What to expect from your photo session:

Expect something different. We don't do heavy posing or direction. We don't tell you to smile, or tilt your head. We encourage you to sit/stand/be as comfy as possible. When you're comfy, you'll look happier. We encourage you to talk, laugh, hug, run, jump and have fun.

We encourage clothes that make you comfy and happy. While solid colors and longer sleeves/pants/skirts look best (usually no prints), nothing's set in stone. Changing clothes during the session is an option, if you'd like. Photo conflicts due to sleepy babies or playful animals may prevent getting both outfits in.

If you're being photographed as a couple or group, consider wearing similar colors (white shirts with khakis or jeans, all black shirts, or browns, greens, tans, etc.) for visual connection. If you have a certain room in your house you'd like to hang your wall print, consider wearing clothes that go with the decor in that room.

Don't expect lots of bright flashes. When at all possible, we shoot with natural light (no flash). This makes it great for new babies, nervous animals and little ones, blinkers, and even wedding ceremonies. You'd be surprised how little light we need to get great images with our heavy duty equipment.

We'll be asking questions about you and what you like, to make your pictures more personal. If we do

a session at your house or your favorite hangout, well want to know if a certain part of your home or back yard, or a certain table at that local restaurant has special meaning. Why not create images that reflect how you came to be who you are today, and what makes you different? Were sappy and sentimental here, so wed love to share that with you. You will not feel rushed or like a part of an assembly line, so lets get to know each other.

Our goal is to only accept 2 portrait sessions per week (1 during wedding season), and no more than two sessions per day (1-2 hours after sunrise, and 1-2 hours before sunset), though your actual session time is usually 30-90 minutes (don't worry about being under pressure to model all day!). Dates often book up 1-2 months in advance, so feel free to make contact early for your session date.

The more time we can spend getting to know you as a person/couple/family/etc. in general, the better your portraits will be, and the happier well all be with each other. We don't have to do all the getting-to-know-yous on the session day, and we understand some peoples schedules don't allow for lots of chatting. No worries. Were also flexible. :)

A nicely equipped, low-key (no props, elaborate backgrounds, etc.) studio is also available for your portraits. Two shooting rooms are offered-1 being studio lit with simple backdrops, the other being a natural light, comfy chair and couch room with simple white walls. We tend to prefer the comfort we can find at your personal locations-home, favorite place to play, favorite hangout, outside anywhere, etc. Well travel anywhere up to 1 hour from the Parkersburg, WV area for no extra charge. Only 20.00 per additional hour (or part of an hour) will be charged for further travel.

Contrary to popular belief, sunny days at noon are actually the worst times to have your pictures taken. Think of holding a flashlight over your head, and look for the shadows under your eyes and nose. Ick! Cloudy days are actually fantastic light, where we can go anywhere. :)

A signed contract must be on file at the completion of your portrait session. This allows us to have your contact information on file (for shipments or to ask/answer ordering questions), and to lock your pricing quotes in stone. The contracts also include a model release paragraph, to allow MWP permission to judiciously display images from your session/event on the studio blog, website, and any tasteful advertising. If you have any concerns, please contact our office.

The term "we" is only to be referred to as "us" as a team. When you hire Michelle to photograph you, your event, family, portrait, etc., you will get Michelle, no substitutes. When you hire Michelle for a wedding, you will still have Michelle, but for most weddings, an assistant will also be photographing additional images.