Welcome to the Family
BEFORE WE GET STARTED
I want to take a moment to say thank you - thank you for trusting me with one of the most valuable and precious things in life: your memories. I know how much these moments mean to you, and I deeply value the opportunity to preserve them. Prioritizing photography is a gift not only to yourself but to future generations, and I commend you for taking this step.
They say, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and I am so grateful that’s true for me. Photography is more than a job; it’s my creative passion and my way of helping people celebrate their unique stories.
What to Expect
01. BEFORE THE SESSION
Location & Styling
Before your session, I’ll help you plan all the details so you feel prepared and excited. We’ll choose a location that fits your vision and I’ll guide you through outfit styling to help you look and feel your best.
Below you’ll find some ideas to get you started and help you feel confident going into your session.
02. DURING THE SESSION
Capturing your Portraits
My goal is to keep things fun, easy, and true to you. I use gentle prompts and natural movement to create authentic smiles and interactions, striking a balance between candid shots and lightly posed portraits.
If at any point during our session you need to take a break or switch it up, let me know! More than anything, I want you to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!
03. AFTER THE SESSION
Editing & Delivery
My editing style is natural, warm and minimal. I primarily focus on lighting, color balance, and tone while keeping your images authentic. I remove temporary blemishes and distractions but keep unique features like freckles and birthmarks.
Your final images will be ready within 7-10 business days. I will send you an email with a link to your online gallery where you can download, like and share your favorite images.
Choosing a Location
Most of my sessions take place somewhere out in the desert - wide open spaces, cactus-filled trails, and with that golden Arizona light. I also love spots along the river or near the lake - places where the desert meets the water in the prettiest way. Take a look through my location guide below to get a feel for some of my favorite spots. And if you’re not sure what fits best, I’m always happy to help you choose.
Lake Beach
Saguaro Lake
This little beach spot is tucked into the hills of Saguaro Lake. In the cooler months it’s calm and peaceful with the prettiest light, perfect for private sessions. Summertime brings a fun, lively vibe with plenty of energy in the background.
Desert Highway
Bush Highway, Mesa
This spot feels like a movie scene - a long, straight road leading right into the mountains. Desert brush lines the sides, and at golden hour the light pours across the road and makes the whole backdrop glow. This location can be paired with Riverside.
Riverside
Lower Salt River
This pretty spot along the Salt River has big boulders, shallow water to wade in, and lush desert greenery along the banks. It’s the perfect little escape from the city to slow down and capture some portraits by the water.
Red Rocks
South Phoenix
Papago is a favorite spot for locals, with easy trails and views of the unique red rock formations. You’ll find more brush than cacti here, and the smooth dirt paths make it a great option if you or family members need a location that’s easier to walk.
Superstitions
Apache Junction
This stunning location sits right at the base of the Superstition Mountains, with wide desert views and the most dramatic red rock backdrop. It’s perfect if you’re looking for photos that feel bold, adventurous, and full of Arizona desert charm.
Open Desert
North East Mesa
This spot sits right up against the mountains on the edge of Mesa, with wide desert views, saguaros, and winding trails. At sunset, the sky glows along the horizon, making it a stunning spot for golden hour sessions. It's a classic desert backdrop.
Let's Chat about
Session Styling
When it comes to styling your session, the most important thing is that you feel like you - comfortable, confident, and at ease. I always recommend sticking to soft, neutral tones that work well with the desert and natural surroundings. Clothes with some texture or movement photograph beautifully - think flowy dresses, cozy knits, or anything with a little extra detail. Layers and accessories (like hats, jackets, or jewelry) can add a fun touch too. And if you’re dressing as a family or group, aim to coordinate without totally matching (unless that’s your thing - then go for it!). Oh, and a little tip - wearing your makeup just a bit heavier than normal will help it show up best in photos.
Pinterest Inspiration
TIP & Tricks for
Photographing Kids
My biggest tip- the best thing you can do is let them be themselves - truly. Wiggles, giggles, and even a little chaos are part of the magic. I promise those in-between moments make some of the sweetest photos. Don’t stress about keeping them perfectly still or smiling at the camera; I’ll gently guide them with little games and prompts that bring out their natural personalities.
A few tricks can help make the session go smoothly: plan a snack or meal beforehand so no one’s running on empty, bring water and mess-free snacks for breaks, and consider a small comfort item (like a favorite toy or blanket) to ease nerves. If an outfit mishap happens, don’t worry, I always work around it, but bringing a backup can save the day. Most importantly, relax and have fun with your kids. Your job is to simply love on them, while I take care of the rest.
Preparing for
Sessions At Home
At-home sessions are a wonderful way to capture the comfort and intimacy of your everyday life. These sessions are all about reflecting who you truly are in the spaces where you feel most at ease. Choose outfits that align with your personality and the vibe of your home - cozy and casual is always a great choice. Think soft sweaters, relaxed jeans, or even barefoot moments in your favorite loungewear if it suits the story you want to tell.
When preparing your home, aim for a balance between tidy and authentic. Straighten up any clutter in the spaces we’ll be photographing, like your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, but don’t feel the need to make it look like a magazine spread. The charm of an at-home session comes from the real, lived-in feel of your environment. A throw blanket casually draped on the couch, a favorite mug on the coffee table, or your kids’ toys thoughtfully arranged can add meaningful, personal touches.
The beauty of an at-home session is its flexibility. We’ll use the natural light streaming through your windows to highlight candid moments - whether you’re snuggling on the couch, laughing in the kitchen, or enjoying quiet moments in the nursery. These photos are about celebrating your life, exactly as it is, in a space that holds your most cherished memories.
Office Hours
Please feel free to contact me by text or email anytime, I check both throughout my day.
9 am - 5 pm
602.397.9219
shea@heysheaphoto.com
Payments
As a reminder, a non-refundable deposit is due at booking and the remainder of your invoice will be due 48 hours prior to your session date/time. All payments may be made directly through your invoice or via PayPal, Venmo or Apple Pay.
Can I bring props to my session?
Consider bringing a blanket or throw for sitting, personal items with special meaning (like a favorite book, guitar, or coffee cup), fun props for family shoots (such as bubbles or a picnic setup), or meaningful items for lifestyle or couple sessions that reflect your hobbies or favorite places.
What if the weather is bad?
Since I rely on natural light, overcast skies or slight rain can still work in our favor! If it’s a heavy downpour or too dark, we can reschedule for the next available date.
Can I change outfits?
One to two outfits usually work well. I suggest one casual and one slightly dressier option to give variety without overwhelming you with changes.
Can we bring pets?
Absolutely! If they're part of your family, I’d love to include them. Just let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
How long will my session last?
Full sessions last an hour, but I keep things flexible to ensure we have plenty of time to get those perfect shots.
Can you photoshop me?
Outside of my regular processing, I do not offer special editing or photoshopping of your images.