FAMILY SESSION PREPARATION GUIDE
Ready to have a fun, relaxed, and stress-free family photo session? This guide will give you everything you need to know to make the day run smoothly! Be sure to check it out when you first receive it and give it another glance a day or two before your session. The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable the experience will be for everyone! I’m all about creating moments that feel natural, so get ready for a laid-back experience with lots of laughs, and and probably some of my own goofy antics along the way
TOP 4 TIPS
#1 Embrace the Chaos
Don’t stress about perfection—real life is what makes the best photos. If the kids are a little wild, let it happen! The most genuine and memorable images come from those unscripted, authentic moments. Trust that I’ll capture your family just as they are, in the best way possible.
#2 Choose Comfortable, Coordinated Outfits
Pick clothing that feels good to wear and allows for movement. Coordinating colors (without being too matchy) works best. Avoid large logos or busy patterns, and stick with timeless, simple styles. Comfort is key—if everyone feels good in their clothes, they’ll feel good in front of the camera.
#3 prepare the Kids (and Yourself!)
Let the kids know ahead of time that the session is going to be fun, not a formal event. The more relaxed everyone is, the better the photos will turn out. Set expectations that we’ll be playing, moving around, and laughing! Bringing their favorite toy or snack can help keep little ones engaged.
#4 Arrive on Time
Timing is everything, especially when working with natural light. Arriving a little early ensures that everyone is settled and ready when we begin, making the most of the light and the session time. If we’re shooting at home, make sure everyone’s ready when I arrive.

Day of the Session: What to Expect
The big day is here! To help things run smoothly and keep the focus on fun, here are a few final tips:
Relax and flow
On the day of the shoot, the best thing you can do is keep a calm and relaxed attitude. Kids can pick up on stress, so staying laid-back will help set the tone for a fun session. No need to worry if things don’t go exactly to plan—that’s part of the magic! We’ll capture the beauty in all the little moments, even the unexpected ones.
Treat this like a special family outing. Plan something enjoyable, like a breakfast or ice cream afterward, to make the day feel special. Just avoid using treats as bribes—no need to say, “Smile or no ice cream!” We’ll capture genuine smiles without the pressure. Don’t worry if the kids aren’t perfectly following the plan. Some of the best photos come from their spontaneous energy, laughter, and even a little mischief. Let them be themselves, and I’ll handle the ups and downs to ensure we capture their real personalities.
My Style: Real Moments, Less Posing
I’m not about stiff poses or awkward directions. Instead, I aim to capture genuine moments by encouraging you to be yourselves! We will do a few traditional portraits and I’ll give light guidance and suggestions, but from there, I want you to make it your own. It’s less about perfect positioning and more about showing the true energy and love in your family.
- Keep Moving: Movement is your friend! When you stay in motion—whether it's walking, hugging, or playing—it creates more dynamic and varied images. If you stay still, we’ll grab a great shot, but if you keep moving, we’ll capture a lot more of those in-between moments that feel truly authentic.
- Get Ready to Play: I love working with families who are ready to have fun! Whether we’re playing a game, having a mini dance party, or chasing after the kids, the more interactive and playful we are, the better the photos. Kids, especially, thrive in this environment, and the less they feel like they’re being posed, the more relaxed and happy they’ll be.
- Comfort Comes First: If anything feels uncomfortable or doesn’t feel like "you," don’t hesitate to adjust or speak up. The goal is to capture your family in its most natural state, so I want you to feel good in every moment.
Timing and Light: The Perfect Combo
Natural light is key to creating beautiful images, so arriving on time (or being ready at home) is important. We schedule the session based on the best lighting conditions, whether we’re outdoors or indoors. Being prepared and ready at the scheduled time allows us to make the most of the session!
Have Fun With It!
Be yourself! These photos are about capturing who you truly are, so there’s no need to aim for perfection. We’ll try out different poses, and not every shot will be flawless—and that’s okay! The best photos will be the ones that show the real, natural connection within your family.
If you have any questions or need more details before your session, just reach out! I’m here to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Let’s make some memories together!