Q: What are your safety protocols during COVID-19 times?
A: All clients must be fully vaccinated in order to book a shoot. Clients must be able to provide a negative COVID test within 24 hours of their scheduled shoot. If you feel that you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or are displaying ANY symptoms of illness, even if you think it’s not COVID, PLEASE reach out to reschedule. If you arrive for your shoot coughing, sneezing, etc., I will cancel the shoot and you will be charged a rescheduling fee. In order to be able to work as safely as possible, these protocols are not flexible and must be adhered to.
Q: How do I know what your availability is and how can I ensure that I get a specific date that I want?
A: The best way to stay up to date on available dates and when my bookings open is to sign up for my newsletter, A F*ckery of Organized Thoughts, which you can find at the bottom of this page! This newsletter is a mix of personal and business things, but I will always share openings there. Please do not rely on Instagram for booking information, as I do not spend much energy on that platform. If you have a specific date that you are interested in, please reach out in order to see if it is available. I book out 2-6 months in advance, so be mindful that it is ALWAYS best to reach out as early as possible to ensure my best availability.
Q: What do I do with my hands? What do I do with my FACE?!
A: First of all, take a breath. We’re in this together - you and me, we are the actual dream team. We’ll plan it all out together, and when the day of the shoot comes, I will take the reins and guide you through every part of the experience. You don’t have to worry about what to do with your body - you just need to be willing to be present and in the moment. Trust that I will be there with you, supporting you and cheering you on. All you have to do is show up and be willing to be present, which I KNOW is easier said than done, but I can also tell you that this experience will be easier than you think it will be.
Q: How do you edit your photos? Will I look like me when I see my photos?
A: I use a set of customized presets that I have created for my edits, and I only edit out temporary things in photos, i.e., acne, if requested, bruises, cat scratches, etc. I will NOT slim or alter the shape of your body, nor will I smooth your skin or get rid of your cellulite. Your body, as it is, is worthy of this experience, and I want you to understand and feel that. Our bodies each carry the story of our unique experience of life, and I don’t want to edit away any component of your body’s story. If this editing style doesn’t work for you, then I am not the photographer for you, and that’s ok! If you want more information on this, you can always set up a consultation with me and I’m happy to discuss this in further detail with you.
Q: If I shoot with you does that mean that my images might end up on your website/marketing/Instagram?
A: How your images are shared is up to you! I love sharing the stories and experiences of my clients, however if you are not comfortable that’s completely fine. There are a few different options when it comes to how/if you’d like your images shared, and we’ll go over all of this together. At the end of your experience, when you have your final artwork, you will fill out a form that states how your images are to be shared. We’ll talk over these options throughout the experience regardless, but it all comes down to what you’re comfortable with.
Q: I’ve never done this before - I don’t know how to be in front of the camera. Do you think I can still do this?
A: 100%. We’re in this entire process together! I’ll be directing you throughout the entire shoot, however I am a big believer of in-the-moment portraits. We’ll create these moments together, but you don’t have to worry about doing anything “right.” There is no right or wrong with this process, and remember that I’m the one working, not you. All you have to do is show up and be present, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Q: I’m only interested in digital images - is that an option for me?
A: At a time where everything is digital and available to us through our phones, I seek to create something with you that you can carry with you throughout your life. Rather than just looking through a digital album on your phone, I want you to be able to hold something in your hands and remember what the experience was like for you. I want you to be able to ground yourself in the memory and experience and allow it to encourage you in your own journey. So digital images are not a package I offer, with the exception of branding for lifestyle shoots, pending my availability.
Q: I don’t like my body. I hate the way I look in photos, but I’m interested in this process. Is it worth scheduling a consultation?
A: This process is less about the photos and more about the experience. Yes, you read that correctly. I know it sounds weird and maybe even wrong to you, but it’s the truth. Every person has their own journey with their bodies and for some that aligns with body positivity. For others it’s body neutrality and for others it’s body autonomy. If you’re unsure what any of this is, that’s totally fine and we’ll go over each of these in detail during your consultation.
Q: I REALLY want to have this experience, but I'm not sure if I can afford it. Is it worth having a consultation?
A: Absolutely! I offer multiple types of payment options, including payment plans for all kinds of budgets and sliding scale options as well. Sliding scale is for those that would not be able to afford this type of experience otherwise, and is prioritized for minority communities. If you're unsure which of these payment options would work for you, reach out! We'll go over all of this in detail during your consultation, and I work my hardest to make this experience possible for anyone that wants to have it.
Q: I’m unsure of how I identify with my body and my person. Is this experience a safe place to explore this relationship?
A: In the realm of “safety,” one cannot ever guarantee the absolution of safety. I used to say that I provided a “safe space” but as I have done the internal work around the work I continue to do and what “safety” actual means, I realized that I cannot make such a statement. What I seek to do is provide a space of exploration and support. I seek to do what I can to ensure that you as an individual feel supported, cared for and heard. I remain present in the moment with you and utilize my skills as a former therapist to be intune to your needs to the best my abilities. If you’re curious about this experience in regards to how you identify I’d love for you to book a consultation and we can discuss your needs at that time! Fun fact: consultations are free unless you decide to book a shoot, at which time your session fee is booked. So if we chat and we decide it’s not the right time, that’s fine!
Q: I’m not comfortable being nude - do I have to be naked to have this experience?
A: You do not have to be nude for your shoot. I have a myriad of ways to shoot what is called “implied nudity,” and there are so many ways to style a shoot that nudity isn’t necessary. What I WILL say that is that nudity allows for a whole other level of exploration that clients have stated has been empowering and introspective for them. This is something that we can discuss together to understand, but at the end of the day, your comfort is what matters most to me.