The Client Guide
Welcome!
Hi friend! I’m so glad you’re here. This guide covers everything I wish someone had told me before my own photos: where to go, what to wear, and how to make the whole thing feel easy. Read what’s helpful, skip what isn’t, and text me anytime with questions.
GOOD TO KNOW
Picking your light.
I shoot at every time of day, and each one has its own feel:
Golden Hour
(about an hour before sunset) Warm, glowy, and soft. The classic.
Blue Hour
(just after sunset) Cool, quiet, a little dreamy.
Midday
Bright, punchy, and bold. Great for beach and editorial-style photos.
Overcast:
Soft and moody, with no squinting. Cloudy days are secretly some of my favorites.
Some More Good Info.
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Light changes fast, especially around sunset. Give yourself extra time for parking and walking so we don’t lose the good stuff. Wrightsville parking is paid most of the year, so plan for that too.
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If it’s storming, I’ll reach out and we’ll reschedule. A little wind or a few clouds? We’re shooting. Those days usually make the best photos.
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Water
Hair ties and a brush
Lint roller
Snacks (for kids and grown-ups)
A blanket or towel if you want to sit
Anything that makes it feel like you (more on that below)
LOCATIONS
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![Smiling woman in a white dress standing on a sunlit sandy beach surrounded by trees]()
Wrightsville Beach
My home turf. The south end, the pier, and a few quieter access points I’ll take you to. Dunes, sea oats, and that wide-open ocean feel.
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![Older couple embracing on a sandy beach with ocean waves in the background]()
Carolina Beach
A little more retro beach town. Great for a laid-back, summery vibe.
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![Four smiling boys posing together in a wooded park]()
Fort Fisher
Wilder and quieter. Rocks, big skies, and plenty of wind (in a good way).
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![Person wearing sunglasses standing on a waterfront pier at sunset]()
Downtown Wilmington
The Riverwalk, brick streets, and old buildings, or the top of a parking deck at sunset. Perfect for something a little more city and editorial.
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![Woman in a black shirt leaning on a wooden railing beside a calm lake, with trees in the background]()
Greenfield Park
Cypress trees, Spanish moss, and the lake. Lush and green without needing a garden pass.
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![Couple sharing an ice cream cone outside an ice cream shop, with a "16 Market St." sign behind them.]()
Or bring me your spot
Honestly, some of my favorite sessions happen somewhere that means something to you: your home, your backyard, the park you walk every weekend, your favorite ice cream shop, the skate park. If it’s a business, give them a quick heads-up first (most places say yes!). Or I’m happy to ask for you.
MAKE IT YOURS
Bring the pets. Dogs, cats, horses, whoever’s family. (Bring a leash and someone to help wrangle.)
Bring the car. Your old Jeep, your truck, a vintage car you can borrow. Tailgates and open windows make the best photos.
Make it an activity. Ride bikes, play in the yard, make pancakes, go get ice cream, have a water balloon fight. You do the thing, I’ll catch it.
Go somewhere unexpected. A library, a record store, a diner booth, your favorite coffee shop.
Style it. Want colored lighting, a studio, or a specific mood? We can rent a space and set it up exactly how you picture it.
Have a wild idea? Tell me. I love a unique concept, and if you can dream it, we’ll figure it out together.
What to Wear
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If you feel comfortable and confident, it shows in every photo. There’s no one right way to dress. Jeans and a tee? Great. Your favorite dress? Perfect. PJs for an at-home session? Yes, please.
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Skip the matching white tees. Pick a loose palette of three or four colors and let everyone wear their own version of it. And let personality show: if your kid wants to wear her princess dress, let her. Those are the photos you’ll love most later.
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Start with neutrals. Cream, white, tan, brown, black, denim. Then add one or two pops of color.
Analogous colors sit next to each other on the color wheel, like cream, rust, red, and cranberry. They feel warm and cohesive.
Complementary colors are opposites, like rust and navy or mustard and denim blue. They feel bold and fun.
Denim always works. Seriously, always.
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Prints are welcome! Pair one bold print with something subtler (a small stripe or tiny floral), or keep everyone else in solids. Skip logos and big graphics, since they pull attention from your faces.
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It’s windy here. Flowy, natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and soft knits move beautifully. Skip anything clingy or stiff, like very tight dresses or crisp collared shirts that won’t move.
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Dress for the actual weather. Cold, sweaty, or windblown people don’t look relaxed. Layers are your friend: jackets, sweaters, and flannels add texture and give you a second look without changing.
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Wear shoes that make sense for where we’re going. No stilettos in a field! At the beach, we’ll probably end up barefoot anyway.
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Hats, jewelry, sunglasses, a scarf, your favorite jacket. Little details make photos feel personal.
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Do your hair and makeup how you normally would, maybe just a touch more.
Beach sessions mean wind. Loose waves, a low bun, or a claw clip hold up better than a perfect blowout.
Bring a hair tie and a brush just in case.
Skip heavy shimmer or SPF powder on your face, since it can reflect flash and sunlight.
Moisturize your lips and hands. You’d be surprised how often hands end up in photos.
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I’d rather you show up in your favorite worn-in jeans than something stiff with the tags still on. The goal is you, not a costume.
Families & Kids
Styling a family? Start with mom.
It’s always easiest to pick mom’s outfit first, then build the kids around it, then the partner last. Mom’s outfit sets the palette.
Let kids be kids.
Truly. I don’t need them to sit still, look at the camera, or say cheese. I’d rather they run, climb, pick up shells, and be their wild little selves. That’s what you’ll want to remember.
You don’t need to manage them.
You don’t have to keep correcting or bribing them through the session. I’ll play games and give you all little prompts, and the real moments come from there.
Bring:
Snacks (non-messy ones, and nothing bright red or blue that stains mouths!)
A favorite toy or lovey
A change of clothes for little ones, just in case
Timing
Book around naps and meals when you can. A fed, rested kid is a happy kid.
Meltdowns happen.
And they’re totally normal. I’m not bothered at all. We’ll take a break, regroup, and keep going. Some of the sweetest photos come right after the tears.
Where to Shop
You don’t need to buy anything new, but if you want a piece or two, here are some favorites.
Target, Old Navy, Abercrombie, H&M, and thrift stores (my favorite for that vintage feel).
Everyday and easy:
Places I love to shop:
See You Soon!
That’s it! Don’t stress about getting everything perfect. Just show up as you are and I’ll take it from there. Questions? Text or email me anytime. I can’t wait for your session.