Important Details
Do you have a studio?
Yes! My studio is in Manhattan Beach, California. There’s parking on-site, and I provide detailed directions, a map link, and even a short video to help you find the exact unit. The only downside: it’s up one flight of stairs, no elevator.
What’s the difference in sessions?
I offer a variety of sessions to fit different needs—full sessions, mini sessions, lifestyle newborn, maternity, family, and milestone sessions. The type of session you choose will determine the length, number of images, and overall experience. When you inquire about pricing, you will receive a detailed PDF outlining all the different sessions I offer.
What is your turnaround time?
My standard turnaround is 2–4 weeks, but I usually deliver galleries in about 10 business days or less. I offer rush delivery, which varies depending on the time of year. Rush sessions usually have a 48-hour turnaround.
What are mini sessions?
I offer mini sessions in the spring and fall. These are shorter sessions with fewer images and a lower investment, perfect for families who want to work with me but don’t need a full session. They’re great for gifts, holiday cards, or updating your yearly family photos.
Pricing varies from mini session to mini session, but they typically cost less than half the price of a full session. If you end up loving all of your images, you can always purchase the full gallery, and even then it’s still less than the cost of a full session.
Newsletter subscribers get a preview of all spots and dates a week before sign-ups go live, and then another newsletter goes out when bookings open. Spots often sell out fast—clients have told me grabbing their preferred time slot feels like trying to get concert tickets or a Kylie Lip Kit in 2015!
Is a mini session right for me?
If your child needs time to warm up (around 15 minutes or more), a mini session is not the best fit. Mini sessions work best for kids who are ready to jump in quickly and engage for a shorter amount of time and we are able to knock out something fantastic in 15 minutes.
That said, many parents tell me, “My kid will only last 15 minutes,” and those same kids often thrive in full sessions. Why? Because we’re not posing the entire time. Full sessions are very child-led—we play games, run around, dance, climb, and capture real moments along the way. The movement and freedom usually help kids last longer and have more fun than parents expect.
It is really up to your specific desires and child’s needs!
Why is the deposit non-refundable?
The deposit secures your date and covers the income I lose if we don’t shoot—either the income from your session or the income I could have earned from someone else I turned away.
How long are sessions?
Most sessions last about an hour. Some families crush it and fill a full gallery before that though. Newborn sessions can take longer, depending on the baby and what session is booked!
Capturing Genuine Moments
I have plenty of experience working with kids of all abilities, including children with special needs and non-verbal children. I go at each child’s pace and make the session fun and stress-free. For family sessions, I practice what I call child-led posing—this means I follow the child’s energy and interests. If your child is a “wild runner” or doesn’t want to pose for a full hour, that’s perfect! I may trick them into cooperating, capture moments where they naturally are, or play games, dance, and climb. While I do get the classic “look and smile” photos for walls or gifts, I prioritize capturing the genuine connection between family members, especially for mugshots and candid images.
Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes, I am happy to shoot LGBTQ+ families and maternity photos.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! As long as your dog has clean paws (for the studio) and is well behaved. I never mind. Be sure if we are shooting outdoors, we pick a pet friendly location!
The Perfect Shoot / Your Shoot Day
When is the best time/age to shoot?
Newborns: within the first month, but lifestyle sessions work anytime! I actually love the “older newborns” with more eye contact and smiles
Milestones: around 7 months for sitting milestones
One-year: ideal for smash cakes
Maternity: 6–10 weeks before your due date
Mugshots: ANYTIME! I get clients that like to do multiple milestones in the first year and then yearly for their childs bday after that!
Family: book any time! Fall sessions usually begin booking in June or July and I am usually booked in full for the year by August.
What should I bring to a session?
Mostly just yourselves! I provide minimalistic props, blankets, stools, and cakes for smash cake sessions, plus styling for babies under one in my studio.
Do you have hair, makeup, and clothing recommendations?
I provide detailed styling guidance for all shoots, not just maternity. Clothing and makeup help achieve the final look and feel of your photos.
What if I don’t know how to pose?
No worries! I guide you through every pose—even the tiniest adjustments.
Should I bring my mom or nanny to help with kids?
Fewer people usually works best. Too many helpers can overwhelm kids and make it hard for them to focus on me.
Do you provide props or wardrobe?
Yes! I keep props simple and classic—mostly baskets or seating props for babies. I provide outfits for child portrait sessions under one year and a small wardrobe for maternity sessions. For Smash Cake sessions, we collaborate on a custom backdrop. For babies under one, you don’t need to bring anything unless you want to.
Booking with Me
I heard you have Santa come to your studio?
Santa sessions are a magical experience that have sold out three years in a row! I always add a few extra spots, but they sell out again quickly. Santa uses a questionnaire to learn special facts about your kiddos, so the experience feels personalized. We start Santa outside the room for kids who might be overwhelmed, ensuring you still get beautiful photos.
Do I get all the images?
Full sessions: yes, after I remove duplicates or out-of-focus images, you pretty much get everything!. Mini sessions have a capped number of images that vary based on the mini.
Can I have the raw images?
No—all images you receive are fully edited to match my unique style. Think of it like asking for the raw ingredients at a bakery—you want the finished product! If your child has baby acne, head swapping is needed, or edits require extra time, we limit those edits before extra charges apply. Other than that, everything you get back is edited to match my style.
Can I add a sibling’s mugshot to a session?
Absolutely! You can add a sibling’s mugshot to a maternity, newborn, milestone sitter, or smash cake session of another child. We usually do this by adding a Mini Session—unlike standard mini sessions, you’ll receive all images, not just a limited number.
Do you provide prints?
You are not required to buy prints, but your online gallery links directly to a professional printer if you want them and lets be honest, photos are meant to be hung on your wall, so you might as well print from the best place!
Do you offer multiple session packages?
Yes, I offer discounts for booking multiple full sessions at once.
Do you travel? It depends on the session. I travel for lifestyle newborn sessions and some family sessions, but I mostly shoot with natural light, which can vary greatly from home to home. For consistency, the studio is ideal, with natural light pouring in and full control over the environment.
Travel fees apply for sessions outside South Bay Los Angeles and newborn sessions outside the studio, regardless of location. I can bring lights if needed, but my preferred style is natural light to capture the softness and look you see in my work.
Studio cleanliness and newborn safety
Keeping my studio clean, especially for newborns, is something I take very seriously. For full sessions, your family is the only client in the studio, which allows me the time to fully reset the space after each session. Floors are washed, high-touch surfaces are sanitized, and I take a full load of laundry home with me.
The only time the studio isn’t fully cleaned between clients is during mini sessions, due to back-to-back scheduling.
Becoming a parent made me realize just how intense cold and flu season can be, and how scary it is for babies to get sick. Because of that, I take extra precautions during newborn sessions. I always wear a mask, and I strongly encourage anyone who isn’t feeling well to reschedule so nothing gets passed around
Capturing timeless moments together.
studio in manhattan beach, california
Traveling around greater Los Angeles
T. 760-213-5938
E. [email protected]