Welcome Guide
magnolia rain
Welcome
I am so happy you reached out to me about capturing this sweet time in your life. This little guide of mine is full of all kinds of awesome information to help you plan for the perfect photo session. So take your time, check it all out and know that I am here to answer any questions you have and cannot wait to chat with you about planning your perfect session.
-Morgan
The Experience
I want your time with me to be all about YOU and your family. From the first time you reach out to me I will make sure you feel at ease. We will plan a quick consultation call where we will chat about all of the ideas you have for creating your perfect session. In the time leading up to your session, we will work together to choose the perfect outfits to compliment the location you choose from my selection of exclusive (and absolutely gorgeous) locations.
If you are looking for a little extra pampering, reach out to my favorite glam girls who will take extra special care of you. From Make-up to hair they have you covered!
The day of your session should be full of excitement for all of the fun we are going to have together. Make sure to tell your little ones that we are going to be outside playing, exploring, and having such a blast that they will barely even notice the camera. I want to make sure you leave our time together full of smiles, giggles, and feeling like you just got to hang out with a friend for a couple of hours.
If you are a new or soon-to-be mama, I have included a special little section in this guide with all of my favorite pre and post-natal resources to make sure you get the little extra spoiling that you deserve.
“I had so much with my secession with Morgan! She made it super fun and easy and provided a relaxed environment where I could be myself! She was great to bounce ideas off of with location and outfits where ultimately we got perfect pictures. I can’t wait to make a calendar out of there where I can look at them everyday. “
-Marcella
Favorite styling tips…
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Dressing for your session is like dressing your best to go to a wedding or special event. Have fun with it.
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Let's start with Mom. Mom, I want you to feel stunning and confident. What is something about your body that you love? Is it your legs? Choose a dress with a slit. Chest? A dress with a V-neck, plunge or cross over front will show it off. How about your shoulders? Off the shoulder cuts or sleeveless is the way to go. Sometimes we (me) love a dress that helps in the waist area... Choose something that cinches right below the bust line and is a relaxed fit from there down. Once your dress is picked, we can fill in the other outfits much easier. Most dresses can go both maternity and regular without coming from a Maternity shop
three
I love to pair flowy dresses, chunky cardigans, textured sweaters like waffle and form fitting for kiddos. Mix and match textures. Pick 4-5 colors with varying floral, solids and light pattern.
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Stay away from "matching." Everyone doesn't have to wear the same color to match. No white t's please.
five
Be mindful that at almost every outdoor session, your child will get dirty and run around like a beautiful crazy. Dresses, pants and comfortable shoes will keep them happy while exploring!
six
If birthing or freshly postpartum, choose clothing that makes you happy, easy to move in and easily removable. Lacey bralette, robes or a house dress with buttons and easy access for nursing (if you are) makes sessions go smoother. Bring out your personality with a floral, stripe or solid. Another comfy and flattering option is leggings, a nursing tank and a cardigan. Keep cozy and be stylish.
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If you have a freshie, choose simple solid color onesies or sleepers with 1-2 patterned swaddles or blankets Accessories are always fun! Bonnets, knot hats or bows add interest and adorableness! Name tags and letter boards are also fun!
eight
Dresses, bubble rompers and jumpsuits are perfect for little girls. Is the weather getting a little colder? Add ribbed leggings or cardigan (hello texture) If you have little a little boy(s), jeans and a button up, cargo shorts and a t-shirt with light strips, suspenders and jumpsuits are all great ideas. Add a jean jacket with sweater sleeves, a sweater or a cargo jacket during those colder months.
nine
Accessorize! A brimmed hat, bonnets, bows, stackable or wrap bracelets, a watch for dad, or oversized cardigans all add flare and help elevate your style.
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Ask for help if you need it. Stuck on one person, send me what you have. Simply need a cheerleader to tell you, you are a style Queen! I'm here!
my favorite shops
Mom: Ambiance in Placerville, Vicci, Baltic Born, Clad and Cloth, Piper and Scout, Shop Maxwell
Dad: Tilly's, JCrew, Target
Kiddos: Zara Kids, Target, H&M, Old Navy
Freshies & Babies: Amazon, copper and pearl, spearmint love, and little miss dessa
Birth and fresh 48's: Dwell and slumber, Piper and Scout, Aerie
my favorite session colors
This color palette is to help you choose colors that mix + match seamlessly and photograph perfectly together. let my favorite glam girls will spoil you…
HAIR
bombshell salon and co.
4242 Flowler Lane Unit 102, Diamond Springs, CA 95619
(530) 303-3544
Frequently Asked Questions
Do have any payment plan options?
Of course. I see photography sessions as an investment. I want to be able to offer something for everyone. I require a $150 deposit when booking your date and the remainder is due the week of your session. Your balance can be broken down in monthly payments until your session or there are things like Paypal credit that will pay your session in full, and you make payments to them.
How long does it take to receive my images?
You finish your session and I know you will be biting at the bit to see those images! Within 24 hours, I always send one image as a teaser to you. I have a current turnaround time of 1-2 weeks and sometimes quicker. If it is a busy season, I will clarify with you during your session what that timeframe will look like more closely if different from the timeline above.
What time of day are my session held?
All of my outdoor sessions are held 1-2 hours before sunset. I love the soft glow of "golden hour." I feel like this lighting is the most flattering, and it's almost even magical. I'm kind of obsessed. I always factor in a little wiggle room for things like hiking, nursing, or little independent kiddos leading the pace of our walk.
How can you hep me feel more comfortable during labor and delivery??
I have three kiddos and probably know most of your concerns of having someone you don't know in the delivery room during a very vulnerable time. When you first contact me and are interested in services, I love meeting or facetiming with you. I feel like I should vibe with you and your partner and I want you to see that before we ever officially book. We will spend a lot of time together and vibes are important. As your due date approaches, we meet for coffee or smoothies and chat again about your birth plan. Another time to get to know each other. I have been to several births and have learned when it is time to talk or step out of the room. Anyone you on your birth team if you allow it, can ask me to step out at any time for privacy or a minute to refocus. I am very conscious of these clues.
What happens if I have to reschedule?
Most of my sessions, I book months in advance. I rely on these sessions as an income to support my family, and I ask if you need to cancel or reschedule, you give me the most amount of time to do so. I am a mother and human, and I understand that life sometimes gets in the way and changes our plans when we least expect it, or someone comes down with a sickness. I allow one reschedule and allot 1-2 dates per month for make ups if something was to happen.
Once my images are ready, do you offer an option for prints or anything else?
Print. Print. Print those images. I do not require purchasing of prints but I highly encourage it. I love turning your images into tangible memories. I offer a few options like prints (large and small), photo books to display on your coffee table or to give to grandma for Christmas, or softbook albums for little hands to explore. I want to make this as easy and as stress free as possible for you, and personally take the time to custom create these keepsakes that can be delivered to your front door!
how to prep for your session
Session Checklist and To Dos
Schedule Session Consultation
Set date/time/location
Review Style Tips
Choose outfit and any needed accessories and allow shipping times
Book make-up/ hair
Pop your session date, time, and location in your calendar
Pack your session bag
Look over my “During Your Session “ notes
Review your gallery and Print Menu and think about what kind of goodies you would like .
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR OUTDOOR SESSION
Water
Snacks and/or small non messy bribery for littles
Chap stick, lip gloss or bobby pins
1-2 towels for drying, sitting on or setting extra items on
Comfy shoes for in between walking if wearing new shoes or wedges.
During Your Session Remember To….
Breath and let loose - Every year my own family goes in front of a camera. We feel all the feelings every time. At first one can be nervous but take a deep breath and let loose. Be silly, snuggle your lovers and just soak in exploring together. I can easily pick up on these ques of feelings and have many tricks and cues that help you get more comfortable.
Follow your child's lead - If this experience has you feeling your feelings, chance are so are your kiddos. I have a work flow I work off of but your child or children, dictate that. Are they being shy? Snuggle. Are they being silly? Let's all be silly. Are they splashing through the water or running into that sunset....? We can always circle back to something your child may not have been into the first go around. And this is A-Okay!
Let's explore - Be in the mindset of going on a mission to explore with your tribe. Soak in the nature around you. Splash in the lake, watch the sun set behind the mountains, and soak in your children exploring and finding treasures they are proud of. Moments will come naturally and not feel pressured or forced.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR BIRTH OR FRESH 48 SESSION
1-2 solid color onesies and blanket (s) for baby
bows, bonnet or knot hats
1 outfit for mom that makes you happy
Outfit for dad. Plain colored top without buttons
Accessories like letterboard, name tag or name plaque if desired
Local Resources…….
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Massage
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Yoga
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Lactation Consultant
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Infant Chiropractic
“Morgan was such a pleasure to work with! We were undecided on what exactly we envisioned for our maternity photos other than ‘outside with trees!’ and Morgan was able to suggest the perfect photo shoot location. Once at the shoot, she immediately made us all feel comfortable and was really great working with our incredibly shy toddler. She made sure to capture both the expected maternity poses and some really sweet impromptu shots. We absolutely love how the photos turned out and already have them displayed in multiple rooms around the house!”
-Angela
Family Session Pricing
Honeysuckle Package
$650
Personalized session consult
Golden hour session
50 hand edited images
60-90 minute session
Online Gallery & print release
Choice of your favorite of my 5-10 exclusive locations including my local and mountain locations
$75 Custom Print Shop credit
Travel fee required 40+ miles from 95742, $2 per mile over/per one way
Peony Package
$450
Personalized session consult
Golden hour session
20 hand edited, high-resolution images
40 minute session
Online Gallery & print release
Choice of your favorite of my 5 exclusive locations
travel fee required 15+ miles from 95742, $2 per mile over/per one way
Birth Session Pricing
Wild Rose
FULL BIRTH EXPERIENCE
Consult in person, phone or FaceTime
24 hours on call from 37 weeks to birth
3rd trimester coffee and chit-chat date
Unlimited coverage from active labor until 2 hours post birth
Doula: Emotional and Physical Support for you and you partner during labor
80 hand edited, high-resolution images
Private gallery
Print release
If you are looking for the perfect way to capture the entire experience of bringing your little love into the world, you will want to check out my Sweet Marigold Collection which includes my boutique style photo album, $50 Print Shop credit, and of the following sessions
sweet marigold collection
$1850
Violet
OUTDOOR MATERNITY
Whether you are a first-time a or a fourth-time you know that those last few months before your baby arrives are incredibly precious. These fleeting moments are just longing to be captured and my favorite way to capture the glow of a pregnant mom is drenched in the glow of the sunset. Came along with me as I take you out exploring around one of my exclusive session locations until we find the perfect dreamy light to dance around in.
$650 value if booked separately
Wild Rose
FULL BIRTH EXPERIENCE
Birth is a story from early labor to the first latch or meeting brother or sister for the first time. I am here to capture all of the details in between. I am here to not only capture details but to be your biggest cheerleader. I am by your side when you need emotional support or a drink of water while pushing, but I am also quiet off in the distance when you need a break. I am here to serve you as if you were my sister or best friend and honor your birth plan.
$1250 value if booked separately
Buttercup
HELLO BABY NEWBORN
Besides baby feet, I love capturing baby in their bassinet at the hospital. Swaddled tight in the blankets you have handpicked with his matching hat or her matching bow melts me every time. I love to bring baby into the soft light of the window capturing all angles of their sweet little chunky face, the way their hands always manage to get out of that tight swaddle and rest on their face, or how much hair they have.
$650 value if booked separately
Let’s chat a little more….
I cannot wait to hear more about you and your sweet family. Have questions I can answer for you?