Question 1

What should I expect? What makes you different from other photographers?

Accepted Answer

From start to finish, I’ve got you covered! I’ll help you plan every detail of your session so it feels easy, stress-free, and fun. I know getting ready for a photo session can feel overwhelming, but my goal is to make the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. My clients often say the experience is just as amazing as the final photos—and that means the world to me. You’ll always know what to expect, and when session day arrives, you can just show up and be yourself.

While our time together at the session may be somewhere between 15 minutes and an hour, I actually spend three to six times that amount of time behind the scenes! I'm prepping you for the session, setting up (and tearing down) all the things, selecting the best (or in some cases hilarious outtakes) images from the 100s I'll take (no blinking, awkward poses, here), and then eventually hand editing each image.

What else can you expect? Well... some bad jokes. Like, really bad. I can't help myself. ha!

Ok, all jokes aside, here's what else is included with every session: 
 • Your very own client portal – like a digital “session locker” to keep everything organized and easy to access.
 • Access to my exclusive wardrobe, props, and backdrop collections to make your session extra special. If you've been to my studio, you know that I have a serious problem... I mean... I have a fully stocked client wardrobe with clothing of various sizes, a million props to customize each session, and 75+ backdrops. 
 • An online proofing gallery – view all the images from our session and pick your favorites to be fully edited and included in your final gallery. This gallery is usually available 2-weeks after our session. 
 • A final online gallery with your chosen, high-resolution images—ready to download, share on social media, or order prints/cards from my professional lab. The number of images in your final gallery depends on the session package you pick. 
 • A mobile gallery app so you can view your photos anytime, anywhere, right from your phone.
 • A personal print release that lets you print your images wherever you'd like.

Question 2

How long does a session last? What does it cost? How many images do I get?

Accepted Answer

The length of time and amount of images will depend on the package you select. I offer a few sessions packages so you can chose the one that works best for you and your family:

Couple, family, milestone, maternity, pet and seniors sessions: 
 • The Petite --- 15 minutes. $300: Includes 5 images. Great for quick sessions to refresh the photos on your desk and walls! Also, perfect for keeping those who aren't big fans of long photo sessions happy! These sessions are offered on pre-selected dates and locations. 
 • The Luxe --- 30 minutes. $475: Includes 10 images. Ideal if you want a little more time and a bit more variety. 
 • The StoryTeller --- 60 minutes. $550: Includes 20 images. Perfect for a relaxed session with the most variety! These sessions tell your family's story! Also ideal for extended families and for seniors who want outfit changes and a lot of variety.

Cake smash sessions: 
Cake smashes (or similar themed session) can be added onto Luxe and Storyteller Sessions. 
Luxe sessions allow for one non-smash setup and smash setup. Storyteller session allows for family/ sibling photos, 2 non-smash, and smash setup. 
 • Simple Smash: $100. Includes cake+ outfit + banner or garland. 
 • Themed Smash: $200. Includes cake + outfit + themed smash.

Session pricing is all-inclusive. There are no surprise fees—unless you decide you just have to have more images than your package includes. If you end up loving more, here's the deets on additional images: 
 • Single images (up to nine additional images): $15 per image 
 • 10+ images $10 per image

Want to learn about a newborn session? Find more information in the "newborn" FAQ tab.

Question 3

How do I book a session? What is a block reservation?

Accepted Answer

You might notice that I'm booking sessions a little differently this year! When you go to schedule your session, you'll see that all sessions (whether 15, 30, or 60 minutes) are reserved within 60-minute time blocks.

Here's what you need to know based on the session type you are booking: 
 • Petite and Luxe Sessions (15 and 30 minute sessions): Your exact time and session location will be confirmed about a week before our session date, within the 60-minute window you've reserved.  
 • Storyteller Sessions (60-minute sessions): The time you choose is your session time.

Booking this way will allow me to offer more availability and locations!

Question 4

When should I book my session?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on the vibe you're looking for! Here are a few things to think about when picking a date and time: 
 • Time of day: Do you love that dreamy golden hour glow, or prefer brighter, airy, more contrasty midday light? Do your kids (or family members, ha) get cranky after a certain time?

I typically start my sessions in the afternoon. These earlier session times will have the brighter, more contrasty look (due to the type of lighting). We do soften the light by looking for soft shade areas.

Golden hour is MY FAVORITE. If you don't know what it is, it's that dreamy, golden light that happens about an hour before sunset. We usually have a bit more flexibility when moving around in locations as the sun starts setting behind the horizon. If you are looking for a golden hour session, here is your guide: 
    • June: 7:30 p.m. 
    • July : 7:30 p.m. 
    • August: 7 p.m. 
    • September: 6:15 p.m. 
    • October: 5 p.m. 
 • Season: Here is a guide to help you decide on a month or season: 
    • May: Everything starts turning green around mid-May (around Memorial Day is a safe bet). 
    • June: Super green and pretty, usually great weather. The bugs can start to appear mid-June so bring bug spray. 
    • July: Warm, sometimes humid, but the wildflowers start popping! 
    • August: Still warm, but you’ll start seeing those gorgeous fall-like sunsets popping through. 
    • September: Still green and usually great weather; fewer bugs too. Usually great for senior girl sessions who don't want the humidity (yep... I have curly hair... I get it). 
    • October: Peak fall colors usually hit around the second weekend—perfect for those cozy, colorful shots!
    • November - April: Think snowfalls, long grasses, early evenings, bonfire, sparkler, and hot cocoa sessions. Don't think of these as bad months, think of them as a way to create a unique opportunity!

Let me know what you’re envisioning, and I can help you pick the best time!

Question 5

Where do sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

Studio sessions - including newborn sessions - are at my studio in downtown Belle Plaine (118 N Meridian Street - Belle Plaine).

I have a ton of outdoor session locations to suggest! I also have exclusive access to our farm outside of Belle Plaine (thank you, husband farmer) with COWS!

I also hold permits to a several outdoor locations in our area and will travel to people's houses for sessions.

Have another unique location in mind? Let's chat about it!

Question 6

When should I book a newborn session if I don't know the exact date my baby will arrive?

Accepted Answer

I love photographing newborns between 7 and 20 days old. Around this time, they're usually extra sleepy, super snuggly, and (hopefully) have gotten the hang of eating. Those are the perfect ingredients for the dreamiest newborn photos.

I only schedule a few newborn sessions each month to make sure I have availability when babies decide to arrive --- because let's be honest, they truly run the show, ha!

You can book your newborn session as soon as you have a due date --- yes, I've received photos of positive pregnancy tests and retainers before partners, ha! Don't worry, I don't tell ANYONE and have perfected the best POKER face for these instances.

That said, many book their sessions when they are between 4 and 6 months.

Once your session is booked, I reserve your spot on my calendar based on your due date. We schedule the actual session date and time after your little one makes their debut.

Already had your baby but haven't booked yet? Don't worry! You can still reach out. I will take on additional little ones whenever I can.

Question 7

How much does a newborn session cost and what does it include?

Accepted Answer

Welcoming a newborn is such a special time—but it can definitely feel overwhelming, especially when babies don’t always stick to the plan! That’s why I strive to make newborn sessions as stress-free as possible.

You only need to bring your baby and some milk—I take care of everything else!
I have a huge collection of wraps, outfits, props, and coordinating pieces to create a beautiful, unique session for your little one.

I offer three newborn session packages so you can choose what fits your family best:
Simple Swaddle – $450
 • Includes 5 edited images
 •  Perfect for birth announcements, gifts for grandparents, or a few sweet images to hang on the wall.
 • You can expect 2–3 sets
 • Sessions last 30–60 minutes

Signature Session -- $500
 • Includes 10 edited images
 • Great if you’re looking for more variety and a fuller gallery.
 • Includes 5–7 sets (posed, swaddled, and lifestyle). 
 • Sessions can last 2-4 hours (to allow for posing, feeding, and changing).

Keepsake Session -- $600
 • Includes 15 edited images
 • The is THE session if you want want to capture every tiny detail. 
 • Includes 6-9 different sets. 
 • Sessions can last 2-4 hours (to allow for posing, feeding, and changing).

Parents and siblings are always welcome—and encouraged—to join in. While it feels like the days may be long, these early days fly by. I want to help you remember just how tiny and snuggly your baby was.

"Today, your baby is as big as they've ever been and as small as they'll ever be again." ~  Eleanor Roosevelt

Studio location

Studio location

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