How does a typical portrait session go?

The first step is getting to know you! Helping you open up, feel comfortable, and finding that special something that makes you unique is one of my favorite parts of the shoot. Before we start, I schedule a meetup or phone call to get a sense for your personality and what you are looking for in the photos. From there, you have the option to choose the location, or I can. (I know a ton of great spots in Chicago and have connections at several studios as well). Plan to block of 2 hours for the shoot to include parking and any outfit changes. Photography typically take 60-90 minutes.

Do you shoot weddings and Engagements?

Yes! I’ve been shooting weddings since 2013 and now team up with my husband, Josh. Our company is called, Sheldon Collective, and we’re passionate about working with couples who want to have an unforgettable experience along with receiving stunning photography.

What should I wear to my portrait, lifestyle, or branding session?

For branding sessions, I love to plan out the clothes with my clients during our consultation. These are photos designed to use for your website, social media, and beyond. It’s crucial that you love them and that they truly compliment your brand now and in the future. There’s nothing worse than getting the photos back after the shoot and loving them, but wishing you’d worn something else. To avoid that, I offer to work together to create a color palate and style that fits the overall branding vision and ensures you feel amazing.

For lifestyle (or family) sessions, I recommend a neutral color scheme because it’s so timeless. When it comes to patterns on clothing, go for small and simple rather than big and noisy. Also pay attention to the fit and structure of your garments. Often your’e walking, hugging a loved one, or sitting during the shoot. Is your outfit versatile and flattering? And most importantly, do you feel great in it? The less you worry about how you look, the more you’re freed up to have fun and let your true beauty shine.

For portrait sessions, like headshots, maternity shoots, or senior portraits, I encourage my clients to use the shoot location as the foundation for the wardrobe. If, for instance, you’ll be using a headshot on your website where prospective customers can see, match your clothing to the industry you work in. If you’re doing a more personal shoot, choose an outfit that suits the environment you’re posing in. For example, consider if the photos are outside or inside, what season it is, and the overall vibe of the location. Still need help? I’m just an email away!

Do you ever send the Raw photos?

I absolutely love shooting, but a big part of my photography is the editing process. Think of it like an artist adding shadow, color, and detail to an initial sketch. I don't share the RAW images because they aren't my finished work.

After the shoot, how do i receive the edited images?

After I securely back up all the files, I edit the images and upload the final set of photos to an online gallery. You’ll love it! The gallery creates a gorgeous viewing experience, plus, all images are available to download, share, or even print directly through the gallery print shop.

do you travel outside chicago for shoots?

I’m always up for new scenery. I create custom packages that work applicable travel fees into the cost.

What if i lose my digital files and want to get another copy of them from you after the shoot?

I encourage all my clients to download the files from the online gallery and back them up to at least two spots (the cloud and a hard drive are great options). Since I’m shooting so much, I eventually run low on storage. My policy to manage that is to keep files for 1 year after each photoshoot. After that, I am not liable to replace lost files if something were to happen to your copy.

can i make special photoshop requests, like swapping heads or removing objects from the background?

I charge a separate editing fee for specialized photoshop work since it is time and energy intensive.

Do you take on baby or maternity shoots?

Yes! I shoot a small amount of maternity and baby portraits during the year. I enjoy adding my own twist to these highly personal shoots so that they feel just as unique as the family they are for. Because of that, it’s important to me to build real connection with those involved in the shoot, create a joyful experience that honors the occasion, and not just churn these photos out. If you are interested in getting photos like these, please let me know! I’d love to meet you.

What is a session fee?

The session fee includes up to 90 minutes of photography and covers the planning consultation, location scouting, coordinating any studio spaces, camera and lighting equipment, photography, post production, and editing. The session fee does not include digital files. To offer maximum customization according to your needs and priorities, digital photos are offered for an additional price after the shoot so that you can view all the images and then choose the number you want to invest in.

what do you do about outdoor shoots that happen during bad weather or photographing in locations that are really dark?

Bad weather happens to the best of us…especially if you’re shooting in Chicago! I am always prepared for dark locations or moving shoots indoors if weather isn’t great by investing in great lighting gear, maximizing natural window light, and honing my techniques for different settings and the lighting that works best for them. If the weather really isn’t going to work (I’m talking drastic temperatures, thunderstorms, or high winds) I’m always happy to reschedule if that’s possible.

when i hire you for branding photography, how many images do i get?

I have separate packages depending on the types of photos I’m taking and a handy guide that outlines them all. For instance, small business that don’t have any professional imagery yet but could benefit from a full catalogue of photos to fill their website and might receive more images than another brand that just needs a few quality shots for a specific project. I understand that businesses come in all sizes and varieties, that’s why I offer three photo collections to help you customize the number of photos you receive to suit your specific needs.

what’s your typical turnaround time for finished pictures?

It depends a little on the project and the time of year. I take great pride in editing each project using a variety of Lightroom and Photoshop techniques and view this process as a crucial step to reaching the beautiful final product. It’s also one of my favorite parts of photography, so you can be sure you’re getting something I’ve poured my heart into. During peak season, I take 4-6 weeks to edit. Non-peak season turnarounds are closer to 2-4 weeks.