One of my favorite things in the world is to watch dance rehearsals. I have a great love for dance (I danced competitively for years) so I always enjoy a show, but a special treat is getting watch a rehearsal. It’s a completely different experience. Nothing is perfectly polished, they are rarely wearing costumes, and the set is haphazard. I love it though because you see the work. It’s a peek into how much effort it takes to be perfectly synchronized and land that leap.
I know I’m not the only one who likes to see what happens behind-the-scenes, so here’s a peek at some of the things I work on that you may never see:
1- Create the perfect environment
My studio has been designed from top to bottom to be the perfect space for sessions, both to capture the best images possible and to be a comfortable place for clients. Everything - from the color on the walls to the furniture to the way I display wraps and artwork - was carefully chosen to ensure that it works for me and my clients. For newborn sessions in particular, I need to make the space quite warm while also keeping it safe and comfortable for toddler siblings. I move things around before, after, and during sessions to make sure that it’s perfectly suited for each session.
2- Learn new poses (and general education)
This is a big one, because I pride myself on creating timeless images, but that doesn’t mean my work doesn’t evolve. I believe in being a student at all times, my craft is never mastered so completely that I can’t learn something new. I take multiple educational opportunities each year, mentoring with some of the best artists in the industry. I’ve traveled to work with internationally recognized names and continue to pursue new opportunities every chance I get.
3- Give intentional direction
It may not seem like much in the moment, but every piece of posing direction I give is delivered with a specific outcome in mind. It isn’t enough to aim a camera in your general direction and hope magic happens. I know most people aren’t immediately comfortable in front of a camera, so my aim is to relax parents and help you lean into the moments with your family. Sometimes I tell ridiculous jokes and overshare my own stories (I know I do it at least once every session), but I want you to feel as comfortable with me in an hour that you do with someone you’ve known for years.
4- Be a new friend and playmate
When a toddler becomes a sibling to a new baby I know it’s a big life change for them. Sometimes getting to the studio for the newborn session is the first time everyone has piled into the car as a family of four (or five). When they walk in the door I want to help them feel just as comfortable as anyone else. I make funny faces, tell silly jokes, play music and peekaboo. I have a treasure of stickers (and candy when mom and dad say it’s okay) to share with them. Toddlers are old enough to start associating having their photo taken with good things - and I want them to look forward to seeing me and having their photo taken every time.
5- Build relationships
I am an introvert at heart. I would happily stay home all day and never see another person all week. But I know that type of tendency isn’t going to build relationships with the clients who mean so much to me. I adore my clients, and I work to make sure that you know it. I chatter throughout sessions (again, too much maybe sometimes!) and want you to know me as well as I get to know you.
6- Retouch and edit
My work isn’t done when the session is over. I individually retouch every single image you see. Each gets my personal attention to ensure it looks its very best. And much like posting, I’m always learning new techniques to ensure that your images have the very final outcome, and that they’ll look beautiful on your walls and in an album.
