Comfortable enough to feel like yourselves.

Perfect. Most people are. I am too. 😉

You do not need to know how to pose, where to look, or what on earth you’re supposed to do with your hands. That’s my job. And honestly, sometimes not posing at all makes the best pictures.

And if you already have your own posing ideas, props, or something you’ve been dying to try—tell me! I’m happy to take direction from you too. Take it away. 😄

I’m just happy being outside with people, my camera, and doing what I love—creating memorable moments for you and the people you love.

I’ll give you direction when you need it, but I’m not going to spend the whole session turning everyone into mannequins. We’ll walk, talk, laugh, move around, and probably get a little weird.

If I want your best cheesy smile, I may ask you to walk like you’re in a ridiculously dramatic music video, “work it,” “own it,” or do something completely goofy just because I know it’ll make everyone laugh.

Honestly, if I need to do a weird little run across a field to get a real smile... there’s a pretty good chance I will. 😂

The goal isn’t perfect posing. It’s getting you comfortable enough that the real you starts showing up.

That’s what makes the photograph perfect—you being you.

They’re kids. I expect them to be kids.

I have three of my own, so trust me—I know. 😂 And honestly, that’s part of what makes it fun.

They can wiggle, wander, make faces, need a snack, refuse to smile, suddenly become fascinated with a stick on the ground, or decide they are absolutely done with my brilliant photography plan.

We’ll work with them instead of fighting them.

I might get goofy, make weird noises, ask ridiculous questions, race them, let them make silly faces, or have everyone yell “CHEESE!” just so we can laugh about how terrible the fake smiles are afterward.

Sometimes the photograph you didn’t plan ends up being the one you love the most.

Please do! I have three dogs and a cat, so I fully understand that pets are family too.

I’m always happy to include them when the location allows it. Bring a leash, treats, water, and maybe an extra person if your furry family member needs a little help between photographs.

And one tiny not-so-glamorous reminder: please plan to clean up after them. 😂

Pet hair, slobber, chaos and all—they’re welcome.

Start with clothes you actually feel good in.

You do not need to perfectly match everyone. Coordinating usually photographs better than matching anyway. Think colors that work well together, avoid having everybody in competing busy patterns, and add layers or textures when they fit the season.

But most importantly, wear something that still feels like you.

If you put something on and spend the next ten minutes tugging at it, hiding it, or wondering if it looks weird... probably not the outfit.

And if you’re staring at your closet thinking, “Jen, I have absolutely no idea,” send me a picture. Seriously. We can figure it out together.

Absolutely. Please do.

Those are the things that make your photographs yours.

Bring the baseball glove, guitar, motorcycle, favorite book, cowboy hat, flowers, car, dog, dirt bike, instrument, sports gear, or whatever tells a piece of your story.

Especially for seniors—I want the session to feel like you, not like you borrowed someone else’s Pinterest board for an hour.

If something matters to you, tell me. We’ll find a way to work it in.

I also have a few props of my own that we can play with. I like things that are a little different, a little unexpected, and completely personal.

Because everyone is unique—and that’s kind of the whole point.

Let’s show the world YOU.

We’ll find somewhere that fits the feeling you want.

Mountains, fields, trees, water, old buildings, downtown textures, open roads, or a place that already means something to your family—I love finding locations with good light, room to move, and little details we can play with.

If you already have somewhere special in mind, tell me.

If you have absolutely no clue, that’s okay too. I’ll help narrow it down.

And fair warning: if I see some random patch of gorgeous light, cool weeds, an old wall, or something everybody else would probably walk right past, there is a decent chance I’m going to say, “Wait... hold on. Go stand over there.” 😂

Those unexpected little spots are sometimes the most fun photographs to take.

We live in Utah.

Sometimes the weather has opinions. 😂

We’ll keep an eye on things leading up to your session. Clouds, wind, moody skies, and even a little bit of wild weather can make gorgeous photographs, so I’m not scared of a few imperfect conditions.

But if it becomes unsafe, miserable, or the kind of weather where everyone’s hair is trying to leave the state, we’ll figure out another plan together.

Yep.

But I’ll also know when to stop telling you what to do.

I’ll help with where to stand, where to look, what to do with your hands, and give you little prompts to create movement and connection.

Sometimes it’ll be normal.

Sometimes it might be, “Okay, walk toward me.”

Sometimes it might be, “Look at each other.”

And sometimes it may turn into, “Okay... OWN IT. Work it. Give me ridiculous. Give me cheese. Now shake that off because that was terrible.” 😂

Whatever gets you out of your head.

Because while you’re laughing at me—or each other—I’m watching for the good stuff.

The laugh after the pose. The hand someone reaches for without thinking. The kid doing something completely ridiculous. The look between two people when they forget I’m standing there. The tiny moments most people walk right past.

Those are usually the photographs worth keeping.