welcome!
If you’ve made it here, it means you are trusting me with your photos, and I absolutely cannot wait!
This guide is your one-stop shop to prepare for our time together.
Showing up to the same location at an agreed-upon time is just not enough to create photos that you’re going to completely swoon over.
So, get comfy and take 10 minutes to intentionally walk through this guide. I promise you, it will be every bit worth it!
vision
We could absolutely go to the nearest "pretty location" and take a bunch of standard photos at sunset with you looking at the camera like models. And hey, if that’s your vibe, let’s do it! But if that doesn’t truly represent who you are or the depth of your story, let's go deeper.
I want to take an intentional, collaborative approach to your session. From the location to what you wear, any underlying themes, and beyond, the more vision and ideas you can give me, the better!
• Make It Personal: If you have a go-to activity that you love to do together, tell me! Even if you don’t think your daily routine or idea is “photo-worthy,” ask me first! What makes photos meaningful is not vanity, but the honest story they tell.
• Fun Prop Ideas: A kite, favorite books, a vintage blanket, coffee, strawberries, cake, ice cream, bicycles, cards, binoculars, etc.!
locations
Not sure where you want to take your photos? That’s completely okay! I’m always happy to help you choose a spot based on the aesthetic you want, your outfits, and the type of images you’re hoping for.
With so many beautiful backdrops along the Gulf Coast, I am always inspired by new scenery. If you have a unique location in mind that isn’t listed here, I would love to hear it, I’m always excited to explore somewhere new with you that reflects your story.
Local Location Recommendations:
• Beach & Coastal:
Dauphin Island (West End, East End, Kayak Launch, Middle Beach, Bird Sanctuary), Fairhope Pier, Orange Street Pier/Beach, Gulf State Park, Lake Shelby, Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Perdido Key, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, Seaside, Fairhope Docks Marina.
• Downtown & City:
Washington Square Park, The Battle House Hotel (Indoor/Moody), Bienville Square, Downtown Parking Garage Rooftop (Editorial), Mardi Gras Park, Mobile Federal Courthouse, Downtown Fairhope, Daphne Bayfront Park, Spanish Fort.
• Nature & Greenery:
Spring Hill College, Japanese Flower Gardens, Mobile Botanical Gardens, West Mobile Open Field Area, Village Point Park Preserve, Fairhope Municipal Pier & surrounding park, Lake Shelby, Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, Bay Minette.
• Romantic & Architectural:
The Battle House Hotel, Oakleigh House, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Downtown Fairhope & Downtown Mobile.
• Locations Requiring Permits/Fees:
Oakleigh House, Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Bellingrath Gardens, History Museum of Mobile, Cornerstone Gardens, The Greenhouse at Maison Mon Louis, Oak Hollow Farm, Fox Meadow Farm, The Grand Hotel, Live Oak Plantation, The Orchards Event Venue, Historic Malbis Nursery, Old Moon Ranch.
a few favorites
what to wear
What you wear can make or break your photos, take my word for it!
Imagine that we're painting a picture together. The background scene has already been painted, and now we're about to brush you into it. What you wear is like the quality of paint you use to create a piece of art, if the colors clash with the canvas, the whole piece suffers!
Take into account the location you are shooting at and the season. Every location has its own signature vibe, colors, textures, and theme. What will look best against that specific backdrop? What makes the most sense in that scene?
choosing your colors
I highly recommend wearing soft tones that complement the surrounding area.
• The Ideal Palette: Ivory, cream, oatmeal, beige, taupe, tan, chocolate brown, dusty blue, muted denim, and olive green.
• Colors to Avoid: Bright neon, or overly saturated colors (like hot pink or lime green) that don’t naturally fit into a landscape. These pull attention away from your face and can feel out of place in a timeless image.
• The Exception: One intentional pop of color can be beautiful when paired with neutrals! For example, a flowy pastel pink dress looks striking against a lush green forest backdrop.
A Note on Patterns
Patterns can be beautiful; you don’t have to stick strictly to solid colors! Small-scale florals, subtle stripes, and soft textures add depth and visual interest. Just avoid anything extremely bold, large, or distracting that could take attention away from you.
Pairing Outfits with Your Partner
When choosing your outfits together, think coordinating rather than matching. You don’t want to both be wearing the exact same color or tone; otherwise it begins to look like a uniform.
If one person is wearing a soft ivory dress, their partner could wear a muted blue button-down and tan trousers. Mixing different colors, textures, and silhouettes will give your photos more depth and make the overall look feel effortless.
The Three Golden Rules of Outfits
1. They Must Have Movement: Make sure you can move easily. It is a massive bonus if the clothing fabric moves with the wind or as you walk! Try: Flowy, airy, textured, and soft fabrics. Avoid: Stiff, rigid, or heavily starched corporate clothing.
2. They Must Be Timeless: Look for something you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Use my "5 and 5 Rule": If it’s a look you could have easily worn 5 years ago, and could still see yourself wearing 5 years from now, it passes the test!
3. They Must Feel Like You: Make sure the outfit has your classic, trademark stamp on it. Avoid trendy patterns or athleisure wear that doesn't feel true to who you are.
faq
What if our shoot gets rained out or has bad weather?
I absolutely want you to be excited about your weather conditions! I keep a close eye on the forecast and will stay in touch in the days leading up to our shoot. I do not reschedule for cloudy or overcast skies (overcast light is actually gorgeous and soft!), but heavy rain, storms, or unsafe weather is something I am always happy to reschedule with no extra fees.
What if I just do not know what to wear at all?
Let me know! Send me photos of your options or pieces you're considering, and we will mix and match until we find a look that makes you feel amazing.
How soon will we get our photos back?
My promise to you is that you will have sneak peek photos within 24 hours, and your full final gallery within 2 weeks of our shoot date! Your final images will be delivered via a high-resolution online Pixieset gallery, where you can easily download them. Pro Tip: Always download the full-resolution files directly from the link. Avoid screenshotting, which lowers the image quality!
Do you offer photo retouching?
I believe that natural, real, and honest is the most beautiful way to be photographed. Because of this, I do not offer heavy body altering or digital retouching. I do, however, spot-edit temporary skin blemishes, minimize distracting background elements, and smooth out skin texture while keeping you looking entirely like you.
next steps
Now that you've walked through the guide, you are ready to fill out your Pre-Session Questionnaire! This will help me tailor your session to you & let you drop in any fun visions you have so I can best prepare to bring your story to life. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this guide!
