Welcome to my first advice Note. It's pretty extensive as far as it goes for preparing for an upcoming Family Session. As it goes for all advice, please take what you need and leave what you don't. My biggest goal is I want all of my clients to have an amazing experience filled with lots of laughs, fun, and documenting all of your personalities. Success to me means you're walking away feeling fantastic, like it was no big deal to be in front of my camera, and you can't wait to see your final gallery and schedule your next session.


To accomplish that let's start when you schedule your session with me. A little exercise I'd love you to do is to think through what a typical day looks like for your family. When are your littles the most awake and have the most energy? When do you normally eat your meals? When do you typically rest or nap? Taking all of that into consideration will help you choose the optimal time of the day to schedule. Especially for infants and toddlers, we want to avoid meal and nap times as that can be when kids (and most adults) are the most irritable.


We've narrowed down what time of day is best for our session, and we've selected the date that works best. Let's jump into easy steps leading up to your session that will make it sucessful!

Step 1:


Talk to your family about the session! This is a great way to build an understanding of what you're going to do together on the day of the session.


Break it down so your kiddos start to understand what you're looking forward to about the session. Is there anything in particular you're hoping to capture? Highlight qualities about your kids that you want to document gives them a goal to work towards. Ask them what they're looking forward to showing me. For example, I had one client who practiced lifting and holding their younger brother for their photo session. Another client wanted to show off how she could make her baby sister belly laugh.


Introducing them to me as a photographer can help,too. Letting them know Ms. Helen cannot wait to capture their personality. Continue to build on the story and excitement as you approach the day of the session.

Three people stand together outdoors in autumn by a lake with golden fall foliage in the background.

Step 2:


Couple the session with some sort of fun reward for afterwards. Whether that's going to Cabana's for a special ice cream treat, hinting a surprise new stuffed animal, or hitting the playground afterwards. Whatever your kids love that you might not do often is a great activity to pair with a photo session.


My biggest advice for this one is to not to overuse the surprise. The value you and excitement of it can lose it's value if you use it too often. It is great to drop a hint about it leading up to the session, the week of the session, and if needed during the middle to end of your session.


Having an extra special goodie in your back pocket never hurt either 😉

Two children enjoying ice cream cones while sitting together outdoors on a sunny day.

Step 3:


Plan your photography outfit and car outfit ahead of time. Yes, that's right! Two outfits.


One outfit is for the car ride over because sometimes you just never know what will happen. Preparing for a potential diaper blow out, spilled drink, or stain from a car snack give you extra peace of mind on the way to your session.


Eliminating things to worry about before and during your session is the name of the game!

Two people lying on a white blanket wearing denim and white clothing while looking up at the camera.

Step 4:


A few days before, look up directions to your session location. Factor an additional 10 minutes for traffic and plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to park, change outfits, wipe faces and hands, and breathe before meeting me.


If you're running a few minutes late, don't worry! Send me a text to let me know and take your time. I'll see you as soon as you arrive with a big smile on my face.

A romantic black and white moment shared between a couple on a park bench in springtime.

Step 5:


Pack your kids favorite lovey or toy to help bring out smiles. You can also pack snacks like cheerios, pretzels, or goldfish. Try to avoid chocolate or gummy snacks that could melt or stain mouths / hands / clothing.


It's awesome to pull these out when kids are having a hard time or start to fade towards the end of the session. While, I strive to work quickly, gauging everyone's moods as we go, it's helpful to have a little extra incentive.

Group of young friends stand together smiling on empty sandy beach on overcast day.

Step 6:


Eat and sleep well the night before your session. Additionally make sure you're family eats well before your session, too. Well rested and well fed families are the happiest!!

A group of young friends smile together outdoors at a summer gathering with decorations in the background.

And with that you will be well prepared to have a successful session!


Featured below are some of my previous families that followed my advice. The results speak for themselves. I can't wait to photograph your family sometime very soon.

A tender mother-daughter moment captured during golden hour at the beach in matching neutral tones and headbands.
Five people pose together outdoors against vibrant orange autumn foliage wearing casual clothing on a fall day.
A family poses outdoors in front of vibrant golden autumn leaves on a fall day.
Two people in matching knit sweaters kiss someone wearing a brown sweater while sitting on a wooden floor against white wall.
A family of five poses together on a sandy beach at sunset with coastal buildings in the background.
Family enjoying a warm sunset together on a sandy beach with beach houses visible in the background.
Two people in matching maroon sweaters share a happy moment together in an autumn forest with fallen leaves.
A candid photo showing siblings sitting together on a porch laughing and making silly expressions.
A loving moment shared between parent and child laughing together among autumn leaves in a wooded park.
A family wearing casual clothing walks together through a leaf-covered park in black and white photography.
Family group sitting casually on brick porch steps of historic building with green doors and lanterns.
Two young children share a sweet hug while smiling outdoors in front of a green door.
Two children in light purple and pink dresses share a happy embrace while smiling at the camera.
A family stands together holding hands in a park filled with fallen autumn leaves and bright orange foliage.
A sweet family portrait set against vibrant yellow fall foliage wearing cozy sweaters on an autumn day.

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