About me
I'm a native New Englander who married a Navy man 17 years ago. Now I find myself in Northern Virginia, 10 months out of the year, with my husband, two little girls, 2 dogs and one recently adopted, enormously over weight cat . The other two months we summer at our shack by the lake in Maine.
I love photography. Everything about it. I love my Canon 5D2, my collection of fancy pants lenses, my Shoot Sac, and collection of bags. All of the accessories. I just love it! Every chance I have I read about lighting, about technique, some other photographer's blog, anything to learn something new. And, I just can't tell you how much I love Lightroom (the dark room of digital).
I love sharp eyes, natural expressions, soft back grounds, natural lighting and muted colors. I seek to photograph you as you see yourself at your very best (or even a little better ;) ). It's my goal to give you that great shot that you can't wait to display and that people will comment on, or an image that becomes an artistic canvas to grace your wall. I want you to "feel pretty".
I especially love to photograph women. As a mom I know what it’s like to, day in and day out, be lucky to have time to throw your hair into a pony tail as you head out the door to take the kids to school. Yet, every woman has a time, a place, a day when she just feels pretty. And that is what I strive to bring out in you and capture for all time in my photography. My range of work includes newborns, children, tween, teens, high school seniors, head shots, engagement and family portraits with a special emphasis on women.
I am a proud member of Professional Photographers of America and Photographic Society of America. As a national award winning photographer, my work has been seen in Southern Living magazine, on two national magazine covers and featured in a short film by Emmy awarding winning director Jeff Kramer.
Session Info
In order to create the most flattering, fresh and organic images, I really like to use natural light… whether it’s seeping through a large window, or allowing the sun to soften your face at dusk. If we need a little catchlight, I might take out my portable flash. I do have studio lights but 9 times out of 10, using natural light and the correct creative exposure works much better.
Typically sessions last from 1 to 3 hours, and we have plenty communication ahead of time to answer all of your questions and to learn exactly what style fits your desires and personality. Ideally, I like to sit down with you days before the shoot and have you flip through my portfolio. This gives me a chance to see what style of picture you like (traditional, quirky, sensual, close up, centered vs off center) and also the tones. I have always been very neutral in my tones but this summer I discovered that I really like the yellow, warm tones for certain pictures. It really comes down to what you like and you might not know that until you’ve seen some examples. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t trap you in a certain style. I just want to make sure we get some of that style in your shoot. One style does not fit all, and I am passionate and dedicated about meeting no, exceeding, all of your expectations.
Your session can take place outdoors here in Montclair, VA, or at a picturesque outdoor location throughout Northern Virginia or in the comfort of your very own home. I am most familiar with Dolphin Beach and Anne Moncure park, and know all of the best kept secrets of where to shoot and the ideal places for lighting. And, lighting and location are better than Photoshop any day!
Because I am also a mom, and in order to maintain high quality of work, I accept no more than 3 appointments per week. Session days vary and are negotiable. Naturally, weekends fill up first but now that my girls are in all day school, weekdays are great! If weekdays are an option, it saves you a little money on the session fee.
Session Fees
Each session includes 1 to 3 hours of image capturing, my time and talents, advanced artistic editing, two week online gallery, and web sized digital images for FaceBook or a Family Blog. The session fee is due upon booking for confirmation, along with your information & confirmation form.
Outdoor/ On Location Session within 15 miles of Montclair: $150
For sessions outside the 15 mile radius, please add $2.75 per mile up to 50 miles total.
There is a $25 discount for Monday-Friday mornings.
Why do I charge a session fee? I remember when we had our family photos done thinking a sitting fee was ridiculous.
“Why does she need that plus the cost of the photos?” Well, now that I’m doing this, let me explain. You already know that you're paying me for all the mistakes I've made along the way - all the lessons I learned the hard way (so you don't have too). You're paying me to sit with you and shoot your portrait. But that's only a little bit of the work involved.
-First I cull. That means I look at every picture closely and decide (after our little talk) which ones meet our criteria. The picture has to be tack sharp and evoke a thought, a feeling, something. We are not talking snapshots.
-Every picture I take is in RAW format. That means that the camera doesn’t do anything to the image after I press the shutter. Most people take pictures in jpeg format. With jpeg format, the camera has already done the work for you. Most of the time they look great but so much information is lost from the photo. When I shoot RAW, no information is lost. That means:
-I control the white balance, the contrast, the blacks, the color saturation, clarity, fill light, etc. on every picture. It’s honestly hours of work, and it’s real photographic work, not Photoshop work. No disrespect for Photoshop… just not my thing.
-From there I crop, add vignettes, creative color, black and white conversion, blemish removal, and anything else I think will make the picture look it’s absolute best. Maybe even a little Photoshop work - but only if its absolutely necessary. All before you ever see one of the pictures we made together or have a chance to buy a print.
So, that’s why I have a sitting fee.
Investment
Print Prices:
There is no minimum order but we do offer incentives along the way. For instance, a free 8x10 (or smaller) for every $150 you spend.
A La Carte Print Prices:
All prints include advanced artistic editing, and you will have the selection between full color, black and white, and several different monotones and finishes, as seen in your online gallery. Unlike other photographers, I do not charge extra for retouching or advance artistic editing- the price is included in the standard print prices.
4 Wallets $16
5x7 (and smaller) $20
8x10 $35
11x14 $60
16x20 $145
20x24 $185
24x30 $225
Gallery Wrapped Ready to Hang Canvas Art
11x14 $195
16x20 $325
20x24 $425
This is just a small sampling of the sizes available for prints and canvases sizes available for prints and canvases. More products also available, such as hard back mounted photo prints , special occasion cards, calendars, key chains, and more.
I offer a 10% al a cart print discount to all Military and Federal Law Enforcement Families.
Digital files
$100 per file (5x7 or smaller)
$200 per file (8x10)
$850 All files of the session (8x10 or smaller)
Your Online Gallery
Within 2 weeks of your session, sometimes less, you will be presented with a link to a unique online gallery where you will be able to view your proofs. You are invited and encouraged to share that link with family and friends. A special print credit is given to those who place an order within 3 days of their gallery posting. Contact me for details and terms. Your gallery will remain live for a period of two weeks. Orders need to be placed within the two week time period. The proofs are cropped to websized dimensions, so there may be a slight variance in the look of the finished product. I use a well respected lab that only services professional photographers and uses the highest quality materials available.
In a few days, you will receive your prints at your door. Simple as that! I think you will find that my prices are very competitive. My goal is to keep them reasonable so any family can have the experience.