I truly believe approaching photos with purpose and intentionality. When you look at your photos, even years from now, I want you to:

• see the raw emotions, love, and connection in your relationships
• see the real YOU + all of the things that make you + your family special
• have all of the happy memories from this stage in your life to flood back

To approach photos this way, there is a process I walk each of my clients through. Majority of this process takes place PRIOR to your session.

1. Establish your WHY

First and foremost, why are you investing in portraits? What is the purpose for these photos?

• Are you celebrating a milestone? (engagement, graduation, growing your family, etc.)
• Are you wanting to update your family photos?
• Are you wanting to fill the empty walls in your home with photos of the ones you love most?

Depending on your intention post session plays a big part in the planning process.

2. Envision your session

This part is SO much fun!!! You literally get to design your own session! Do you envision a more candid or traditional gallery? When you look at your photos, I want you to see the real you. Do you love travel + adventure? Maybe you want your photos to have an epic scenery. Are you a homebody? Maybe an in-home lifestyle session would be best. Do you love going to the beach? Let’s go! Does lots of color & florals bring you happiness? Let’s plan for a spring or summer session!

3. Think about your home

Back to square one, what are we doing with these photos? Is there a big empty wall in the living room above the couch you intend to fill? Are you wanting to curate a gallery wall as a decoration focal point? Do you see yourself more so reminiscing through a beautiful, curated album filled with all of your favorite images?

In addition, what is the color scheme + vibe of your home? Is it coastal farmhouse? Vintage/traditional? Neutral and clean? This will all help with outfit and product planning!

If you plan to hang a big portrait on the wall you don’t want it to be distracting, but pleasing, unto the eye. Meaning if you have a super neutral vibe throughout your home, you wouldn’t want to wear bright vibrant color clothing to your session. If you have more of a rustic, farmhouse style, a traditional vintage gold frame probably isn’t going to look right. If you have little ones with sticky fingers running around, you’ll want a leather cover album versus linen.

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I know this is A LOT to think about. But in my opinion, if you don’t have any intention or purpose behind your photos, it’s probably not the right time to make the investment. I hope this helps get your mind rolling and gets you excited for your next portrait session!!!