FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FOR EXPECTING PARENTS
When should we book our maternity + newborn?
I recommend reaching out to book as soon as you are comfortable to secure a date on my calendar. Maternity sessions typically take place anywhere from 28 to 36 weeks, depending on how mom is carrying and feeling! I recommend waiting until 4 weeks for newborn sessions, and we always select a primary and a back-up date for newborns, as babies tend to arrive on their own schedule!
Is our house too small? Does it need to be perfect?
Not at all! Photographing in the home allows everyone to feel safe and comfortable, and everything we could need is already on hand. It should not, however, be a source of stress or worry in the days leading up to the session!
All we need is one room with ample window light, light color/preferably neutral walls, and a soft space for everyone to snuggle up. In most cases, this will be a bedroom. I recommend clearing away any “clutter” from bedside tables, investing in or borrowing from another bedroom, lots of pillows for the bed, and having a solid, light colored spread for the bed.
Who is included?
Newborn sessions include Baby and their immediate family. If there are grandparents or other caregivers present, they are welcome to provide support. Extended family sessions can always be added on.
What should we wear?
My number one piece of advice for attire for any portrait session is to make sure everyone in the session looks dressed for the same event! My Newborn Session Guide, which every client receives after booking, goes into more detail on what to wear for these sessions.
Do we receive digital images? Color images?
All PLUME sessions currently include high-resolution digital downloads of the edited images. Clients do receive both color and black and white images to choose from, with the gallery being split about 50-50.
What if our baby arrives late or cries the entire time?
Take a deep breath, and please do not worry. When you book your newborn session, we always reserve a backup date, just in case Baby arrives early or late, or the original date just won’t work, for any reason. And I promise, if your baby can do it, I have seen it…and made beautiful images at every session.
FOR FAMILIES
When is the best time to book?
If you are looking for a date in the fall (which is peak portrait season!), I recommend reaching out in the late spring or early summer at the latest. Sign up for the PLUME List to be alerted to seasonal mini sessions and receive updates on my availability.
Where should we take photos?
I have a number of preferred locations in the DC area, from secret gardens to iconic landmarks. I also love photographing portrait sessions at your home, where everyone is most comfortable.
We’ve got family in town visiting, can they be in the photos?
A PLUME Portrait session is limited to immediate family only, however I do offer Extended Family sessions - please inquire!
What should we wear?
My number one piece of advice for attire for any portrait session is to make sure everyone in the session looks dressed for the same event! My Portrait Session Planning Guide, which every client receives after booking, goes into more detail on what to wear for your session. I am also happy to connect you with an experienced stylist to help plan your wardrobe, as well as Hair and MakeUp artists.
We just need a holiday card, do you offer mini sessions?
I do offer seasonal, limited mini session events - be sure to sign up for the PLUME List to be alerted to dates and locations. Mini sessions are not available outside of these events.
We are not local to DC, do you travel?
I’m always happy to travel! Sign up for the PLUME List to be alerted to planned travels, or inquire about a specific location.
FOR COUPLES
Are you available for wedding photography?
I am currently available for a very limited number of weddings each year, with an emphasis on intimate celebrations and elopements. For larger affairs, please have your planner reach out directly.
How do we book PLUME for our wedding?
Choosing a wedding photographer is more than just finding a style of imagery you like. You spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than just about anyone else except your spouse, so it’s important to make sure you connect. I like to meet with all of my couples - either in person or over a video call - to chat and get to know each other a bit. If we are a good fit, the next step is to sign a contract and send in a retainer to secure your date on the calendar.
How many photos will we receive and what is the turnaround time?
My goal is to fully document your day in a way that brings back memories of how it felt, not just how it looked. The number of photos you receive depends on several factors - including guest count, wedding party and your personal preferences - but generally I deliver between 50-75 edited images per hour of coverage. I know you will be anxious to share your photos with loved ones, and I provide a preview within 48 hours. You will receive your full gallery within 4-6 weeks of your wedding date.
What’s the difference between an elopement and intimate wedding?
An elopement is limited to weekdays (Monday-Thursday), with no more than ten people in total. An intimate wedding is typically fewer than 50 guests.
What is the investment for PLUME wedding photography?
Elopements begin at 1500. Intimate Celebrations start at 3000.
For 8+ hour weddings with over 75 guests, coverage begins at 7200 and includes a 2nd shooter. Please inquire to set up a call for a custom quote tailored to your specific needs.
We are not getting married in DC, are you available for travel?
Absolutely. Whether it’s for the wedding or engagement session, I’m happy to meet you anywhere in the world. Travel fees are determined by the destination and event logistics and will be included in the proposal.
FOR COUPLES
Are you available for wedding photography?
I am currently available for a very limited number of weddings each year, with an emphasis on intimate celebrations and elopements. For larger affairs, please have your planner reach out directly.
How do we book PLUME for our wedding?
Choosing a wedding photographer is more than just finding a style of imagery you like. You spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than just about anyone else except your spouse, so it’s important to make sure you connect. I like to meet with all of my couples - either in person or over a video call - to chat and get to know each other a bit. If we are a good fit, the next step is to sign a contract and send in a retainer to secure your date on the calendar.
How many photos will we receive and what is the turnaround time?
My goal is to fully document your day in a way that brings back memories of how it felt, not just how it looked. The number of photos you receive depends on several factors - including guest count, wedding party and your personal preferences - but generally I deliver between 50-75 edited images per hour of coverage. I know you will be anxious to share your photos with loved ones, and I provide a preview within 48 hours. You will receive your full gallery within 4-6 weeks of your wedding date.
What’s the difference between an elopement and intimate wedding?
An elopement is limited to weekdays (Monday-Thursday), with no more than ten people in total. An intimate wedding is typically fewer than 50 guests.
What is the investment for PLUME wedding photography?
Elopements begin at 1500. Intimate Celebrations start at 3000.
For 8+ hour weddings with over 75 guests, coverage begins at 7200 and includes a 2nd shooter. Please inquire to set up a call for a custom quote tailored to your specific needs.
We are not getting married in DC, are you available for travel?
Absolutely. Whether it’s for the wedding or engagement session, I’m happy to meet you anywhere in the world. Travel fees are determined by the destination and event logistics and will be included in the proposal.
FOR PLUME HEIRLOOM PORTRAITS
Is 15 minutes enough time?
It really is! Not too many children will sit still in front of a camera for a full 15 minutes, so once we have them in position, I never take the camera off them (and use all of my best kid-friendly material right out of the gate!)
What should my child wear?
Traditional, classic children’s clothes in light colors are best. We have a limited studio wardrobe, please send me an email if you’d like to see available pieces.
What is the best age for Heirloom Portraits?
As long as your child can sit up on their own, they are old enough to sit for a vignette portrait. That said, they do need to be able to reliable sit still for at least 5 consecutive minutes! I find that anywhere from one to ten is really a sweet time for capturing childhood in these portraits.
What is included?
Your Heirloom Session fee includes the sitting, access to the Heirloom Wardrobe, three (3) final vignette portraits in color and black and white, and one 4x6 print. No digital files are available. These truly special portraits are not designed to be digital images, but rather proper works of family art that are framed and placed on bedside tables, or hung on the wall. And due to the very deliberate and delicate editing, they simply would not look the same when reproduced by commercially available printers.
Do you offer sibling sessions?
I do offer a special discounted rate when booking siblings in back to back sessions.
I’m not local to DC, do you travel?
I’m happy to travel! Please send me an email to discuss hosting a PLUME Heirloom Event in your area.
