Picture your photo session like this...

Easy, stress-free, full of fun and laughter, hugs and kisses, and the best part - genuine smiles from everyone, kids and dad included! The focus of your session is fun so that you don't have to worry about looking stiff or awkward. That means I'll help put everyone in just the right place then ask a fun question or have you interact with each other or play a little game so you get natural photos of you just being yourselves - but in the best light and in a beautiful location of course. We will get photos of everyone looking and smiling and also candid photos of everyone laughing, hugging, and playing too.

You won't have to worry about knowing what to do or how to stand because I've got you covered. I'll be prepared with a plan for our session and I will guide you through our time together to ensure you get vibrant photos that you will love and no one looks dull or awkward. I'll even help you pick out what to wear if that's something you want or need!

What you can expect from your Chattanooga photography session - Start to finish!

The consultation

First, we'll have a short phone call where we will discuss any themes, special occasions, or anything specific you want to capture or accomplish with your photo session. I'll ask some questions to get to know you and your style better and then we will discuss locations that will best fit the look and feel you've told me about. As a Chattanooga photographer, I have a long list of locations I've scouted in the area and I'm always on the lookout for new ones so if you need suggestions, I've got them!

before your session

I will go visit the chosen location, when possible, to make sure it is just perfect for you and to see if anything has changed that may affect your session. I also keep an eye on the weather leading up to your session in case other arrangements need to be made. I also think through your session and make a plan for the best way to capture the photos you've told me you wanted and make sure I've got some poses and prompts ready to go so that things run as smoothly as possible at your session. If you're using my Client Closet, we will have a meeting where you will get to try on dresses and we'll discuss styling for the whole family!

On the day of your session

I'll be keeping an eye on the weather and let you know if we need to make any adjustments, My goal is always to arrive a little early to make sure there aren't any surprises and to make sure we get the perfect spot. I also like to check that my settings are as adjusted as possible to the current conditions so that we can get started as soon as you're ready.

During your session

We will chat and laugh and get to know each other a little bit better while we take photos. I try to make sure everyone is having fun and relaxed while we explore the location together and I'm always looking out for those magical spots of light we can use to make a photo extra special. I'm flexible and always willing to switch it up if something isn't working.

after your session

I go home and transfer your photos to my computer and into my editing software. I'm usually so excited to look through them that I start that evening when possible. I carefully go through all of the photos removing my test shots, duplicates, and any photos that aren't up to my high standards, and select only the best ones from your session to edit.

Once your photos are edited, I will upload them to an online gallery and send you an email with a link to view your photo slideshow preview and instructions for the next steps.

I am available at any time during this process if you have any questions or just want to say "hey"! I am also available to help with downloading or printing your images. I can even help design a gallery wall or album for you.

If you made it this far and you pictured your family as you were reading, then let's talk! I'd love to be your Chattanooga photographer and create a session just for your family!

Want to know more about me?

Cool! I want to know more about you too!

I've been photographing people since I was handed my first disposable film camera by my second grade teacher at 8 years old. When other little girls were playing house, I was playing photography studio. I used to make my younger siblings dress up in their Sunday best while I was babysitting and I would move furniture to create a blank wall that I would make them stand in front of while I took pictures. Not much has changed. I just make my siblings bring their kids over to my in-home studio and let me take photos there now.

Those early photos were absolutely terrible but they put me on the path to where I am today. Now, those same siblings come to me first when they need a professional photographer. I am the oldest of 7 children so I know families and I think that is one of the biggest reasons I decided to specialize as a family and child photographer in Chattanooga.

But it wasn't until June of 2019 that I finally decided to get serious about taking photography from just a hobby to a career. More on that below.

Why did you decide to be a photographer?

A lot led to the decision to pursue a career in photography but after the devastating premature birth and death of my twin boys in December of 2018, I realized life is too short and too hard to not spend my time and effort doing something that I loved. I was mentally and physically unable to go back to my 9-to-5 (that I loved) and during those early days of grief, picking up my camera was one of the few things that brought me joy. I literally felt like I had nothing to lose and I would either succeed as a Chattanooga photographer or I would fail but either way, I would be pursuing my passion - photographing families like yours.

Speaking of family - this is mine!

The Lord blessed us with a daughter a year after we lost the twins and this is what my family looks like now. Yes, photographers need photos too! I like to practice what I preach and be the client from time-to-time. It's good to get to experience what it's like on the other side of the lens so that I know how to serve my clients the way I like to be served! I'm especially grateful for these family photos taken by my friend and fellow Chattanooga photographer, Christin Sofka. You can check out her work at www.christinsofka.com

Are you also a small business owner?

I'd love to work with you and help you by featuring you on my blog!