Below you’ll find a list of commonly asked questions. If I haven’t answered yours, don’t hesitate to contact me.

How far in advance should I book?

Two to eight weeks is usually fine. Fall is my busiest stretch, so if you want peak color in October, reach out in August.

How do I pay?

Payment is due the day of the session. I take cash, check, or Venmo.

Where will the photography session be?

I use the outdoors as my studio. I love shooting new locations around Williamston, Okemos, Mason, and East Lansing, and I have a handful of favorites I come back to. Tell me what you’re picturing and we’ll pick the right spot together.

How far do you travel?

Anywhere within 20 miles of Lansing is included. Past that I charge a dollar a mile. If you have a spot in mind that’s a drive, tell me and I’ll give you a number up front.

What should we wear?

Solid colors and soft, muted tones photograph better than bright patterns or big logos. Coordinate rather than match, so one color family with some variation beats everyone in the same shirt. Bring layers. Fall evenings in Michigan get cold faster than you think, and cold shows up on faces. If you want a second opinion, text me a couple of options before the session and I’ll tell you what I think.

Is there a perfect time of day for my photos?

Yes. On sunny days the best light is the hour or two before sunset, or right after sunrise. Overcast days are more forgiving and give us a wider window.

How long will the session take?

Most sessions run 90 minutes. I plan the whole thing around the light, so we’ll usually start in the late afternoon or early morning.

Can someone come with me?

Absolutely. A friend or a parent along is usually a good thing, especially if you feel awkward in front of a camera. They loosen you up and I get better expressions out of you.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Dogs make great photos. Bring someone who can hold the leash when your dog isn’t in the shot, and bring treats.

How many photos will I get? Can I see every shot you took?

You’ll get the number listed on the pricing page for your session, and usually a few more. I cull out the blinks, the mid-sneeze faces, and the ones where nobody is looking the right way. If you want a few of the bloopers, just ask. Happy to pull some.

Do you handle the yearbook photo?

Yes, and it’s included in both senior packages. Send me your school’s requirements before the session and I’ll shoot to that spec, format the file, and send it to the school myself. One less deadline for you to track.

Will you post the photographs online?

Your photos go into a private online gallery where you can download them and order prints. Some sessions end up in my portfolio. If you’d rather I not use yours, just say so.

How long will it take before I can see my images?

Two to three weeks.

What if we need to reschedule?

No worries. I’m a dad and a husband and I know life gets crazy and sickness creeps up. If you can give me 24 hours notice, I’d appreciate it. Same goes for weather. Sometimes Mother Nature has her own plans and we move the date. Worth knowing though, overcast skies make colors pop and a little rain can mean dramatic skies and a great sunset, so don’t write off a gray forecast.

Do you retouch your images?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I like to keep images as natural as possible. If there’s a pole growing out of Grandpa’s head, I’ll remove it. If the contrast is off or the photo needs to be brighter, I’ll edit it to match the others. If you’ve got a blemish that’s noticeable in a few shots, I’ll make it disappear.

Do you offer prints?

Yes, and professionally printed photos are a real step up from what you’ll get at Meijer or Walgreens. You get the digital files to print wherever you want, but talk to me if you want professional prints. I also do large format metal and acrylic wall art, up to 100 inches wide.

Is there a question I missed? You can reach me here.