i created some different session options - in hopes that i would be able to cater to different family styles + session visions so that everyone might feel they are getting exactly what they need without paying for unnecessary time. depending on the age(s) + number of people in your group, the amount of locations you are hoping for + the style of the shoot - you definitely have some details to consider that i hope to explain further here.

the base 1/2 hour session option is universally great for most small family [ a parent(s) + their children ], maternity, or couples shoots where you simply want a short + sweet session at one location. i have been shooting families for seven years - so i am well accustomed to working with kiddos [ and adults ] that get restless easily. we move around often, keep things fun + interesting - and capture a ton of variety in our time together!

1 hour sessions are recommended for larger extended families, lifestyle newborn or lifestyle family shoots, sessions that may be in two different locations or sessions that take place in a setting that requires walking, hiking, etc.

if you’re still not sure what is best for you - please provide as much detail as possible in your inquiry + i will be happy to assist !

please keep in mind, while i do have my recommendations listed above - you ultimately can decide what session you feel is right for you + your family ! however, if your session runs longer than anticipated on the day of the shoot for any reason [ beyond a photographer-related issue ], the session fee will be adjusted accordingly to the next session bracket. for example, if you book the 30 min. but end up using 45 min., your session fee will be $400 instead of $350. i will always give a heads up when we are getting close to the booked time limit so you know in advance.

lifestyle newborn sessions have quickly become the most common session i shoot + is certainly one of my most favorites ! this type of session is done in your home - typically using spaces such as the nursery, family / living room, master bedroom + outside of your home to document the arrival of your new baby. i enjoy these sessions because they give you the opportunity to ‘just be’ + provide a level of comfort, safety + calmness in the environment you know + love best. i recommend 1 hour minimum for these shoots, as we often take feeding, soothing + diaper change breaks - which is not only allowed, but encouraged! a happy baby makes for happy photos which makes for happy mamas:) if you have other children, we will definitely incorporate them, as well - so while it is called a lifestyle newborn session, it really is a shoot for the whole family take part in. i have specific prompts, poses, etc. to offer up - but i am also happy to sit back + document your everyday life, as well.

on the day of your session, i float between directing a bit when needed - but also sitting back + observing in other moments, too. i love to capture the in-between details that at the time go unnoticed - as well as ‘everyone’s looking + smiling’ portraits that you want to have on a christmas card + print for the grandparents. i like to have fun, keep things light + go with the flow of your family + will look to you on what method fits your family best or what you’re needing in the moment. editing-wise i favor vibrant colors + heavy contrast - which might put me in the ‘dark + moody’ category but overall i strive to edit in a style that best portrays the actual look + feel of the scene around you, on your session day.

to book a session, just get in touch with me using the CONTACT form + we will chat dates, details + location! if you are looking for a summer or fall date - these do tend to fill up quickly so i always advise to reach out pretty far in advance to secure your preferred date + time. if you need to cancel for any reason, please do so as quickly as possible so that i can try + get you rescheduled - though immediately available dates are not guaranteed. payment for the session is due on the day of the shoot + cash or check is preferred but i can also invoice you to pay via credit card.

ABSOLUTELY. if you are thinking that an in-home lifestyle session isn’t up your alley, we can definitely head to the great outdoors to capture some memories in nature! i am a firm believer in making your family session about YOU, so i will absolutely be asking for some more details about your family to help steer my location recommendations. love to hike? let’s hit the woods. into fall family fun? let’s find an orchard. are you a bunch of beach bums? let’s hit the lakeshore. whatever it is you do as a family, i want to capture that. i do have access to a couple different studio locations - which needs to be booked in advance [ is also dependent on availability as it is shared with other photographers ] + requires an additional fee. the spaces are located in southwest GR + have a cool industrial vibe. if you’d like some examples, feel free to ask !

the quick answer - as far as you’d like! i am based out of grand rapids, michigan + locations 30 miles [ 60 miles round trip ] outside of GR do not require a travel fee. though i am stationed in GR i am more than willing to travel outside of west michigan + often find myself all over the state much of the year for sessions. to get a solid travel quote, please inquire directly !

i tend to be a trigger-happy photo culler - which means my galleries are typically on the larger side. most sessions land around 100-200 images, depending on the session duration. the photos are delivered via an online gallery through a platform called pixieset, where you can download, share + favorite your images using a 4-digit-PIN.

for sessions in peak season [ may - october ], your photos will be available 3-4 weeks after your shoot. in the ‘off-season,’ the turn-around time may be quicker. i generally post sneak-peeks via facebook + instagram along the way - as well as send you a little preview gallery before the finals.

all of my sessions include a printing rights for you images - which means you get to choose how you display your photos in your home ! yay ! while you do have free reign, i do always encourage families to print their larger prints from a professional photo lab [ aka - not walgreens ] to ensure the best quality, color accuracy + truest look of the original file. i have suggestions for labs - but i also have a professional photo lab connected right to your gallery so if you’d like to take the hassle out of ordering quality prints you can do it right from there !

yes! once you have received your preview and/or your final images, you may upload to your heart’s desire. i do require proper credit to be given to any photos posted. if on facebook, using ‘photo credit Taylor J. Photography // www.taylorjphotography.co’ in the image description or if on instagram, using ‘photo credit @taylorjphotog’ in the image description. in addition, you may not crop, edit or alter the photos in any way - which includes using filters. i also ask that you pass this sentiment along to your friends + family who are using your photos online.