Tips for EVERY Portrait Session - Seattle Portrait Photographer

Your photo session is more than just standing in front of a camera—it's an experience of coming home to yourself. It's a chance to slow down, breathe deep, and connect with the earth beneath you and the soul within you. Whether you're getting family portraits, an empowerment session, a couples session - or documenting a sacred season of life, here's how to prepare for your session with intention, connection, and grounded presence.

I LOVE photographing love! Let me show you what I see.

Love playing guitar? Bring it! Instruments are beautiful and add an element of story to our session.

HECK YES I am a dog lover! If you have toddlers or multiple toddlers and a high energy dog, it may be worth the peace to leave the dog behind for a few years, but I am here for it no matter what. I have a dog, I get it. They are part of the family.

I am all about the connection between you. If you are alone, it’s the connection with yourself or nature.

If you are looking for a whole session of you smiling and looking at the camera, you’ve got the wrong photographer. I am constantly pushing the hugs, whispers, walks, cuddles.

To keep our photos feeling grounded and harmonious, I recommend soft, earthy tones—think taupe, cream, rust, moss, caramel, warm gray, sage, terracotta, or oatmeal. Avoid neons, logos, or loud patterns that distract from your natural beauty and emotion. I will repeat this often so beware.

I LOVE NATURE, and it shows in my work. Nature lovers are my people!

Show what you love. These two own a pig sanctuary in Roy, Washington. We do yearly Christmas cards for all of the sweet people who donate to them. HEARTWOOD HAVEN! It’s amazing.

Show some skin. Don’t be afraid. It is not mandatory, but an option:)

City people I love you too! I live in West Seattle, so I AM a city girl. (but in my heart I live in a forest in a cottage. hahaa)

Take the time to love each other and adventure. Be present and enjoy it.

Let the moments unfold!

Earthy tones, flowing fabrics, cozy knits, or bare skin in nature—it’s all welcome.

I LOVE EARTH TONES! They look best in nature. Can I say that again? I warned you.

Let the kids be kids! IF we make this a rigid experience, they will dread it next time. Don’t let anyone in the family talk bad about “getting their photo taken” in front of the kids. They are sponges!

GO BAREFOOT! Feels good to ground anyway…..

And if you’re solo—turn inward. Think of a powerful memory. Let emotion rise. It’s safe here.

I guide you into “poses” the entire time, if needed.

Choose colors that echo the land—soft browns, warm rust, mossy green, golden sand, and clay. These tones ground the photos, draw attention to your connection with nature, and never go out of style. Bring flip flops if we are near water and wade in.

HAVE FUN! MOVE!

Jamie is 72! You are never too old for a session. I dislike the word old.

Get your make up done, if it suits your vibe!

Let’s tell a story!

Come as you are—raw, glowing, wild, soft, unsure, joyful, grounded. The best portraits aren’t just about how you look—they're about how you feel. And when you're connected to the earth, to yourself, and to the people you love, the camera simply becomes a mirror.

Lastly know that I am fun to work with, a total dork, and my superpower is making you feel comfortable. Thank you for being here!

For those who don’t know, I am Seattle based Family, wedding, elopement, couples, maternity, newborn photographer who also loves women empowerment and senior portraits. I know, it’s a lot! I started doing photography 30 years ago, and my business 15 years ago. The past two years I have spent five months of the year photographing in Sedona, Arizona.

To me, it’s all love and I am here for it!