2024 Session Guide
Minneapolis, MN | I want to make your session as EASY as possible!
Hey!
I’m Jessica.
Childcare extraordinaire, nanny, teacher, director turned fab photographer. I’m fun and laid back. I promise to talk dinosaurs, reptiles and animals with your 4 year old and sing songs to your toddler! My superpower is working with kids & families and knowing my best is good enough. I’m a good human and if you are too we may be the perfect match.
When it comes to my work, what I do is about CONNECTION. Connection with your family. Connection with your audience. Connection with YOU. That’s why I offer a ton of different session types – it’s also part of why about 95% of my clients return later, for additional sessions! My goal is to become your go-to photographer, whether you’re starting a family, starting a business… or both.
I’m here to make sure you love your photos and make the process as painless as possible, for everyone involved. Let’s do this!
What do I do?
I tell stories.
I capture connection. And in the process, I get the honor of getting to incredible, vibrant humans (and your equally vibrant kiddos, depending on your session!).
Then… once I’ve captured all that for you and your family, I get to help you show that shit off in your home! For an additional fee, after your session we’ll pair a set of print products with your final images, because let’s all be honest. As cool as cell phones are, it’s way more fun to remember your session every time you walk into your living room than it is to occasionally scroll past it in your camera roll. The print selection process is about making things easy for you (noticing a theme here?) – so if you want, I’ll even come visit you in your home, and help you design a gorgeous gallery wall you get to walk by every day. Or… you can just make your selections online. It’s entirely up to you!
SESSIONS I OFFER
Since I focus on connection… I offer a ton of different session types! Select your session below to jump to the guide materials for that session type.
Sessions start at $500, and include 5 digitals you choose from a curated gallery. $250 retainer due at booking. Remainder due 2 weeks prior to your session.
The Process is Easy…
1 - Get Booked
Step one is getting on my calendar! You want to make sure you book in advance, because my calendar fills up fast! If you’re here, it’s likely you’ve already done that step… so… yay!
2 - Let's Talk!
Then, we’ll have a chat, to get down to a clear vision for your session! Are you more of a glitz-and-glam, put-me-in-a-dress-and-make-me-sparkly kind of human? Either way, we’ll work out what wardrobe options make the most sense for your session, talk about location, and make sure you’re 100% comfy with our plan. We will also talk products and visions for wall art! This happens BEFORE not after!
3 - Make Magic
And then we make magic happen! During your session, I’ll use poses and prompts to make sure we’re capturing candid, gorgeous images. Then within 24 hours, you get a gallery to select your final images, and we talk about what wall art or products you might like to pair with your session!
EVERY SESSION IS DIFFERENT,
But no matter what…
I keep Pricing Simple
Pricing in simple and to the point. All sessions are $500 and come with 5 digital images you choose from an online proofing gallery within 24 hours. From there I offer al a cart items you can purchase before or after your session. Purchasing before your session get you a better deal!
At Your Session
I don’t put a time limit on my session since each session is different. On average my sessions last 30-45 minutes min. You’ll know everything you need about location and wardrobe beforehand! I love it when clients send me pictures of what they plan to wear – I even do zoom consults. For moms and newborns I have a client wardrobe available for use.
We Keep Things FAST
You choose the digitals you want and final turn around is usually one week total! After you have your digitals, you also have the option to order professionally curated physical prints (even if you didn’t order them beforehand). Because let’s be honest, digitals are great – but your memories? They belong on your WALLS.
MATERNITY SESSIONS
Treat Yo’Self, Mama!!
First of all…
Congratulations!!
You did the thing, there’s a bun in the oven! You’re headed into the magical madness of motherhood (or ya know, adding to the mayhem, one or the other). But I promise you, when you’ve got that squishy newborn in your arms, and newfound bags under your eyes (been there, done that) you’re going to want to REMEMBER the glow you’ve got right now. So let’s make it happen!
STEP ONE
STEP TWO
STEP THREE
BUT WHAT WILL I WEAR??
I get a lot of questions from clients, but this has to be the one that comes up the most. And I get it – choosing clothes to wear on a daily basis is hard enough (hello, sweatpants), without having to worry about what they’ll look like in pictures.
But don’t worry, I’ve GOT you! I have my clients send me their outfits. I love to help my clients get their wardrobe options selected, so that you don’t have to play the trial-and-error game, or poll your Facebook friends about what will work. You send images my way, and I’ll be your personal style advisor!
I can even include a 1-1 wardrobe zoom consultation meeting with me before your session, so that we can make sure our wardrobe visions for your session match! For Maternity sessions specifically, you get to come and try on gowns ahead of time, so that you KNOW which one is absolutely perfect for you.
PREP STEPS
Because I want you to be READY!
The number one thing to remember...
My number one goal is to make sure you feel comfortable during your session. In order to do the later- let’s make sure we get all your questions answered to we can focus on making pretty pictures.
It might make you a little anxious to get in front of the camera. Believe it or not so do I. But…with me it will be quick, fun, and stress free. Just go and check out my google reviews if you have any reservations.
Getting photos done is exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time, am I right?! Well don’t worry, I got you covered. I’m excited to share a quick checklist for your go to bag and an overview of how to prepare for your session.
Pre Session Checklist:
1. Plan your outfits at least a week in advance
I’ve been there, outfits can be hard to narrow down! Bring/send pictures your favs and allow your me to narrow them down based on what will photograph best!
2. Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments for before your session (if that’s you thing) I personally just shower. LOL
Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish to your session! These are small details but we want everything to be perfect.
3. Prepare your kids (and partner!) with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening
Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Jessie on Saturday!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child. Of course, if your session won’t include them, you don’t have to worry about this one!
3-5 Days Before Your Session:
1. Get everyone excited! (Even if everyone is just you!)
2. Avoid spray tans or tanning lotions. No matter how natural tanning sprays and lotions may seem, they create an orange glow that cannot be retouched after your session
3. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin.
4. Remove all price and sizing tags from clothes. Make sure you’ve tried them on!!
1-2 Days Before Your Session
1. Double check that you’ve tried on your clothes! Make sure they are wrinkle free.
2. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin
3. Pack your bag the night before to ensure the essentials aren’t forgotten. (snacks/extra outfit ect.)
4. Get EVEN MORE excited!
The Day Of:
1. Make sure you recheck your bag for the bits you’ll need!
2. Come to our location with your prepped things… and we’ll make the magic happen!!
3. Be you. <3
NEWBORN SESSIONS
Documenting tiny toes
Having a newborn is hard. But I make remembering the beautiful details so, so easy.
WHEN?
Newborn sessions are best within baby’s first week with you! So it’s important to reach out and book as soon as you know you’re going to want to have a session done. We can format your newborn session as a lifestyle shoot, or, I can take control of styling! Our first step is to determine which is best for you.
HOW?
Believe it or not, your session is actually designed to be a bit of a break for you. Let someone else (me) take the reigns for a moment, while I capture your new baby’s tiny toes, and smooshy little cheeks! Once I’m in your home with the little one, you’ll get to take a breather while I make magic.
The Session
Within 24 hours your session, you’ll get a folder of images to choose from! If you want, after that we can discuss what an additional package of print products might look like for your home. I can even pop over in person, and help you to map out a gallery wall to share your session with the world!
newborn + maternity = $950 comes with 5 digitals per session
PREP STEPS
Because I want you to be READY!
The number one thing to remember...
My number one goal is to make sure you feel comfortable during your session. In order to do the later- let’s make sure we get all your questions answered to we can focus on making pretty pictures.
It might make you a little anxious to get in front of the camera. Believe it or not so do I. But…with me it will be quick, fun, and stress free. Just go and check out my google reviews if you have any reservations.
Getting photos done is exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time, am I right?! Well don’t worry, I got you covered. I’m excited to share a quick checklist for your go to bag and an overview of how to prepare for your session.
Pre Session Checklist:
1. Plan your outfits at least a week in advance
I’ve been there, outfits can be hard to narrow down! Bring/send pictures your favs and allow your me to narrow them down based on what will photograph best!
2. Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments for before your session (if that’s you thing) I personally just shower. LOL
Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish to your session! These are small details but we want everything to be perfect.
3. Prepare your kids (and partner!) with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening
Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Jessie on Saturday!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child. Of course, your newborn won’t need much convincing!
3-5 Days Before Your Session:
1. Get everyone excited!
2. Avoid spray tans or tanning lotions. No matter how natural tanning sprays and lotions may seem, they create an orange glow that cannot be retouched after your session
3. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin.
4. Remove all price and sizing tags from clothes. Make sure you’ve tried them on!!
1-2 Days Before Your Session
1. Double check that you’ve tried on your clothes! Make sure they are wrinkle free.
2. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin
3. Pack your bag the night before to ensure the essentials aren’t forgotten. (snacks/extra outfit ect.)
4. Be doubly certain you’ll have some of whatever you’re feeding your newborn, just in case!
5. Get EVEN MORE excited!
The Day Of:
1. Make sure you recheck your bag for the bits you’ll need!
2. Come to our location with your prepped things… and we’ll make the magic happen!!
3. Be you. <3
LIFESTYLE FAMILY SESSIONS
In Your ELEMENT
Your family has character. And my job? My job is capturing that character, just the way it is.
What is a Lifestyle Session?
Lifestyle sessions are designed to document you and your family as you are, in your natural habitat! The first step, is to reach out and get on the calendar. We’ll discuss location, preparing your home, and choosing your wardrobe.
I keep things Stress Free!
During your session, my priority is that you and your family are totally stress-free. Yes, even if you have toddlers who ordinarily wouldn’t be interested in participating. I promise, even the least cooperative little ones eventually forget I’m there!
The Session
A week after your session, you’ll get a folder of images to choose from! If you want, after that we can discuss what an additional package of print products might look like for your home. I can even pop over in person, and help you to map out a gallery wall to share your session with the world!
PREP STEPS
Because I want you to be READY!
The number one thing to remember...
My number one goal is to make sure you feel comfortable during your session. In order to do the later- let’s make sure we get all your questions answered to we can focus on making pretty pictures.
It might make you a little anxious to get in front of the camera. Believe it or not so do I. But…with me it will be quick, fun, and stress free. Just go and check out my google reviews if you have any reservations.
Getting photos done is exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time, am I right?! Well don’t worry, I got you covered. I’m excited to share a quick checklist for your go to bag and an overview of how to prepare for your session.
Pre Session Checklist:
1. Plan your outfits at least a week in advance
I’ve been there, outfits can be hard to narrow down! Bring/send pictures your favs and allow your me to narrow them down based on what will photograph best!
2. Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments for before your session (if that’s you thing) I personally just shower. LOL
Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish to your session! These are small details but we want everything to be perfect.
3. Prepare your kids (and partner!) with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening
Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend Jessie on Saturday!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child.
3-5 Days Before Your Session:
1. Get everyone excited!
2. Avoid spray tans or tanning lotions. No matter how natural tanning sprays and lotions may seem, they create an orange glow that cannot be retouched after your session
3. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin.
4. Remove all price and sizing tags from clothes. Make sure you’ve tried them on!!
1-2 Days Before Your Session
1. Double check that you’ve tried on your clothes! Make sure they are wrinkle free.
2. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin
3. Pack your bag the night before to ensure the essentials aren’t forgotten. (snacks/extra outfit ect.)
4. Get EVEN MORE excited!
The Day Of:
1. Make sure you recheck your bag for the bits you’ll need!
2. Come to our location with your prepped things… and we’ll make the magic happen!!
3. Be you. <3
When I say "AWARD WINNING..."
I'm not kidding!
FRESH 48 SESSIONS
Those first moments only come once!!
And you should get to remember every single one of them!!
WHEN?
Fresh 48 sessions take place when it sounds like they do – within the first 48 hours of your new babe’s life! That means they usually take place in the hospital, birthing center, or your home, depending on where you’re giving birth to your little one. It also means they can’t be perfectly scheduled, but don’t worry! I mark out time based on your due date, and we communicate from there.
HOW?
My goal with Fresh 48 sessions is to make sure they’re the lowest stress sessions humanly possible. I mean, you’ve just had a baby. More stress is the LAST thing you need!! Usually, families invite siblings for a brief visit to document at the session, but outside of that… it’s really led by you and what you’re comfortable with/can handle.
The Session
When you have your baby, it’s time to reach out so that I can come for a visit, and we can document your little one’s entry into your family! Then within 24 hours of the session, you’ll receive a gallery with your images to choose from. We can even talk about putting together a custom album for you, so that you can look back on these moments in a real book instead of just on your phone.
BRANDING & HEADSHOT SESSIONS
Let’s get down to BUSINESS!
YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES GORGEOUS IMAGERY.
I don’t have to tell you how much harder it’s getting to stand out online. In a sea of options for everything to choose from, you want your business to come out on top. And part of that? Images that capture the hearts of your audience the moment they first see them.
Getting Started...
First, we talk about YOU! If I’m going to represent your business through images of you and your work, that means getting to know the heart of what you do, and what your audience needs to see. So the absolute first step, is letting me into that world, through a consultation and planning session!
Your Session...
The day of your session, we’ll create a set of irresistible images, that’ll leave your customers unable to look away. Whether we’re capturing you in your office or local business, or whether we’re out around town taking advantage of backdrops that align with your brand, I will take care of the details. You don’t need to worry about stray hairs or wonky bow-ties. You just get to be YOU!
The Images
A week after your session, you’ll get a gallery via email full of images you can choose from. If you need more than the number included in your package, or you want to upgrade… don’t worry! We can talk through making sure you have all the images you need for promotion. Branding isn’t JUST about headshots, after all!
BOUDOIR SESSIONS
Because it’s time to CELEBRATE YOU!
(And no… you don’t have to get naked. Unless you want to. But it’s up to you!!)
Your session is about YOU
Boudoir photography isn’t about the abount of clothing you are (or aren’t!) wearing. It’s about an ATTITUDE. It’s about loving yourself, as you are, right now, today. And every human deserves to have that experience, and to see themselves the way that others do – without the internal monologue of “if I just lost that last ten pounds…”
Before the session...
Before your boudoir session we’ll talk about your vision. Are you having the session to celebrate something specific? A big moment? An achievement? Or just because you’ve continued being who you are? (Which is an accomplishment in itself sometimes, and it deserves celebrating too!) But we’ll talk about all that, and figure out the goals!
The Session
Within 24 hours your session, you’ll get a folder of images to choose from! If you want, after that we can discuss what an additional package of print products might look like – or an album, if you’re gifting it to a significant other, or sharing them with your partner for something like your wedding. But like I said, we’ll talk all that through!
GOT QUESTIONS?
Good, because I’ve got answers!!
WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?
The short answer? Whatever I say. In all seriousness though – I will walk you (and your family) through your session with posing and prompts that keep things natural! Our goal is to capture memories of you as you are, complete with emotion, and connection (and maybe a little confusion, about what to do with your hands.)
MY KIDS ARE A WHIRLWIND, WHAT IF THEY DON'T COOPERATE?
I don’t mean to toot my own horn here, but I am GREAT with those little tornados. I know it’s a nightmare to capture their growing selves with your smart phone. I get it. But I PROMISE, we will not have that problem during your session.
WHERE WILL MY SESSION TAKE PLACE?
That depends on what you book, and what our vision for your session is! If you’re getting branding images, we might choose an on-site location with badass backdrops that line up with your brand messaging. If you’re booking a maternity session, I might scout a location with lush greenery, and gorgeous sun at golden hour. Or, if your session vision looks more like a studio set, then we’ll meet here in the studio! So in other words: we chat about this together, and determine what’s best for YOU.
WHY DO YOU OFFER SO MANY TYPES OF SESSIONS?
I promise I’m not just indecisive. *Imagine a laughing emoji here* I offer a variety of session types not because I’m not a specialist, but rather because my work is about CONNECTION. Connection with your family. Connection with your audience. Connection with YOU. That’s also part of why about 95% of my clients return later, for additional sessions! My goal is to become your go-to photographer, whether you’re starting a family, starting a business… or both.
HOW EARLY SHOULD I BOOK?
Once you know you want a session… reach out. This is especially true for Maternity sessions, and Newborn sessions, as my books are usually fairly full! I *can* work some magic though, if you’re reaching out last minute. So my rule is: once you know, pop me a note, and we’ll chat.
WHAT ABOUT PRINTS?
You can order prints in packages ahead of your session and get a discount, or, you can order them a la carte in your gallery once you’ve gotten your images! I have options for this because I truly believe that your images NEED to be on your walls!
WARDROBE TIPS & TRICKS
Because like… what will you wear??
I get a lot of questions from clients, but this has to be the one that comes up the most. And I get it – choosing clothes to wear on a daily basis is hard enough (hello, sweatpants), without having to worry about what they’ll look like in pictures.
But don’t worry, I’ve GOT you! I have my clients send me their outfits. I love to help my clients get their wardrobe options selected, so that you don’t have to play the trial-and-error game, or poll your Facebook friends about what will work. You send images my way, and I’ll be your personal style advisor!
I can even include a 1-1 wardrobe zoom consultation meeting with me before your session, so that we can make sure our wardrobe visions for your session match! For Maternity sessions specifically, you get to come and try on gowns ahead of time, so that you KNOW which one is absolutely perfect for you.
But… if you’re just looking for some tips, I’ve collected a few for you below!
Love what you’re wearing
This is the most basic rule I want you to consider.
You’ve got to LOVE what you’re wearing for your session, no matter what kind of session we’re doing. From Minis to Maternity, if you’re not comfortable in the outfir you pick, it’s going to show in the pictures.
I’m a wizard, but I can’t make you look comfortable if you’re hiding a secret wedgie. I just… can’t. So, make sure that you FEEL COMFORTABLE in the clothes you pick for your session.
This means feeling like YOU. Because if you’re not a princess-gown person, and you wear one to your session, you’re unlikely to look (or feel) like you. And I’m here to take pictures of you and your family as you ARE. So: love what you wear to your session. It’ll make things easier for everyone!!
That doesn’t mean be boring!
Don’t hate me, but “loving what you’re wearing” doesn’t mean don’t try things outside your normal comfort zone!
The trick is you want to try that BEFORE your actual session. When you’re choosing your wardrobe, it’s totally okay to try things that aren’t your usual style. You might love it! But make sure you try it on BEFORE the day of your session, that way you don’t get to the morning of our session and realize, “OH NO,” it’s super uncomfortable for you. Because that’s no fun at all.
Avoid Matching
Well, avoid matching TOO much.
It’s not 1995, and this isn’t JC Penney (if you know, you know.) When you’re outfitting your family for your session, try to suppress the urge to get everyone matching flannel shirts and denim, because I promise (unless you’re really going for that retro “we might be in a cult” vibe, which… is fine if it’s your goal!) it’s going to look a little funky. Try complimentary patterns and solids instead, that way your mini-me kiddos don’t LITERALLY look like mini-yous.
This momma with her two littles is a GREAT example! Complimentary warm tones, that match, but not TOO much!
Think of the Details
Remember that I capture you AS YOU ARE, so… if your bra strap isn’t covered…
I think you see where I’m going with this one. If your bra strap is uncovered, it’s going to be uncovered. If your kiddos have on nail polish, they’re GOING to have on nail polish in your final images. I’m totally cool with that, but YOU need to make sure that YOU are.
How you arrive the day-of is what you’ll see in your final images, so make sure you do a wardrobe pass for wrinkles and wash things the night before to ensure there aren’t visible stains.
People are talking.
— Rachel
“We LOVE working with Jessie. We initially used her for our newborn shoot and have continued to use her for family photos since – she is amazing with kids and getting them to smile, knows when they just need some time to run, and is so flexible and willing to work with you around timing, etc. She takes all the pressure off the “big day” of family photos and makes it a fun and easy experience. And, the photos always turn out amazing and she turns them around so quickly. Could not recommend her more!”
— Jackie C
— Stephanie