Branding

If you’re looking to maximise your growth on social media and connect more meaningfully to your audience, you’re going to need some personal branding photos. The good news is we’re already booked in, so you’re halfway there!
Here are some things to think about if this is you:

• It’s all about consistency. How can this shoot help you cohesively represent your brand across all platforms? What are the emotions you’re trying to evoke? What colors represent your brand?

• Consider creating and sharing a mood board with me so that I can get an idea for the creative direction of the shoot. I want us to be on the same page so that I can start planning poses, talking to you about styling options, locations, and what to wear.

• Ask yourself what your top three words are to describe your business, and let me know!

The more prepared you are, the better the shoot will go. But in between the shots on the shot list, there will be moments that neither of us could have predicted, and those moments will be candid gold. The key is to prep, but also to keep an open mind for all of the happy accidents that happen along the way.

Time and Seasons

If you haven’t already decided on a date or a time, there are a couple of things to consider when booking your shoot: lighting, weather, and season.

If we’re shooting outdoors, the best, most magical lighting for me is either 1-2 hours after sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset. If it’s cloudy, we can shoot basically anytime, and if we’re shooting indoors, then timing depends on what kind of lights we’re working with and what direction the building is facing.

I don’t mind a bit of wind, there’s something about the way it adds movement to photos that I’m a real sucker for. And a little drizzle here and there never hurt anyone. Basically I just love taking photos, so almost anytime works for me! The only thing is, I prefer to avoid the middle of the day for taking photos outside because we’ll likely end up with quite a few photos of you just squinting into the camera.

That being said, I’m not one for hard and fast rules for anything! So if you have your heart set on a particular time of day, let’s chat.
Let’s discuss Plan B’s for what happens if the skies crack open and it starts to pour. Do we reschedule? Do we brave it? Do we shoot somewhere else?

If the heavens are looking a little inclement, here are some things to consider:

• Bringing an umbrella! Not only is it functional, but it’s a pretty damn cute prop too!

• Layer up so you can modify your outfit to the conditions.

• Bring a change of clothes just in case it pours and the sun comes out right afterwards.

Considering seasons is a big part of choosing the best time to capture your memories. There’s something special about every time of year with fresh snowfalls in winter, lush greenery in spring, long hazy days in summer, and the crunchy oranges of fall … What is the story you’re trying to tell? If you’re shooting for your brand, there’s a different tone to every time of year, and different colors that will feature most prominently. Consider aligning them to your brand color palette, or general brand vibe.

But no matter what season you choose, you’ll have epic photos regardless. If you need your images to align with certain marketing agendas, or a specific audition, getting organized early is key!

I highly recommend scheduling your session at least four months beforehand if you need to use them for printed deliverables! This allows a comfortable amount of time for selections, edits, designs, printing, and delivery.

Jackson Hole Photography Star Valley Photographer LGBTQ Photographer Star Valley, Wyoming 307 Jackson, Hole Grand Teton Yellowstone Wedding Photographer Magical Star Valley Photographer Alpine Wyoming Thayne Etna Star Valley Ranch Cedar Creek SVR WY 83127 Best Photographer Best Wedding Photographer Women Empowerment Star Valley Women Western Wyoming 83001 Best Wedding Photographer

Get in the right headspace!

Unless you guys have had a stint in the world of reality TV that I don’t know about, there’s a chance you might feel a little bit apprehensive about the idea of a camera following you around for a couple of hours. This is totally normal! But try not to fight about it. In fact, make a point of being more loving and sympathetic to one another. Set aside some time to do an activity that you love together before the shoot and get all of that good oxytocin juju flowing so that you arrive feeling calm and in love.
Make some time buffers around the day so that you aren’t rushing from one thing to another. When a couple shows up to a shoot having had to run seven red lights to get there, it sets the tone for a rushed and disorganised session. Give yourself the gift of a relaxed session and allow plenty of time for showers, grooming, and forgetting things.

Weather

If we’ve booked your shoot outdoors, we’ve got to relinquish some control to the wonderful unpredictability of the great outdoors. And while we can’t control the weather, there are some factors (thankfully) that are in our hands. Let’s discuss Plan B’s for when your dream location only looks good drenched in sun and it’s raining cats and dogs. Do we reschedule? Do we brave it? Do we shoot somewhere else?

Personally, I’m a bit partial to a cloudy day. The light diffuses through the clouds in a way that makes everyone’s skin look absolutely luminous. And I don’t mind a bit of wind, there’s something about the way it adds movement to photos that I’m a real sucker for. And a little drizzle here and there never hurt anyone.

If the heavens are looking a little inclement, here are some things to consider:

• Bringing an umbrella! Not just functional, but a pretty damn cute prop too!

• Layer up so you can modify your outfit to the conditions.

• Bring a change of clothes just in case it pours and the sun comes out right afterwards.

HAIR,MAKEUP,PROPS

If you feel like getting a little glammed up, there’s absolutely no reason not to get your hair and makeup done. Just try to keep it as natural as possible. Fancy and intricate hairdos can sometimes look a little out of place at home or in a national park, and I love the motion that is captured with hair blowing in the wind.

If you’re partial to a bit of accessorizing and the location calls for it, bring some jackets or hats or other potential props that reflect this time in your life. But remember to keep it real. Authenticity is in the details.

What to wear for your branding session!

If you only read one part of this section, let it be this: wear something that feels like you, and make it comfortable. If you want a little more info, read on. But just remember that first bit.

Look, I get it. Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. It’s normal to want to shop for new fancy clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine if that’s your jam and you’re comfortable with that. But usually the best route is to go with something that’s tried and true. When selecting the right footwear, think about what’s appropriate for the location, and what presents the lowest risk of a sprained ankle. Maybe it even makes most sense to ditch the shoes altogether for maximum agility for all the activities!
Wear something that’ll keep you cool in summer, warm in winter, and that’ll make you feel like the sparkly human that you are on the inside. Bring a couple outfits so that we can play with different options and combinations, and get a little sandy/wet/muddy if you’re game and the moment calls for it! If you have anything in your wardrobe that is textured, sheer, or billowy, fabrics that flow turn up so beautifully in photographs because they capture snapshots of movement – avoid starchy, stiff-seeming garments that get crumpled in weird spots and need adjusting.

Be careful with prints, logos, and bright colors as sometimes these detract from the most important parts of the photograph – you!

Avoid matching and blending together into one monochromatic blob. In order for the components of your photograph to really sing, you’ll want to find complementary outfits that showcase a controlled variety of textures and colors so you can look good together without looking the same.

Once we pick a location together, we can discuss color palettes that will help you stand out beautifully against your environment.

If you’ve read all of this and you feel like you want a little bit more info, I’ve got a full comprehensive guide on this that covers it all! Just let me know and I’ll send it over.

Branding session with me? Heres what to expect!

During the photoshoot, don’t worry if you don’t know what to do because I will direct you. Most people just automatically look at the camera and smile, but I’ll probably tell you to look away or to let yourself be absorbed in whatever you’re doing like working away on your laptop, reading a magazine, or giving me your broodiest blue steel. We’ll dance, chat, walk, act, and laugh, and you’ll be so busy enjoying yourself that you’ll forget that you’re having your photo taken. I promise I’ll let you know when it’s appropriate to look at the camera. Until then, just do your thing and let yourself be as silly or as serious as you want to be. Just know that there is no ‘right’ way to do things! If I tell you to walk towards the camera, do it in the way that you normally would – and I know this bit is hard, but try not to overthink it!

My goal is for you to feel as authentic and comfortable in front of my lens as you can. I will take care of you, and all you have to do is show up and watch the magic happen.

LETS BE FRIENDS

You’re booked? Great! I love the fact that life is like a box of chocolates. Every couple that I work with brings their own special sparkle to the table, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It makes me so happy to be able to connect with the many personalities that walk through the door, and to be able to tell stories that are unique to each and every single person.

I believe there’s a reason that we’ve crossed paths, and I hope that a big part of that reason is that you found something within my work that you resonate with. If that’s the case, we’re off to an amazing start.

In any case, I’ll send you over a questionnaire so that we can start the friendship for real. I’m interested in knowing who you are, what matters to you, what your love language is, what keeps you up at night, what kind of ice cream you choose every time. The more comfortable we are around each other, the better your photos will be, and what better place to start than with real connection? Feel free to fire some questions of your own back at me too, it’s only fair you know who’s telling your story.

HOW TO MATCH YOUR OUTFIT TO THE LOCATION AND SEASON.

If you’re wearing a fancy ball gown in your living room, the viewer might assume you’re going to prom. Don a little sundress number in a snowy field and the viewer might suffer from a crippling amount of pity for you. You and I will be collaborating on telling your story together, so let’s get this right.

Plan your outfits around what you know about the conditions at the location we’ll be shooting at. You’ll want to be warm enough (or cool enough!), have pain-free feet, and look relatively native to your environment. For at home sessions, slip into your comfiest comfies and rock that (pants optional). The idea is to authentically capture you wherever you are.

Think through your clothing choices logically based on location, vibe, and comfort level.

TIP: MAYBE DON’T WEAR ALL BLACK ON A STINKIN’ HOT DAY. JUST TRUST ME ON THIS ONE.

WHAT TO WEAR

Look, I get it. Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. Add having to dress a couple of kids and perhaps even your partner, and things can get a little complicated!

But the number one thing I want you to remember is that being comfortable is everything. It’s normal to want to shop for new fancy clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine if that’s your jam and you’re comfortable with that. But usually the best route is to go with something that’s tried and true. When selecting the right footwear, think about what’s appropriate for the location, and what presents the lowest risk of a sprained ankle. Maybe it even makes most sense to ditch the shoes altogether!
Wear something that’ll keep you cool in summer, warm in winter, and that’ll make you feel like the sparkly human that you are on the inside. Bring a couple outfits so that we can play with different options and combinations, and get a little sandy/wet/muddy if you’re game and the moment calls for it! If you have anything in your wardrobe that is textured, sheer, or billowy, fabrics that flow show up so beautifully in photographs because they capture snapshots of movement – avoid starchy, stiff-seeming garments that get crumpled in weird spots and need adjusting. If you feel like getting a little glammed up, there’s absolutely no reason not to get your hair and makeup done. Just try to keep it as natural as possible. Fancy and intricate hairdos can sometimes look a little out of place if we’re tromping around a field, and I love the motion that is captured with hair blowing in the wind.

Be careful with prints, logos, and bright colors as sometimes these detract from the most important parts of the photograph – you!

Avoid matching and blending together into one monochromatic blob. In order for the components of your photograph to really sing, you’ll want to find complementary outfits that showcase a controlled variety of textures and colors so you can look good together without looking the same!

Boudoir Wardrobe Decisions

Don’t be fooled – the world of boudoir is about much more than lace and lingerie. There are so many options for clothing (or no clothing), and what you wear to your session should make you feel sexy, confident, and authentic.

When choosing the perfect garments, consider bringing things that have interesting textures like lace, knits, embroidery, leather, or chiffon. Avoid anything with a logo or text on it, and steer clear from super bright, high-contrast prints and patterns.

Choose items that accentuate your shape. Large, boxy, oversized shirts and dresses won’t turn up well in camera. Think high-waisted cuts, corsets, and bodysuits – things that are designed with the contours of the body in mind.

If you’d like to shoot in your birthday suit, there’s a lot we can do with bedsheets, throws, and silhouettes so that you can strike the perfect balance between revealing and concealing.

If you want to get a lil’ freaky, costumes can provide you with the opportunity to step into a different version of yourself, even just temporarily. Channeling a different character can sometimes make it easier to summon that elusive confidence that is required when presenting yourself to a photographer.

Why should I get a make up artist for my boudoir?

The main reason we’re here is for your self-empowerment. If getting your hair and makeup done makes you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin, do it. If you feel weird in a full face of makeup, skip it – or just keep it minimal.

If you do decide to get a little bit fancy, then I fully recommend getting your hair and makeup professionally done! If you’ve got a full mane, it’s best to wear your hair down – I have lots of great poses that involve running your fingers through your hair or tossing it around a little bit.

Prepare for your boudoir!

Don’t starve yourself. Load up on leafy greens, healthy fats, and lots of water. Your skin will thank you for it.

Get lots of sleep – especially the night before your shoot. You’ll feel and look way more refreshed if you’re caught up on your zzz’s.

Moisturise. Do a face mask. Exfoliate. Condition. Do all of the things to pamper yourself – not just because you’ll look better, but you’ll feel more confident knowing that you’re looking your best, too.

Make a playlist! Choose songs that make you feel sexy, beautiful, or happy. I’ll put it on my speakers when you arrive and we can set the mood together.

Mentally prepare by being mindful of your thinking. Practice being kind to yourself in small ways, like identifying parts of your body and mentally listing things about each part that you’re grateful for.

Not sure what to wear?

Look, I get it. Dressing yourself in the morning is tough enough when you don’t have to stand in front of a camera and be your best self. Add having to dress a couple of kids and perhaps even your partner, and things can get a little complicated!

But the number one thing I want you to remember is that being comfortable is everything. It’s normal to want to shop for new fancy clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine if that’s your jam and you’re comfortable with that. But usually the best route is to go with something that’s tried and true. When selecting the right footwear, think about what’s appropriate for the location, and what presents the lowest risk of a sprained ankle. Maybe it even makes most sense to ditch the shoes altogether!

I also provided a highly detailed clothing prep guide for any sessions booked with me!

What to expect when working with me!

f you’re reading this, chances are you’ve booked me to capture this amazingly special time in your lives. This is my jam, my bread and butter, my absolute passion. Thank you for trusting me.

Let me start out by saying, first of all, that your shoot is going to be awesome. 99% of the time the first 10 minutes of any photoshoot can feel a lil’ awks until you and your fam can relax into it and feel confident in front of the camera. I will help you guys do this! Trust me, I do it everyday. I'll always prompt and direct you and never ask you to do something that feels wrong or weird or leave you hanging with no idea what you should be doing next.

We’ll cycle through a few different prompts, but there will be lots of room for you to express yourselves too. It’ll feel like play – the perfect way to reconnect with each other in a time when most of us lead such busy lives.

I’ll be sure to provide you with specific directions to find the location (and me, if you don’t know what I look like) so you don’t get lost. I promise it will be fun and by the end of the session you'll be total pros in front of the camera. But my objective isn’t just to take pretty pictures – it’s to capture this exciting stage in your lives, exactly as it is now.

So you want to bring your pup?

They are part of the family, after all! If you’re arriving with your a four-legged-friend in tow, here are some things to consider first: Don’t worry about the hiccups! There will be some, and we will roll with what we have! No matter what we will capture your true friendship and family. Here are some tips before our session-

• Make sure the location that we’ve chosen is dog-friendly.

• Brush up on some commands and tricks to make sure they’re not peeing on anyone’s leg or muddying anyone’s white pants during the shoot.

• Get the zoomies out! Make sure they’ve had lots of outdoor exercise beforehand so that they’re calm and attentive when it’s go-time.

• Pack treats and toys, and a lint roller.

• Give ‘em a good brush beforehand!

I love working with our furry friends and have had lots of experience doing so. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Preparing for your photoshoot with me.

In the leadup to the shoot, get the kids excited about what’s to come. Show them some photos that I’ve taken, let them know that you’re really excited, that we’ll be playing lots of fun games, and there might even be delicious snacks on offer. This brings me to my next point…

Bring snacks. There are lots of variables in family shoots that are beyond our control. When photographing kids, I’ve learned relatively quickly that every plan is contingent on their mood. But snacks are an almost entirely failsafe mood booster for the little ones (and lots of adults I know, too!). Packing a stash of treats to bust out right when the kids need that slice of motivation buys us a lot of precious time and cooperation! Other forms of bribery might include a special treat like a movie or a trip to the ice cream shop after the shoot to get them looking forward to the entire day.

If you wear them and the location calls for it, bring some jackets or hats or other items that reflect this time in your life. If your kids want to bring their favourite stuffed toy or wear their favourite rain boots, let them! Authenticity is in the details.

Kids will be kids!

If you walk away after reading this and only remember one thing, let it be this: have zero expectations. Embrace what comes – the wind, the rain, the laughter, whatever unfolds. Every shoot is unique, and we have no set shot list to tick off on the day. It’s all about YOU and capturing your life exactly how it is on the day of your shoot. We’re not here to mimic the shiny perfect families you see on your feed, we’re here to tell your unique story as it shows up on the day of the shoot – wrinkles, tears, joyous abandon, and all. Throw your checklist out the window and know that magic will naturally unfold. When it does, I’ll be there to capture it.

Jackson Hole and Star Valley Photographer for couples to say “I do!”

Are you looking for a photographer to capture your true love? To show the essence of your friendship as well as your deep sincere affection? I can be that person to make everything a breeze!

I love capturing the giggles, jokes and teases that lives in every happy couple. I am not looking to photograph you two standing, looking at me, holding hands. This will be an intimate, fun and easy going session that will welcome all levels of playfulness to truly reflect your relationship.