08/10/2025
Since we are entering into family session season - family photos don’t have to be stressful! in fact, less is more. Your only job is to love your family and let me document it. Is that easier said than done? Of course! But if you need some extra help, here you go:
1. BOOK A DATE: find a date and time that works for everyone and secure that date! Whether that be morning or evening, have it on the calendar.
2. LOCATION: find a location (or choose a session date for a specific location ) that fits your family. It doesn’t have to be a park or a beach! In fact, sometimes going somewhere fun that you enjoy as a family is even better Pizza? Skate Park? Ice Cream Shop? Boba? Arcade? Let’s Go!)
3. OUTFITS: find outfits that fit your personalities. Or ask me if you need some guidance there! Stick to a color palette - earth tones and neutrals tend to photograph extremely well since they often coordinate with the surroundings, just try and avoid bright/neon colors or lots of patterns.
4. HAVE FUN AND DELIGHT IN YOUR FAMILY: I feel like family photos often get a bad rep because it takes TIME and sometimes that may feel inconvenient in the midst of a busy schedule. But these literally are THE DAYS and the most important people in your life are the ones in front of you and looking up at you, so enjoy yourselves, play, laugh and just genuinely have fun together, whatever that looks like for your family.
5. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF: saved the most important for last! Inevitably your children may not be their most obedient selves and do everything you ask them to, but don’t worry about it! Often trying to discipline in the middle of a session make matters worse and then that stress is displayed in the photos on everyone’s faces. 😬 Lower your expectations for your kids and just let them be themselves without forcing them to smile. If you laugh, smile and play through all of it, they will be more likely to as well. I try really hard to get to know the kids while I’m documenting them so they feel safe and seen! Your job is just to get them to laugh by loving them. That’s it! If they aren’t smiling, let’s play.