WELCOME

here's some help to prepare for your session!

The Vibe: Unposed & Lived-In

Think of me less like a photographer and more like a friend who just happens to have a camera and a huge heart for your story. We aren’t doing "poses." We’re doing life. Think playful, we're moving, there's laughter, maybe a little bit of chaos, or we do the opposite, still, quiet, soaking in little moments. The energy of the session depends on what season you're in.



What You Do / TIPS

  • To get those real authentic documentary shots you see in my work, I need you to lean into the "real." I can't force your moments, you have to live in them!! Look at this session as a pocket of time to connect, be you, and be present.
  • Pick something meaningful to do, like an activity. Bake cookies, have a tickle fight, look through old scrapbooks, create art together, have a picnic, or let's head to your fav spot at golden hour. Having something to anchor the session helps everyone forget the lens is there and creates movement in our photographs, and helps us tell a story. THIS is the most important part. Before your session, I will send you a questionnaire to help get a feel for a few anchors for our session.
  • There’s no rush. Documentary sessions are candid and flexible. There’s time for breaks, outfit changes, and whatever real life brings. We’ll move with your rhythm.
  • Embrace chaos. Life happens. Things don't go perfectly. We make art out of it anyway.
  • Lean in, be close, move.
  • Ignore me (lol respectfully). The best thing you can do is pretend I’m not there.
  • Include what matters most. If there are any sentimental items, routines, activities, etc, include them!
  • We can adventure, too. If you’d like to step outside for a walk around the neighborhood or an adventure nearby, we can absolutely work that into the session to add variety and movement.
  • If we're at home, open up all the curtains and turn off all of the overhead lights (no big lights!!)


How We Get There

  1. First, I’ll send over a questionnaire. This is where you tell me all the "invisible" things that mean the most to you.
  2. I’ll create a loose creative plan based on your answers and we’ll touch base before the session.
  3. On the day, we go with the flow. If the plan is working, great. If the you have kids and they decide they’d rather jump in puddles? We’re jumping in puddles. Some of the best art comes from the "wrong" plan. I have nowhere else to be but with you.


GETTING true candid moments.

Come ready to laugh, play, snuggle, and enjoy your people. Think less “photo shoot,” more hanging out with your loved ones while someone happens to document it.


Having an anchor in the session gives us a natural flow while keeping the vibe authentic. Here are a list of things I love doing during shoots...


FOR COUPLES:

  • A simple day at home
  • Date night adventure somewhere fun
  • Cooking / baking together
  • Golden hour adventures at the beach, in field, or somewhere meaningful
  • A cozy airbnb or cottage trip
  • Picnic by the water or in the park



FOR FAMILIES:

  • A typical slow morning or evening routine
  • Baking, cooking, dancing in the kitchen
  • Going through old albums and archives (especially with grandma!!)
  • Creative play, painting, building a fort, or a dancing to some records
  • Garden hangouts, think messy, spraying the hose, sunshine (or rain!), smelling flowers


FOR NEW PARENTS / QUIET NEWBORN DAYS:

  • At home in the newborn bubble. Feeding, burping, walking, laying in bed, lil kisses, snuggles, diaper changes. Just being in it.
  • Going for a walk, or taking blanket to have a picnic in the park
Various angles showing raised garden bed assembly process in a backyard setting with woodwork and soil preparation.

OK BUT WHAT DO I WEAR?

First, consider the location, time of year, and overall vibe of your shoot, then choose a color palette and base your outfits around that! If you're at home, cozy and casual is always a good go to. If we're frolicking in a field at sunset, a pretty dress is nice too. Figure out the vibe first and go from there.


Below you'll see some inspiration boards.

Coordinating outfits helps create a cohesive and visually appealing image. When everyone wears complementary colors or similar styles, it reduces distractions and makes the focus on your connections. While coordinating, there’s still room for individual expression! But don't overthink it. Be yourself and be comfortable. That alone will translate into better photographs.

a few tips


Keep it simple! Stick to a few main colors to keep things cohesive but don't go crazy (unless that's the vibe)


Feel like you and wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.


Try not to have everyone wear all black, as it blends a little bit too much.


Textures & prints, linen, cotton, knit sweaters, flowy fabrics, they give so much dimension in photos.


Coordinate, but don’t overly match. Think complementing colors rather than identical outfits.


Have kiddos in cute but relaxed outfits that don't need to be fixed constantly. Try their outfits on before your session day!


Men, kindly please unload your phones and wallets from your pockets (and take off the apple watch!!)

I'M ALWAYS HERE!

Ultimately I want you to have the best experience and love your photographs. If you ever have any questions or want to run something by me, don't hesitate!


I look forward to our session together :)


Paige.