Family Photography that’s more like a pot of slow-cooked chili than a microwave dinner.
Without any “cheese.”
Maybe I need a different metaphor, because chili without cheese is not my thing.
But going slow with your family photography, in a world that insists on rushing everything, is definitely my thing.
And if staying home and enjoying your family while I create photos of you all together is *your* thing, you’re in the right place.
No posing, no “say cheese.”
An unhurried process from the beginning, where we start by getting to know each other a little, and create a family photo session that molds to your family, not the other way around.
And when you see your images later on, you’ll end up saying things like this…
“I’m utterly blown away.”
“I’m utterly blown away. Everything was against us in that session, but these are amazing. It captures us entirely and perfectly in the season of life we're in; chaotic and messy, but precious and deeply loved.”
- James
What to Expect
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Before the Photography
Let’s chat! You choose the method: on the phone, over zoom, or back and forth over email. We’ll go over the process, pricing, your expectations, and any concerns you might have before we work together. Then, half of the session fee and a signed digital contract will hold your spot on my calendar. I’ll send you a getting-to-know-you form to help us mold the session around your family, what you like to do together on a normal day, and what you want to remember.
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The Photography Session
I’ll come to you, in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Powhatan, or Hanover. We’ll find the best light in your favorite rooms and hang out for about an hour. The vibe is “relaxed chaos,” particularly if you have younger kids.
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After the Photography
I’ll edit your photos, and within two weeks of our session I’ll email you with a link to your photo gallery. You'll be able to download the edited photos straight from your gallery, and use the included print credit to make prints, books, or wall art so you can get your favorite images off your computer into the places your family can enjoy them.
Family Session Rates and Details
A lifestyle photography experience at home, where everyone is the most comfortable and we can document the parts of life you want to remember.
Included in the session fee:
Guidance through the process, including a prep guide and getting-to-know-you form to mold your session around your family
~ 60 minutes of photography at your home
Professional photo editing
All of the edited, high resolution digital images
$200 print credit to use in the gallery store
Half of the $1200 session fee is due to book; the other half is due after our session, before the photos are delivered.
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Most houses with children and/or pets have a lived-in look that won’t fit on a magazine cover. We’re not going for cover photos, we’re going for connection photos.
Not to worry, though. I’ll give you some prep tips on how to ready your house for family photography (no dusting required). You don’t need to make it spotless, and I’ll help you figure out which rooms to skip cleaning altogether.
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That’s the beauty of in-home photo sessions: we don’t have to worry about rain. I have a simple lighting setup that I bring with me in case it’s especially gloomy outside, or if we just need a little bit of extra light. If the roads are passable, I’ll be there.
Here’s a session I did at home on a day with gloomy weather.
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Whatever your family likes to do together, maybe minus watching Bluey.
Between the phone call and a pre-session questionnaire, I’ll have a good idea of how your family likes to play together, and we’ll incorporate that into our session.
Can’t think of anything? Don’t worry, I got you. Click this link to read a blog post about this very thing.
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I get it - even Beyoncé makes a bad photo sometimes. While I won’t make you look like someone you’re not, I do focus (pun intended) on the love and connection in your family and how your kids look at you all googly-eyed. I’ll also walk you through how to pick clothes that make you feel your best, so you’re not pulling on fabric or worrying about things riding up.
But also… here’s a blog post on that.
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If you have a short, specific activity in mind, maybe this would be better: Snapshot Sessions.
Got Q’s? I’ve got A’s.
Life isn’t perfect.
But it’s full of personality, special details, and inside jokes that form the connections within your family.
My goal is to help you see past how you think you look in pictures. Instead, I want you to see how your ordinary, mundane life is beautiful.
I want to show you what it looks like when you’re working through your rituals of care and play at home on a regular day.
“Easy, stress-free and fun!”
"Allison made this whole process easy, stress-free and fun! And we could not be happier with the end result. I have two young boys, and they did not complain even once about the photo shoot!! We all had fun!”
-Melissa S.