Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a moment to read some of the more frequently asked questions, and if you can’t find what you are looking for then don’t hesitate to get in touch. I look forward to meeting you soon!

FAQ

DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH OUTSIDE OF PARIS OR OTHER PARTS OF FRANCE OR EUROPE?

Absolutely! I live in Paris and the south of France (Provence, in the town of Arles), and divide my time between the two locations. I’m available for travel in all parts of France as well as Europe. My other favorite locations are Italy and Greece, and I’m happy to discuss possibilities with you.

WHAT’S YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?

My style is romantic, soft, and colorful, with images that are classic, elegant and timeless. I love aspects of documentary photography and aspects of fine art. I fuse aspects of each to tell a beautiful story of each couple or person. I’m drawn to nature as well—flowers and trees, as well as the little things that make France so charming, like an old cobblestone street, or really interesting building.

Both! Born and raised in the United States, I moved to France in 2014, and now I'm a naturalized French citizen too! It's really the "best of both world" as they say!

ARE YOU FRENCH OR AMERICAN?

Yes, American English is my native language. I also speak French and a little Spanish and Italian. I can also say “thank you” in at least 10 other languages!!

DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?

That’s a great question! There are some really great photographers in France and they all have their specialities and talents. I can’t speak for them, but I can tell you a bit about me. I’m someone who moved my life to another country (originally from the U.S.) and I’ve found joy and beauty in my new home, beauty that I love to share with others. I love to work with people to capture their precious memories through beautiful imagery. Even if you don’t feel that you photograph well, you are beautiful, you really are, and I try to capture that beauty. But it’s not just the photographs, which is what you expect from a photographer. What about working together? I’m with you every step of the way, making sure we’re in communication, making sure I answer any questions or concerns you have. I’ll give you ideas, and will work with you to make sure your photo session is very memorable. I’m very professional with high standards, but I also like to have fun and want you to enjoy the time we spend together. One my favorite things about my work is meeting new people and making new friends. Plus, I like to share France with you, whether it’s your first visit or tenth.

WHY SHOULD WE WORK WITH YOU?

WHERE DO THE PHOTO SESSIONS/ELOPEMENTS ETC TAKE PLACE?

The photo sessions take place in various locations around the central part of Paris and various locales in Provence, and usually in Nice on the French Riviera. In Paris, typically near the neighborhood around Notre Dame (it’s still charming, even after the Notre Dame fire), the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, and the charming village of Montmartre. There are so many scenic parks, gardens, and little charming streets, we are only limited by imagination. Visiting Provence? Our photo opportunities are unlimited--we have mountains, sea, lavender, beautiful hilltop villages. Stunning locations! Same for Nice, which is so colorful, and beautiful.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

These are your photographs, so you should wear whatever is comfortable and makes you feel good. That said, in general solid colors are best. Also, if you're coming to Paris, it's a really classy and elegant town and your photographs will look better if you’re dressed up a little. For guys a nice jacket looks great and for the ladies, a pretty dress or slacks with nice blouse looks great. If it’s cold, consider whether you want to be photographed in your coat or if you wish to remove your coat for the photographs. In colder weather months, make sure to bring warm clothes with you to wear in between photos and even in warmer weather months it’s never a bad idea to toss a sweater in your bag should it get chilly. In Provence it gets hot, so a hat can be a cute and useful accessory. On the French Riviera, casual elegant is a great choice.

I'M NOT COMFORTABLE BEING PHOTOGRAPHED, CAN YOU HELP ME WITH POSING?

I totally understand this, it’s part of the reason I’m behind the camera and not in front of it! In all seriousness, not everyone enjoys being photographed. I try to make it as easy and fun as I can. I will certainly help you and give you ideas for poses, however, I want the images to be natural and not forced. These images should reflect the real you, your style and your personality. I can help you pose to make a beautiful photo, but in the end the photo is going to be beautiful because you’re in it! If you have special requests, for example, if you prefer one side of your face over another, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll guide and direct you gently and help you feel completely comfortable. After a while, you won’t even realize there’s a camera present.

DO YOU PROVIDE HAIR AND MAKE UP SERVICES?

I don’t myself provide hair and makeup services, but there are many talented artists in Paris, Provence and the French Riviera. After you reserve with me, I’ll supply you a wonderful list of professional resources, to include makeup artists. I highly recommend a professional makeup application, you can't believe how much more stunning your photos will look.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY PHOTO SESSION?

No two photo experiences are exactly alike, but in general, they are a lot of fun, designed to be stress-free. I’m talkative and friendly (some might say too chatty!). I like to learn more about my clients and them about me. When we meet we will have introductions, I’ll ask you again if you’ve been to Paris before (or wherever we are). If not, I’ll point out some things along the way. I’ll ask you for your thoughts and ideas, I’ll have some ideas too.

Before we get started, don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s a side you prefer to be photographed from or any other special directions. This is your special time in France, so don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything I can do to make your experience more enjoyable (unless it’s raining, I have a lot of powers, but stopping the rain isn’t one of them, unfortunately).

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

It rains a lot in Paris, it’s a natural part of life in Paris. But the good news is, Paris is beautiful in the rain! Don’t believe me? Just watch the final scene of Woody Allen’s, Midnight in Paris! Also, the major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower tend to be quieter in the rain and we have more of the place to ourselves, which can be magical. We’ll utilize umbrellas, which make for beautiful photography, and also utilize some of the Parisian bridges. If the weather is really horrible, we can try to reschedule to another time if you have time in your schedule and I have time in mine. In Provence, it can be very hot and sometimes windy. The French Riviera gets rain in winter, but typically has ample sunshine.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE PHOTOS?

You’ll be sent an email and given private access to an online portrait gallery to view your photos, so please make sure I have your current email.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY PHOTO SESSION?

Usually we are visiting very busy places, and unfortunately in Paris and many large popular cities have troubles with pickpocketing. To minimize this, please do not bring anything to the photo session that you absolutely do not need to bring with you. I do recommend bringing along a pair of flat shoes for walking, as we do a bit of walking.

HOW DO YOU EDIT THE PHOTOS?

As a photographer and artist, I try very hard to create your images perfect "in camera". But every image is hand edited in my signature style, which is what sets me apart from other photographers. My style is romantic, soft, with muted earthy tones that are classic, elegant and timeless. I love aspects of documentary photography and aspects of fine art.

After your session, I go through all of the images I captured to select those I think are the absolutely best, those that I feel capture your style, essence and personality. I then professionally edit the images and make adjustments to color and lighting as necessary. I do not do heavy edits such as: adding filters, thinning of the nose, adding or subtracting hair, editing skin perfections, slimming the waistline, removing wrinkles etc. Why not you may ask? Because I strive to capture the real you. Now I want you to look good, and you will, but I want you to be authentic to yourself and to the beautiful images we’re capturing of your inner and outer beauty in Paris, Provence or the French Riviera.

The image editing process is the final touch on your images, and one that I take great care with, as I use my own signature style. When the image editing has been completed, your images are uploaded to an online portrait proofing photo gallery that’s super easy to use. You’ll be given access to the images and you’ll select your favorites from those I’ve created for you. The number of images included in your package varies depending on the package. After you select your favorites, you can download them to your computer, cell phone or tablet. The photos are high resolution digital JPG files that can be read by any computer, tablet or smart phone. You can share them with family and friends on social media, you can also print them to display in your home, or I can print them for you through my professional photo lab and have them sent directly to your home. Please note: I do not supply unedited (RAW) photo under any circumstances as that's not a representation of my work, or completed art.

CAN YOU MAKE ME LOOK THINNER IN MY PHOTOS?

Everyone wants to look their absolute best in photos. If there is something you’re sensitive to, such as an angle, or you only prefer to be photographed on one side of your face, let me know that in advance or during our session. I do light edits to your images to correct for brightness and to add some color. Everyone has their own inner and outer beauty, that’s what should come through in your images. I understand sometimes (especially we as women) don’t like the way we look in images, so share your concerns with me during your session.

Also, pay attention to your wardrobe. If you dislike your arms, consider wearing long sleeves instead of a sleeveless blouse. If you dislike your legs, consider wearing a long skirt, dress or slacks.