HOW TO
PREPARE.
Everything you need to know before your session — so you can show up, exhale, and just be yourself.
There is nothing to perfect.
The number one thing I hear before every session is "I don't know what to do" or "I'm not photogenic." Let me stop you right there. You don't need to know what to do. You don't need to look a certain way. The only thing you need to bring is yourself — and I'll take it from there. Every session includes a styling consultation call so nothing about your experience will ever be a surprise.
Your Consultation Call Comes First
Before anything else, we talk. Every session begins with a free one-on-one consultation call where I learn your story, your intentions, and what you want to feel when you see your images. Nothing about your session will be a surprise — we plan everything together.
Drink Water & Rest the Night Before
This sounds simple but it matters. Hydrated skin photographs beautifully. A good night's sleep means you show up present and relaxed. Take care of yourself the day before like you would before anything important.
Wear What Feels Like You
Unless your session includes full styling, wear something that feels authentic — not a costume. We discuss outfits on your consultation call. Avoid busy patterns or loud logos. Layers, textures, and colors that make you feel like yourself always photograph best.
Arrive With Nothing to Prove
You don't need to have it together. You don't need to perform. You don't need to smile on command or know how to pose. The only thing you need to bring is your honest, real, unfiltered self. That is exactly what I am here to photograph.
Give Yourself Grace on Session Day
Traffic happens. Kids don't cooperate. Emotions run high. None of that ruins your session — it usually makes it better. Build in a little extra time so you arrive without rushing, and know that whatever happens, we work with it.
- Hair, makeup & styling are fully included. Show up clean-faced and ready — our team handles everything.
- Bring any meaningful objects — sobriety chips, medication bottles, letters, mementos. These make powerful props.
- Think about one thing you want people to feel when they see your images. Write it down if it helps. Share it with me.
- If you're nervous about being seen — that's okay. That nervousness is part of the story. You don't have to hide it.
- Wear comfortable underwear or a base layer you feel good in. Styling goes on top, but comfort underneath matters.
- You are allowed to cry. You are allowed to laugh. You are allowed to feel everything. That is the whole point.
- Do not over-prepare your kids. Don't tell them to behave or smile. Let them be exactly who they are.
- Schedule the session around nap times and meal times. A fed, rested child is a real child — not a posed one.
- Coordinate outfits loosely — same color family, not matching sets. Real families don't wear matching outfits.
- Bring their favorite snack, toy, or comfort item. These become part of the story.
- For in-home sessions, don't deep clean. A lived-in home tells a truer story than a staged one.
- Dad — yes, you're included. Be yourself. The awkward moments are the best ones.
- If a child melts down, we pause. There is no rush. Real life includes hard moments too.
- Hair, makeup & styling are fully included. We work around any medical equipment, ports, scars, or mobility needs.
- Share your medical journey with me before the session — the more I understand, the better I can serve your story.
- Bring anything that represents your fight — hospital bracelets, medication, medical devices, cards from loved ones.
- If you have good days and hard days, let's schedule on a good day — but know that hard days have their own beauty too.
- Caregivers and loved ones are welcome. Their presence is part of the story.
- Multi-chapter sessions are available if your journey is ongoing. We document it all.
- Reach out immediately. I respond to Last Light inquiries same day and will move everything I can to be there.
- You do not need to prepare anything. I come to you — wherever you are.
- There is no wrong way to do this. I will follow your lead entirely.
- You do not need to perform or hold it together. Grief is not something to hide from the camera.
- If you want family present, bring them. If you want privacy, I honor that completely.
- After the session, I deliver your gallery with a personal written note from me. You will not be alone in this.
- We have a full planning consultation before your wedding day so you know exactly what to expect.
- Consider an engagement session add-on — it lets us get comfortable together before the big day.
- Build buffer time into your timeline. Rushed weddings make for rushed photos.
- Eat breakfast. Drink water. You will not regret either of these things.
- Write your vows down even if you plan to memorize them. The paper becomes part of the story.
- Don't worry about posing — I guide you through natural moments, not stiff positions.
- The in-between moments are the ones you'll treasure most. Trust me to find them.
The most important thing?
Show up. That's it. Everything else — the nerves, the imperfections, the unexpected moments — that's not a problem to solve. That's the story we're here to tell. You've already done the hardest part by deciding your story is worth telling. The rest is mine to handle.
Your story has been waiting
long enough.
No pressure. No poses. Just you, your truth, and a photographer who will not look away.
Claim Your Experience