It might be okay to get your iPhone photos or the photos you took at your niece’s birthday party printed at a drug store, but you might want to reconsider when purchasing images of your family, newborn, or wedding day.

Here’s why it might be worth your while to spend a few extra dollars on the moments that are most important.

The ceremony was sweet and featured handwritten vows from Drew and Morgan. Talk about emotional tears! They read their vows to one another as the sunset cast gorgeous golden light onto the scene. All the emotions and nervousness of the day could be felt in their first kiss as husband and wife.

Newborn sessions are some of my favorite sessions to shoot; they are usually very quiet, warm, and relaxing for everyone. But that type of environment is cultivated — starting with you!

Here are some ways you and your Little One can prepare for a newborn session…

There was no text box for me to explain the entirety of my situation — that there was a suspicious password change request and a mysteriously opened email in my inbox at 11am that morning. In fact, because my account was disabled without warning, there was no way for me to even make a case to prove that I was not in control of my account when it was deleted.

I think I’ve mentioned before that newborn photo shoots are some of my favorites. They are usually so zen with white noise, space heaters, and lots of baby cuddles. Every now and then I get lucky enough to photography a new addition to MY family.

As a couple they are self-described as caretakers, joyful, and a little bit dorky. They are truly passionate about taking care of people. This was clear to me after meeting them together for the first time. They exude gratitude, joy, and true servants’ hearts. You can see a lot of their style in the photos from their wedding day — Savannah’s GORGEOUS floral dress, all the beautiful laughter, and an impromptu bouquet gathering during our couples shoot.

It was about a 45 minute hike each way, but gosh dang was it freaking worth it. The weather threatened rain, but it held off for us — either because I said so many prayers or the Lord just felt bad for us…

One of my favorite things about shooting proposals is that I get to see how much time and thought goes into it, and it starts WAY before people get down on one knee. There is something so freaking sweet about a dude planning out every detail of a proposal until it is perfect. It’s an ultimate expression of how much they love their bride-to-be.

This proposal was no different…

The questions I get asked most often (second maybe to questions about the amazing wedding experience I offer) is about what kind of gear I use.

Are you a Canon or Nikon user?

What lenses do you have?

Do you use flash?

Well today is your dang lucky day, my friend, because I’m going to be answering your questions — plus, sharing what I think is the single most important question you should be asking your photographer. Hold on to your freaking pants…

We have all seen the adorable images of toddlers in silver wash buckets during summertime or posed with pumpkins around the fall season. Photographers will often promote that they are booking 20-45 minute “mini sessions”, which are often set around a certain theme. But how can you as a busy mother on a budget make the most out of just 30 minutes with a photographer?