open ALL of the blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible. Put away as much clutter as possible to avoid messy backgrounds in your photos! I can also help with this once I get there. You just had a baby! I know de-cluttering isn't top on your list of priorities.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Neutrals! White, beige, browns, grey, mauve, light blues. Try to avoid loud prints if possible!
Mom- A cozy sweater with jeans or leggings or a flowy dress
Dad - Colors that compliment what mom is wearing. Jeans, khakis or black pants. A solid color shirt. Try to avoid patterns.
Baby- a solid color onesie or baby knotted wrap. Tons of cute ideas on pinterest!
Here is some inspiration!
Maternity
Maternity sessions are so stinkin' beautiful. I absolutely love the glow of the mama, the excitement and anticipation, the love between mom + dad and the belly kiss pictures from big bro or sis. If you're not sure where to start on preparing for your maternity session here are some tips below!
01
02
03
PAMPER YOURSELF
If possible, get your nails and makeup done! It will help you relax and feel even more beautiful! Pregnancy can make you feel far from your best self but getting pampered will hep a bit ;) You will glow regardless!
WEAR A DRESS
SEE BELOW FOR MY RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO GET BEAUTIFUL DRESSES! I have a pinterest board with lots of inspiration for what to wear for your maternity session but if you need extra help I would LOVE to help you find something that will make you feel beautiful! Wearing a flowly neutral color dress will photograph the best! Simple is best so try to avoid loud patterns or designs. Also keep jewelry to a minimuM.
WHEN SHOULD WE SCHEDULE?
I would suggest doing your maternity session somewhere between 30-35 weeks! This way you aernt so big that you feel like you cant move around but that sweet belly will still be obvious in the photos.
A FEW MORE DETAILS
~Bring meaningful items that you want photographed like a cute onesie you are waiting to dress your babe in or the sonogram photos!
~Make sure you are snacking and drinking plenty of the water during the day (especially if your session is on a hot day). Make sure to bring some water and snacks as well!
-Maternity sessions are SO beautiful when we can shoot them during golden hour (the hour before sunset) to get that dreamy light.
Makeup Recommendations
ROOLEE
BOHME
PIPER & SCOOT
HOPE AVE
BALTIC BORN
CALLED TO SURF
ROOLEE
ABERCROMBIE
MORNING LAVENDER
JENN MARTZ MAKEUP
ALLE DO MY MAKEUP
ASHLEY URBAN ARTISTRY
STEPHANIE JEAN MAKEUP
SHOPS FOR DRESSES
I currently have a 4 week turnaround time! More often than not I can get images back a bit before then but as a wife and mama of 2 I have my hands full ;) My favorite part of the whole experience is getting those image back to you and hearing what you think. So trust me when I say I am JUST as excited to finish your gallery as you are to see them!
When to Expect Your Images
I truly truly love what I do and I am so honored that you would consider me to savor your precious memories. So lets get that session scheduled eh?!
~ Alexis
