Dance FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions families ask me before their shoots!
Location FAQs
Do you shoot in studio or on location? Where?
I do both!
My studio is located in downtown Cedar Rapids, in the historic Smulekoff building. The exposed brick walls create a warm, rustic background that still lets your family shine as the focal point of the photos.
For on-location sessions, the options are endless: nature trails, local parks, flower fields, downtown Cedar Rapids - the list goes on. I’m always scouting out new, interesting areas for family photos.
Do I need to deep clean my house for an in-home family photo session?
Deep clean - no! Tidy up - yes.
Cluttered spaces make for cluttered photos, which can pull the focus away from your family. So straighten up the loose odds and ends the kids have scattered, but don’t worry about making your home immaculate.
Do you charge a travel fee?
For shoot locations in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor (Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Solon, North Liberty, Tiffin, Iowa City, Coralville, etc.), I do not charge for travel.
For locations outside of the Corridor, there is a travel fee that is determined based on the distance.
Detail FAQs: Outfits, Poses, and More
Do you provide any props or backdrops?
I have no shortage of chairs, sofas, and stools available for in-studio shoots. (I shop for prop furniture the way other people shop for clothes!).
For solid backdrops, I can provide white, grey, black, and a variety of color options. We’ll chat to figure out which background suits your family’s outfits best!
What should we wear for our photos?
Choosing outfits is the most stressful part of family photo planning for a lot of my clients.
Here are some general pieces of advice I like to give families:
- Outfits should coordinate, not match. Pick clothes are complimentary, but not identical.
- There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to casual versus dressy. Choose whatever your family is most comfortable with.
- My rule of thumb is if you feel good, you’ll look good! So pick something you feel confident in. If you don’t love it off camera, you won’t love it on camera.
- Look at Pinterest or even past family photos on my Instagram) for inspiration.
- I’m here to help! We can brainstorm together, or you can send me photos of outfits you’re considering.
Check out my family photo tips + tricks for more outfit advice and to see some examples from past clients.
When should I take newborn photos?
To capture your baby in their true newborn state, I like to do newborn portraits ASAP after baby’s arrival - ideally within the first two weeks.
What do I need to bring to a family portrait session?
The list will vary from family to family, but this is a good starting point.
- Snacks for the kids. Just make sure it’s not something messy that could ruin their outfit if disaster strikes. Cheerios or crackers are great options.
- Water. Hydration is key, especially during summer shoots.
- Extra hair + makeup products for touchups.
- Wipes for messy hands and faces or runny noses.
- An extra outfit for the kids… Just in case.
What do I need to bring to a newborn portrait session?
Here’s a general list to get you started:
- All the essentials for feeding + changing - in other words, your diaper bag.
- An extra outfit for you, just in case baby has an accident while you’re holding them.
- Entertainment + snacks for baby’s older siblings, if they are tagging along to the shoot.
- Entertainment + snacks + water for yourself, so you have something to do while I get baby settled. Newborn sessions can be longgg since we’re on baby’s clock. I know that nothing compares to that new parent exhaustion, so I like to make this a time for YOU to sit back and relax while I work my magic!
What you don’t need to bring is outfits for your baby. I have all the swaddles, blankets, wraps, and accessories we’ll need to get those cute, scrunchy newborn photos.
What kind of poses will we shoot?
Of course, we’ll shoot the classic posed photos, where everyone looks at the camera with full smiles. We can do these seated or standing (or both).
But I also love to take some candid photos, too! Think laughing, playing, snuggling - natural interactions where it’s like the camera isn’t even there. These unposed, authentic moments often end up being the sweetest - and you won’t have to coax the kids into fake smiles.
Can we include our pets in our photos?
Yes! Pets are part of the family, too. There is no extra charge for pets - I just ask that you let me know ahead of time so I can prepare.
Please know that it may take a little extra time to get that perfect photo, depending on how cooperative your pet is. For example, well-trained dogs are usually easier to photograph than cats - but even the best-behaved dogs can get excited in front of the camera!
Make sure to bring your pet’s essentials to the shoot: leashes and harnesses, treats, poop bags, a water dish, and even toys for distraction. (Treats and toys are great tools for me to get their attention from behind the camera)!
Miscellaneous FAQs
Do you shoot big groups (like an extended family picture)?
Yes! I’ve photographed families of 25 or more. Just let me know in advance how many people you expect to be in the shoot.
What happens if there’s bad weather on the day of our session and we’re supposed to shoot outside?
We all know how fast Iowa weather can change, so I like to wait until a few hours before the shoot before we make a call. I’ll stay in contact with you throughout the day.
If the weather is too bad to shoot outside, we can either move your shoot indoors (in my studio) or reschedule.
But I hate having my photo taken.
I hear this from so many people - and it’s valid!
My job isn’t just to capture the best photo of your family - it’s also to help you feel your best in front of the camera. I’ll coach you through the shoot so your family’s personalities shine through in your pictures.
Whether we’re at my studio, in your home, or somewhere else, my goal is to put you at ease and make sure it doesn’t feel like a daunting, capital P “Photoshoot.” I want it to be relaxing - and fun.
I also believe in making all of my sessions collaborative. I’ll be showing you the back of the camera as we go, so I can get your in-the-moment feedback and make sure you’re loving it!
I’m worried about my kids not cooperating or being camera-shy.
As a photographer mom whose kids are sick of her taking photos, I know all about children who want to avoid the camera.
There’s no need to worry, though. Over the last 20 years, I’ve had plenty of practice coaxing smiles out of kids of every age and putting them at ease so I can capture their personalities on camera!
How long will it take to get the photos back?
After the photo session, I’ll take two weeks to edit the photos and send you proofs. I give you two weeks to review and choose your favorites. Then I’ll take two weeks to put the finishing touches on the images you pick and send you the final files!
After the session, will I get the rights to the edited images? Where can I use them?
If you purchased full-resolution digital images, then you have the rights to use them as you wish. Post them on Facebook for your friends and family to enjoy, use them on holiday cards, or frame them and hang them as wall art!
What is the best way to contact you?
I am easy to get ahold of! I respond to text, phone, or email - but the fastest way to reach me will always be text. (Seriously, don’t be afraid to text me!)
Phone: 319-366-8689
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