Plan your outfits.

Clothing choices can have a huge impact on how much you love your family photos. Don’t wait until a few days before to choose clothing or have your kids try on an outfit or shoes, only to discover the dress you’ve been dreaming to see your daughter in doesn’t fit, or your son’s shoes are too tight. I can’t stress enough how important it is that your children feel comfortable in their clothing AND are agreeable to the outfits you’ve selected. In fact, I recommend that you include your child in the process as much as possible. If you’re daughter hates dresses, don’t try to force her to wear one and then expect her to feel happy during your session.

When choosing outfits, I recommend choosing solid, neutral or earthtones such as light blue, green, white or khaki.

Women always look flattering in flowy dresses and men in dress pants or blue jeans and button-down shirts.

Make sure the kids are rested and fed.

I know that sounds obvious, but this is important, especially with younger kids. If your child still naps, make sure you put her down with plenty of time to allow a full nap AND extra time to get her fed and ready.  Skipping nap time is a recipe for disaster. We all know that hungry and/or tired kids are cranky and not likely to smile happily for family photos.

Pack a small snack (one that isn’t messy please), and water, just in case your child gets hungry or thirsty in the middle of your session, or needs a quick break.

Prepare your kids

Talk to your kids in advance to prepare them for your session. For younger kids, tell them you are going meet a friend at the park who will take your pictures. Assure them that they will have fun and get to play some games in the process.

If you have a child who is especially shy or anxious around strangers make your photographer aware of this before your session. It may help to take a look at my  About page  with your child to see a few photos of me and my family so she can put a face to your photographer before we meet. 

Bring an activity that you enjoy together as a family

Think about the activities that your family enjoys together. If your toddler has a favorite book or small toy she loves to carry with her, bring it along. Having an activity to do together will not only help you relax and forget about the camera, but it also allows me to capture storytelling images of your family’s favorite pastimes. Activities help engage little ones, and bring out authentic smiles. 

For older kids, playing catch, piggy back rides, races, hiking, and dancing, are great activities that allow children to have fun and be themselves. I can capture beautiful and authentic photos when kids are doing what they love.

Let your kids be themselves

Every child is different. Some are slower to warm up, while others are a ball of energy. However your child shows up is OK! I promise. Let go of any worries about them acting wild or misbehaving and do your best to just go with the flow.

I find sessions go best when parents allow me to direct their kids and follow my prompts and directions. When parents focus on interacting with their kids, rather than telling them what to do or not do, kids are happier and more relaxed and this results in images that parents love.

If your child wants to wander and pick up a pretty leaf off the ground, let him. But if your toddler just wants to be in your arms, that’s okay too. I’ll capture her sweet cuddles with you.

Look at your kids, smile at your spouse

Yes. I mean really look at them. Breathe them in like the first time your baby was placed in your arms. Hug them and kiss them. Think of how much you love them, even if they’re not cooperating. In fact, even when they’re not cooperating, keep smiling.

When parents’ eyes are on their children, they give the most natural, relaxed and beautiful smiles. As a mom, I cherish these types of images the most and I hope you will too because they portray your family’s connection and love.

Remember, not everyone has to be looking at the camera at the same time in every image. In fact, if you’ve hired me for a lifestyle family session, you know this is  not  the goal of your session. The goal is to interact with your loved ones.

Relax and have fun

You got your family dressed and ready and arrived on time for your session. Congratulations! I know it isn’t easy. Now it’s time to relax, have fun and enjoy spending time with your loved ones. Let me do all the work. Hey, that’s why you hired me. 🥰

I’ll handle all the directing and if your toddler needs some time to run around, no problem. I’ll capture a few shots of you and your spouse. I find that giving kids a few moments to explore, while I focus on other family members often makes them want to be part of the picture.

We’ll play games and I’ll guide you into genuine interactions with your family. You’ll snuggle, hold hands, laugh, play, give hugs and kisses, and tickle your children. I’ll show you that your children and your family are beautiful, just as you are!