How It Works: My Documentary Style
I am so excited you're here! Honestly, one of my favorite parts of this whole process is getting to share what a session with me actually looks like, because I think once you know, you're going to feel so much better about the whole thing.
Here's the short version: this is going to feel more like a date than taking phone. We're going to walk around, laugh, move, and just genuinely have a good time together. I'll be the third wheel with a camera. That's really it!
Here's what this all looks like in practice:
How it starts
Every session begins the same way. I ask you to hold hands and walk away from me.
That's it! No posing, no staring down my camera. Just walk.
It sounds almost too simple, but it works every single time. It gives you both a second to settle in, remember that you actually like each other, and stop thinking about the camera. By the time you turn around, you've usually forgotten I'm there. That's exactly where I want you :)
Once you're moving, we keep moving! I'll give you light prompts as we go, things like spinning, walking toward each other, stealing a kiss, but nothing that requires you to hold a position and wonder what to do with your hands.
One thing I do a lot is repeat the same prompt two or three times. This is so intentional. The first time, you're thinking about how to do it. The second time, you're less in your head. By the third time, you're just doing it. That's when the best photos happen.
You don't need to look at me (I actually don't want you to, lol). You don't need to check if you're "doing it right." The best thing you can do is stay connected to each other and keep moving, even when you're not sure what comes next. I'm watching. I'll catch it!
I honestly love this part of the job so much. There's usually a moment in every session where something unexpected happens and I can just feel that we got it. We were wrapping up a session on the Longfellow Bridge once and the Red Line came through right as my couple was laughing together. I knew before I even looked at the photos that we had something really good. That's the kind of thing you can't plan for, you just have to be ready for it. So fun!
How You Can Help Me
Honestly? Just stay present with each other. That's the whole job.
If you hit a moment where you're not sure what to do, keep moving anyway. Walk, whisper something, laugh at nothing. The camera picks up on energy, and movement always helps.
And if you're camera shy, that is so okay! Most of my clients tell me that before we start. They're almost always wrong about themselves. By the end of the session they've usually forgotten to be nervous because they got too busy actually having fun. I really can't wait for that moment with you :)
Weather
If it rains, we shoot in the rain! Wind, overcast, that weird flat February light. All of it works, and some of my favorite sessions have happened on days that looked not so great on paper.
If conditions get genuinely unworkable, we'll reschedule. No fees, no stress at all. We'll just find a new date that works!
Sneak Peaks
You'll get a handful of sneak peeks within one to two weeks, just a few of my favorites so you have something to hold onto while I finish editing.
The Full Reveal
The full gallery comes within four weeks. Every photo is individually edited and delivered through an online gallery where you can download and share.
After the session
I am so excited to shoot with you and I really cannot wait to see what we create together! If you have any questions before your session, just reach out anytime :)
