lifestyle portraits

artful storytelling for connection-focused families

Lifestyle portraits are about slowing down and celebrating what makes your family unique. These sessions feel effortless — whether at home, in a field of flowers, or chasing little ones at the park — and capture both the quiet details and the joyful in-betweens. From milestones to everyday moments, the result is a collection of images that feels timeless, genuine, and entirely your own. My lifestyle sessions are designed to document the details and in-between moments that tell your family’s story.

Based in Fuquay-Varina, I also photograph families across other suburbs of Raleigh, such as Apex, Holly Springs, and Cary, giving you plenty of location options to match your style.

Why choose a lifestyle session?

  • More relaxed than mini sessions — no rushing or strict time limits.

  • Choose your location, date and time.

  • Perfect for milestone portraits (birthdays, maternity, engagements, anniversaries).

  • Time for outfit changes and multiple backdrops.

  • Focus on genuine interaction over posed smiles.

Family of four enjoying outdoors during autumn, two parents lifting their children into the air, with colorful fall foliage in the background.

Collections

A Short Story

  • A short but unhurried session designed to capture your family at its best. Perfect for busy folks who still want variety and creativity in their images.

    • Investment: $395

    • Approximately 30 minutes long

    • Location of your choice

    • Includes 10 edited digital images of your choice with option to purchase full gallery

A family of six outdoors in a wooded area, smiling and posing for a photo. The group includes a woman, two men, two young girls in orange dresses, and a young boy in camouflage pants and glasses. The woman is holding a young girl in a light-colored dress, while the man in a green shirt stands behind them all.

A Keepsake Chronicle

  • This session offers room for storytelling, variety, and the kinds of authentic moments that unfold naturally over time to create a collection of timeless and unique images.

    • Investment: $595

    • Approximately 1 hour long

    • Location of your choice

    • Includes 25 edited digital images of your choice with option to purchase full gallery

A family of four kissing and smiling outdoors at sunset, with two young girls sitting on their parents' shoulders, in a natural field setting.

An Epic Tale

  • The ultimate experience: a fully customized session with time to explore locations, change outfits, and capture your story in depth.

    • Investment: $1100

    • Approximately 2 hours of camera time

    • Up to 2 locations of your choice

    • Full gallery (minimum of 75 edited digital images and 10+ artistic black & white edits)

All collections include a shareable online gallery for 30 days! Albums, fine art prints, and wall art are also available upon request to beautifully preserve your images. Travel fees may apply outside the Triangle area.

To lock in your session, a $100 non-refundable deposit secures your spot. If something comes up — like rain or an emergency — it can be applied to a new date. The balance is due 3 days before your session.

seasonal “mini” sessions

a glimpse of your story, thoughtfully captured

Why families love minis:

  • Quick and low-stress

  • Affordable way to update family photos

  • Perfect for kids (and pets!) with short attention spans

  • Great for seasonal photos — spring blooms, fall leaves, holiday cards

Mini sessions are perfect if you’d like to try me out as your photographer or just need a quick update for holiday cards or wall frames. They’re simple and convenient: limited dates at pre-selected spots, all planned by me so you can just show up and smile. I’ll guide you into natural, flattering poses while leaving room for genuine interactions (never stiff or “say cheese” shots!).

Because of the limited time, there won’t be lots of background variety — minis are best for families who just want a handful of polished images, not the full storytelling experience. If you’re hoping for more creative, candid images like the ones you see throughout my portfolio, I recommend booking a regular session, where we’ll have space to slow down, explore, and capture your family more fully.

Mini session dates will be announced and released to past clients and mailing list subscribers first, then published for general booking. Please click on the button below to see current offerings and add yourself to the list!

Quick Reference Guide

  • Length: Each spot is approximately 10-15 minutes — short and sweet, perfect for little kids and busy families. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time, as sessions are booked back-to-back with other clients.

  • Location: Held at carefully chosen outdoor spots in Fuquay-Varina and nearby areas like Apex, Holly Springs, Cary, and Raleigh.

  • Price: Starting at just $225.

  • What’s Included: The base collection includes 3-5 (depending on specific session) edited high-resolution digital images of your choice from a gallery of 15-20+ images. You can always purchase additional images or the full gallery later — no pressure or commitment required.

  • Rain & Emergencies: Mini sessions are held on select dates with a designated rain date. If an emergency comes up, I’ll always do my best to work with you when possible.

  • Extended Family: Mini sessions are for immediate family only (one household) due to the short time frame.

Six children lying in a circle on the ground covered with leaves and pine needles, looking up at the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My approach is a mix of guided lifestyle and candid moments. I’ll give gentle direction when needed but mostly focus on capturing your family as you naturally interact — laughter, connection, and all the in-between moments that make your story yours.

  • Sessions are typically booked 3 to 6 weeks in advance, especially during fall and holiday seasons. Reach out early if you have a specific date in mind!

  • Lifestyle sessions range from 30 minutes to about 2 hours, depending on your chosen collection. Mini sessions are short and sweet — usually 10-15 minutes — perfect for quick seasonal updates or milestone photos.

  • I photograph throughout Fuquay-Varina and nearby areas like Apex, Holly Springs, Cary, and Raleigh.

  • I recommend coordinating (not matching) outfits with complementary colors. Once you’re booked, I’ll send over a handy guide with styling tips and prep ideas!

  • Yes — if the location allows, furry family members are always welcome!

    • For full sessions, absolutely — grandparents and relatives are always welcome! Just keep in mind that the more people we include, the less time we’ll have for creative poses and exploring different backdrops.

    • For mini sessions, due to their short duration and limited time slots, only immediate family members (from one household) may participate.

  • I edit in a true-to-life, natural style with rich but balanced colors and flattering light. Your final images are fully polished for color, tone, and small touch-ups while keeping everything authentic and timeless.

    • If the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll make the call and reschedule for the published rain date for minis or a mutually agreed date for full sessions. (Cloudy skies are welcome and photograph beautifully!)

    • If you or your child are ill, please let me know as soon as possible. I’ll do my best to work with you; reschedules or credits are offered at the photographer’s discretion for true emergencies or photographer-initiated changes.

  • You’ll receive your proof gallery within 2 weeks of your session. Once you choose your favorites, final edits are delivered within another 2 weeks.

Curious what makes photographers differ so much in experience, consistency, and pricing? I’ve created a simple guide to help you compare full galleries, not just highlight photos.

→ Read the guide here!