Client Portal

Welcome!

Bay Area Photographer

Choose your Session Welcome Guide

I am so excited to work with you this year! What an exciting and eventful time in your life! I'm sending you my biggest congrats and thanking you for inviting me into this season with you! I've created this resource that will give you all of the details on what to expect for your Bay Area maternity, newborn or family session.

Each step of your life's journey is a unique and precious story waiting to be told, and with your session my aim is to preserve the essence of these moments—your laughter, your love, your connections—so that you can revisit and relive them for years to come.

get ready for a relaxed and fun session!

I am so glad you are here!

I do not provide props, but if there is something special and unique that you would like to incorporate let me know! Some clients like to include a sonogram photo or special clothing.

Props

Other Items I recommend:
Jeans
Oversized Cardigan
Graphic T-Shirt
Kimono style cover-up
Button-up/Chambray Shirt
Anything else you want to make it personal!

For your intimates, I recommend a combination of the following:

White Lace Bralette Set
(SOMA, NORDSTROM, FREE PEOPLE)

Calvin Klein Set or similar
(NORDSTROM/MACY'S)

Intimate Maternity Basics

If we are planning an intimate maternity session, there are a few other items to consider. I have a limited client closet that I provide for these sessions that includes robes and lace kimonos. You will provide your own intimates and other items listed below.

Stay True to You: Lastly and most importantly, these are YOUR photos and the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. Let your outfit reflect your personality for the best photos!

Think Movement: My photography style will have you moving around a lot. Make sure to wear something you are comfortable moving in. Flowy skirts or dresses photograph beautifully because we can play with the movement of them. Bringing options for accessories such as hats or jackets is also recommended.

Coordinate Colors: Instead of trying to perfectly match your outfit to your partner's outfit, think of choosing complimentary colors. You can never go wrong with neutral colors. I always suggest choosing earthy colors that are not too bright or distracting.

Play with Patterns: Incorporating unique patterns and textures such as fringe, linen, denim, etc. can add a fun pop to your photos. Vintage clothing shops or thrift store often have great finds for unique textures.

Stick with lighter colors or something with a pattern for the birthing person...dark colors will hide that beautiful bump!

What to Wear

Timing is everything with your session. Depending on the season that we are shooting as well as the location will determine time of your session. I always shoot during golden hour for your maternity session which falls 1 hour before sunset, unless we are shooting in your home or in studio in which case it will be mid-morning. One week before your session you will receive a session prep email from me that will have your exact time indicated. The reason we shoot at this time is to have the absolute best light. In the middle of the day or morning, the light can be too harsh which will not create the dreamy photos that you want! If you have little ones in your family who will be joining your session, check out this guide to preparing your family for a golden hour session.

The length of your session will be about an hour. I work quickly and have found that I can get a variety of images in that amount of time.

Please remember to arrive on time, as mentioned above, your session is scheduled for the best light. It is important that we start on time. Bay Area Traffic can be unpredictable, so please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early!

Time

There are many incredible locations here in the bay area that we can explore. We will decide your location together, but to make that choice for your session check out this guide to the best locations in the bay!
When choosing a location, pick something that fits your your vibe and personality. My maternity locations are always walkable, and don't usually require much of a walk from a parking lot or bathrooms. That being said, if you are feeling adventurous or don't mind a little walk, I am open to suggestions!

We can discuss your specific location via email or text and once decided, I will let you know exactly where we will meet.

Location

Now that we have decided on a date, I can't wait to help you plan your session and choose your Bay Area location!
Before we dive in to all the details, I want you to imagine a photography session that feels more like spending quality time with your loved ones than sitting in front of a camera.

My goal is to make your session feel relaxed and fun. The number 1 thing I hear from my former clients is that they felt relaxed and that means the world! No stiff poses, no forced smiles over here! Instead, I'll guide you through your session with prompts and direction that bring out your natural connections and personalities, help you be comfortable and let you be yourself.

Expect moments of laughter, genuine connections with your partner or family, and the freedom to be yourselves in front of the lens. It's a relaxed and fun experience that results in photographs that truly reflect your unique story.

you booked your maternity session...now what?

what to expect

Your Maternity Session

I do not provide props, but if there is something special and unique that you would like to incorporate let me know!

Props

Siblings: I love photographing siblings. Little ones do so much better when we do your photos in your home. They can play in their own space while we do photos of just the baby, and often want to show off their new sibling. I work with the rhythm of you family and make it fun. Also, iv'e found most kids love fruit snacks lol, so i always have those on hand if you are ok with a little treat! I normally start with photos of just the baby and let siblings warm up to me. but am always flexible. I will always try to get a shot with your new babe and siblings alone, as well as the whole family together. And you with just the older siblings too.

Parents & Grandparents: Finding moments of connection with you as a family is what I am all about. I will help to create moments with each parent alone with baby as well as as a family unit. Also, sometimes grandparents are visiting when we do newborn sessions and we can definitely get some shots of them with their new grandchild too!
** PLEASE let me know if grandparents will be joining our session in advance. It helps me to better prepare our session workflow to make it the best experience

Family

For Baby: I recommend having a variety of outfits that you love (because you never know when spit-up might happen!). You can never go wrong with a simple white or neutral onsie. I also recommend one or two swaddle options.

Stay True to You: Lastly and most importantly, these are YOUR photos and the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. Let your outfit reflect your personality for the best photos!

Think Comfort: Newborn sessions are all about comfort. You have a postpartum body that may feel different or uncomfortable, so the last thing I want is for you to dress in a way that accentuates those feelings. Instead, focus on what makes you feel beautiful, and happy in your body. For some, that means a flowing dress or skirt, others opt for jeans or leggings.

Coordinate Colors: Instead of trying to perfectly match your outfit to your partner's outfit, think of choosing complimentary colors. You can never go wrong with neutral colors. I always suggest choosing earthy colors that are not too bright or distracting.

Play with Patterns: Incorporating unique patterns and textures such an add a fun pop to your photos.

Lighter Colors: Stick with lighter colors on top to help reflect the light off of your baby's skin since you will likely be holding your baby for most of the session.

What to Wear

Helping Baby Relax: Throughout the session we may take breaks for you to feed or change or soothe your babe. That is totally normal! I want you to feel relaxed and happy too, so don't worry about being rushed through your normal process. If you are nursing, I love to capture those precious moments, or if you need the space I can step into another room as well. This is about you and your babe, and I will do everything I can to make it as easy as possible!

Don't Worry About The Mess: Don’t worry about the mess – we will likely just be doing the session in 1-2 rooms sooo… just clean up those rooms. I don’t care if your kitchen has dishes left in the sink, or toys aren’t picked up, or if you just shoved things aside to make it “look” clean. Messy houses, are lived in houses. Also, trust that I will move things around if needed, and help you to put them back. Finally, put away anything with wires – unplug cellphone chargers, monitors etc and put them aside for the duration of the session.

Consider the Light: In-home sessions can take place in any room in your house. Most of my families use a nursery, primary bedroom and/or living room. Take stock of the rooms with the best light – the bigger the windows, the better. I will ask to do a brief tour when I arrive, I will likely open curtains and turn off overhead lights to figure out how to make your space work for the perfect photos.

How to prepare your home

First off...Congratulations!

Before we dive in to all the details, I want you to imagine a photography session that feels more like spending quality time with your loved ones than sitting in front of a camera. I'm am so excited that you are here. What an exciting and eventful time in your life! I'm sending you my biggest congrats and thanking you for inviting me into this season with you!

I've created this resource that will give you all of the details on what to expect for your session. I'll also help you in picking outfits that photograph well and express your style.

My goal is to make your session feel relaxed and fun. The number 1 thing I hear from my former clients is that they felt relaxed and that means the world! No stiff poses, no forced smiles over here! Instead, I'll guide you through your session with prompts and direction that bring out your natural connections and personalities, help you be comfortable and let you be yourself. Also, you will hear me say over and over again that we work with baby's timing. This means for the actual date of your session (we almost never know exactly when they will make their big debut into the world) and also for the flow of your session. Babies are unpredictable and they need all the love and care they can get, which means your session time is just about them and getting all the good details in!

you booked your Newborn session...now what?

what to expect

Your Newborn Session

I do not provide props, but if there is something special and unique that you would like to incorporate let me know! Some clients like to include a sonogram photo or special clothing.

Props

Layering: One of my favorite “tips” for clothing choices! In the Summer months, this may be more difficult to pull off, but during all of the other seasons, definitely layer your outfits. Not only will it provide more visual interest in each photo but it will also allow a lot more variety in your shots and poses. Have a ton of images of yourself in just your dress or cute top and jeans? Throw on a little sweater or jacket and a hat and you have entirely different look.

Stay True to You: Lastly and most importantly, these are YOUR photos and the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. Let your outfit reflect your personality for the best photos!

Think Movement: My photography style will have you moving around a lot. Make sure to wear something you are comfortable moving in. Flowy skirts or dresses photograph beautifully because we can play with the movement of them. Bringing options for accessories such as hats or jackets is also recommended.

Coordinate Colors: Instead of trying to perfectly match your outfits think of choosing complimentary colors. You can never go wrong with neutral colors. I always suggest choosing earthy colors that are not too bright or distracting.

Play with Patterns: Incorporating unique patterns and textures such as fringe, linen, denim, etc. can add a fun pop to your photos. Vintage clothing shops or thrift store often have great finds for unique textures.

What to Wear

Timing is everything with your session. Depending on the season that we are shooting as well as the location will determine time of your session. I always shoot during golden hour for your maternity session which falls 1 hour before sunset. One week before your session you will receive a session prep email from me that will have your exact time indicated. The reason we shoot at this time is to have the absolute best light. In the middle of the day or morning, the light can be too harsh which will not create the dreamy photos that you want! If you have little ones in your family who will be joining your session, check out this guide to preparing your family for a golden hour session.

The length of your session will be about an hour. I work quickly and have found that I can get a variety of images in that amount of time.

Please remember to arrive on time, as mentioned above, your session is scheduled for the best light. It is important that we start on time. Bay Area Traffic can be unpredictable, so please plan for traffic or parking constraints. It's best to arrive early!

Time

There are many incredible locations here in the bay area that we can explore. We will decide your location together, but to make that choice for your session check out this guide to the best locations in the bay!

When choosing a location, pick something that fits your personality and your vibe. My maternity locations are always walkable, and don't usually require much of a walk from a parking lot or bathrooms. That being said, if you are feeling adventurous or don't mind a little walk, I am open to suggestions!

We can discuss your specific location via email or text and once decided, I will let you know exactly where we will meet.

Location

Now that we have decided on a date, I can't wait to help you plan your session and choose your location!
Before we dive in to all the details, I want you to imagine a photography session that feels more like spending quality time with your loved ones than sitting in front of a camera. Let's make some family magic!

My goal is to make your session feel relaxed and fun. The number 1 thing I hear from my former clients is that they felt relaxed and that means the world! No stiff poses, no forced smiles over here! Instead, I'll guide you through your session with prompts and direction that bring out your natural connections and personalities, help you be comfortable and let you be yourself.

Expect moments of laughter, genuine connections with your partner or family, and the freedom to be yourselves in front of the lens. It's a relaxed and fun experience that results in photographs that truly reflect your unique story.

My favorite images are always the ones where we allow your child/children to naturally explore and get into something they want to do. When we let your child lead the way, they will naturally be motivated to interact and play, and this helps to bring out natural expressions from your kids as well.

Let’s have fun and allow me document your child’s interest at this age. Let’s let them lead the way! Sometimes if your child doesn’t really show interest, my number one tip is relax and play. I also have few tricks up my sleeve to keep your little one engaged.