The Family Session Guide
Creating memories shouldn't be stressful. Here’s how to prepare for a smooth, fun, and beautiful session.
1. What to Wear: Coordinate, Don’t Match
The days of everyone wearing identical white t-shirts and jeans are over. We want a look that feels curated but natural.
Pick a Palette: Start with one patterned piece (like mom’s floral dress or a child’s plaid shirt) and pull solid colors from that pattern for everyone else.
Texture is Your Friend: Think knits, linens, denim, and lace. Texture adds "depth" to photos without the distraction of loud patterns.
Avoid Logos: Large graphics or characters on kids' shirts distract from their faces.
Comfort First: If your toddler thinks their wool sweater is "itchy," it will show on their face. Ensure everyone can move, jump, and sit comfortably.
2. The "Happy Kid" Strategy
Nap & Feed: Schedule your session around nap times, not the other way around. A "hangry" toddler is a tough model!
The "Bribe" Bag: Bring small, mess-free snacks (like marshmallows or puffs) and their favorite toy to help get their attention behind the camera.
Avoid "Say Cheese": Please don't ask your kids to "smile" or "say cheese." It usually leads to forced, awkward expressions. Let me interact with them—I’m looking for those genuine giggles!
3. Preparation Timeline
2 Days Before: Lay out all outfits to check for stains or missing buttons. Try everything on the kids to ensure nothing was outgrown overnight.
The Morning Of: Keep things low-key. If parents are stressed, the kids will pick up on that energy.
Arrival: Aim to arrive 10 minutes early. This gives the kids a moment to get used to the environment before we start shooting.
4. Trust the Process
Not every child will look at the camera at the same time, and that is okay. Some of the best family photos are the "in-between" moments—a dad whispering a joke, a mom kissing a forehead, or siblings running through the grass. Relax, interact with your family, and let me handle the rest.
Quick Checklist for Your Bag:
[ ] Mess-free snacks & water
[ ] A hairbrush/comb
[ ] Tissues or wet wipes (for stray crumbs or noses)
[ ] A backup outfit for "accident-prone" little ones
[ ] Your favorite playlist
Beyond the "Perfect" Pose
We all know the struggle of trying to get everyone dressed, out the door, and smiling at the same time. But here’s a secret: my favorite family photos aren't the ones where everyone is sitting perfectly still. They’re the ones where your toddler is belly-laughing, your teenager is actually cracking a smile, and you are looking at your family with pure pride.
The Experience
I specialize in lifestyle family photography, which means I prioritize connection over perfection. My sessions are designed to be fun, fast-paced (to keep the kids engaged!), and completely stress-free.
Location: Whether it’s the comfort of your home or a sun-drenched local park, we’ll find the perfect backdrop.
Styling: I’ll help you coordinate outfits so you look cohesive without looking "cluttered."
Direction: I’ll guide you through natural movements and prompts so you never have to wonder, "What do I do with my hands?"
Download Your Copy of The
Family Session Planning Checklist
This quick form helps me understand your family's unique "vibe" and any must-have shots so we can make the most of our time together. It only takes a few minutes and ensures your session is perfectly tailored to you.