What is Custom Photography?

Custom photography is a private session with a professional photographer who will capture your family's most precious moments in a setting of your choosing in a style that you prefer. It is a one-on-one session, which is personal and completely dedicated to you and your family. The style should reflect your family's personality and attitude toward life. I strive to capture people in their natural state, free from harsh studio lighting and rough muslin backdrops. Specifically for children, it is a chance to capture them in their natural environment since unknown locations can be a daunting experience full of forced smiles and rigid poses.

What Kind of Photography Do You Specialize In?

I specialize in maternity, newborn, child, and family portraiture. I also enjoy documenting weddings but have a limited number of wedding slots each year, so if you're considering me as your wedding photographer, please be certain to inquire sooner rather than later as these slots fill up fast!

What is a "Session?"

A session is a private photo shoot. A typical session lasts 1 to 2 hours while newborn sessions may take as many as 3 hours. There is no revolving door. A session is custom and requires preparation, patience, and time that many discount photography chains cannot deliver. There is no rush to complete a session as I will take my time and pay great attention to detail during the time we spend together.

Prior to your session, we will have a consultation to determine wardrobe, location, and any special kinds of pictures you would like to have taken. Different times of day will also yield varying effects on lighting. When working with children, I like to spend a little time talking with them before snapping pictures. This helps the child feel more comfortable with me and allows me to learn a little about his or her personality.

Following your session, I will take 1 to 2 weeks to process your family's images. The images will be available online in a password-protected area of this site for your perusal at your leisure. You may also share your session's proofs with family and friends.

What Location Should We Choose?

The location depends solely on you. I have several places in the Northern Virginia area that are lovely to photograph in; however, if your home (indoors or back yard) has ample lighting, we may also do portraits there if you prefer. For indoor shoots, please note the times of day when your favorite rooms have the most light prior to the session consultation.

What Clothing is Appropriate?

Clothing varies from individual to individual. When we have our consultation prior to the session, we will discuss clothing in greater detail. In general, it is best to avoid stripes or loud patterns that could be distracting to the portrait. Solid, vibrant colors are best. Any shirts or garments with brand names on them should be avoided when possible. When coordinating group shots, it is best to avoid black or dark colored shirts, as it will cause the group to blend as one giant mass in the frame.

What Dates are You Available?

I primarily schedule sessions on the weekends. Times may vary depending on your lifestyle, the weather, or the time of year. In general, it is best to aim for the early morning just after sunrise or the early evening just before sunset. These times ensure that we will not have harsh, direct sunlight that can cause squinting and harsh shadows. Children are usually their best in the mornings after they have been fully rested and had a good meal. Newborn sessions should be scheduled sometime within the first 10 days of life.