I love to see what you're types of photos you're passionate about! I don't copy another artist's work directly shot-for-shot but we can align the photoshoot for the same vibe or mood. In order to help me envision what you want, my guiding questions are:

Were your inspiration photos taken in the area or is it possible for them to be done here? For example- photos of mountains in the background with dramatic peaks can't be done in Grand Junction.

Do we need any props or special items for the photo? Styled shoots are usually set up so the outfits and location fit the vibe. For example- a picnic in a field with a flowy dress.

What do you like about the inspiration photos? For example- Do they all have movement (you would be running around)? Are they close-up or far away? Do you like the view in the background of the photos? Or the specific lighting (golden-hour, dark and moody, night-time with a flash)? Can this be achieved at a location here? Is there a wind-swept look to them (hair or fabric is blowing in the wind)? Is she being picked up a lot or are they laying down in the photos? Are these things that everyone at the photo shoot is up for?

The duration of a photo session varies depending on the type and scope of the project. The basic photo package is set for 30-45 minutes. If there are little kids or more people in the family, it can take up to 45 minutes. I try to be efficient with setting up poses and getting a variety of shots, which include zoomed out, zoomed in, horizontal framing, vertical framing, everyone looking at the camera, looking at each other, etc. The total photo package can last up to one hour.

Family photos do not include outfit changes, as this extends the time it takes for the session and interrupts the flow of the session. I try to be as efficient as possible so we can capture the shots before kids get restless. Children need to be dressed and ready to go by our start time. Please take this into account with what time you need to arrive by so you guys are ready to begin at our start time. I sometimes schedule family sessions back-to-back and cannot extend the time if people are running late or if children still need to get dressed and it's past the start time. The session time begins with the agreed upon time written in the contract.

I lightly edit and send out all of the photos from our session within 10 days (this does not apply to weddings). This is the maximum amount of time I take to edit photos. My turn around time is usually less than a week. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

If your package includes a limited number of photos, this first email will be a preview of the photos. This means they include a watermark on them. You will then go through the previews and pick out your favorite photos from the session (the number included varies on your package). You have the option to purchase additional photos if you want more than the number that is included in your package.

I will then go back and do additional, fine-tune editing on your favorites. This includes adjusting the coloration/shadows of the subjects, removing some background distractions, etc.  Fundamentally altering the photograph, such as switching family members around, swapping heads, or making people appear thinner, is not included in the editing that I do on the images. I do not do any edits that include body modifications, such as body slimming or altering of body features. I complete final edits and email them to you without a watermark within 10 days of you picking out your favorites.

The reason I do this is because it allows me to have more flexibility with my pricing packages. These additional, fine-tune edits can be very time-consuming. This allows me to professionally develop all of the images that I deliver in a package that works best for the family. The Total Family Package includes all of the photos from the shoot, so you don't have to pick out your favorites.

Absolutely! I believe that the location plays a significant role in capturing unique and personalized photographs. A few locations I often take photos at are the Colorado National Monument, Riverbend Park in Palisade, Connected Lakes State Park, the state park in Fruita, McInnis Canyon in Fruita, downtown Grand Junction, and the Grand Mesa. There is a minimum $50 fee to drive to the Grand Mesa. There is also a fee or pass required to enter the State Parks and the Colorado National Monument. The photographer and client are each responsible for acquiring this on their own.

If you need help picking out a location, I can email you my Location Guide.

Coordinate colors among family members. If one person wants to wear a pattern, the other people should wear complimentary colors. I suggest subtle patterns because certain patterns can look distracting in photos. I also suggest clothing to not have words written across them or large pictures on their shirts. If you lay the outfits out on a bed or the floor, the colors should look good next to each other.

Steam or iron clothing. Wrinkles and creases will be seen in photos - especially on graduation sashes.

Comfy shoes! Wear shoes you can walk outside in. If you really want heels for the photos, I suggest bringing a pair of slip-ons to wear as we're walking and then you can put in the heels on for the photo.

I edit galleries within my photography editing style. I add a little warmth to photos and reduce shadows. I edit all of my galleries in a similar style to create consistency. It's important to relay this to family in multi-generational photo shoots so they know what kind of editing to expect. My website has a lot of examples of my editing style to make sure it aligns with your expectations. I don't do any edits that include body modifications, such as making people appear slimmer or changing facial features, like chins.