Question 1

How can I prepare my child for a portrait?

Accepted Answer

My goal is to create a fun and happy environment for your family so that we will get genuine expressions and wonderful portraits of your child.

Please tell them they are going to have a fun day with the family and that I will be joining you to take pictures of all the fun. I encourage you to avoid bribes or threats because this may take away from the concept that the session itself is a treat!

For older babies or young toddlers, you might bring toys that they love that might look nice in a picture.(Wood toys, blankets, classic toys, tricycles, wagons, and blocks all look great.) Other fun session items: bubbles, baby blanket, favorite toy or lovey.

Make sure to feed a meal or snack before your shoot, and avoid treats until after the session is completed--you don't want a photo of your child with M&M's in their mouths, believe me!

Question 2

How do I get my newborn ready for a photo shoot?

Accepted Answer

The primary goal during your newborn session is to help your baby feel calm & sleepy when we are ready for portraits. To facilitate this goal, please try to get in a nice full feeding about 20-30 minutes, give or take, before our scheduled shoot time. Baby will most likely be ready for pictures at our session time. If baby wakes up hungry during our session, we can always pause for a feeding!

Question 3

What is a little session?

Accepted Answer

Little sessions are 30 minutes long and result in a collection of about 10 images. These work well for the following:

Families with one child
Baby or child portrait
Maternity session
Environmental headshot

These sessions take place in my studio or at a South Hills nature location on select dates. Little Sessions are not practical for families of more than three, or for sessions that need a little extra time -- newborns, seniors, pets, or multiple toddlers, for example.

Question 4

Where will we be shooting my headshot?

Accepted Answer

Headshots are usually taken in my studio located in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. I have great lighting and beautiful backdrops that will make your portraits look great. You can even have you hair and makeup done there!

For branding portraits, we can shoot on your site, on location, outdoors, or in my studio.

Question 5

Where will we be shooting?

Accepted Answer

The location depends on the type of session, the ages of any children, and what vibe you would like to have in your portraits. For families, I like to shoot outside if possible! Your home is a great place for a lifestyle session and is my preference for newborn sessions. I have a list of favorite outdoor locations I like to shoot in all regions of Pittsburgh, so we will discuss and I will make recommendations before we pick a spot. If you have a location that is special to you, please share with me so I can research. I also have a beautiful, modern studio that is suitable for all types of sessions.