Answers Before You Even Knew What Questions You Had.

Once you are ready to be photographed…

• Let’s chat! It may feel a little awkward at first but a quick phone call will allow us to iron out many details much faster than email (please, in order to best serve you, no text messages). Teresa is always happy to talk whether you’ve committed to a session or are still looking for initial information.

• We will make sure your desired date and time are available. Newborns are always photographed in the morning, ensuring that everyone’s day is off to a good start (Please be mindful not to plan anything else the day of the session. It will be important for everyone to rest afterwards).

• You will receive your contract, booking invoice, product information, and any additional information needed.

• Questions? Concerns? Ideas? You are welcome to reach out to Teresa as many times as you need!

After You’ve been Photographed…

• You will leave smiling. Your significant other will say, ‘That was actually more fun than I thought it would be”. Your kids will ask to come back.

• You get to assure your kids that you will be back because you still have your ordering appointment (scheduled on a different day)! While you wait, this is a perfect time to discuss how you would like to actually display your photos (Albums, Folios, Print packages, and more are available). Don’t forget to talk with your partner about your budget; Contrary to popular belief, everyone has one and when you are in agreement before your ordering appointment, it will make deciding much more fun. Please keep in mind products range from $395 - $1995+.

• Because you’re ready to finalize your product purchase, the Reveal/Ordering appointment will take approximately 45 minutes. You will choose what you want, Teresa will add a little magic after you leave, and several weeks later she will hand deliver your order to your home (shipping is also available). Finally…enjoy!

THE NITTY GRITTY

What Do You Photograph?

I tend to specialize in all things ‘Birth Related’ (Maternity, Birth, Newborn, Baby, Children, Family) but also focus on Fine Art, pets, headshots, and other genres. I don’t currently photograph weddings but am happy to recommend others that will do a beautiful job documenting your big day (just keep me in mind for the birth!).

Where Are You Located?

A little all over! I permanently reside in Hawaii on the island of Oahu; however, you can also find me working in the greater DC area and occasionally popping up in Atlanta, Orlando, and Grand Rapids. If you are interested in working together, please don’t assume I’m not in your area - I very well may be just down the street or a number of other locations!

How Soon Should We Book a Photographer?

Hiring a Photographer and inquiring with a Photographer are two very different things. I encourage you to reach out to the Photographers you are interested in once you start thinking about requesting one. This will help make sure they are available, offer what you want, and you are comfortable with them.

I Feel Like I Want Photos Taken but I’m Not Sure if This is the Right Time.

This is a very common and valid concern; in fact, sometimes I have the opposite take place: “I don’t know, I didn’t feel like we needed a Photographer but everyone said we did.” Let me assure you: your most important moments in life do not need to adhere to anyone else’s important moments in life. After a year of struggle, do you want to document the special breastfeeding bond between you and your child…right before you wean them? Is it three years into your marriage that managed to include 1 baby, a courthouse wedding, 2 TDYs, a deployment…but nothing to really document the love that got you through it? A child that was prayed for, fundraised for, longed for, and loved long before they were born…but you don’t fall into the ‘traditional’ birth/newborn stage?

Let’s talk. If this isn’t the ‘right time’, I can assure you, I’ll make other suggestions. I want to be there for your ‘right times’ and customize them as beautifully as the moments that matter most to you.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Why Do We Have to Meet Before the Session?

We don’t necessarily have to meet but I do encourage conversations in the beginning at the very least. Meeting tends to really make everyone relaxed once the day of the session takes place, so there are less forced smiles, stiff shoulders, or justifiable tears because when you are three, a stranger is taking pictures is typically not on the ‘wish list’.

I understand it may seem like a lot but I sincerely want you to enjoy your session and ordering appointment. The best way to do this is to meet each other (at the very least, a video chat), make sure all of your questions are answered ahead of time, and ensure we are all on the same page. In the end, this actually alleviates confusion and allows us to avoid wasting your time.

This Couldn’t Feel Like Worse Timing - My Chin is Broken Out, I Haven’t Lost that Last 10lbs, and My Roots are Showing.

First of all - you are beautiful…and if no one has told you that lately, let me tell you now. Whether it’s the color of your eyes, freckles, nails, sense of style - it is my job to not only display your beauty but to make you feel it as well. I can promise you, everyone adult on this website has had an insecurity. I’m willing to bet you didn’t see it. So let’s talk about what makes you proud to be YOU and also what I can do to help camouflage those ‘flaws’.

THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS.

Why Do You - or Any Photographer - Set Your Prices the Way You Do?

It may come as a surprise but I honestly love having this conversation with people, mainly because it allows me to really listen and take into consideration my practices (which I constantly do). Again, using the salon or restaurant example, experience, education, demand, market, cost of goods, cost of doing business, and many other factors come into play. Most of my clients come to me not really knowing what they want or what their budget is, so we often discuss this before the session is even officially booked. This allows us to understand each others expectations and how I can best photograph you (for instance, if you know you want to have a single family wall portrait, we don’t need to spend as much time photographing everyone individually for a complete album). Please don’t hesitate to talk with me more about this and ask as many questions as you would like!

What If I Want a Different Product Other Than What is Listed on Your Site?

The truth is, I offer far beyond what you see on the website. If you are looking for a different size, product, or session, please reach out to me so I can either accommodate your request or point you in the right direction.

Where is the Best Place to Have My Photos Printed?

Through me! I work with professional labs that adhere to the ethics and quality of professional Photographers (you have to be a licensed business to order through them). You may not think it’s a big difference, until your prints arrive a little muddy, a little green, a little pink, a little fuzzy from a ‘mass market’ printer. Consistency in quality is a pretty important factor when you’re paying a lot of money to have the photos taken in the first place. I take just as much pride in my tangible art as I do my conceptual art.

What are Limited Edition Sessions?

Limited Edition Sessions are specially themed, one day only sessions with specialty pricing. You may see these pop up from time to time on social media but email subscribers are the first to know and first to be allowed to sign up. Should all spots be filled from email notifications, you may not have an opportunity to sign up through social media.

What are Model Calls?

Model Calls are photo sessions where Teresa takes complete creative control and often uses the images to promote special events or use on her website. Your session is complimentary, a gift print is included, and there is special pricing on additional products, should you wish to make a purchase. If you are interested in being considered for a future session, sign up here.

THE SESSION

Can I Bring a Friend? My Mom?

I typically give an enthusiastic, ‘Of course!’ but because each session is so different, let’s talk about this ahead of time just to make sure more people don’t equate to more distractions/stress.

Why Do You Photograph Newborn Babies So Young?

While it is not an absolute deal breaker, there are multiple reasons why newborns are photographed young.

Within the first 10 days of a full-term baby (preemies are exceptions) there is much more flexibility, sleepiness (including sleep deprivation for parents!) and less chances for baby acne, tummy troubles/colic, breastfeeding issues to arise, cluster feeding, and beyond. If you have concerns about the timing and/or general timeline of having your newborn photographed (whether it’s by me or someone else), please contact me so we can talk about any health, cultural, or general concerns you may have.

My Toddler is cranky. My Teenager is cranky. My significant other is cranky. Help.

Girl…I get it. From a spouse and parent standpoint, I’m with you. But as a professional, I can assure you there is nothing to worry about. There is no crankiness I haven’t conquered, no spouse that has left feeling their time was wasted, no teen that has collapsed from sheer boredom. We got this and I will do everything in my power to have you be the one who can tell everyone at the end of the day, ‘I told you this was a good idea’.

Should I Get Hair and Makeup Done? What Do I Wear?

This is a perfect example of why I make sure to talk to my clients well ahead of their booked session. Adding hair, makeup, and clothing can be your best accessory - or your unnecessary budget breaker. Let’s talk about what will make you happiest in the end, without feeling like the effort was heavier than the final result.

THE (BIRTH) SESSION

Why Do You Want to Know My Birth Team?

Put simply, I feel it’s the professional thing to do. I like to introduce myself to everyone ahead of time so that I can also assure them I am a professional, adhere to their wishes to best care for you, and allow them to ask me any questions needed ahead of time.

will you be my doula and my birth photographer?

As a general rule I don’t allow myself to be hired as the role of the exclusive Photographer and the exclusive Doula at the same time during your birth. Having said that, should you hire me as your Doula or Birth Photographer, we can discuss my ‘bending’ those lines a bit and what that looks like. The bottom line is that I can’t fully focus on your needs and do my best to serve you if I am trying to do both roles at once. Let’s talk more about expectations so that we can decide what will work best for you and your birth.

Why Do You Photograph Newborn Babies So Young?

While it is not an absolute deal breaker, there are multiple reasons why newborns are photographed young.

Within the first 10 days of a full-term baby (preemies are exceptions) there is much more flexibility, sleepiness (including sleep deprivation for parents!) and less chances for baby acne, tummy troubles/colic, breastfeeding issues to arise, cluster feeding, and beyond. If you have concerns about the timing and/or general timeline of having your newborn photographed (whether it’s by me or someone else), please contact me so we can talk about any health, cultural, or general concerns you may have.

Should I Get Hair and Makeup Done?

Girl, no.