the
Ellen Wagner Photo
experience
A relaxed, candid family photography experience for sentimental mamas who believe in beautifully preserved memories.
Based in Auburn, AL.
Available for travel in the Southeast.
Telling your story thoughtfully, honestly, and beautifully is my mission.
I give you a photography experience with your family that turns your ordinary moments into magical artwork that you'll hang on your walls for years to come.
You deserve a photographer that authentically captures your most precious moments, making magic out of your ordinary.... and I'm your gal.
-- Ellen
And that is exactly why I want to meet you where you are at.
I want to observe your family's ordinary moments - the chaos, the mess, the loud screeches, and contagious giggles - gather them up like trinkets in a pre-schooler's pocket (IYKYK), and present these unforgettable moments to you as nostalgic, emotional imagery that feels like you.
Your family will never be the same as it is at this exact moment.
Release all expectations of creating perfect family portraits.
We are going for something much more valuable here.
Just think...
I'm the photographer for you if...
you love emotional and connected images inspired by film
you have a session 'shot list' the length of a cvs receipt
Your days feel chaotic and you need someone to help you slow down
you want a 'quick' session
You want prints, albums, or custom artwork featuring your beautiful family
I'm probably not the best for you if..
you do not even want to consider printing your photos
How would I describe my sessions?
Moment catching. Unexpectedly enjoyable. A little therapeutic. Conversational. Cherished and intentional time with your loved ones. Anything but your ordinary family photography session.
I use your family as my inspiration to create artwork celebrating your life's moments - big and small.
My approach is designed for documenting motherhood and families, but is well suited for couples, extended families, and friends that feel like family.
Anything but ordinary.
Styling guidance for the whole family and complimentary access to my client wardrobe with a curated selection of dresses for women.
Styling & Wardrobe
Document your family more often by joining the session collective - up to four full-service sessions over eighteen months.
Handmade family albums and custom framed fine art prints from my trusted printers.
Didn't you hear? We aren't leaving photos in the cloud anymore.
Heirloom Products
Session Collective
my approach:
Families
perfectly imperfect
Lasting images of those you love.
Your gallery feels like reading a chapter in a story, with each image encompassing the emotion and joy of this season of life.
Maternity and Baby
feminine & Joyful
Motherly warmth you can feel.
As your family grows, I'm here to celebrate with everlasting images of all the big moments...and the little ones too.
Motherhood
nuturing & Nostalgic
Thoughtful images encompassing a mother's love.
I want every mama I work with to feel beautiful, supported, and seen. Relax and allow me to guide you through some intentional time with your little ones (even if they aren't so little anymore).
Time and time again, my clients share how refreshing and enjoyable their time with me has been. I like to think of myself as the photographer for people that think they don't like portrait sessions...but that's just because they haven't worked with me yet.
Investment Details
Signature Portrait Session
Signature Full-Service Session
+ full-service session planning - from finding the perfect location (in your home or outdoors) to creative direction to guiding you in the creation of handcrafted albums and art, I'll guide you each step of the way to ensure we create something uniquely you.
+ wardrobe planning and guidance, along with access to my client wardrobe with feminine dresses curated with my maternity and newborn mamas in mind.
+ photographer's time and talent
+ up to two hours of session time documenting your family on digital and film photography
+ digital download of all images in your gallery of edited high-resolution digital image files and film scans with personal use print release
The $300 retainer and a signed session agreement is due to reserve your place on my calendar.
The session balance of $600 is due 3 days before your session.
All pricing subject to sales tax.
Printed products (albums, prints, wall art, etc) are purchased separately.
The session investment includes:
$900
Session Collective
+ up to four full-service sessions over eighteen months, starting from first session date
+ Save compared to booking sessions individually
+ Savings increase with multiple sessions
+ Discount of 15% on albums and framed fine art prints orders
+ Complimentary 4x6 proof prints from each session
$600 creative fee
+ $500 at each session
clients may reserve up to four sessions over eighteen months at this discounted rate
Do you know you'll want multiple sessions?
Select the Session Collective and Save.
The collective retainer ($600) and a signed session agreement is due to reserve your initial date on my calendar and place in the collective.
Discounted session balance of $500 due 3 days before each session date.
Session fee pricing subject to sales tax.
pinch me, there's press:
More about my process...
More about my process...
I help you define the vision for your session, so your photos are more than 'Instagram-able"; they're meaningful images to treasure forever.
I'll provide personalized planning and preparation, my session guide, assist in wardrobe styling, and spend time learning about your loved ones. Understanding your unique family is just as important as knowing how to work my camera.
Session time is not just a time for me to photograph your family. I encourage you to focus on being in the moment. Allow the daily stress to melt away and get lost in the little moments with your family.
I finish your experience by designing custom artwork for your walls and creating an heirloom album that beautifully tells your family's story.
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An intentional photography experience created by a mother, for mothers.
secure your date
I can't wait to celebrate your family.
Use the button below to submit an inquiry. I'll be in touch soon with full booking details, session availability, and to answer your questions.
- Ellen
Do you only photograph mothers?
I love working with mothers, but I serve anyone interested in a unique and personalized photography experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a session?
If you have a specific date you'd like your session, the sooner the better.
I limit the number of clients I work with each month to ensure I am able to be fully present and creative at their session.
Typically, my clients book their session about two months ahead of time.
When should I have maternity photos taken?
The most common time to have maternity photos is between 28 and 36 weeks. That said, I've photographed mama's as late as 39 weeks. I believe it is never too late, and if you reach out, I'll do my best to fit you in!
When should I have newborn photos taken?
Do you offer discounts if I book both a maternity and newborn session with you?
I encourage my newborn clients to reserve a date when baby is two to three weeks old. I take a limited number of newborn clients each month - PLEASE reach out early!
Yes!
I adore working with repeat clients, especially at a time as special as welcoming a new life into their family.
I have a membership offering, designed for families needing multiple sessions over the course of 18 months.
Please submit an inquiry for full pricing and membership details.
When will my photos be ready?
I'll email you a first look of a few digital images a few days after your session, then your full gallery will be ready two to three weeks after your session date.
How many photos will I receive?
I don't like to focus on a specific number of images from a session, and put more weight on thoroughly documenting your family in a way that tells your story. In general, I aim for fifty *amazing* images from your session, but often deliver more in your final gallery, particularly if there are multiple family units participating.
Can I just do a mini session? I just need a few photos.
I will occasionally plan a portrait event at a pre-determined location and date to accommodate families wanting a smaller number of photos.
Investment for portrait event spots begin at $400.
I'll be sure to announce booking information on my social media and to my email list as soon as those dates are set and open for booking!
Can I gift a session to someone?
Yes, but I strongly recommend doing this only if the person has expressed interest in my work.
Gifted sessions are paid in full and you'll be sent a printed certificate in a glass photo display box to present to the recipient. Recipients will be required to sign a session agreement to reserve their session date.
Gift certificates do not expire and are not redeemable for cash.
