When is the best time to take family photos?

The most important factor for stunning photos is time of day. I schedule nearly all sessions within three hours of sunset—what photographers call golden hour. That soft, glowing light is what makes my images stand out. On cloudy or stormy days, earlier sessions can work beautifully too, using even shade and dramatic skies to our advantage. If you have to have a midday session and it's an overcast day, all options are open, however with overhead sun, I usually steer people to urban settings where we can find cool walls and buildings that create good light.
 

How do I choose a location?
First we'll discuss when your session will be and your budget, and then work around conditions and ideal locations. Generally I steer people toward locations that are seasonally appropriate. Each month in Northern Arizona brings its own unique backdrop:
August – vibrant green mountains and dramatic monsoon clouds
September – fields of blooming sunflowers
October – colorful fall foliage November – rich late fall tones in
Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona
December – snowy landscapes or festive holiday vibe
January–April – crisp urban settings with clean winter light or Snowy fields
May-July – everything is beautiful... take your pick!
 

What is an adventure session?
Adventure sessions are those that take a good part of my day and travel in difficulty to get to. For example, photos at Merry-go-round rock in Sedona that require a one hour drive and 4wd vehicle to get to. Beach pictures at lake powell that require a boat ride. Cathedral rock involves a big hike. These are images that take it up a level but require a lot more time and planning. 
 

What should we wear?
Anything and everything has the potential to look beautiful... however after photographing thousands of people through the years I'll give you a few hints.

Pick clothes that have movement over super-tight outfits. Not too much fabric, just enough to prevent bulges. 

Steer away from super-trendy fashions that will date your photos quickly.

Allow Mom to pick her favorite outfit, and then pick all the other clothes based on her in a more neutral format. Or Dad. Whoever gravitates to more movement. For example if she chooses a bright floral dress, each pick a solid or simple pattern in the pallet of her dress.

Choose outfits with the same style genre and theme. For example if you're going to do jean and neutrals and plaids... all do it... don't have Dad wear a suit and sister wear heels whilst the rest of the group sports cowboy boots.

Avoid all wearing solids of the same color. All black, all white, all blue. 

Always bring chap stick, eye drops, snacks and a brush to your sessions. 
 

How long do sessions last?

Most sessions last one to two hours, giving time for multiple backdrops, locations and combinations. Please see packages for costs associated with destinations outside Flagstaff. They are more expensive because of the extra travel and turnaround time involved.
 

Each session includes 40–50 fully edited images, with careful skin retouching and blemish removal for a natural, polished look. Your digital files will be delivered through a private online gallery, where you can download your images and order professional prints directly through my preferred lab for the best quality results.

For an additional $100, I can package your images on a USB drive and either mail or hand-deliver it to you.

Please Note: My images are specially edited and calibrated to print accurately through the professional lab I use. I’m unable to make separate edits to accommodate outside printers you may choose to use.
 

Do you do rush turn around?
Sometimes. Depends on the reason and the rest of my load. Please ask if you have an urgent need for this, additional fees may be required.  Generally I take 7-10 days to deliver your photos electronically to you.

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What happens if weather or scheduling is a problem?

Sessions are usually rescheduled for bad weather or family emergencies, however unless it's pouring with rain - weather can actually create great pictures so we try to do a proper evaluation as the weather event is unfolding. Photographers plan around golden hour and will work with you to adjust as needed.
 

I feel like family photos are expensive... why?
It’s a fair question and I'm going to answer it because I know you've been wondering— the short answer is that photography is much more than the hour or two we spend together at your session. What you’re investing in is not just “a few clicks of the camera,” but years of training, the best equipment, creative expertise, and many hours of behind-the-scenes work to deliver images that truly capture who you are.Here’s where your investment really goes:

Time & Preparation – Before your session even starts, your photographer is scouting locations, helping you plan outfits, and scheduling around the best light. After the session comes the hours of culling, editing, retouching, and preparing your gallery. What seems like a one-hour shoot often adds up to 10+ hours of professional work

Professional Gear & Software – Cameras, lenses, editing programs, sales and invoicing software and and backup storage are all essential to producing professional results. This equipment costs thousands of dollars and needs to be maintained and upgraded regularly.

Business Costs – Running a photography business means insurance, website hosting, marketing, licenses, studio or travel expenses, and sometimes even assistants. These overhead costs are built into the session fee.

Experience & Artistry – You’re not only paying for a photo—you’re paying for someone who knows how to pose you naturally, use light creatively, and capture images that feel timeless and authentic. That expertise comes from years of practice and education.

Even with premium pricing, photographers don’t actually take home as much as it seems. Once costs and taxes are factored in, margins are modest compared to the time, skill, and expenses required and typically not even as profitable as the trades like drywall, plumbing or framing - facts. Senior portraits are an investment—but they’re also heirlooms that will last a lifetime.
 

Do You Do Multi Generational Portraits?
Yes. Large group sessions with grandparents and multiple family units require significantly more time and coordination, so there is an additional $300 fee for groups over 8 people (up to 20). These sessions include portraits of the entire group, each individual family, grandparents with grandchildren, and any other combinations you’d like captured. Sessions typically run about 90 minutes, and we recommend starting with families who have the youngest children to keep things fun and manageable.
 

Do You Do Discounts?
At this time, I don’t offer discounts. I do occasionally gift sessions, waive fees or grant digital files to close family and friends. I truly wish I could do more, but being as sessions take a significant chunk of time away from my family, it has to be this way.

I also understand the reality—there were times in my own life when professional portraits weren’t affordable for my family either. Photography is an investment, and while it’s how I support my own family, I know it isn’t always within everyone’s budget. In fact, I even had a friend photograph my own wedding.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have wonderful photos. Family portraits can be a great opportunity for newer photographers or hobbyists to practice and build their portfolios, often at a lower cost. More importantly, you can still create meaningful memories—grab a friend, a student, or even a family member and make a fun outing of it. The most important thing isn’t who’s behind the camera, but that you walk away with images you’re proud of and memories you’ll cherish.