What should I expect for our session from start to finish?
In general, I try to take every session through a step by step routine of posing and natural moments. I do this because after many years of working with children and families of all sizes at the beach I know what works and I know what is able to be accomplished in the time frame I have. Timing is everything with the sun and available light when it comes to my camera. Typically I do leave some time for any special requests or poses, so if you have a few of those in mind please don't hesitate to ask!
For sunrise sessions I have families arrive about 15 minutes prior to sun up (also known as "first light") so that we can accomplish a series of silhouettes. These are some of my most popular shots and make your family into a real work of art. These portraits are perfect for mantels, bedroom walls, accent walls and more. From there I typically lead into my traditional poses of the full family, siblings, parents and individuals of children. If working with an extended family we work in a similar fashion- full family, grand parents with grandchildren, grandchildren, individual families, siblings of individual families and then we come back to full family in a different pose. Walking down the beach, kids running around parents or grandparents, and we end with playing on the water line, kicking and splashing. If starting before sunset we start with walking and candids and lead into posed images as the sun begins to drop below the horizon. We always end with the fun splashing so that everyone keeps their attire dry for the majority of the session.
So, what time is sunrise or sunset? It changes daily. I will be contacting you based on weather 24-48 hours prior to your session with a meeting time but if you’d like to know ahead of time just google it, or you can always ask Siri! Beach sessions are very time and light specific and the time WILL NOT budge unless there is a change in weather and cloud coverage expected. The “perfect light” for beach sessions with that gorgeous sky and soft lighting in the images you see in my portfolio are all taken within these time frames so please, don’t take it personal if you ask to change your start time and I decline your request. I’m doing what I know is best to create the best images possible!