Tips for your family photo session
Family sessions are such a beautiful way freeze time with the people you love most. My goal for these sessions remains the same from when i first started this business in 2018, to capture your family with connection and personality. While I guide you through poses, its always the tiny candid moments in between that I love shooting the most. If you're planning to book your first session with me (or even your fifth!), here's a little guide to help you feel prepared and relaxed for your session.
Outfits: Yes your clothing matters, and it does make a difference in how your final images look. However I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable or not themselves, so my biggest piece of advice is to pick items that feel like you. For those of you wanting those dreamy images you can't wait to share, you can keep the following in mind when selecting your families outfits. Think cohesive not matchy matchy, mixing soft patterns hat complement rather than distract. Layers are always a great way to add more detail like sweaters, or an open button up over a solid tshirt. You should feel confident and able to move freely. If your unsure or wanting some advice, feel free to ask or send photos of what your thinking.
Don't stress about the kids:
Kids are kids-and that's exactly who I want them to be during our session. They might want to explore, run, be really silly, or feel shy and that's all perfectly ok. Some of the best images happen when children are simply being themselves. I want your family to enjoy the experience, this is a big reason my work leans mostly into lifestyle photography. While I aim to get you those classic everyone looking at the camera shots, I'm also looking for those authentic candid moments to capture. Some kids come to the session ready and able to follow every request and direction, but many kids can only tolerate that briefly. Some of the shots I absolutely love shooting are the little moments, or giving you prompts instead of "poses". Mom fixing her toddlers hair, dad consoling little brother, grandkids bear hugging grandma, playing tag, or looking for a special flower.
I follow your family's flow:
If your toddler wants to run, ill run with them. If the baby needs a feed, we pause. A kid needs a moment, no problem. My family sessions are flexible and child led because that's how I create images filled with connection and authenticity. You might be wondering if the kids are even cooperating, meanwhile i've caught tiny hands holding yours, siblings playing together in the distance, or your expression as the kids are running towards you.
Extras to make the session a success:
Plan for full bellies and bring a few snacks or a bottle to have on hand
Plan to arrive a little early, this helps so no one feels rushed and allows for time to fix up hair or outfits
Bring along a favorite toy, blanket, or hat. I know you may not want the teddy bear in your photos but sometimes that's what makes the difference from a really upset kid to a happy and smiling one. Your 10yr old refusing to take off his hat? let him wear it, ill snap a few shots with it on then they almost always agree to let me do some photos without it.
Have a kiddo with extra needs? as a mom to multiple kids with special needs i get it. You want so much to have some beautiful frame worthy shots, but you also know how stressful the session might be. Let me know when your booking so we can plan a session that's best fit for your family. If a kid needs a break during the session, no problem. Sensory toys? bring them. You can also feel welcome to bring along a respite worker or a relative to help
When the session is over:
My job doesn't end when I turn off the camera. Your gallery will have a beautiful mix of images from lightly posed family portraits, lifestyle candid moments, individual shots of each kid, couples photos of the parents, and tiny details. Each image is hand edited in my style you'll see throughout my portfolio. Natural colors and skin tones, images that feel timeless. Once your gallery is complete, you will receive a link to an online gallery where you can view and download your images.
