Q. What is an Inner Life Portrait?
A snapshot in a studio or random park may remind you what your family looked like, but an Inner Life Portrait will bring you back to what this precious time feels like, over and over again. In the meantime, having these photographs in your home ensures you never lose sight of who and what matters to you most.
Another way to think of an Inner Life Portrait is that it captures the you that’s always been you, and always will be. The spark, the unchanging presence. It’s an art to capture a person or relationship at that level; that inner life capturing is my specialty.
Read my blog post about Inner Life Portraits of families.>>
Q. Why do you want me to come to your gallery before we book the session?
It saves time! When you see what I create in person, we both know right away what you are drawn to. At your View and Choose appointment, you’ll be more decisive if you really understand the options.
Additionally, in person it’s easy to come up with the perfect session plan—one that optimizes kids’ moods, natural light, and what your family loves to do together. Should we hit the beach, a favorite park, practice catch, or pick strawberries? Let’s start brainstorming!
It’s easy: schedule your 20-minute gallery visit.
Q. What does your family photography cost?
Working with Inner Life Portraits is more like commissioning a painting than walking into a regular photo studio. When you visit my gallery, we’ll be starting a creative (and fun! and easy!) process that will result in custom art. What each family spends is as customized as the art I create. It’s common for parents to spend anywhere from one thousand to five thousand dollars, or more.
It’s simple: To book your session is just $100. After the session, you only buy the photos you love—there’s no minimum purchase. To receive a pricing menu, contact me.
Q. What if I don’t like to hang family photos on the wall?
My goal is to make sure you walk away with gorgeous lasting artwork. Many parents choose to create finished art for their walls. Some prefer to focus on my storytelling albums or art print box collections. When you visit the gallery, you’ll see many options to enjoy your photos—now and forever.
Q. Do you offer digital files?
Yes, although I do not sell them. Part of my expertise is creating lasting art with your images. I’ve painstakingly curated a selection of the most beautiful, lasting, well-designed options available. What I create will last for generations and never go out of style. If you only want digital files, then I am not the right photographer for you.
However! In this day and age we all need digital files on the ready to send to family or share with our community online. All photos purchased as art prints will also be delivered as digital images for you to enjoy on your devices and make small reprints.
Q. What if my kids are in a bad mood and I hate my photos?
I can honestly say that a bad mood has never been a barrier to a great shoot. I work with you to pick a time and place that set us up for success, and I flow between giving kids lots of space and engaging them. Sometimes a shoot has more pensive and curious expressions than big smiles—whatever is authentic to the moment will make a beautiful photograph.
I am confident your shoot will go well, which is why the booking fee is only $100. You don’t have to think about spending more until you see your photos during the View and Choose appointment and you love them. If you are not thrilled with your photos, then there’s no pressure to order any art of them.
Q. Where will we do the photo session?
The best photo sessions start at home while you’re still braiding your daughter’s hair or tying your son’s shoes. Or maybe one of your kids is hiding under the stairwell—it’s all good! I’ll scope out the space and determine when and where we want to gather the family for relaxed posing.
Then I’ll hop in the car with you for your favorite family outing. Maybe it’s the beach or the playground down the street. Let’s talk about what your family loves to do.
Q. You said that you often start in people’s homes. What if my house is an embarrassing disaster?
This is a common concern for busy parents! Many people look at my portfolio and think their house is not as nice, well designed, clean, or well lit as “those people’s.” Let me tell you: “those people” felt that way too!
I can assure you that, with the skills I employ, lighting is not an issue. Almost everyone is amazed that their home looks “better” in the photos than they feel it does in real life. Remember—these are portraits of your family, not your home.
Starting at home is important for children, because they feel in charge of the experience, which prevents them from feeling intimidated or like they need to pose for the camera. If you still have concerns about shooting in your home, please mention it during our first conversation. I don’t want this aspect of the shoot to cause undue stress.
Q. Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Your loved one will be grateful for your gift—literally for the rest of their life. (Also, there’s usually a gift tucked in their order for you!) It’s best to schedule a gallery visit or call to determine the right amount of the gift and to envision what the receiver can create with it.
Q. Can you describe your photo sessions?
I can, but even better: I made a video! Just like in the video, most sessions start at home, then I tag along for a family outing. When the time feels right, I’ll invite people to snuggle together for groups shots.
Q. Do you photograph extended families?
Yes. For extended families over five people, I request $25 per additional person, added to the booking fee. Everything else is the same, including developing a plan to ensure there’s time for some candid photography.
Q. Should I wait to lose 10 pounds before I book a session?
Recently I shot a newborn session for a mom, who told her friend about what a great experience it was. The friend hired me, then called the mom in a panic, feeling like a bloated hot mess the morning of the shoot. She told her friend: “Don’t worry. You could be wearing a paper bag, and Maureen will make you look great!”
Have faith: I photograph love, personalities, relationships, and souls. Your beauty will shine. I will show you the beauty of your shared love and all that you are doing right. Promise.
There’s never a “perfect” time… for anything. But there is regret when precious memories fade. Stop time with Inner Life Portraits.
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