When and where will we shoot?

It’s really up to you! In the outdoor season (April - November), I will definitely encourage outdoors because I think it offers so much more texture in your images. I shoot in three primary parks in Berlin with no location fee (Tiergarten, Gleisdreieck and Treptower Park), where I know the landscape and light very well, but other locations are absolutely possible. But I promise that even the messiest, darkest apartments have charm, and if you’re most comfortable at home, lots of families prefer to start there. My newborn sessions always take place at home, where you are coziest and have everything you need. I also have a studio, so if that’s more your vibe, we can shoot there.

What’s a print release?

A print release is a contract you’ll be asked to review and sign which first and foremost gives you the rights to my images. It also gives me, your photographer, the right to use your images here on my website, or for other promotional purposes, like social media, a printed postcard, etc. Photographers ask for print releases because without them, we can’t use the great work we produce to find new clients like you. Should you wish to purchase the full rights to your images, higher-session rates apply.

If you would like to purchase the full rights to your photos, the cost is €100 per session (for maternity and newborn bundles, this fee applies separately to each shoot and may be applied to one and not the other if you choose). The cost is €85 per session for any special offer mini-sessions.

Will you help us with posing?

Of course! I gently guide all of my sessions, whether you’re having a family session or getting some new headshots. My style is candid and natural, so I won’t force you into anything, but rather make suggestions and give some prompts to move things along and help you create connection. If you’re having a family session, we play lots of games. I’m also looking out for your fly-away hair, your bunched up shirt, or awkward looking posing. Chances are, if it doesn’t feel good to you, it doesn’t look good on camera.

What if it rains?

If it is raining and we are shooting outdoors, we reschedule for another date. If we are shooting outdoors and it’s cloudy, windy, chilly, hot, or snowy - we shoot! Weather calls are made the day of your session, unless previously discussed. We only need an hour or two of clear skies and sometimes a rain in the afternoon just before your scheduled time means a gorgeous sky. Trust me, you will get great images whether or not the sun shines and while it may feel disappointing to not get a sunny day, I promise you’ll love your photos.

How long will it take to get my photos?

I’m quick and on-top of my editing, so usually you’ll have your photos within 10 days of your shoot. If it’s particularly busy, you’ll have your photos within a maximum of 4 weeks. When they’re ready, I’ll email you a link to your digital gallery where you can select your picks and download your images. If you’d like to jump to the front of the editing queue, there is a fee of 98 Euro, which guarantees your photos within 5 days.

How much retouching do you do?

I always remove small visual distractions, like people in the background, or a piece of garbage on the grass. I also lightly retouch skin, removing any bug bites, acne, rashes, etc. that you’d prefer not to be in your photos. For portraits, I do an additional retouching step for close-up facial shots. I do not alter bodies (for instance, no thinning). I think you’re beautiful the way you are and it’s just not my style or skillset. You are welcome to pay for additional retouching if you’d like, or think about whether another photographer who offers more retouching is perhaps a better fit.

Do you have props or a studio?

I think the organic and candid moments between you and your loved ones say more than any kind of prop, so I generally don’t use them. But I do have a studio and I have a few wraps that work really well for maternity shoots. I won’t put your baby in a funny hat or basket, or use artificial light. I’ll give gentle prompts here and there during our shoot to make sure we get the beautiful portraits you’re after no matter where we are, but the organic joy and intimacy you have with your newborn, children, or spouse is much more powerful than any prop.

What should we expect on the day of our session?

On the day of your shoot, I’ll meet you at our agreed upon location (your home, a park, wherever we’ve decided - and I’ll send you a location pin in advance). I usually take the first few minutes to get to know everyone, and to introduce myself. Sometimes I’ll ask you to give me a quick tour of the space. When I bring out the camera, I ask curious kids if they’d like to touch it or try it out, and then we get started. I’ll make suggestions here and there about ways to shift activities or postures (for example, if everyone is cuddled on the sofa, I might ask dad to move next to mom and hold the baby on his lap, or if the kids are getting restless, I might ask them to show me some toys in their room). We spend the duration of you shoot moving at the pace of your family - it’s my job to take the photos and your job to just be you.

What should we wear? Can you help us?

Absolutely! I’m a firm believer that people are happiest when they’re comfortable. So first and foremost, wear whatever you like - they are your photos! But there are definitely colors, textures and styles that look better on camera, and to get the look you see in my portfolio, I have some tips. Once you book your session with me, I’ll send over a wardrobe and prep guide. This is a comprehensive guide to helping you and your family put together cohesive clothing that will look great on camera. In the weeks leading up to your session, I am available for styling advice and can offer input about small changes that can make a big difference visually.

My kids are shy (or high-energy, or messy, or need snack or naps or…)

As a mother of two small children, I know how to keep things moving, easy, and stress-free. It’s okay if your baby needs a snack or a nap in the middle of our shoot - those moments can make for great pictures (trust me!). Lots of people feel shy in front of a camera but my number one priority is to make you feel comfortable. We take our time to find our rhythm and flow and I promise that even the shyest children come around. Most importantly, try to relax. Parental anxiety or stress around photos transfers directly to your kids and really makes everything harder. I promise you (truly) that I can make your kids laugh without your help. If you trust me to manage your session and win over your kids, we’ll be in great shape.

Is it possible to cancel or reschedule my shoot once it’s booked?

Rescheduling your shoot is usually no problem, although it’s subject to availability and some times of year are much busier and hard to reschedule than others. I allow one complementary reschedule per session. If you need to reschedule again, you will need to pay another session fee. If you need to reschedule your shoot due to illness or another emergency, please let me know as soon as possible and we’ll work out a solution. If you want to cancel your session, your session fee is non-refundable, but are welcome to transfer your session to a friend or family member. All sessions are valid within one year of the booking date (the date the session payment was invoiced).

I’m ready to book - how does this work?

Super! Fill out the form here, or shoot me an email at [email protected] so we can find a time and a place that work for you. Once confirmed, I’ll send you an invoice for the full balance of the shoot, which is due on or before we meet, and a print release contract giving you the right to your final images and outlining my usage rights of the digital images, also due before we meet. Then I’ll see you at our meeting place on the day of our session. If you’re running late, please let me know.