Before we meet, I wanted to share a few notes to help you feel prepared and look forward to our session together.
Family sessions with me are about connection, movement, and real life. So don’t feel pressured to be anyone but yourselves. Presence over perfection!
This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to make the most of our time together.
Family Session Guide
Please complete the family questionnaire before our session.
It gives me helpful insight into your family, your kids, and what you’re hoping for so I can photograph you in a way that feels personal and thoughtful.
01
My family sessions are relaxed and go-with-the-flow, especially when little ones are involved.
There isn’t any traditional posing per se. I’m not lining everyone up and adjusting hands and chins, but I’ll gently guide interaction when needed. I’m mostly observing how your family naturally connects and will often have the kids dictate the flow.
That might look like hugging, playing, reading a favorite book, building a fort, tossing a kid in the air, or everyone piled together laughing. If you have newborns or babies, that may include diaper changes, feeding breaks, outfit swaps, or soothing moments. Those aren’t interruptions. They’re part of your story.
We will absolutely take a few camera-aware photos where everyone looks at me and smiles. You will have those. We just don’t build the entire session around holding a pose.
When I need everyone’s attention for a photo I am envisioning, I’ll let you know! The rest of the time, just focus on being present with each other and your family. So no need to direct your kids to look at me during the session or smile or pay attention to me. If parents are calling out instructions, we often end up with kids looking at the camera while parents are mid-sentence or in awkward facial expressions.
So just relax and enjoy these moments together and let me handle the camera and direction.
Let the kids be themselves, and you two enjoy a moment together. Don’t forget to have fun!
That’s how we get both the frame-for-the-grandparents and the images that truly feel like your life.
02
If your session is in-home, that’s wonderful! Kids tend to feel the most comfortable in their own space. We follow their lead and stay flexible. Some of the most meaningful photos come from everyday moments. Reading on the couch. Building on the floor. A snack at the kitchen counter. Real life, exactly as it is. Snacks are encouraged. Breaks are allowed.
If we’re outdoors, the same principle applies. We move with your kids, not against them. Only those who will be in the photos should attend the session. Keeping it limited to immediate family helps keep the energy calm.
03
The day before your session, try to get some good rest and get everyone to bed at a reasonable time.
On the day of, make sure everyone has eaten well. Hangry energy shows up quickly in photos. If possible, avoid usual nap time windows to help lessen meltdowns. If that’s unavoidable, don’t stress. We adjust. It can also help to plan something small afterward. Ice cream, a park stop, a treat. It gives everyone something to look forward to and keeps the experience feeling positive.
04
After our session, you’ll receive a few sneak peeks while I work through your full gallery. Your completed gallery will follow once everything is carefully edited and ready for you to download, print, and share. Usually within 2-3 weeks.
If you’ve given permission for public sharing, I may post a few images on Instagram, so feel free to send me your handle if you’d like to be tagged.
05
If you are usually the one behind the camera, this is your reminder that you get to be in these photos.
As a mom myself, I know how often we think we’ll step in once we feel more ready. When we’ve lost the baby weight. When we’ve had more sleep. When we feel more like ourselves again.
But there really is no perfect time, then now.
Remember your kids are not measuring you. They are not noticing the things you critique in the mirror. They just see you. The way you hold them. The way you laugh and love up on them.
Whatever season you’re in, whatever size you are, whatever stage this is, it is worth documenting.
And I promise you’ll love these. Not because everything is perfect, but because you’ll see the way your kids look at you. You’ll see the joy. You’ll see the connection. You’ll see your family. You’ll see yourself in it.
06
Wear something that feels like you and that you can comfortably move in.
Simple and natural always works. Soft tones, texture, layers, clothes you can sit on the floor in, pick up your kids in, or curl up on the couch in.
And yes, pajamas are absolutely welcome, especially for in-home sessions. If that’s your real life, that’s perfect.
You don’t need to match exactly. Coordinating is better than matching. Choose a general color palette and build from there. Neutrals, soft blues, muted greens, warm browns, creams, and earthy tones photograph beautifully.
Avoid large logos, bold graphics, or neon colors that pull attention away from connection.
If your session is specifically for something like a holiday card or framed portrait, you may choose to lean slightly more polished. But that’s completely optional.
If you’re unsure, feel free to send outfit options. I’m happy to take a look.
Lastly
This guide is here to offer helpful tips, not rules. It’s simply guidance to help you feel ready and relaxed. The best photos don’t come from perfect behavior. They come from connection.
This is your time together. Make it personal. Make it feel like you. Above all else, let your kids be themselves, let the moment unfold, and trust that I’m watching for the good stuff.
If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I am very responsive via email and or text!