PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION!

Welcome! and thank you so much for choosing to work with me! I'm thrilled to have you here and can't wait to photograph you! I've put together this guide to make sure you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. It covers everything you need to know, from what to expect next to answers for the questions that tend to come up along the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out if anything isn't clear or if you just want to chat something through. I'm always happy to help!

The Vibe.

Think of me less as a photographer and more as a friend who happens to have a camera and a big heart for your story. Some sessions are playful and full of movement, laughter, and a little happy chaos. Others are still and quiet, soaking in the smallest moments. The energy is completely up to the season you're in, and there's no wrong way to do it. I'm a super relaxed person who just wants to have fun so please don't be nervous if you are!


How It All Works

Here's how our time together comes to life.

  1. First, we book your date. Once your date is locked in, we're officially on the calendar.
  2. Next, we decide on your location. We'll choose a spot that fits the vibe you're going for (much more on that just below!)
  3. Then I'll send you a questionnaire. This is where you tell me all the little "invisible" things that mean the most to you.
  4. I'll build a loose creative plan. Based on your answers, I'll mood board a little plan and we'll touch base before your session so you know exactly what to expect.
  5. On session day, we go with the flow. If the plan is working, wonderful. If we decide to pivot instead, great! Some of the best art comes from the "wrong" plan. I've got nowhere else to be but with you.
  6. After, I get to hand-editing all of your images and curating you a gallery of photographs from our session. Your gallery will be delivered within 4-6 weeks of your session date to your email.

How We Get THOSE Candid feeling photos

The magic of a documentary-style session comes from you living in the moment, not performing for the camera. Here's how we get there:

  • I direct moreso than pose. Instead of stiff moments, I'll gently guide you with prompts and movement so everything feels natural.
  • Lean in and ignore me (respectfully, lol). Be close, move, laugh, snuggle. The best thing you can do is pretend I'm not there.
  • Movement is good. Move around, be playful. It's supposed to be fun!


The magic of these photographs comes from connecting with your people, using movement, and being yourself.

STYLING & WHAT TO WEAR

COUPLES

MOODBOARD

FAMILY

MOOD BOARD

MATERNITY & MOTHERHOOD

MOOD BOARD

What to Wear

Start with thinking of the time of year and the overall vibe of your shoot. Colours go such a long way in creating a cohesive, beautiful photograph. If we're cozy at home, casual and comfy is perfect. If we're frolicking in a field at sunset, a flowy dress is lovely. Figure out the feeling first, then go from there.



A few tips

  • Coordinate, don't match. Think complementary colours rather than exact identical outfits — it leaves room for personality while still feeling put together.


  • Keep it simple. That one speaks for itself.


  • Choose comfort. Wear something you can move in, something you won't be adjusting, or feel like a different version of yourself in. Comfort always translates into better photos. Loose & flowy goes with my vibe well.


  • Add texture. Linen, cotton, knit sweaters, and flowy fabrics add so much depth and dimension.


  • Add colour. I love pops of colour! Primary colours make for bright, vibrant photographs, and neutral earth tones make for timeless and cozy photos.


  • Skip head to toe black for everyone. Black tends to blend together and lose detail.


  • For the kiddos, pick cute but relaxed outfits that don't need constant fixing — and try them on before session day! If your kids are anything like mine, wait until just before the session to dress them.


  • Gentlemen, please empty your pockets of phones and wallets (and pop off the smart watch!).

We CAN build the session around an ACTIVITY

If you're uncomfortable in front of the camera, we can include props, set a scene, do an activity, or go on an adventure. This helps anchor the session and gives us a story to tell rather than just focusing on you.


Here are a few ideas:

  • Bubbles, balls, chalk, painting, toys, etc for kids
  • Books, art activities, cards, building a fort
  • Bikes, skateboards, scooters
  • Pizza, champagne, beer, food
  • A simple, slow day at home
  • A date-night adventure somewhere fun
  • Cooking or baking together
  • Golden hour at the beach, in a field, or somewhere meaningful
  • A cozy Airbnb or cottage getaway. Campfires, swimming, fishing, boat rides
  • A picnic by the water or in the park
  • Going through old albums and archives
  • Garden hangouts — think messy, hose spraying, flowers
  • An adventure out somewhere like getting ice cream
  • Hanging out in the backyard
  • At home in your bubble


Or we can simply just go somewhere pretty and get great photos! The session is whatever you want it to be.

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 time together :)


-Paige.