I’m so glad you’re here. As a mom of two, I know what it feels like to be in your shoes! The time is fleeting. You’re wanted this time in your life captured, your family’s story told. You’re looking for fun, relaxed and gorgeous images you can look back on to relive this time in your family’s life. You’re nervous your spouse isn’t going to love the session and you’re not sure how to get smiles out of everyone. I get it and I’ve been there! You want a photographer that can guide you through selecting a location. Someone to bounce session attire ideas off of and someone who can tell you when the light is best. You need a photographer that can get smiles from everyone through authentic play and candid posing. It’s going to be magical. Let’s get started!
How much are your family sessions?
My family sessions are $600 and typically last about an hour. My sessions include edited high-resolution images for printing, sending and sharing. Your children won't be expected to stand still and pose for an hour, rather we’ll use that time to incorporate some play, interaction to get everyone comfortable to evoke candid moments. We’ll also aim to achieve some of those more posed-looking images.
Are the raw files included?
You will hear my shutter click hundreds of times during our session. With those hundreds of images, I will select the sharpest images where eyes are open and facial expressions are best. Part of trusting me as your professional photographer is knowing that I will deliver a complete story-telling curated and edited gallery that captures your legacy. The images are delivered via direct download or on a USB drive from my legacy products offerings. I do not give unedited raw files. I believe in sharing the edited high-resolution images because that’s how I like to enjoy my photographic memories!
Do you offer birth photography?
I do offer a limited number of doula & birth photography clients certain seasons of the year as my wedding photography schedule permits. My birth photography, videography and doula services begin at are $2000.
I see that you photograph families all over the world. How does travel work?
I love documenting families wherever their love story takes them. There is no travel fee for locations within a 30 miles radius of Raleigh, N.C. Travel inside the Carolinas is discounted and determined on a case by case basis. Outside of that radius, my travel fee is added to the cost of your package. Travel on the east coast is typically between $300-$800 depending on the location. The travel fee includes airfare, checked baggage (I always carry on my gear and keep it close), one hotel night if applicable, a rental car, gas and tolls. Your travel quote will be included in your contract and the actual exact travel cost is adjusted in the final payment. Contact me for a specific travel quote.
When can I expect to receive my images?
My turn around time depends on the time of year you’re planning your session. Galleries are typically delivered 4-6 after the session. Faster turnaround times around special circumstances and can be accommodated upon request. I begin booking holiday sessions one year in advance and highly encourage families to book their holiday session prior to the first of October to allow for plenty of turnaround time.
How would you describe your photography style?
I love being both interactive and discrete throughout your session. There will be parts of the session when I will need to give direction in order to assist with posing and candid prompts. There will also be moments when I will step back to document and be let your family “candidly be.”
Have you photographed at ______ [insert location name]?
If it’s in the Triangle area, most likely! However, I travel across the US to document love stories and pride myself on being able to virtually scout locations and see new venues from a fresh, new and creative perspective. I’m dedicated to the preparation work it takes to deliver the best possible images to you from your session.
What is the best time of day to take photos?
I recommend planning your session around the best light of the day. If you reference sunrise and sunset time on the day of your session, a session would begin 30 minutes after sunrise or an hour and forty five minutes before sunset. Ex., on September 13 in Raleigh the sunrise is at 6:56am sunset time 7:24pm. This would mean a sunrise session would begin at 7:25am and a sunset session would begin at 5:45pm. This will allow us to achieve those beautiful sun drenched light and airy images.
Are all the images I receive “photoshopped?”
All of the images I provide in your session collection are adjusted for exposure and color balance when necessary. I do not do heavy Photoshop work because I believe in honest storytelling images. Now, if a blemish decides to rear it’s little head the week of your session or your little one bumps their head, I’ve got you! But momma know that laugh lines are a sign of wisdom, a life of laughter and represent exactly who you all were in this season of your life.
How many images are typically in a final gallery?
I typically deliver between 50-90 session images. Factors like family size, children’s age, etc. influence the number of photos delivered from a session.
How do we order prints and products?
You will receive a link to download your high-resolution images and guidance for ordering prints and products!
How do I choose a location for our session?
My families typically select outdoor locations for their family sessions. I do most of my newborn sessions in the family’s home. Some families have a personal and meaningful location in mind and others select from a list of locations I have in the triangle. I typically start with the question “what vibe are you looking for?” Are you looking for a natural field setting or a cityscape? I love helping my families select their location.
How do I book your services?
Once I have answered any questions you may have and you have decided that my Family Experience is exactly what you’re looking for, the next step is the online booking process. I will send a contract and upon review you can save your date by signing your and paying your non-refundable retainer.
Hi! I’m Jill. You’re in the right place! I began capturing love stories in 2008 after falling in love with portrait photography in a high school film class. My 12 years of experience as a photographer, my background as an Emmy-award winning and New York Times published photojournalist as well as my own experience as a mother has shaped how I serve my clients, guide them through planning and capture their legacy. I see my job as a complete joyful privilege that gives me a front row seat to the happiest and most emotional moments of your life!
I live near downtown Raleigh with my husband, two babies and five dogs in a house on a hill with a tree swing out front. When I’m not behind the camera I’m fine tuning the interior of our home we’ve spent the last year renovating and making our own. I love spending time outside, cooking in my sun soaked kitchen and getting lost in design blogs. Coffee is my total love language and speaking of, I’d love to treat you to a cup! Let’s schedule a virtual coffee date. I’d love to hear more about what you’re looking for in a photographer and help you out of that stressed, overwhelmed and anxious feeling! Let’s get started!