LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS.


This is not meant to be discouraging in any way, but kids are unpredictable. If you have your hopes up too high, and your kids aren’t cooperating, you set yourself up to be disappointed instead of enjoying your time together as a family. If we focus on having fun over perfection, you’re guaranteed to walk away with images you love.

WHAT TO BRING



WATER & SNACKS

I recommend cheerios, goldfish, pretzels, raisins, or marshmallows. Avoid snacks that may cause your kids to drool (like fruit snacks) or ones that melt (like M&Ms).


A NEUTRAL BLANKET (OPTIONAL)

I almost always have a blanket with me, but you're welcome to bring your own if you want any photos sitting down in the grass.


BIBS, WIPES, OR BURP CLOTHS

If your little one is prone to drooling a lot, keep something handy to keep them dry. Same goes for kids with a runny nose.

SET THE TONE


Here are some suggestions to help you show up feeling your best:


If you're nervous or stressed out by a family photoshoot, might I suggest a little drinky drink right before? Okay, okay, a glass of wine might not be ideal at 9 AM, but a fun coffee drink can do the trick too! Point is: you're welcome to bring a fun beverage with you for you to enjoy during your session if it helps.

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Arrive 10-15 minutes early. This gives you a buffer to deal with last minute bathroom emergencies, accidental car naps, or confusing GPS directions. I often have sessions scheduled back-to-back, and I cannot guarantee I'll be able to extend your time with me if you are significantly late. Arriving on time ensures we don't have to rush through your session, and you don't show up feeling hot and flustered.

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I always get the best photos when parents are relaxed and signaling that it's okay to have fun. I will intentionally do things to be silly with your kids, and they may get a little hyper in response. That's okay! When they are busy having fun with me, they are more likely to follow my directions when I need them to cooperate.

WHAT TO DO


PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY

Make sure your pockets are emptied and your phone is out of sight.


THINK OF THINGS THAT MAKE YOU LAUGH AS A FAMILY

I love to get in on your funny catchphrases and inside jokes.


BE AFFECTIONATE

Get close. Whatever it is you do to love on each other when you’re hanging out at home, do it during your session. If your child is being shy or suddenly gets upset, it's okay to cuddle with them for a few minutes. I often look for those tender, unplanned moments to capture, and they usually end up being my favorite photos. 


DON'T YELL

I'm a parent, so of course I feel weird saying this. We ALL yell at our kids sometimes. But during a photoshoot? Not the best time to lose your cool. In order for me to do my job well, I need your kids to trust that I'm a safe space for them to express themselves. If on the day of your session, your child refuses to wear the beautiful outfit you picked out, it's not the end of the world. If your child insists on bringing a toy or wearing handmade jewelry that doesn't match, embrace it. If they're being a little hyper or inattentive, just take a deep breath and leave some room for me to try to work with them. I want your kids to come as they are. Authenticity will always beat perfection.



IF YOU HAVE A TODDLER


Toddlers love to exert their independence and run away. But... to make the most of your time with me, please be prepared to pick them up and bring them back quickly. Don't let them wander off. You may think your child is going to keep running away and continue being uncooperative, but sometimes it takes a few tries to find the thing that grabs their attention. So keep picking them up and bringing them back (even if they resist) while I work to distract and engage them!



 

UNSTAGED PHOTOS ARE OFTEN SOME OF MY FAVORITES.


I don’t want you to feel like you have to be perfectly POSED for every photo. It's perfectly fine if your child is fidgety. Movement is good, and my camera is fast!


You also do not need to be looking at the camera the entire time. i WILL OFTEN ENCOURAGE YOU to look at your partner or your kids INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT ME.

 

Your photoshoot should be something fun to do as family, not something everyone is dreading. If you're feeling concerned or anxious about anything leading up to your session, please reach out so I can help put you at ease.


I have so many prompts and silly gimmicks I use during family sessions to get your kids laughing and smiling for the camera. It's usually best if you let me take the lead. I'll worry about whether or not they're looking at the camera or following direction. Your job is to keep the vibe relaxed, fun, and engaging. Give lots of cuddles and words of affirmation.