What is included in the cost?
My session fees are all-inclusive; they include my time, professional editing (including minor retouching), all photos taken during the session, and an online gallery of high-resolution digital files with full rights release.
How many photos will we receive?
There is no photo limit. You will receive all photos that make the final cut! Those are your memories to cherish, you should cherish them all!
We are worried about looking awkward and don't know how to pose!
Not to worry, I've got you covered! I strive to make each of my clients feel comfortable, even if we're meeting for the first time. I like to set a very casual and fun atmosphere, making sure my clients feel relaxed. My sessions are meant to be easygoing, and I encourage clients to just be themselves!
Are you inclusive?
Absolutley! Working with me will always be a safe environment for everyone, no matter their identity or appearance! Please let me know how you identify and/or what your pronouns are so that I can ensure you feel comfortable when we are working together. I believe that love is love, and I don't judge! You deserve to feel comfortable and safe being yourself, and although we may be strangers, I respect who you are as an individual. How you identify yourself should never prevent you from receiving any service, and under no circumstances should you be treated differently because of your identity or appearance.
How do we get natural looking photos?
Just relax! Sounds too easy, right? Many people overthink photos, pressuring themselves to get it "perfect". No need to feel pressured; the best photos come from clients who live in the moment. Just enjoy who you're with and be in the moment, whether it's with your partner, family, or best friend—just have fun!
What is lifestyle photography?
Lifestyle photography is about capturing the natural moments and interactions between people. I prefer to catch candid moments that are unposed, but not to worry, I will still provide guidance!
What types of sessions do you offer?
I offer any type of session you can think of! Weddings/elopements, couples, anniversary, prom, senior, graduation, maternity, newborn (lifestyle only), boudoir, etc. I will note that newborn photography and boudoir photography are niche photography professions. I am more than happy to provide these services. I am 100% comfortable and confident that I can match your vision. However, I may not have the space or equipment that those niches may require.
Newborn photography (babies bundled in wraps with props and backdrops) requires special training and certification that I do not have, nor do I have the space or accessories for this type of photography. If this is the type of newborn photography you are looking for, I am not your photographer. I offer lifestyle newborn sessions, which means I will take photos of you and your newborn and whoever else you may want to include, but I will not handle your newborn. Lifestyle newborn sessions can be held anywhere you feel comfortable. A common place for this type of session is your nursery or bedroom at home.
Boudoir sessions are often held in a studio space, but I do not have my own studio space. So if privacy is your focus or if there is a specific type of boudoir you are interested in, you may need to find someone who considers boudoir their primary passion. However, if you are more on the adventurous side, outdoor boudoir sessions are so fun and turn out amazing! If you're still not comfortable with that idea but would like to still have me as your photographer, there are studio rental options. This will require additional time for planning and an additional cost for renting the space.
What if it rains?
We embrace it! I always keep an eye on the weather as we approach our session date. I do come prepared for rain; I will have clear umbrellas available for use during the session if need be. This option is so fun, and the photos always turn out so wonderful, though I can't guarantee that you will stay completely dry. Rain can be fun, and it will not ruin your photos (unless it's a hurricane, but I think we're safe in Alaska), but if this is not your vision, I understand. If the weather becomes concerning, we will discuss an alternate arrangement! We can't control Mother Nature, so there is no penalty if we need to reschedule.
When can we expect to receive our photos?
I know the anticipation is killing you! You will receive a handful of photos from your session in approximately 1-2 weeks, these are called sneak peeks!
Regular sessions can expect to receive their photos in 2 to 4 weeks; this is an estimation and varies on the season.
Weddings and elopements can expect to receive their photos in approximately 8 weeks (this may vary depending on the final photo count).
We are ready to book; how do we do it?
After you select your session and use the 'Book' button, you will be prompted to fill out a simple form with your basic information. This will automatically be emailed to my inbox. You may also use my contact page if you have questions or are experiencing difficulties. From there, I will respond to your email request, and we will begin discussing the details of the session. We will select a date and time, and the appointment will be confirmed once the deposit is paid. If you do not have a location in mind, I will then discuss your vision with you and begin researching locations. Once a location is selected, we are ready for our session. Until then, feel free to reach out with any questions prior to the session.
What if we need to cancel or reschedule?
I understand that life happens sometimes and that it can be unpredictable. This is one of the many reasons there is a non-refundable deposit. Please see my policies for more details.
Why does photography cost so much?
I strive to provide affordable photography to fit any budget, but the cost covers more than the client sees. The majority of a photographer's work is done after your session; taking the photos is the "easy" part. Most photographers have spent several hundreds or even thousands on education, equipment, software, marketing, etc., and the biggest part is TIME! While we may have only spent 30 minutes or a few hours together, I will spend several hours editing your photos post session. For example, it will take approximately 16–20 hours to edit 100 photos. In addition to time, there's the equipment; technology is constantly changing and getting better. In order for photographers to offer you the best quality photos, keeping equipment up to date is extremely important. Camera bodies can range between $500 and $10,000+, and lenses can range from $80 to $8,000+. We are not just simply taking a photo; we are capturing your life, and any photographer should be prepared to provide the best to their clients, but that does come at a price.
Why do we need a deposit and what is it for?
I require a $50 deposit for regular session packages and a $100 deposit for wedding and elopement packages. This deposit is non-refundable but does go toward your overall session cost. The $50 covers the time I spend coordinating your session: scheduling a time that fits into your life and mine, researching your ideal location, preparing for your specific type of shoot (maternity, engagement, wedding).
How do we know which session to pick?
Picking a session can be difficult for some, but I try to make it as easy as possible. I recommend looking at all my packages to review what's included. My packages are mostly based on time but also include suggestions, like the quantity of people and locations. Once you have reviewed all the options, pick the one that best suits your needs. Selecting a package that fits into your budget is important too; this may be your driving factor in selecting your package.
Do you have a travel fee?
I do not have a local Alaska travel fee for Girdwood to Talkeetna (Anchorage and the valley, for those not from here). If you are interested in going further north or south in Alaska for your session, I will require a travel fee depending on distance. Travel is limited to certain destinations and will need to be discussed prior to booking.
How do we pay for our session?
Payment is accepted through an electronic payment system (Venmo, Paypal, etc.) at this time. I am currently moving to a new platform for payment and booking. The deposit is due at booking, and I will request the deposit prior to completing your booking. If you would like to pay by cash or check, I will accept these forms for the remainder of the session cost, but the deposit must be paid electronically in order to book your session.
Will you work with a budget?
My goal is to provide affordable photography, I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have professional photos taken of their special moments. It's important to document the parts of life that you will cherish most. If you have a small budget and cannot find a package that works for you, please contact me with the details of what your needs are, your budget, and your vision. Money should not prevent people from creating and preserving life's most special moments.
How will we receive our images?
You will receive all of your photos in an online digital gallery. You will have full printing rights over all your photos; you will receive each photo in high resolution; and you will be able to share these photos with others and on social media. I do not offer any printing services. Your gallery will have an expiration date of 30 days after going live. There is limited space within the system, and you will need to save your photos to your personal device before this deadline. The email containing your link to your gallery will provide all the details regarding your gallery and how it works.
What happens if we lose our photos?
I back up each and every session on external hard drives and keep them indefinitely. If something should happen to your photos, please reach out to me for assistance. I always recommend that clients download their photos to their personal device and an external drive, like a thumb drive.
Do you give out RAW (unedited) files?
My photos are my art; an artist wouldn't present an unfinished painting. A chef would not serve uncooked chicken. I do not provide RAW files to my clients. Lighting, color, and stylized adjustments are made to your photos to create a finished, polished product.
Are black and white doubles included in the packages?
Normal sessions include 10–20 black and white doubles, depending on which package is chosen.
Weddings will include black-and-white doubles of the newlyweds' post-ceremony session.
Elopements will include black-and-white doubles for all photos.
If you would like to have black-and-white copies of your entire session, you may add this to your package for an additional cost.
Why does it cost extra to have B&W copies of every photo?
If there are 100 photos being delivered to the client, that doubles to 200. The editing process still requires me to make individual adjustments to each B&W photo, which essentially doubles my editing time.
Will you fully retouch our images?
I use a natural approach when editing my clients' photos; I believe in capturing real life. Minor retouching will be done to remove anything that may distract from the moment in a significant way. I do not airbrush, manipulate proportions, or change the appearance of anyone in the photos. If there is a specific concern you have, please let me know.
We've never been to Alaska; can you offer any advice?
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What parts of Alaska do you provide service for and do you travel?
I will travel up to 5 hours from the valley when the roads are clear; this will require a travel fee based on mileage and event details. Seward, Homer, Valdez, Denali National Park, and other places are all within this range. If this is for a wedding or elopement and the time of your event is in the late afternoon or evening, this fee may include overnight accommodations depending on distance.
Do you have a studio or indoor options?
I do not have a studio space; I mostly shoot outdoors! Alaska has so much beauty to capture that any session is an opportunity for a stunning experience! Yes, even in winter! Trust me, the cold is worth it; winter sessions are quick though! However, if you have a specific vision, I always do my best to make it happen! With some creative thinking, there are many public spaces that can offer an indoor option, or there are rental spaces available. I may need extra time to find an indoor location; please don't book last minute if this is your expectation. If a rental space meets your needs, there will be an additional fee.
Do we get to choose the location? What if we're unsure?
Choosing the location is so much fun! If you have a particular location in mind, I'd love to know! Most likely, your suggestion will be a great location. I will research it and ensure that it is safe and that we are aware of any rules, fees, or hours prior to choosing it as the location. Maybe you don't have a specific location in mind, but you have a general idea. Great! Tell me everything, and I will do my best to find the perfect location that looks like I pulled it straight from your mind!
Have absolutely no idea what you want? No problem! We will have a chat about what your end goal is and what you like. From there, we will narrow it down to a general type of scenery, for example, forest, water, mountains, a bridge, etc.; more than one of these can be selected. I will then research a location that meets your chosen interests. I will do my best to find one with all the chosen amenities, but I will bring several options to the table. The distance you are willing to travel will affect this decision as well.
What if we have someone with limited mobility or a person with a disability in our group?
No worries! Please let me know when booking so that we may plan accordingly. I want everyone to have a fun and seamless experience at their session. If you have a family member, friend, partner, or child that requires anything specific, I will make it a priority to accommodate their needs!
What can we expect on the day of our session?
You can look forward to a fun, creative, and stress-free experience! Simply be yourself; there is no need to put any pressure on yourself or anyone else in the group! Think of it as a date with your partner, a family fun day, or that you're pampering yourself! Lifestyle photography is all about the natural interaction between you and your loved ones! I strive to capture the real moments, so tell that joke and laugh out loud, dance your heart out, play tag with the kiddos, and make silly faces! I promise you won't be disappointed!
How should we dress for our session?
Don't overthink it! No need to run around town buying new outfits or scouring for "fancy" attire! You are free to dress how you want! Most sessions are casual, but you are more than welcome to come dressed to the nines! Here are some things to consider:
Neutral colors are always a good choice.
Coordinate your clothes by choosing a simple color palette and using shades of the same color, or go for the complementary look, but keep it simple.
Bold prints and large logos are not recommended.
Sweatpants, hoodies, and workout attire are not recommended.
Avoid excessively low and high necklines (extremely deep Vs or cowl neck sweaters are some examples).
If you color your hair or normally have it styled or cut a particular way, it is recommended to refresh your style prior to your session.
If you wear glasses, the sun and harsh lights can create glare on the lenses. This is very difficult to edit out and will limit the use of natural light. I recommend wearing contacts, removing your glasses, or wearing empty frames if you don't feel like yourself without them!
Hairbands, smart watches, things in your pockets (phone, keys, etc.) , sunglasses, baseball caps, and other things of this nature are all very distracting. You are more than welcome to bring a small bag for these items, and I can carry it for the duration of the shoot, or I can hold the items that you are not comfortable leaving in your vehicle in my camera bag during the shoot.
If your session is an outdoor winter session, I recommend wearing layers. Feel free to wear hats, gloves, and scarves (preferably ones that coordinate with your outfits); just avoid looking like a marshmallow. Heavy duty snow gear isn't flattering on anyone. Using pocket hand warmers and foot warmers are an excellent option as well. Outdoor winter sessions are always kept short in order to keep everyone safe, healthy, and comfortable (or at least as comfortable as you can be, since it is Alaska).
I recommend dressing in a presentable fashion, and that looks different for everyone. Whether it's casual or fancy is your choice, but these are photos you are paying for.
Check out the outfit inspiration below; all of these were found on Pinterest, which is a great spot to find more ideas!
Can we include our fur babies?
Absolutley! Animals of all kinds are welcome! I have two senior dogs and a cat; pets are family and should be included if that is part of your vision!
How do we get our kiddos to cooperate?
Parents often overthink this situation; let your kids be kids! I do not recommend bribing or coaching them prior to your session. I know this seems like the only way to get them to cooperate or "be on their best behavior," but if I'm being honest, it doesn't work. No matter your child's personality, pressuring them into behaving a certain way only makes them focus on whether they're following the rules or not. This only frustrates you and the child; they don't want to upset you or break the rules, but it's very difficult for young children to maintain a high standard for a prolonged period of time.
My best advice is to just tell your kiddos that you're going to have a family fun day! I recommend starting the day with the session when they are well rested. Please feed your kiddos prior to your session (before you get dressed in your outfits); hungry kiddos aren't happy ones. You can prepare them by making the outfits feel extra special: "We're all going to wear special outfits today". If your kiddo is camera shy or shy in general, you can prepare them by practicing how to be silly (making silly faces), how to be sweet (giving hugs and kisses), and how to be crazy ( running and jumping). These are easy prompts I can use that almost any age child will understand. You can also tell them that you are going to make a new friend this week and we will play games together as a group! Simple games are something I like to coordinate into family sessions, like red light, green light, or Simon says. The kids are entertained by the game, and I have plenty of opportunity to capture real smiles and laughs because they aren't worried about having their photo taken. Kids only have so much patience because they are still learning much about life, themselves, and human interaction. So, all in all, just let your kids be kids during your session! It makes the experience so much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
What if we'd like to meet you before the session?
We can absolutely arrange to meet for coffee or a walk before your session! I don't require this step because people are very busy, and finding the time to do photos is hard enough for some. I also strive to create a comfortable, casual atmosphere from the moment we begin communicating. My clients are able to quickly relax just minutes into the session. I'm a bit quirky and goofy, and once I get a feel for your personality, I will work in something to break the ice. If you have social anxiety, it's ok; I will never force you to do anything you are uncomfortable with. I always ask if you are comfortable posing certain ways or doing certain actions. If you would be more comfortable with another friend or family member cheering you on, please feel free to bring your hype person.
Why do we need to sign a contract and what is it for?
Contracts keep everything clear, concise, and organized. They are necessary for legal purposes relating to your well-being and consent.
Why should we consider an engagement session?
Engagement sessions are a wonderful option for many reasons. They provide photos for announcements, save the dates, and wedding invitations. If you and your partner choose to just do the legal portion and sign the papers, you now have photos you can post on social media, use for an announcement, or use to send a physical one. Above all, you have preserved a very special memory in your life.
The biggest reason is that you get a chance to work with your wedding photographer. I recommend doing an engagement session with the photographer you choose for your wedding. I only cover intimate weddings and elopements; if you plan to have a wedding larger than 20–30 guests, I am not the photographer that best meets your needs.
Why, on earth, does the elopement package cover up to 8 hours?
There is a lot that goes into an elopement. Couples who choose to elope deserve the same opportunities as those who have a full-length wedding. This length of time is flexible enough to accommodate any pre-wedding activities or post ceremony escapades, making it ideal for adventurous elopements. The package includes more than just the ceremony itself; it's designed to document your entire day of celebration as a married couple. This is an important aspect of lifestyle photography, and if that's what you're after, time is what you need.
Please check out this blog from Katie Berg, a Washington based elopement photographer. Her guide, How Long Should I Hire an Elopement Photographer For?, provides excellent insight on elopements.
*Disclaimer: I do not offer planning services; I do not offer all-inclusive elopement packages. I will offer vendor and location recommendations and work out a schedule for the day with you.*
Why is there a guest limit on your wedding packages?
I have a limit on wedding size because I typically operate alone. I am comfortable shooting a wedding solo with a guest list of 20–30 people or less. The more people who attend your wedding, the more there is to capture. Larger weddings often require multiple photographers in order to capture everything. If you are planning to book me as your wedding photographer, you must not exceed my limit. I set this boundary so that I may provide you with the highest quality photos.
Do you have an option for a second shooter? What is a second shooter?
I do not have an option for a second shooter. I have designed all my packages to be shot solo. If you have an event you would like me to photograph that requires multiple photographers, please contact me. I would love to discuss the details. My goal is to always provide the best service for my clients.





