I'm overwhelmed -- where do I start ?

Hi! I'm Shalee and I'm hoping to make capturing your photos fun and easy. Click on the 'Show Details' to see more info -- See what you'd like? BOOK IT! Then I'll get a request on my end - I will approve or decline and reach out with other options. Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out and message me.

Once you are booked and approved, you will get two upcoming reminders - 3 days and 1 day prior to your session either via email or text. Generally I reach out a day or two prior to your session to review the session details and weather. If you don't hear from me and have questions as any time-- please reach out via email or text.

Lighting-- Best and Worst. What time of day should I book my session?

This one is frequently under estimated but makes a big impact. I would argue that this matters more than location, outfits and all the rest. I prefer to shoot with natural light outside of the studio and the best natural light is the first few hours of every day or last few hours. In most cases, this is a prettier golden soft light that tends to look a bit more glowing and reduces harsh contrasting shadows. So that being said if you like more moody, heavy contrast photos booking about 2 hours after sunrise or 3-4 hours before sunset would be your ideal timeslot on most days. Weather can easily effect the lighting of the days as well, so please know that even if you book 'golden hour' sunset sessions it doesn't guarantee we will get that lighting if it's cloudy. Mid day lighting on bright days tend to be just too bright for most eyes -- therefore I tend to avoid photos outdoors during this time. Sometimes there are exceptions to these rules including working around little ones schedules-- but often adjusting mealtimes or naps is well worth the outcome of better lighting. The majority of the portfolio section is taken within 2 hours of sunset or 'golden hour.'

How do I choose a location ?

We live in a beautiful place with a lot of options. However, I really love going to a location special to you, if that's your backyard, favorite beach, park hangout or downtown street. I love making these locations about you and your family and capturing the stages your in. If you're just not sure, ask me! I have an ever growing list of favorites that I'm ready to share. I travel within 45 minutes of Traverse City for no fee. If your favorite spot is further, shoot me a message and we can work out an agreement with a small travel fee. I also often run some specials in areas that aren't in my normal range -- such as Empire, Elk Rapids, Frankfort, Glen Haven, Northport, etc. If you ask me for a great beach-- it's most likely going to come with a bit of a drive ;)

How and When do I pay?

Payment is due at the time of the session. I do not require a deposit, however multiple cancellations or a no show do incur a fee.

I accept Cash, Check, Venmo or Credit Card via an automated email invoice sends the day of the session-- it does not have to be paid before you see me. I prefer payment after the session is held. If you would like to pay in advance, please reach out to me.

What should we wear?

I get asked this a lot. I do have a Pinterest board that has some great color combos I love, look me up at Rolling Fields Photography. Honestly, when I'm planning our family photos that's where I start. I also like to dress the most difficult family member first and build around their outfit. Umm... that person is me, so the boys wear something that goes along with my outfit. Once I get started I lay clothes out together to be sure I'm not off base, then I keep building on details until I'm happy. Things to know-- sometimes bright colors in brighter light actually look washed out in camera and will reflect that color on your skin (this is called color casting) so I tend to avoid neon, especially out of the 'golden hour' timing. Too many patterns distract the eye from the viewer-- throw some solids in there to pull focus back to the people and not their clothes :) Or if you're more low key - just show up in what's comfortable and fits your style.

What happens at the session?

Yay, it's session day! We will meet at our location at the selected time. We make quick introductions or catch up on what's new. I generally have a flow of spots at our location that I like based on lighting and setting or sometimes if it's a new spot, I'll take you on a little tour with me. If you aren't super up for a mild hike or have some mobility issues please let me know before hand - there are still lots of great spots that hit that mark. Along the way I may snap some candid shots and stop you unexpectedly with some prompts. Once we make our way to our destination, I'll help by positioning you for that "Everyone look at me and smile" pose - then we have fun from there. Telling funny jokes, whispering secrets, follow the leader, 'Simon Says' - anything that gets your kids less timid and showing me those real smiles. Once we are done, we high five and send you on your way (usually for ice cream because your family did so awesome).

What happens NOW? Where are my photos?

You did it! Now I go home, back up your files, review my favorites and select what I'm going to edit. I almost always have a running list, sometimes it's only 10-12 families long and other times it's 25-40 families long (fall/holidays). I do my absolute best to get all sessions back within 2 weeks, however some sessions take longer than others. Seasonally expect longer return times August thru November -- I try to remember to let you know during the session when to expect delivery and if I don't -- please ask. Once the photos are edited, I tend to deliver galleries via email or text message. Everything is downloadable via the gallery website. If you get stuck and don't know where the buttons are, I'll help walk you through it!