Frequently asked questions

I don't like the way I look in photos. Can you help?

You're not alone—so many of my clients feel this way at first. But here's the thing: my sessions aren't about posing or perfection. They're about presence. They're about connection. And the photos I make aren’t of you—they’re for you. More importantly, they’re for your children.

These images are about the way you hold them, the way you laugh together, the way they look at you like you're their whole world. When you see yourself through their eyes—through these photographs—you begin to realize that how you felt in the moment matters more than how you think you look.

Your kids won’t care if your hair was perfect. They’ll care that you were there. That you showed up. That you loved them with your whole heart—and that they can see it, years from now.

Can you take some posed photos in addition to documentary style?

Yes, absolutely. While my heart is in documentary photography—capturing your real moments as they naturally unfold—I completely understand the value of having a few posed photos where everyone is together and looking at the camera. At the start or end of the session, I’m happy to gather everyone for a few relaxed group portraits.

These are quick, low-pressure, and still reflect the warmth of your family without feeling stiff or formal.

We don’t do anything that interesting during a typical day.

Perfect. That’s exactly what I want.

The quiet routines, the messy moments—that’s where real connection lives. You may not think your day is exciting, but your child will one day treasure photos of pancake breakfasts, bathtime chaos, cuddles on the couch, and grocery store adventures.

Along with the everyday, there are milestones too—first steps, new siblings, birthdays, moving homes, even just growing up right before your eyes. These changes often feel small in the moment, but looking back, they’re everything.

You don’t need a “special” day to make meaningful photos. You just need to be yourselves. Ordinary days are where the magic hides—and I’m really good at finding it.

We’re so busy and can’t find the time for a session.

I hear you. Life with kids is non-stop—and it never really slows down, does it? But that’s exactly why now is the right time. Because this stage, this chaos, this version of your family? It won’t last forever.

My sessions are designed to fit into your life, not interrupt it. We can document your afternoon at the park, school pick-up and homework time, washing the dog, making dinner together, or even a quick ice cream stop. No need to dress up or plan anything fancy. You just live your life—I’ll be there to capture the beauty in it.

You’re already making memories. I’m just here to help you keep them.

My house is a mess. I don’t have time to clean.

Good. That means you live there.

I’m not coming to photograph your house—I’m coming to photograph your life. The toys on the floor, the dishes in the sink, the laundry pile on the couch... they’re not flaws, they’re part of the story. One day, you’ll look back andmiss the days when little shoes were scattered everywhere and art projects took over the kitchen table.

Documentary photography isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. So don’t clean for me. Just be yourselves. That’s what makes the photos meaningful.

My kids have tantrums, make messes, are loud, aren’t always cooperative…

Perfect. That means they’re kids—and that means you’re doing it right.

I don’t expect perfectly behaved children. I expect real ones. The kind who get muddy, cry over the wrong color cup, burst into giggles, and need snacks constantly. That’s the good stuff. That’s the truth of your family, and that’s what I’m here to capture.

Some of the most meaningful images come in the middle of a meltdown or a mess—because they show your love, your patience, your connection. You don’t need to prep or perform. You just need to show up and be yourselves. I’ll meet you there.

My partner doesn’t like photo sessions.

Totally get it. Most partners come into this thinking it’s going to be awkward or staged or that they’ll be forced to fake-smile for hours. But here’s the thing—this isn’t that kind of session.

There’s no posing, no endless directions, no “say cheese.” You’re not performing—you’re just living your life. Whether it’s making coffee, reading with the kids, fixing something in the garage, or getting everyone out the door—they get to just be themselves. Honestly, I’ve had so many reluctant partners end up saying, “That wasn’t bad at all… it was actually kind of fun.”

And the best part? The photos won’t just be for them—they’ll be for your kids. Proof that they were there, that they were loved, and that they were a part of the beautiful everyday moments.

Photo sessions have always been stressful in the past. My kids hate them.

I hear this all the time—and honestly, it makes total sense. Traditional photo sessions ask kids to sit still, smile on command, wear uncomfortable clothes, and somehow not act like kids. Of course they hate that. I would too.

But this is different. There's no pressure to “behave” or perform. We don’t force smiles or bribes or perfection. Your kids get to move, play, snack, be silly, be shy—whatever feels natural. And you get to relax, knowing that the best photos happen because of the realness, not in spite of it.

Families who’ve dreaded photo sessions in the past often walk away from mine saying, “That was actually… really lovely.” And their kids? They usually don’t even realize we’re doing a session.

Do you travel for sessions?

Yes, I do! Whether you're visiting the Algarve, living elsewhere in Portugal, or dreaming of a session during your next vacation abroad—I’m happy to come to you.

I regularly travel for sessions and love photographing families in places that are meaningful to them—whether that’s your home, a favorite beach, a mountain town, or a city you adore. If travel is involved, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about timing, logistics, and any travel fees ahead of time so there are no surprises.

Have a location in mind? Let’s dream it up together.

Why are your sessions so expensive?

Because this isn’t just a photo shoot—it’s an investment in your family’s story, captured by someone with 20 years of experience in making everyday life look like art.

I bring two decades of training, intuition, and care to every session. From getting to know your family and helping you feel completely at ease, to photographing with intention, to hand-editing each image and helping you turn them into tangible keepsakes—this is a full-service experience. You’re not just hiring someone to take pictures. You’re hiring someone to see you and to create something lasting.

And here’s the truth: these photos will only become more valuable with time. When your babies are grown, when the house is quieter, these images will matter even more. They’ll remind you not just of what life looked like, but how it felt.

If that kind of depth and care is what you’re looking for, then I might be the right fit for your family.