YOU MUST LOVE ON EACH OTHER!!! Get touchy feely and try to always be physically connected in some way to your partner or kids. Of course there will be times when you won’t be but if you make an effort to lovingly touch each other as much as possible then the love and connection will radiate from your images.

Your outfits should reflect your true style and be comfortable. I do not recommend matching outfits for anyone in the family but rather coordinating. I encourage you to check out my Pinterest board for ideas on color themes that go well together. I’m happy to consult you on your wardrobe if you need help deciding what would look best. If at all possible, bring the shirts or outfits on hangers and change into them when you get to the session so they won’t be wrinkled from the car ride.

Have outfit choices picked out days before the session. Try everything on you and your child to make sure items fit well and are comfortable. If your clothes are brand new, wash them and get out all wrinkles. If they aren’t brand new, please still make sure they are free of wrinkles. Allow plenty of time to get ready and arrive on time. If you’re stressed out, your child will be stressed out and we don’t want either of those things.

We can decide on the location of your session together. I have a handful of locations that I shoot at regularly but I’m always open to new locations as well. The goal is to choose a location that fits your style and personality. Many of my clients choose in-home sessions because it’s intimate and personal and makes for great photo memories to look back on.

If we are shooting outdoors, the session will be scheduled most likely in the evening at golden hour or early in the morning. The light is typically too harsh in mid day unless we’re in an area that is mostly shaded. If we’re shooting in your home, late morning is usually when your home will have the most light depending on your window locations.

I like to start with the family group photos first. I’ll direct you into different natural “poses” but it won’t feel like posing, I promise! Next I typically do sibling group photos then individual child portraits. These are laid back and the kids usually love the attention and having fun for the camera. Towards the end of the session I like to make sure I’ve gotten some shots of just the parents together. The session will flow smoothly and naturally.

You can prepare you child by letting them know ahead of time that a friend will be taking some photos of them and your family. Make sure your child is rested and fed before the session. PLEASE do not worry if your child is a little rambunctious. I work the session around the children so if they need a little time to warm up to me and the idea of photos, that’s totally fine. We want photos of you admiring and loving on your children so there’s no need to get upset with them.

Your session is scheduled according to the light so it’s important that you are on time. Planning to arrive early allows you to have time to park and get be relaxed instead of rushed before our time together starts. Since a lot of my sessions are planned for evening time, please plan for possible traffic.

Lint roller to get off any unwanted lint, pet hair, or threads off of clothing when you arrive.

Wet wipes to wipe your child’s face before we start. We want to make sure they don’t have any eye, nose, or mouth crusties!

Water to drink.

I do not recommend eating in the car on the way to your session. This is a good way to have food in your teeth or crumbs and potentially stains on your clothes. This is especially true for children.

Please do not stand behind me to try and get your child to look or smile at the camera.

Do not expect your child to be perfectly behaved during our session and please do not get upset with them if they are not. Stay happy and relaxed and we’ll have a great session!