We solemnly swear to never say cheese

Our session is going to be fun—I promise. Like hanging out with a friend who happens to be taking lots of photos. There’s a good chance we’ll be real friends by the end of the session, and I may try to hug you before I pack up and go.

Throughout the entire session you’ll be relaxed (and if that calls for a sip of whiskey first, I’m okay with that). Just pretend I’m not there and act naturally while I catch you cuddling, tickling your kids, jumping on the bed, giving (or getting) piggyback rides.

If the kids (or grownups) are acting out or being goofy, no sweat. I’m all about those real moments: tongues sticking out, milk mustaches, bedhead.

I have nothing against cheese—it’s great with macaroni. But I prefer cheese-free photography. Oh, and natural light is essential.

Where to Go
I like to start at your home. Real life, remember? Then we might walk or drive to a spot your family loves. I have lots of suggestions if you need ideas. All we need is good light, interesting backdrops, and a place where you can be yourselves.

What to Wear
Real life is jammies, gumboots, and dog hair—not Sunday best, hairspray, and patent leather Mary-Janes. Be comfortable. If that means your favourite T and best-loved jeans, go for it. Although tutus and tiaras can be totally magic too, especially if it’s what your kids choose for themselves. For Colour-co-ordinating 101, go here. 

What to Do
We’ll ride our bikes, puddle stomp, throw the ball around, read the dog a story, chase waves at the beach, draw in the sand with a stick, bake cookies, make daisy chains, catch falling leaves, play paper dolls, and break for a snack or a drink any time. All the while, I’ll take lots and LOTS of pictures.

What it Costs

(all sessions include the custom edited, high resolution digital files that you can download from your gallery at anytime)

Mini session: $500.  A fun and fast paced 30 minute session, best suited for smaller families.  The mini session is available in West Vancouver or North Vancouver only, at a location we choose together.  It includes approximately 30 high resolution files.

Signature Session: $675.  A 60 minute session at home and/or a location of your choice.  A mixture of candid and some posed.  Includes approximately 80 high resolution photos.

Weekday Session: $600.  Same as the signature session but booked during Monday-Thursday.

Lifestyle Session: $900.  A 90 - 120 minute session using a more documentary style approach.  The session typically takes place at multiple locations...perhaps we start at your home and take some photos of morning cuddles and waffle making and then walk to a favourite beach or park.  Or maybe I follow your family along on a boat trip, ending with everyone jumping into the ocean.  The extra time together allows for lots of in between, candid moments and more creativity.  Also good for extended families.  

Belly + Baby: A 30 minute mini session with your big, beautiful belly and a signature session with your wee newborn.  Cost is $950 if booked together.

Same Time Next Year:  I'd love to take photos of your family every year, catching the moments of wobbly first steps, missing teeth, new puppies, and braces-just-off.  Returning families get 10% off the flat rate, just because I hate to say goodbye.

I collect a $250 deposit when you book, and the balance on the day of our session.  You can pay via shopping cart here, or I accept Interac email transfer, credit card, Paypal, cash or cheque.

I love pretty paper, stationary, tangible stuff

While I know hard drives are a safe place to store images, photos are meant to be shared. People want to see your amazing life. And few things make me happier than knowing some of your images were printed and treasured in an album or coffee table book. Or framed and hung on your walls. So I’m quite thrilled to announce two new products (prices and photos coming soon):

The Amazing Book
A beautiful, softcover 8x8" album of 40 images from your session, curated by me.

The Amazing Box
A custom-designed box containing 50 curated images from the shoot, 5x7" prints plus a USB stick with all the images from your gallery.

What Else?
Wall prints, table prints, gallery wrapped canvases, standouts, storyboards, greeting cards, and customized art. All are artistically retouched, colour corrected, and Photoshopped (if necessary).