Arrive early! Please arrive a few minutes before your session time so you are ready to shoot right at the start of your session. Sessions are often booked back-to-back so if you are late, you will only have the remaining time to complete your session. Some locations may have limited parking so always allow yourself enough time to park and walk if need be.

What to Expect

• Relaxed and Fun Environment: Full family sessions give you enough time to really settle in and get relaxed. Feel free to let loose, be silly, and laugh (dad jokes are always welcome).

• Posing: I’ll guide you through some poses, especially in the beginning of the session, but don’t worry about being too perfect. If you are more relaxed and having fun, you’ll be more emotionally attached to the photos.

• Groupings: We’ll work through different poses for each grouping of family members to ensure you have a variety of photos to choose from. If you have specific groupings you’d like to capture, please let me know at the beginning of the session.

How to Dress

• Comfort is Key: Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident and are authentic to you.

• Coordinate, Don’t Match: Go for complementary colors and textures instead of matching outfits. Think about soft tones, neutral colors, or subtle patterns. TIP: Choose one person’s outfit first (usually mom or the person planning the session) and then style everyone around that outfit.

• Limit Logos & Distracting Patterns: Avoid large logos or busy prints that can draw attention away from you. 

• Layers & Accessories: Jackets, scarves, or hats can add variety to your photos. 

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must, especially if we’ll be outdoors or moving around a lot.

• Weather: If it is going to be cold, bring more layers than you think you’ll need. You’ll welcome the extra warmth, and we can set aside any extra layers when they aren’t needed.

• Makeup: Bright sunlight and studio lighting can accentuate blemishes and uneven skin. A good layer of foundation can help to even out the skin. Setting/finishing/mattifying sprays or powders can help reduce shine.

• Glasses: If you normally wear glasses, consider wearing contacts to prevent glare. Transitions lenses aren’t recommended either, as they can darken significantly, even with indoor studio lighting.

• Pinterest is a great resource to get ideas on how to coordinate outfits for photos. 

Preparing Children

• Talk About the Session Ahead of Time: Let your kids know what to expect, but don’t make a huge deal about it. Let them know we’re going to have fun and we want them to be their authentic selves.

• Bed & Fed: Make sure they are well rested and fed before coming to the session. Cranky or hangry kids often don’t want their pictures taken.

• Bring Snacks or Comfort Items: A favorite snack or toy can help if they get restless. If they have a toy or other item that they are really excited about, we can plan to get a picture or two of them with that item to help them warm up to the camera.

• Dress for Comfort: Make sure they’re wearing clothes they can move around in easily and won’t be too hot, too cold, itchy, etc. 

Additional Tips

• Hydrate & Rest: Feeling your best will shine through in the photos. 

• Bring Props if You’d Like: If there’s something meaningful to you (like a book, sports gear, or personal item), feel free to bring it! 

• Specific poses or groupings: if there are any specific poses you would like to get (maybe a pose you’ve been doing with your kids since they were babies) or groupings (such as Grandma-Mom-Daughter), let me know at the start of the session so that we make time to fit it in.

If you have any specific ideas or concerns, just let us know! We want this experience to reflect YOU and capture your story in the best way possible. 

We can’t wait to create something amazing with you!