What’s a photo session like with you?
I am a no-fuss type of girl. I like things to look pretty with out much effort. I like to laugh and giggle and be myself. So, when it comes to a photo session, you can expect it to be casual, relaxed and fun!

What is your availability?
Mon-Fri: 9am to sunset.
Saturday: limited sessions.
CLICK HERE to book a session.

What is included with the session fee?
About 2 hours of the photographer’s time, up to 5 people, different background and fabric choices (studio), digital capture of your session (60 to 100 images), basic retouching of the images, artistically altered images, 5 Facebook images and the unique ability to customize your package to fit your needs with the purchase of prints, gallery wraps, albums, coffee table books, etc. at your viewing & ordering session. There is a $400 minimum order requirement per session. We are required to collect 8.75% sales tax on all sales and services in compliance with CA law. NO PRINTS OR PRODUCTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE SESSION FEE.

Where does the photo session take place? {maternity & newborn}
I shoot both in the studio and on location…
Studio: I have a studio in my home in San Marcos which makes for a relaxed and comfortable setting. We are conveniently located in North San Diego County just minutes from the 15 and 78 freeways.

Location: You can choose a lifestyle portrait session at a location of your choice, or in your home. Give me a call to discuss…I’d love to hear about your location ideas and I can recommend a few of my favorite spots.

What is an average investment with you?
I am a boutique specialty photographer who limits my sessions in order to give the best possible experience for each client. I only offer top of the line, unique products that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else. For these reasons, please determine if I am within your budget before you book your session. Typically clients invest an average of $1000 to $2000 on their custom wall portraits & finished products. Financing options are available on product purchases.

Do you recommend I have my makeup professionally done?
YES! I recommend Melissa Rae & Co. She will come to the studio before your session for $70, or you can visit her at her Carlsbad location before your session for $60.

What should I wear?
After you have booked a session with me I will send out a welcome kit with tips about what to wear and other helpful info.

When should I have my maternity portraits taken?
4 to 8 weeks prior to your due date.

What is the best age for a newborn session?
Within the first 10 days after birth. (I am a stickler with this!) This is the best time to capture the early newborn stage when they sleep most of the time and still like to be “curled up”, which is the only time that can truly be considered a newborn session. Please pre-book your newborn session BEFORE the birth in order to secure a spot in Melisa’s limited schedule.

Do you have a package that includes birth/ hospital images?
CLICK HERE for our Prenatal to Cradle sample gallery. This is a documentary, 3 part series in which I come to your home twice (maternity session & newborn session) and the hospital to capture your family’s story. Contact me for more info.

Where do boudoir sessions take place?
These sessions take place either in the comfort of your home or at your favorite hotel.

Can I purchase the digital negatives?
The digital negatives can only be obtained after a minimum print/ product purchase of $200. Once the purchase requirement is met the cost of the CD is $295. All images that you purchase from me are from a color calibrated monitor, cropped, color corrected, sharpened, enhanced (known as post processing) and printed on professional archival paper from a professional and reputable lab. The post processing techniques that I have spent years learning and perfecting are one of the most important and valuable aspects to the final images and my creative identity.

Can you diminish the appearance of stretch marks?
Your images will be captured digitally and then edited on the computer which allows me to retouch imperfections.  Minor retouching is included with all sessions.  Minor retouching includes: dust & stray hair removal, baby acne, minimal stretch marks, wrinkles & blemishes. Additional retouching is available for $50/ hour (billed by the half hour).

What are your turn around times?
Approximately 2 weeks after your session you will come in for your personalized viewing and ordering session. A slide show of your images, including a selection of color, black & white, sepia toned and artistically altered images will be presented to you on my gorgeous 22 inch monitor. After your ordering session I will post a few of my favorite images from your session on my blog that you may use to share.
Prints take about 10 business days, Gallery Wraps take 2 to 3 weeks.
Announcements/ custom cards take about 10 business days.
Specialty items, such as books and albums, are subject to a longer turn around time of approximately 5 weeks or more due to image processing & design, lab turn around times and shipping.
Delays may occur if additional retouching is requested or change orders are placed.
We offer a 50% rush charge if you need something rushed.

How much work goes into producing my images?
The value of a photograph can not be based on the paper and ink to print it. Each image produced during your session represents hours of preparation and work before, during and after the session, many sleepless nights spent in education to learn the craft, countless hours spent on website upkeep and blogging, many thousands of dollars worth of equipment to make the images, edit and store them and time spent away from my family to serve my clients with the utmost love and care. Keep in mind, the time it takes to capture your images is only about 20% of the total time spent per client. I typically investment between 8 and 12 hours of my time PER CLIENT!

What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, or credit – Visa & MasterCard.

Additional Family Members?
Mom, dad, and siblings are a welcome part of every session (up to 5 people). Additional family members are $25 per person.

Session Details {maternity, newborn, baby}
Images are captured digitally in black & white and/ or color.
I have a large selection of beautiful fabrics for maternity sessions and gorgeous baskets and blankets for newborn sessions.
Sessions are about 2 hours in length.
Locations beyond 30 miles of 92069 require a $100 travel fee.
Minor retouching is included with any prints and products that you order.
Every session includes 5 watermarked Facebook images.
PRINTS & PRODUCTS ARE PURCHASED IN ADDITION TO YOUR SESSION.