Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on your needs I offer a little bit of everything! Headshots, weddings, commercial photography and even food imagery. I have a variety of different packages and can customize them to meet your needs and budget. Please head on over to the investment page! More questions? Let’s Chat!

I am NOT located in a studio with backdrops. I shoot in various locations indoor and outdoor and use natural light and flash when needed.

I love to travel!  I am based in Richmond, VA and serve anyone within a radius of 25 miles from Richmond. An extra fee for mileage will be discussed if you live outside of this area. 

Payment methods accepted include Cash, Credit Card, and PayPal.

I shoot with a Canon 5 D Mark III and a combination of Canon prime and zoom lenses. I am all about digital!

Side note: I am not going to recommend what camera you should buy. Hire me and you won’t need one.

Photo sessions: 1 week

Weddings: 3-5 weeks

Video Projects: various depending on the project. 

After the session, you will receive a password protected online gallery. While there you can directly download all of your images in high resolution. Feel free to share your gallery! It’s great for sharing with friends and family.  You can purchase everything from prints, canvases and coffee mugs! I strongly recommend this because trust me when I say there is a huge difference between getting them printed at Wal-Mart and with my Smug Mug service. Bottom line, they cost about the same and come right to your door!

Yes, as your professional photographer, I will retain copyright of all your images, however I always provide a written and signed copyright release for you allowing unlimited personal use and printing of your photos.

You will be provided with an online gallery where you can download all the images right to your device! If you want to share them on your social networks, I am cool with that as long as you give me some serious photo credit! Photography by: Images in Play.

Photo sessions: 1-2weeks

Weddings: 3-5 weeks

Video products: Depends on the project 

I will usually provide you with a sneak peek picture of your shoot usually the next day! You can definitely share this with family & friends.  If time allows and you approve, I will also do a blog of the best images of the shoot on my blog that you can share. Within 2 weeks, I should have all your images professionally edited. Weddings will take up 5 weeks. I will then upload all your images to an online web gallery.

SORRY but flat out NO! I don’t release any unedited photos, ever. But don’t worry, I will give you the best ones and trash all the half blinks and double chin shots.

You bet! Come prepared with any props your idea may require, and let me know what you’re thinking. Even its google or Pinterest ideas, I am always up for trying new things. 

Any place you think would be most comfortable for you or your family, one that allows you to be your self. I love to use natural light, so some of my favorite locations may find us sitting in your front yard, in a park, downtown, or a place we agree upon.  I also would be more than willing to come to your home. It all depends on your needs and where you feel most comfortable.  If you have a perfect location in mind, just let me know!

This really depends on the type of session you’ve booked. My package pricing is based on the length of the session you choose.

For portrait sessions, your shoot can run anywhere from an hour to two hours, it all depends on the needs of you and your family. Newborn sessions can generally last up to three hours. For senior photos, anywhere from one hour to two depending on outfit changes and locations.

Before we meet, we’ll talk about everything you would like from your photo session. Your session will be held on location using natural light.  Even if I’m inside I’ll usually work off window light (i.e. with newborns.)  I am always looking for the perfect light, and will work hard to create beautiful, classic and crisp images for you to enjoy. I have several locations that I can suggest but also interested in any ideas you may have too.

Expect to play, laugh, love on one another and live a normal “day in your life”. I recommend sessions when it is 1 ½ to 2 hours before sunset; also known as the golden hour.  This beautiful light also occurs for about 1 to 1 ½ hours after sunrise. However, if you have a big group of people we need more time of course.

SO glad you asked! In general: Just remember that these photos will be something that you’ll want to appreciate years from now, so finding the perfect outfit that doesn’t date your photos goes a long way!

• Keep it simple: Solid colors or simple patterns. Bold patterns distract from what’s really important.
• Avoid logos: Also anything else that might be distracting and date a photograph. A little trendy is ok…just don’t over-do it. People’s eyes will go right to the logo.
• Shoes: Some of the shots will no doubt show your feet, so be aware of what you put on them. For children, please no cartoon character sneakers! I love Mickey Mouse and anything Disney but it tends to look tacky. If it’s warmish weather or summer, go for sandals or something more open. The best idea most times is bare feet. If it’s winter, how about some cute, stylish boots…both for the kids and the adults!

Seriously don’t tell anyone but senior seasons are my favorite! So here are a few of my tips for you guys and gals!

It’s important to look and feel good with what you are wearing in the photos. Please feel free to bring a change of clothes to wear as there is a bathroom on site. Maybe jeans and a cute top and a sun dress? It’s up to you guys!

You can bring props with you if you want! If you play a musical instrument in school or anything you want to have bring it!  Jewelry is always a great add-on especially if you have a High School ring you want to show off.

You don’t necessarily need to “dress up” for your portrait session. The best images are usually captured when you wear clothing that you are comfortable in and outfits that match your unique style. I recommend trying to keep things simple by picking solid colors and coordinating your wardrobe as much as possible – the only exception is to avoid wearing solid white. Unless it’s like a sundress or something to that effect.

I recommend bringing at least 3 or 4 outfits. Usually, most girls bring jeans and their favorite tops and a nice sun dress something pretty. The sundress and sandals look is always a favorite for most of my clients. Select a wardrobe that can be coordinated together (for example, pants that look good with two or three different shirts, etc.). Watch out for bra straps that might be hanging out. And of course, be careful not to wear a dark colored bra under light colored shirts or you might be surprised what shows up in the final photographs.

Steer clear of busy patterns, bright colors, or logos and consider bringing along several different clothing changes. Adding or removing a jacket, changing into different shoes, or putting on a different shirt can change your outfit just enough to make it appear that you are wearing an entirely different wardrobe. Also be sure that your clothing is clean and free of wrinkles.

MAKE-UP! 

Just keep it real. Keep it matte…no shimmery, shiny night-time makeup. How do you normally wear it? A little more than normal is fine. A lot more will look harsh…but, hey, sometimes that’s the artistic touch you want.

My biggest tip is to do your makeup with intention and to know what the camera will see. We’ll be working with natural light, so apply your makeup with natural light. Take a mirror outside and make sure you like what you see.

Start by getting plenty of sleep the night before. Tired and baggy eyes will show up in the final images. On the day of your portrait session, be sure to apply your makeup the same way you would on any other day. It’s usually not a good idea to try out something new right before having your pictures taken. We want your images to be a true reflection of you!

Consider bringing a brush, lipstick, powder, hair clips and a pocket mirror with you to have on hand during the portrait session. Applying lipstick (even if you don’t typically wear lipstick) will help your lips stand out. Dry, chapped lips never look good in high-resolution photographs! Your hands will probably be in a few of the images so consider doing your nails right before your portrait session. Along with that, kicking off your shoes can be a fun way to shake up the look of the images so you may want to get a pedicure too. Don’t be caught by surprise with chipped or worn out nail polish!

The most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.  Bring different outfits to the session to choose from. Have fun with your clothing!  Layering, bright colors, and accessories are the way to go. But stay away from logos and busy patterns.  Wear heels or fun flats, but please remember that we might walk a lot so please bring some comfortable shoes as well. Don’t forget to bring that beautiful ring! Also, if you have any props you want to use for “Save the date cards” or fun Pinterest ideas I am all about it!

For families: I suggest picking a color or two and having everyone wear something that coordinates. Maybe have a few family members wear different patterns or prints that incorporate that color, while other family members stick with solids.

For children: I love bold colors and prints! For girls, striped leggings and cute dresses make for adorable pictures! Or little boys in ties and quirky hats! I carry bubbles and treats for the little ones just in case someone is in a grumpy mood… it tends to help.

Expectations: Make sure your child or children are fed, well rested and ready to have a good time. It’s a good idea to tell small children they are going to “play” and meet a lady named Meghan. I want them to feel comfortable and at ease and ready to have fun. I prefer we all work as a team. You know your child better than I do. As you prepare for your portrait photography session, notice what you do or say that produces great reactions. Hug and kiss your kids, laugh out loud, and strike a festive mood. I will ask you to look at the camera when the timing is right, but for the most part, ignore me and my camera.

For maternity shoots: I love the look of long flowy dresses on mom. If dad’s getting in the photos, have him wear a solid color shirt that matches one of the colors in moms dress. If dresses aren’t your thing, anything form-fitting that shows off the belly and has nice colors is a plus. Feel free to glam it up, adding necklaces, bracelets or a funky jacket. Also, you may want to bring small props such as baby booties, a pacifier, or letter blocks.

For newborns, to achieve those peaceful baby shots, it is important that I meet your baby no later than the first two weeks after their birth. This may seem very early but babies are more difficult to pose and wake more easily the older they get. The day of the session I suggest to have the house at a good warm temperature. The little ones don’t like to be too hot or too cold. Keep in mind that most of the poses will be of the baby in their diaper or naked. So the house has to be set at a comfortable temperature for them. Babies may require additional feedings during their session and it may take a considerable amount of time before baby is in a deep enough sleep to start the session. Their photos are usually taken without clothes or with just a diaper cover, but different crocheted hats or frilly headbands with flowers or bows make for great accessories. If you have a particular outfit in mind, feel free to have it ready!

As for feeding the baby, try to time it so that you are almost done with the feeding or completely done by the time I arrive.  A happy belly equals a happy baby. Which equals a sleepy baby. Sleepy babies are awesome! If by chance the baby woke up on the wrong side of the crib, then I will try and capture what we can and possibly suggest another mini session (no charge) within the next few days. I want great pictures as much as you do, so I am more than happy to come back another day and try and capture your baby at it’s best.

Yes. You are hiring me to shoot the wedding, not another photographer working under my name.

Absolutely! Just email me and I will be happy to send you a link to a full wedding in a password protected gallery.

The amount of time we suggest you set aside for photos depends on the time of day.

Preparation Shots – Duration: 1.5 hours 
Ideally we would have 45 minutes for the girls and 45 minutes with the guys.

Couples session – Duration: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
. I highly suggest doing this before the ceremony in conjunction with a “first look.” That way you can enjoy the rest of your day without having to worry about taking too much time out for photo’s. Also, this is when the makeup and hair are fresh. We’ll set up a first look moment so it’ll still be a surprise when you see each other. Be sure to give us at least a full hour so we can capture the amazing shots you see in our portfolio.

Family Formals – Duration: 1 hour
Have a list of pictures that you want with your family/friends right after the ceremony. Typically this is done at the altar but we can do it any location you’d like. Also, have one person from each side of the family that is really organized (and loud) to move people in and out of photos.

Bridal Party (Optional) – Duration: 0.5 hour to 1 hour. 
This is where we take the bridal party out for some fun shots. This is also nice to handle before the ceremony so that you can rest and enjoy your day afterwards.

Reach me via my contact form along with your wedding date and venue, if secured. I can respond by email or phone. If possible, I would like to meet you both in person so you can get to know your future photographer and can ask me everything you need. Once you’ve decided to choose me as your photographer, I will send a contract for you to sign and return with a deposit. After that, you can check “find a photographer” off your wedding to-do list.

A pre-reveal is an opportunity for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony takes place. Although it’s not for everyone, I find that a planned first look allows the bride and groom to experience a very intimate moment on their wedding day. Also, it allows them to further express their most authentic emotions on their own, allows more time for photography and alleviates time pressures that are commonly associated with a wedding. Also, as a bonus you get to have more time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. There are all sorts of perks!

Yes! I love Facebook. As stated in our contract, you may use your photos for personal use only. If you want to share them on Facebook, I am cool with that as long as you give Images in Play some serious photo credit:)

That’s where the fun is! I am right there with everyone on the dance floor like a goofy bad dancer with the camera.