My Non-Negotiables for Every Portrait Session

When you book a portrait session with me, you’re trusting me to preserve moments that can never be repeated. That’s a big responsibility, and it’s one I don’t take lightly. While the flow of your session is fun, easy, and creative, behind the scenes I follow a set of strict non-negotiables that ensure your memories are safe and beautifully delivered every single time.

Here’s a peek into what goes into my preparation and process:

Two cameras, always.
I bring two camera bodies to every session. This way, if one were to malfunction, I still have another one that’s prepped and ready to use without wasting any of your session time.

Redundant memory cards.
Each camera runs on two memory cards simultaneously. This means that every photo I take is written to two places at once—like an instant insurance policy against technical mishaps.

Smart backups.
As soon as I get home, your photos are backed up to my hard drive. That’s already 3 different sources of back ups for your photos. Your memories aren’t going anywhere.

Cards stay safe.
I never format or reuse the memory cards from your session until after your final gallery has been delivered. This guarantees there’s always a safe copy of your images tucked away until you have them in your hands.

Tracking it all.
I keep an Excel sheet that records which card holds which set of photos, so nothing gets lost or mixed up. Some people would say this is a little too type A, but it gives me the piece of mind I need when juggling multiple sessions.

Confirming details.
You’ll always hear from me the day before your session. I’ll confirm the time and location with you so we’re 100% on the same page. This is also a great opportunity to share any last minute information with clients or ask for any questions they may have.

Prepared for anything.
Extra batteries? Packed. A variety of lenses for different looks? Always in my bag. I show up ready to adapt, no matter what the day brings.

Arriving early.
I get to the location 10–15 minutes before our session begins. This gives me time to check for unexpected closures, crowded areas, or anything else that might disrupt our plan. This way you don’t have to stress.

Your gallery is forever.
When I deliver your gallery, it doesn’t expire. I believe your memories should be accessible to you for the long run, not just a limited time.
However, I do include a section in my preparation guide about saving images. This includes different mediums like hard drives and cloud storage. Ultimately, you as the client are responsible for your photos once delivered.

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These are the non-negotiables I follow for every portrait session. For wedding days, my preparation is even more comprehensive (because weddings deserve a whole new level of planning and backup systems). But whether it’s a portrait session or a wedding, my goal is always the same: to ensure your memories are safe, beautifully captured, and ready to be cherished for years to come.

Ready to book your own portrait session? I’d love to create timeless images for you while taking all the behind-the-scenes worry off your shoulders. Reach out today through my contact page to start planning your session.