You look really familiar – how do I know you?

(laugh) – I get this one a lot. You may have seen me around town – for several years I taught English at GHS, so maybe I taught your child or you!; my husband is lead pastor at StoneWater Church, and from time to time the church sends mailers out that have a family picture on them; or maybe I’m just in WalMart too much!

How long have you been doing this? Did you go to school for photography?

I have loved photography since I was about 7 and found out how cameras worked. I started reading books and studying in 2003 and received my first DSLR (Nikon D200) in December 2007. For a year and a half I read, practiced, and studied. In April of 2009, I completed my DBA and Texas Sales Tax license to officially become a business. I photographed my first newborn on September 25, 2008, and have now had the honor of capturing just over 50 newborn babies.

I did not go to school for photography. My training has come from reading books & online sources (forums, online classes, ), mentoring from other photographers, attending photography workshops such as those hosted by Kelley Ryden & Tracey Raver and Beth Jansen, Brooke Snow, and good ol’ practice. I’m constantly learning & trying new techniques that I sometimes incorporate into my sessions.

Where is your studio?

My husband and I just finished building a home on the family ranch. In our home I have a modest studio room which boasts amazing natural light. I use this studio room exclusively for my newborn sessions and host babies that return for their smiling, sitting, standing, and one year sessions. Sometimes we’ll visit inside for older children, but the family ranch offers a thousand acres of beauty that is perfect for families, maternity, and older children. We hop on the mule (the one that takes gasoline, not feed) and drive through the pasture to get to the best spots! I do occasionally travel, but the majority of my sessions are now hosted here.

When do you take appointments? When should I contact you to set up an appointment?

I host my sessions when my children are in school, so I begin newborn sessions between 9am and 11am on weekdays. I schedule other sessions on various evenings during the week, and am now limiting my weeknights to no more that two per week. I have limited bookings for Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings, and I do charge a “weekend fee” for those times when they are offered. If you have a specific date in mind, contact me as soon as you can. Right now, I’m currently booked 3 to 4 weeks in advance, but there’s always a chance I’ve had a cancellation. I’m striving to find a balance in being with my family more, so dates will become more limited as I seek to find this balance.

How long will our session take?

It varies. Newborn sessions last up to 3 hours (usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours) to allow for comforting and feeding. Baby, maternity, child, and family sessions last up to one hour. Senior sessions last up to two hours.

How many choices do I get?

Newborn sessions result in 30-40 images; maternity, baby, child, and family sessions result in 15-25 images; and senior sessions in 30-40 images. Most images will be presented in both color and black & white. If an image is not flattering in black & white or in color, it will not be offered.

How long do I have to wait for my pictures?

In most cases your images will be presented in your online gallery one to two weeks following your session. In busy seasons (Oct/Nov for family portraits, September for Senior sessions), it may take up to three weeks for your images to be presented. Newborn sessions retain priority as birth announcements need to get in the mail.

Do you photograph weddings? Bridals? Engagements?

I do not at this point. If you would like a recommendation for a photographer, I will gladly give you the name, number, email, and web site of photographers I hold in high esteem. I decline engagements and bridals because it’s important to get to know your wedding photographer(s) [and for them to get to know you] during the engagement & bridal sessions.

What equipment do you use?

I use a Nikon D700 as my primary camera. My favorite lenses are my 50 1.4 for newborn sessions and 24-70 2.8 in studio sessions. Outdoors, I LOVE my 70-200 2.8. I love the color and sharpness of prime lenses, but in shooting toddlers & young children, an excellent zoom is a must.