tips for a magical session
It all begins with an idea.
As a classic Type A, I understand the stress that comes with preparing for a photo shoot. Please rest assured that I will do my best to keep worries away and spirits lifted! I’ve highlighted a few tips for ensuring your session is magical:
Your outfit(s): First and foremost, choose something you’re comfortable wearing. If you’re uncomfortable, chances are you will not be your most happy and confident self. I suggest neutral color palettes and solid or minimal patterns over busy prints. If you’re dressing anyone other than yourself, choose your favorite piece and pull everything else from there. Then, throw all of the pieces in a large pile on the floor or bed and see how well they mesh (this is what I do whenever we have family photos). Mix and match until you find the perfect “collage”, and if you still need help deciding do not hesitate to reach out. I am more than happy to send a guide with example color schemes and textures if coordinating outfits isn’t your thing!
Your home: Okay, put away the mop and the duster!! You absolutely do not need a sparkling clean home for photographs. Do not feel as though you need to go to any great expense or that your home has to look perfect. All I ask is that you consider clearing any clutter. This can be as simple as taking a large bin/box/laundry hamper and tossing in toys, water bottles, books, loose cords, phone chargers…any items that can be set aside to simplify your space. If you think we might use your kitchen (if it gets good light!) stow extra items in cabinets or a closet until the session ends. Choose neutral, preferably white bedding if you have it. Let in natural light by opening curtains and blinds, and please turn off all indoor lights.
The process: When I arrive, I will take a couple of minutes to look for light, make slight adjustments/rearrangements, and help address any concerns you may have. Then, it’s time to capture the magic! If you would like, feel free to play music to help create a fun, relaxed environment for yourself and your loved ones.
Bottom line: Forget what you see on social media. You do not need a curated life or home to be photographed. I’m here for YOU (and yours) in your naturally beautiful state.
the best magic
It all begins with an idea.
Sleepless nights, countless diapers, messy rooms, endless laundry, pulling teeth to get through homework…it has been a journey. But I wouldn’t change a thing, and I know you wouldn’t either. Indoor family sessions hold a special place in my heart for many reasons.
Back in 2019, my youngest was born and we scheduled our first lifestyle newborn session with our favorite photographer. She had been photographing our family for several years, but she was no longer offering studio portraits. I trusted her expertise, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I was an emotional wreck (I partially blame hormones) the entire time she was in our home. From my perspective, it was a nightmare; the kids were WILD, the house wasn’t magazine-worthy, and our son’s hair was out of control. Our photographer remained professional, calm, and so so sweet even while I was a hot mess. I promise you I sobbed for hours when she left. But guess what? I cried tears of joy when I saw the gallery. She found the beauty in our everyday chaos and captured our little family perfectly. They will forever be my most cherished photographs.
When a session evolves organically, I’m all about it! I’m talking sibling quarrels and grumpy attitudes to belly laughs and flipping off the furniture. Sounds crazy, right? Nope! Never feel nervous or embarrassed when I am in your home because I have seen (and likely lived) it all. Walking into a space filled with loud noises and chaos is completely normal for me. As a mom of four rowdy children, I can tell you the best magic truly lies within the walls of your own home. Familiar sights, sounds, smells, and textures put people, particularly children at ease. I’m not saying your babies will be perfect little angels during the session (and trust me, that is okay!!), but they will be comfortable and their emotions will be genuine. I want to see PERSONALITY in every form because capturing real, raw moments is what I love to do! I promise you these are the moments you will want to remember and eventually relive even when they seem not-so-perfect at the present.
a little about me
Hi guys, I’m Lindsay! “Southern Valley Girl” and photography enthusiast. You’re probably wondering what I mean and how I got here, so let me take you way back. When I was a little girl, I lived in various places around the country. I was born in Alabama and lived in both Texas and North Carolina before moving to California the summer before eighth grade—talk about culture shock! It took me a little while to settle into my own, but I ended up embracing Cali along with my southern roots.
I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I majored in Animal Science…for like a month. My love for animals didn’t translate to a love for chemistry, so I quickly dropped my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian. After some soul-searching, I ultimately graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Language Arts and a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership. Around this time, I met my husband and moved back to North Carolina where I became a military spouse and an 8th-grade English teacher. I know what some of you are thinking…eighth grade!? You guys, I adored my students as if they were my own, and quite honestly it was the best three years of my life. Well, that was until our first child was born. At that point, I decided I needed and wanted to stay home with her until she entered elementary school. Fast forward (literally, so fast) to the present, with three kiddos in elementary school and one in preschool, I decided it was time to pursue my real passion: photography!
Photography has been a part of my life for many years. I first picked up the camera when my oldest daughter started brand repping for small shops at the age of three. I honestly had no idea what I was doing at the time, but I knew I enjoyed both the freedom and the creative aspect. Dressing my daughter in cute clothing and accessories and promoting other boss babes’ businesses quickly became a hobby. However, as more babies were added to the mix, I chose to step aside to focus on motherhood. It wasn’t until lockdown that I developed an intense connection with the camera and the images I captured. After a few years of photographing my own family, I decided it was time to turn my enthusiasm into a career.
When I’m not working, you can find me living my best life in my soccer mom/gymnastics mom era. I truly enjoy traveling and watching my kiddos doing what they love. I am also a huge Peloton fan; I started cycling and lifting weights a couple of years ago and it has been life-changing. Some of my favorite things include coffee, doughnuts, Mexican food, books, poetry, and lake days.
I am grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to share my work with you.