What about makeup?

I recommend wearing more makeup than you're used to- get out the eyelash curler and eyeliner if you've got them! Highlighted eyebrows and well-done mascara/eyeliner really accentuate the eyes. I recommend fake lashes for brides. Bronzer on cheeks also does wonders that I can't recreate as well during retouching. Ask me for suggestions!

If you aren't a makeup wearer, it certainly isn't mandatory. However, even a little bit of mascara and/or some bronzer will work for everyone. Ask me- I can help!

What do you do when you "retouch" my photos?

I improve lighting, whiten teeth and remove apparent blemishes (from any visible body part), fix any shiny noses, balance color for great skin tone and add a few more elements to make the picture look finished. I have been known to give manicures/pedicures, remove razor stubble, tuck in people's shirts, enhance makeup and remove spectators and buildings from photos. I do my best so that your finished product is practically perfect in every way.

What should I bring?

Well, if you play the trombone, bring your trombone. If your family is a string quartet, bring that (or I'll come to you)! Play for me! Feel free to bring a change of clothes just in case, ESPECIALLY with kids and babies.

Kids- Blankets make for fun pictures, especially when they put them over their heads! Their favorite toys are a must, especially when they get bored.

Props could include one token from parent's professions: stethoscope, hardhat, toy piano or instrument, book of scripture, dad's captain hat, some of mom's costume jewelry or a briefcase are some ideas. Bring a small birthday cake to dig into if we do pictures around their birthday. A symbol of what is important to your family will make these pictures unique from everyone else's everyday kid photos. You get the idea.

Babies- A boppie pillow to sit them up is invaluable, please bring that. I have a fuzzy rug that serves as a soft place to lay down. Toys that surprise them, like a jack-in-the-box type of toy, will make great pictures. Teething rings are fine, content babies make the best pictures!

What should I wear?

Wear something in which you feel confident and fantastic! There are no hard and fast rules about clothing choices when taking pictures. I would suggest keeping clothing choices simple as far as patterns. This ensures your smiles (and the lovey eyes so often found in wedding and engagement photos) are the main focus of the photos. However, if you love big beaded jewelry or plaid, bring it on and your personality will be apparent in the photography. That's what this is all about!

For families- I recommend going with a theme- all denim, all blue, all- something in common.

How large can I enlarge the photos?

I shoot in 10 megapixels, so you can go up to 20" by 30" before seeing any pixelation (come on, you KNOW you want a huge poster of your face to hang up!)