How to Prepare for your Family Photos

I get it… you’re likely feeling all the nerves/worry/stress about having your crew in front of the camera. There are a million things potentially running through your mind. You’re hoping everyone is in a good mood, wants to cooperate and it all goes off without a hitch - and I’m here to share a few tips that can hopefully help make that easier!

1. Be organized.

All of my sessions come with a session guide with tips and tricks on wardrobe (+ other things) so that you can prep things well in advance, we can go over any questions, and you can feel great and comfortable in what you’re going to be wearing. I recommend sorting this out ahead of time so that the panic of last minute selections doesn’t stress you out. Maybe pack a backup option for little ones, some snacks/toys, or a comfort item for kiddos in case we need it. The majority of the time we don’t, but in the event we need to take a little snack break to keep everyone happy - we absolutely will. Having these items all organized prior to heading out the door will likely help avoid a sweaty last minute rush (I know - easier said than done).

2. Be patient.

Sessions are definitely long enough to insure we have some buffer time to warm up to each other, get comfortable with having your photos taken, and also feel like I’m a friend instead of a total stranger with a camera. Don’t worry if your kiddos don’t come out of the gate with the biggest smiles + belly laughs. While that would be amazing, I’ve got lots of experience with every level of outgoing or shy personalities, and with a little patience - it always works out. Anxious energy from anyone in the crew might become contagious - so let’s roll with it - I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve to pivot, distract, play, and make things fun - and I pride myself on being able to go with the flow.

3. Be yourself.

The goal of the session is to document this chapter of your life. I want things to be *real*. I want to capture each of your personalities and the interactions that you have with your kids and each other. I don’t need you all to sit like a statue and put on a fake smile for an hour. Let’s play, let’s move, and let’s let your kids be themselves. I’ll definitely try and bring out their personalities and if you embrace it and join the fun - it’s magic all around.

I have plenty of other tips in your session guides + the planning process, but I mainly want you to know that with a little prep work and an awesome attitude, all the worry slides away. One of my most recent family sessions is the perfect example below. See if you can get the vibe from the tips above! Complete with a few of the best “in between” moments you would surely want to remember. I was treated to my own mid-session hair blowout/touchup too ;)