Real Life Documented.
You found me because you were looking for something different. I don’t want to style you to create images that look like my work, because your family is its own work of art. I simply want to take photographs that hold your story.
I want these to be the photographs you pull out years from now to remember your everyday life as you tell your children their stories. And sure, you have hundreds of images on your phone, but are you in them? Do they get to see you together? You are part of their story, and seeing you matters.
"One day we'll sit together and you will ask me about this time. We will peruse the old photos of us, and talk about the stage of life you won't remember a lot of but which I'll never forget. I'll tell you that we lived here in this house, in this kitchen, in each other's arms. I held you like this, and you watched me like that. I'll tell you that these were the best days, of us at home, doing everything some days and nothing other days. It all went too fast. We'll relive it together. One day. But for now, let me live it longer."
-Emma Heaphy
Pricing Guide
I want my pricing to be transparent, but with Documentary Photography, that can be tricky. There are so many variables to how I might photograph your family life and I find that most often I am working with a family to customize their experience with me, rather than booking a standard package. However, I want to give you a glimpse into what the investment might look like. So use this guide as a starting point, knowing my desire is to customize something perfect for you.
newborn sessions
a welcoming home
What if I told you that you didn’t need to do anything special to prepare for a newborn session. In fact, this might be the easiest morning of your first few weeks at home! You’ll have me as an extra hand to help and a welcome distraction and play-mate for older siblings.
1-2 hours | all edited images + highlight slideshow
$600
FAMILY SESSIONs
a slice of life
This is my standard family session, and I know at first glance, 2 hours feels so long. But trust me, it isn’t. By simply adding on 1 hour to what’s industry standard for family photography, I eliminate most of your stress! Seriously. You won’t feel the need to conjure up moments or bribe your kids into participating well. Time is a gift, and transforms creating family photos into a beautiful, enjoyable experience. I promise.
2 hours | all edited images +highlight slideshow
$750
family films
life in video
After spending 2-3 hours with your family, during your favorite time of day, I create a meaningful, cinematic film that slows down your life and details the sounds, movements, and interactions that make your family so special. It’s a home-video on steroids…and you are actually in it, not just your kids.
2-3 hours | 3-5 minute cinematic film set to music + small gallery of photographs
$1,100
wedding stories
Documentary Wedding Photography is gaining attention! It’s a photojournalistic approach, cultivating an atmosphere that allows you to be fully immersed in your wedding day and not worried about the photos. It’s perfect for couples who don’t love being in front of the camera, but want to document their wedding artistically and beautifully.
$1800+
birth stories
Childbirth is the most intimate, vulnerable experience, and it is also incredibly magical and unbelievable. Having photographs or video from your birth is not only empowering, but it allows you to see and remember one of the most important moments of your life.
$1800
FAQ
Why does it cost so much?
You’re laughing. Also, full disclosure, no one has actually asked me that outright. However, I’m a mom of four and before I became a photographer I asked myself this very question when looking for someone to take our family’s photographs. *wink. The truth is, there is so much more to it than people imagine, and there are so many behind-the-scenes costs to operating my business, providing my clients with an easy user experience, software and licensing, delivering exceptional online galleries, and the list goes on. I hand edit every image, and anywhere from 20+ hours goes into creating a finished family film. My fees are based on all of that as well as my own internal gauge for what I would be willing to pay. *wink again.
I love the idea of a Day in the Life, but I don’t want anyone to see our chaos. How does it actually work?
Whatever you imagine when you think of a family photography session…forget that. This is much more like having a friend over to hang out for the day, and I just so happen to have a camera with me. I don’t follow you around with my camera in your face the whole time. I’m curious and spend time learning about your family through conversation and observation. I take photographs as moments happen, but I almost never direct you into creating one. I often let your kids be the boss a bit, and see where their childlike imaginations and sense of fun take us. It’s really that easy. Even Dads can enjoy it.
I don’t think our house gets enough light. Is a session even possible in our home?
Yes! Your house gets enough light. You will be surprised, I promise. Leave the light to me.
My kid won’t last for longer than 30 minutes. Can’t we just do a mini?
There is a time and a place for mini sessions. But there aren’t very many times or places for them (kidding, sort of). I get it- mini sessions are short, sweet, and cheap. But time is our friend. Refer back to Question 02. Usually, at the end of the session, kids don’t want me to leave; or if we are shooting outdoors away from home, they don’t want to leave! The beauty of documentary photography is that we’re not bribing anyone to smile or behave. Instead, I’m inviting you and your kids to simply play together. And trust me, kids can last a lot longer than 30 minutes when they are playing.
What should we wear?
I always encourage my families to wear what they love! Look like you and feel like you. If you never wear dresses, don’t wear a dress. If your kid wears the same purple tutu everyday, let her wear it! Remember, we are making and capturing memories here. *But if you really want to make them look pretty too, I recommend keeping patterns to a minimal. Neutral is your friend. And I’m happy to help if you want more guidance.
All of this sounds awesome, but right now we just need some updated family photos? Do you do more traditional 1 hour family sessions?
I am happy to work with all families to try to create a session together that fits your needs and budget. Please reach out to me and let’s chat about it!
Do you offer Print Products?
Yes! When your Gallery is delivered, you can order beautiful, professional products directly from it. I offer Heirloom and Fine Art Albums (options for every budget), Luxury Clamshell Print Boxes, Matted Frames, as well as basic prints. During the Holidays, you can also order Holiday Cards and several photo gift options as well. I will always encourage you to print your photographs!
Austin, Texas
Family Films
For everything a photograph can’t capture.
The sound of their little laugh. The way they mispronounce words. The movement and play of family life. Think of it like a home video on steroids… and you get to be in it!
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