Things to Know
20 Years
You're thinking, that's a long time right? And it is! And that's what you get when you invest in me to capture your story. In 20+ years of being a photographer for others than just my own kids and family, I've picked up quite a hefty bag of experience that I get to share with you during your session. And in that time, my most favorite part of this whole "job" is the friendships I've built with the families that come through my door year after year. The session planning will begin before I even pick up the camera. Your pictures are just as important to me as they are to you, Don't hesitate to get in touch, I'd love to chat!
My Vision
There are so many different views and ideas of what a portrait session can look like. It's important to know the photographer you are booking and what their style portrays. Through my years of studio experience, I've reached a place that I prefer to keep things more simple and natural. My roots were always to focus on baby. I've never loved a ton of props, or busy backgrounds. I envision creating art for you of your littles that you can place in a frame on your wall and it can stay there for years. With the new studio space, I'm designing a more natural, organic theme, and that includes wood textures, creamy soft colors and natural light looks. For newborns, I've collected a colorful array of blankets and coordinating accessories as well as unique props from around the world. 2025 is the year I am shifting toward this more timeless approach. So when planning your session, please keep that in mind, as I won't have a ton of color in the studio for sitters and up any longer. If themed background are in use, those will be only for limited Holiday Mini events. The color and beauty will be on your baby, and my focus will be capturing all of their perfect details with none of the fuss to distract. I do have a small client closet that you can choose from also, if the idea of outfit searching is stressful! I want to help plan and style your session in any way I can!
FAQ
How do you book?
You can use the Book tab on the website or email Dana directly to start a discussion.
What session types are you currently offering?
For indoor studio, The Barn Studio primarily focuses on newborn and babies. I release limited dates for outdoor family sessions during the warmer months. And during holidays, I will often offer special sets that can include the family. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get the latest info when all of those are released.
What's Included?
All Sessions include the session fee and a set amount of full resolution digital images depending on what session you book, and they come with print release. This means you get to download the images to your computer at home, upload them to any print lab you choose and make and order any size prints you want for as long as you keep your files. I don't shoot a certain amount of 'poses'. I have a workflow I start with, and allowing a relaxed session environment, I shoot until I'm confident we have what we need.
What happens after the session?
Images are delivered in a private, online gallery pretty soon after your session. The images are not edited yet! You choose which images you want as part of the session package you bought, and those will be edited and redelivered, typically within 1-2 weeks. That time frame is subject to change during holiday seasons.
How Many Pictures Do You Get?
Each Session will have image quantity options, so you get to customize your session.
Where do you go?
Studio sessions are located at my studio on our hobby farm, in The Barn Studio, on Lower Alarka, in Bryson City, North Carolina. This is a fun experience as you get to see and occasionally visit with our nosey farm animals as they peak in and out from their side of the barn before and after your session. You never know who will come in for a visit and this truly makes your time here at The Barn Studio a one of a kind experience! Outdoor session locations vary and are custom planned according to session goals and the time of year.
What happens if the weather is isn't cooperating for our outdoor shoot?
It's very important to be flexible when first scheduling an outdoor shoot. The worst part about Mother Nature is we can't control the weather so if it isn't pretty, or rainy, we will definitely want to try for another day. I will touch base with you the morning of, or possibly a day or two before depending on the forecast, and we usually try to make a decision of when to call it, whether right then or to wait an hour or so before you plan to get ready for the session. Either way, just know I'm super flexible because I want the best outcome for you!
Things to Bring
This depends on your session type. For milestone and family sessions, you don't have to bring much but if you have a sentimental item such as a lovie or blanket, that's always encouraged. If you are planning a birthday session, bring any decor you want incorporated like balloons, banner, toys, and a cake if that's in the plan. For newborn sessions, Dana provides all photography items for baby, like wraps, hats, headbands, and props. Color requests are always discussed prior to the session.
Do you ever offer farm animal sessions?
This is hopefully something we will be able to offer very soon, as we are finishing up things at The Barn Studio, to allow easy access and a pretty view. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss when these are offered!
