Frequently Asked Questions

It starts with getting to know you. I want to understand what makes your family laugh, what moments matter most, or what your organization is all about. During the session, I focus on real interactions—not forced poses—so your photos feel true to who you are. Whether it’s a quiet connection or a burst of laughter, I look for the moments that reflect your story. The editing process brings it all together with a clean, natural look you’ll love. My goal is to give you photos that feel like you—honest, meaningful, and worth remembering.

The short answer: early morning or late afternoon. That’s when the light is soft, golden, and super flattering—what photographers call “golden hour.” It’s the hour right after sunrise or just before sunset, and it creates a warm, natural glow that looks amazing in photos.

Midday sun can be pretty harsh and cause squinting or deep shadows, so we usually avoid that unless we’re shooting in the shade or indoors. Cloudy days might seem gloomy, but they actually give us beautiful, even lighting.

In the end, it depends on the look you’re going for—warm and dreamy, moody and cool, or bright and bold. I’m always happy to help you choose the best time based on your style and the season.

It’s all about connection. I take time to help everyone feel at ease so the smiles, laughs, and little moments come naturally. I’ll offer direction when needed—like helping with where to stand or what to do with your hands—but I never force anything that doesn’t feel like you.

For family sessions, I focus on the personalities and dynamics that make your crew unique. For non-profits, I look for ways to show the heart behind your work—whether that’s through people, spaces, or mission-driven moments.

You’re always welcome to speak up, ask to try something different, or skip a pose that doesn’t feel right. My goal is to capture honest, meaningful images that reflect who you really are—not just how you look in front of a camera.

The goal is to look like yourselves—just a little more pulled together. Pick a color palette with 2–3 coordinating tones, and have everyone choose outfits that fit that vibe without matching exactly. This helps your photos look cohesive but still natural.

Avoid busy patterns or logos, since they can be distracting. Instead, go for solid colors, simple textures, and layers that add interest without stealing the show. Earthy tones look great outdoors, and soft neutrals work well indoors—but if bold, bright colors are part of your personality, go for it! Just be sure the colors complement each other so everything still feels visually balanced.

Most importantly, wear something you feel good in. When you’re comfortable, it shows—and that’s what really makes the photos shine.

The location sets the tone for your whole session, so it’s worth giving it some thought. If you love clean lines and an urban feel, we can head to a spot with cool architecture or city vibes. Prefer something timeless and natural? Parks, fields, or even your own backyard can be perfect.

For non-profits, I recommend choosing a location that reflects your mission—like your office, a neighborhood you serve, or a place that feels meaningful to your work. Think about the story you want your photos to tell, and we’ll find a setting that brings that story to life.

Need help deciding? I’m happy to offer suggestions based on your style. If you’re in the Indianapolis area, take a look at Top 20 Spring Photo Spots in Indianapolis —it’s full of great ideas for both families and organizations.

For most portrait sessions—whether it’s a family shoot or headshots—you can expect about 1 to 2 hours. That gives us plenty of time to get a mix of posed and candid shots without feeling rushed. We’ll chat, move around a bit, and keep things relaxed so your real personalities can shine through.

Event photography works a little differently. I’m there for the full duration we agree on, whether it’s a couple of hours or a full-day event. I’ll capture all the big moments and the little in-between ones too.

No matter the type of session, I’m there to make things easy and comfortable. We’ll talk through the plan ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect—and I’ll guide you through the whole process so you feel confident and relaxed from start to finish.

You don’t need props—but if you have something meaningful that helps tell your story, bring it! For families, that could be a favorite blanket, a kids’ book you love reading together, or even something fun like bubbles or a board game. For non-profits, branded items or tools you use in your day-to-day work can help bring your mission to life in the photos.

Accessories like hats, scarves, or layers can also add personality and variety without needing a full outfit change.

That said, less is more. Props should support the story—not steal the spotlight. If you’re not sure what to bring, I’m happy to help you brainstorm. We’ll make sure everything feels natural, meaningful, and totally you.

To get your ideal date and and make sure everything goes smoothly, we recommend scheduling your photoshoot at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. This allows for flexibility in choosing the perfect time and location, as well as accommodating any specific requests or themes you may have.



During busy seasons, such as holidays or special events, it's advisable to plan even further ahead, ideally 2-3 months in advance. This helps in avoiding scheduling conflicts and ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

But life happens! If you need a shoot on shorter notice, just reach out. I’ll do my best to fit you in when I can.

I like to mix it up! I’ll gently guide you into natural, comfortable poses that highlight your best angles and personalities without making things feel stiff or forced. This helps everyone look and feel confident.

At the same time, I’m all about capturing those real, unscripted moments—the laughs, the little interactions, and everything in between. Those candid shots often turn out to be the most meaningful.

The goal is to give you a balanced set of photos: some beautifully posed images and some genuine, spontaneous moments that show who you really are.

Throughout the session, I keep things relaxed and fun while offering just enough direction to keep things flowing naturally.

No worries—we keep a close eye on the forecast as your shoot approaches and stay in touch with you. If the weather looks iffy, we’ll chat about options like rescheduling for a better day or moving the shoot indoors if that fits your style and goals.

Your comfort and getting great photos are top priorities. So, we’ll work together to find the best plan that feels right for you.

Good communication is key, and I’m here to make sure we handle any weather surprises smoothly, so your session is still a great experience no matter what.

DescriptionOnce your photoshoot is done, you’re free to use the images for personal or non-profit purposes however you like—sharing with family, posting on social media, or using them in your organization’s materials.

Just keep in mind that I retain the copyright as the photographer. If you want to use the photos for commercial reasons or beyond what we agreed on, we’ll need to discuss licensing or permissions first.

It’s always best to talk about how you plan to use the photos upfront so there are no surprises. I’m happy to answer any questions and make sure we’re on the same page about usage.

My goal is to keep things clear and fair, so you feel confident about how your photos can be used. goes here

Yes, absolutely—and hearing that a client wants to print their photos is one of the best compliments I can get! When you receive your digital gallery, you can download as many images as you’d like—that’s all included in your session fee.

If you’d like to turn your favorites into prints, wall art, or photo gifts, you can order directly from your gallery. It’s super simple: just pick your photos, choose the sizes or products you want, and place your order. Everything ships straight to your door.

You can order prints à la carte or as part of a package. And if you’re looking for a custom piece or a size that’s not listed, just let me know—I’m happy to help make it happen.

Absolutely! Hearing from past clients can really help you get a feel for how I work. You can find testimonials right on the homepage, featuring families and non-profits with similar needs to yours.

I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the meaningful moments I’ve captured. For even more feedback, feel free to check out my Google reviews and see some of the organizations I’ve worked with.

If you want, I’m also happy to connect you directly with previous clients so you can hear about their experience firsthand.

I care about making you feel comfortable and confident—whether you’re camera-shy or used to the spotlight. I keep things relaxed and fun during the session so your real smiles and moments come through naturally.

You don’t have to worry about the details or staying on top of communication—I’m a true set-it and forget-it option. When you choose Ellegood Photography, you can relax knowing I’ve got everything covered. Think of me as the Chick-fil-A of photographers: it’s genuinely my pleasure to serve you!

I’ve worked with all kinds of groups—from big family gatherings to professional headshots—and I tailor each session to fit your unique story.

Plus, I’m all about the details and quality, making sure you get photos you’ll love and can count on me to deliver on time, every time.