Welcome guide
For your fine art photo session
Hello!
I am so glad you are here and I cannot wait to meet you!
My name is Tori, I have been a professional photographer serving Kansas for over 10 years. Something Wild Photography was born as my oldest son and I were jamming out to one of our favorite songs, "Something Wild" by Lindsey Sterling featuring Andrew McMahon. Singing and laughing and sharing in the joy of the music elevated my heart and it was suddenly so clear, My passion is to make Y-O-U feel amazing.
I want you to see how truly unique and beautiful Y-O-U are.
God created you to be exactly who you are, where you are, and I want to help you capture that.
While I may have this style or that style, and my own vision for the session, I will never lose sight that this relationship is and SHOULD BE about Y-O-U.
Let me pause and explain that I still direct, I still guide, I still help you every step of the way, I still use my expertise, but we aren't here to showcase me. We are here to showcase you, and believe me, you deserve to be showcased!
Don't get hung up on having the perfect session either, the purpose of capturing a moment in time is to be genuine and truly honor where you are at this time. I'm the type of artist that allows the image to talk to me. This means that I allow each session and each image to be as unique as the people in the images.
I hand edit each and every image so that you are receiving the most personalized high-quality experience possible.
each image will be its own masterpiece.
I also believe that your images should be seen and cherished every day. I want your entire family to walk by those beautiful photos hung in your home and smile at the thought of how much fun you all had together during your session
This is why I proudly offer my heirloom prints, boutique wall art, and keepsake accordion books printed by my most trusted professional print labs. I only offer the best of the best to my clients.
These premium print options are available as an add-on to any session.
your investment
I put the same amount of love and time into each and every session that I photograph
so I have chosen to offer all of my sessions for the same price.
$280
THIS includes
styling assistance
UP TO ONE HOUR OF ON-LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY
30 QUALITY AND BEAUTIFULLY MASTERED + hand-edited FINAL IMAGES.
THESE IMAGES are available for download THROUGH AN ONLINE SOURCE THAT WILL COME via EMAIL.
my heirloom prints, boutique wall art, and keepsake accordion books are available as an additional add-on to each session
Boutique Wall Art
Image blocks (modern day canvas wraps)
8x10 $75 11x14 $85
16x20 $125 24x30 $180
Heirloom Prints
4x6 $10 5x7 $15
8x10 $25 11x14 $35
16x20 $50 24x30 $75
30x40 $100
Keepsake Mini Books
three (3) identical Accordion books, sized 3x3 on smooth matte paper and a custom cover
Set of 3 - $80
Please Note: My elite Model sessions are not included in this price.
ready to book your session?
Now that you’ve seen why my photo sessions are so special
you know you want to join in on the fun and book your next session
my favorite tips
How to prepare for your photo session
small kids
Small kids are so full of giggles + joy I absoluetly love photographing them. Here are a few of my favorite tips to keep them smiling all session long…
Bring simple non-messy snacks in case your child gets hungry or treats to help them sit still during posed family shots.
Well rested little ones always have more fun during sessions so don’t skip out on naptime that day.
I’m not afraid to be the crowned fool to get kids to give me genuine smiles or laughter, so if your kiddo(s) have a favorite toy, joy, show, or anything else, please be sure to share that with me so I can really relate to them!
the nitty gritty
I’m a mom so I know that Kids of all ages can get boogies in their noses, have dirty faces, or crazy hair and it can happen quickly ! A quick check of everyone’s hair and face before your session helps ensure evryone is looking their best.
Bringing some wipes and a hairbrush is a great idea for last-minute touch-ups or even when little boogies show up in the middle of your photo session.
keep it light
I like to let your kids be their wonderful little selves so don’t worry if they aren’t posing or smiling perfectly. I want You to just relax and enjoy being with your family let me take care of the rest.
Let kids be involved in choosing their outfit so they are comfortable. Older kids can sometimes have a hard time “loosening up” for their shoot so it helps if they feel good in what they’re wearing.
While we will do posed shots, I also like to capture the family dynamic so please give your family permission to be themselves, to tickle, joke, and be silly with each other!
for the adults
I want you all arriving at your session relaxed and ready to have fun. use the drive to your session as a time to lighten the mood. Listen to your favorite songs, play a game along the way or crack some jokes. In my experience, we wear our moods on our faces and this is no different for a session.
The bottom line here is to relax, realize that there is no such thing as perfection when it comes to us humans, and more than anything I just want you and your family to…
HAVE F-U-N!
styling your session
What to wear
Dressing for your family photos No matter what, be comfortable in what you are wearing. I always aim to have ‘momma’ be styled first and build the rest of the family to compliment her.
I ask all my clients to send me pictures of their outfits before the session. This way I can coordinate locations based on your clothing choices. I’m also happy to help advise you on what to wear! Shoot me an email or text and I’m happy to help!
choose complEmenting colors
choosing your colors is one of the key elements of your session style. I really deter my clients from all being in one color. Instead focus on complimentary colors. Check out my examples here to see what I mean
Photo Credit Stormy Solis
Avoid all-matching outfits
In The image above, everyone is wearing the same color family, but different tones and hues. Whereas the image to the left, shows everyone wearing the exact same color. It’s such a difference! The COMPLEMENTARY tones adds depth and interest to your images
I have a lot of pins on my Pinterest board that I welcome everyone to check out. Let’s be honest though, I tend to over save on my pins and fully understand it can be overwhelming to check that out, so please contact me and I will happily help you plan your attire!
start with one pattern
Avoid dressing the whole family in patterns. A good idea is to choose one item, a dress for example, with a pattern containing the colors you love. Then choose colors from the item that you love for the other family members to wear.
play with textures.
Textures are something that can really add a lot of dimension to any image. I encourage as many textures as you can in the wardrobe choices! This could be a knit sweater, a lace dress, silk shirts, blankets, scarves, etc. There are so many options for textures, have fun with it!
my thoughts on shoes
I am of the mind that shoes should disappear once the camera turns on, I love bare feet in my images! That being said, if you would like to keep shoes on, or for safety reasons they have to stay on, make sure that the shoes you pick not only make sense with the outfit your family is wearing, but will also be safe to GALLIVANT through whatever location we go to.
be comfortable
Make sure that everyone’s clothing fits properly and is weather appropriate. If you’re hot or cold during your session it’s less likely that you’ll be relaxed and able to enjoy yourself. This is especially true for children. choose clothes that make you feel awesome. If you feel good in your clothes it shows!
do’s and don’ts
Do’s
Do Wear layers!! Layers add dimension and depth to your images. If it’s hot outside layer with accessories - cute belts, necklaces, bracelets, etc. If it’s cool weather cardigans, vests, scarves, boots, and hats are all great examples. Avoid graphics on clothing - accessorize instead!
Do Purchase clothes that fit your body. It can be tempting to buy kids clothing a size bigger so they’ll have room to grow, but for photo sessions, it’s not the best idea. Avoid looking sloppy by wearing well-fitting garments.
Do Start with one outfit (let momma shine first!) and build the rest of the family clothing from there. It can be overwhelming trying to choose all the outfits at once so start small and build from there. Everything doesn’t have to be new, shop your closet!
When in doubt opt for neutral tones that blend well together. add a pop of color to have a little fun to your session style.
Don’ts
Don’t choose all matching outfits. Matching is out, coordinating is in. Outfits should complement each other, not match each other.
Don’t Choose colors that match the scenery. If you’re doing a lot of outdoor photos, for example, avoid wearing a lot of green as you’ll blend in too much with the background. Of course, pops of green here and there are fine!
Don’t Wear solid black or solid white clothing. These colors don’t show dimension when photographed and make for dull, boring images. However, since there are exceptions to everything, you can wear solid white or black when you are accessorizing or using textures!
Don’t wear graphic tees or pieces with large logos on them.
Don’t: Wear neon colors. They don’t photograph well and cast colors onto the skin of those who are wearing them.
where to shop
We welcome any questions you have. If you don’t find the answer in our guide - just ask!
Here is a list of common places to shop as well as some lesser-known online boutiques! Some are more affordable than others, so please shop only what’s in your budget and always remember, some of the best shopping happens in our own closets! Also, this is a wonderful service if you would like more hands-on assistance with styling for your session, Style + Select
Men Specific
Children Specific
frequently asked questions
do you offer discounts?
Yes! I am proud to offer a PERMANENT discount of 15% discount to all military and law enforcement members and their families.
Do you Have a studio?
No, I am a location-based photographer. My passion is outdoor lighting with beautiful shades and various light casts. Newborn sessions are done in their home.
Do you offer a referral program?
Absolutely!!! For all clients who book with me off the referral of a past client, THE CURRENT CLIENT and THE NEW CLIENT will receive a $25 credit to be used towards their full, regular-priced session.
maternity
I AM PREGNANT, WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY MATERNITY PICTURES?
I prefer to photograph mothers when they are between 28-32 weeks along in their pregnancy. However, if you are expecting multiples or feel you could go into premature labor we can schedule earlier.
I HAVE SOME COMPLICATIONS AND AM ON BED REST, CAN I STILL GET MATERNITY PICTURES DONE?
Yes and no. During pregnancy, women are more fragile and delicate than any other time in their lives. You’re building a human! If your doctor has warned you against any strenuous activities, we can still do a maternity session but we will take extra care to make sure that you don’t get to strained. There is always the option of doing a lifestyle session in the comfort of your own home. Contact me and we will discuss your situation and find the best solution for you!
DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOTHING SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes! I have several maternity gowns that are specifically for expecting women. I purchase my gowns from Ana Brandt, owner of TAoPan in California. Some images of these gowns are located here, so you can have an idea of what I can bring
.
PREPARING FOR THE SESSION:
MAKE SURE YOU EAT AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER BEFORE THE SESSION! WE WILL BE WALKING AND MOVING AND GETTING UP AND DOWN IF YOU ARE ABLE AND YOU WILL NEED THE ENERGY.
MAKE SURE ANYONE WITH YOU (HUSBAND, PARTNER, CHILDREN) HAS EATEN AS WELL.
KEEP TRUE TO YOURSELF! IF YOU ARE A JEANS AND TEE-SHIRT TYPE, WEAR THAT! I WILL ALWAYS OFFER MY MATERNITY GOWNS, BUT IF THAT’S NOT YOUR STYLE, DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT!
newborn
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE MY NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHED?
I prefer to see newborns between 5-12 days after birth. If you are breastfeeding your newborn, it’s best to wait until baby is at least 7 days old, as the milk supply may not be in full swing yet and baby could be less settled. If you are bottle-feeding your newborn with formula, 5 days old is just fine.
If there were any complications, this date can be later and isn’t set in stone. A good rule of thumb is that your baby weighs at least 7 pounds at the time of our session. I have photographed newborns that were 6 weeks old, it can be done!
CAN I USE SOMETHING SPECIAL, LIKE AN HEIRLOOM OR PROP, TO INCLUDE IN THE SESSION?
Yes! I encourage my clients to have handy a little something to incorporate in the session to make it more “them”. Whether your a huge sports buff, or a military member, I will do my best to include this in the photos.
WHERE DOES THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Newborn sessions take place in your home. I bring all of my props with me and use the best natural light from your windows, I also bring a flash to ensure we have beautiful lighting.
I HAVE A BOY AND AM PLANNING ON HAVING HIM CIRCUMCISED, WILL THIS INTERFERE WITH OUR NEWBORN PICTURES?
Should you choose to have your boy circumcised, I prefer to schedule his newborn session either before, or up to 6 days after. When I arrive I will ask you how he is healing, if need be we can put a slave on his diaper area and leave a diaper on him so he is comfortable with various poses and wraps. If he is not healing well, I keep this in mind and don’t do certain poses that may cause him irritation.
WHAT SHOULD I DO THE DAY OF OUR SESSION?
Give baby a bath and have some quiet playtime and dress in clothing that will be easy to remove for the session. Use natural baby oils or lotions to smooth babys’ skin after bath. Avoid having baby wear anything that can make impressions on the skin, and preferably something that doesn’t have to go over their head. Schedule our session to happen during feeding time if possible and around his or her typical nap time, I prefer clients to wait until I arrive to begin the feeding and nap process. Have a pacifier handy, even if they aren’t taking one yet. This can be helpful with any startles.
CAN I REQUEST CERTAIN POSES OR SHOTS I’VE SEEN ON PINTEREST OR OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY SITES?
Yes, you can. I will make every attempt to get you what you want in terms of poses. However, keep in mind I will never copy someone else’s work. We will use what you have seen as an inspiration for our own art.
CAN SIBLINGS & PARENTS BE IN A FEW SHOTS?
Yes! I recommend and encourage immediate family to be included in these sessions. It’s best to have anyone wanting to be in the pictures arrive during or before the session.
IF I AM A NURSING MOTHER, ARE THERE CERTAIN FOODS I SHOULD AVOID LEADING UP TO OUR SESSION?
Yes, but it’s your choice! Your baby can react differently to different foods and can have complications during our session. Here is a list of good and not-so-good foods to eat starting two days before our scheduled session. Following this guideline will help ensure that baby is comfortable and can sleep peacefully.
have a question?
I am always here and happy to help you with any questions you may have regarding the session experience that I offer.