Things To Do Before Your Session:


Having photos taken is a special occasion, and I want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Take a look at the tips and suggestions below to prepare for your session.

  1. Make hair, nail, and/or makeup appointments before your photoshoot. Make sure your roots are touched up and you aren’t wearing chipped nail polish.
  2. Plan your outfits at least a week in advance—don’t wait ‘til the last day, trust me! You want to wake up feeling relaxed and prepared, so plan these details out early. Be yourself!
  3. Prepare your kids with laid-back, low-key references to let them know what’s happening. Tell them you will be “hanging out with our friend on Saturday!” or “going to the park to play!” and keep things fun, lighthearted, and casual. Families have shared that this tip is especially helpful if they have a particularly shy child.
  4. Brainstorm about specific props, mementos, or special types of images you want captured. Some families bring heirloom quilts, a special stuffed animal, an embroidered keepsake, etc. Some families know they want a very specific type of photograph taken. If you have these preferences, be sure to brainstorm them in advance and let me know as well!


How to Dress for Your Session:


  1. Obviously, dress for the weather! We want everyone comfortable!
  2. You don't all need to match! — Wearing colors in a complementary color palette, such as earth tones and neutrals is a great choice.
  3. Be careful about undergarments. Editing out bra straps or panty lines is difficult and time-consuming. Choose clothes that properly cover your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
  4. Medium or long dresses for women generally photograph more flatteringly. Short dresses might be a challenge when we do any seated photos, so keep that in mind.
  5. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in. If your dress gets suddenly too short when you bend over, or your pants are too tight to sit down in, opt for more breathable pieces. Be prepared to move!
  6. Do opt for accessories! Bowties, suspenders, hats, flower headbands, chunky scarves, beautiful flowing dresses and skirts—these create visual interest and movement in your photos, and really help the images stand apart.
  7. Remember to take bulky items like phones and car keys out of your pockets before we start snapping photos.

What to Bring to Your Family Photo Session:

  1. Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.
  2. Treats to bribe kiddos with! (However, it’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session; wait until the kids start getting fatigued before you pull out the candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!) Also, make sure the snacks/treats won’t stain lips or fingers!
  3. Walkable shoes. We may be walking short/moderate distances on unpaved trails, possibly with hills. Walkable shoes are a must! If you just love your wedges, bring them to change into before we start shooting.
  4. A change of clothes for the kiddos, in case anyone gets muddy or dirty. As a photographer, I love it when kids interact fully with their surroundings, and I’m thrilled to photograph them playing in water or running through the grass. As a parent, you might not be too keen to let them back into your car, covered in mud. Feel free to bring a change of clothes or shoes. Maybe even a towel. You never know!!

How to Pose During Your Family Photo Session:


  1. No need to ‘Cheese’! I strive to capture and encourage authentic expressions.
  2. Laugh, play, tickle, and snuggle. This is how we’ll capture the REAL moments.
  3. Not everyone has to be looking at the camera. When in doubt, just smile and look at your family lovingly.
  4. Stand close together. Actually, as close as possible :)
  5. Relax, slow down, and don’t force anything. Don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect! Just be present with your family and I’ll do the rest. And don’t stress if any of the kids get fussy! Just snuggle your kiddos and we can still capture beautiful images :)
  6. Expect me to move you around to different spots to capture images. The more variety we get, the bigger your gallery and the more great shots we have the opportunity to create together!