What to Expect & Kids Prep Guide

Family sessions aren't about perfectly behaved children or everyone smiling at the camera at the same time. They're about connection, personality, movement, and capturing your family exactly as you are in this season.This guide is designed to help you prepare your little ones—and yourself—for a relaxed, fun, and stress-free photography experience.My biggest piece of advice?Take the pressure off!You bring your family and I'll bring the patience, prompts, and guidance.Before Your SessionKeep It Positive & SimpleIn the days leading up to your session, talk about it like something fun you're going to do together.Instead of telling your children:"You need to behave and smile for the photographer."Try:"We're going to hang out, play, and take some pictures together!"The less pressure children feel to perform, the more likely I am to capture their genuine personalities.

Set Them Up for SuccessRested + Fed = Happy Little HumansWhenever possible, make sure your children are well-rested and have eaten before the session.Try to avoid rushing right before you leave. Give yourself a little extra time so everyone arrives feeling calm rather than stressed.And don't be afraid to bring:Snacks • Water • Wipes • A favorite toy • A comfort item • An extra outfitJust try to avoid messy or colorful snacks during the session—we want those sweet little faces clean!

When You ArriveWe'll Start Slowly. I don't expect your children to immediately feel comfortable with me or the camera. We'll begin with a few easy photographs while everyone settles in. I'll spend those first moments getting a feel for each child's personality and comfort level.Some children warm up immediately. Some need a little time. Both are completely okay. As everyone gets more comfortable, I'll introduce movement, play, and simple prompts to help genuine moments happen naturally.Your child does not need to sit still for an hour. In fact, I don't want them to. They can move. They can explore. They can laugh. They can be shy. They can cuddle you. They can be silly. They can take a break.The goal isn't to make your child behave differently for photographs. It's to capture a little bit of who they are right now. Let Me Do the Guiding You Get to Be in the Photographs, Too.One of the best things you can do during your session is simply focus on your family.You don't need to constantly tell your children to look at the camera, smile, stand still, put their hands down...I'll guide them when I need their attention. Instead, look at your children. Cuddle them. Play with them. Laugh with them.When you're focused on enjoying each other rather than creating a perfect photograph, that's often when the magic happens.

Expect a Little Play

I use simple prompts to create natural interactions rather than relying only on traditional posing. We might:

Walk together.

Have a tickle fight.

Dance.

Run toward the camera.

Give the biggest family hug possible.

Whisper something silly.

Cuddle up together.

Let the kids explore.

These little activities help children forget about the camera and allow me to capture real expressions and genuine connection. We'll Get the Classic Photos, Too! While I love candid photographs and natural interactions, we'll also make time for the photographs where everyone is together and looking toward the camera. Your final gallery will include a beautiful mixture of gently posed portraits, candid moments, movement, details, and genuine interactions. The goal is variety while keeping everything feeling like your family. What If My Child Is Shy?That's okay. I won't force interaction or immediately put a camera close to their face. We'll give them time to observe and become comfortable. Sometimes I'll photograph the rest of the family first and let a shy child join when they're ready. There's no rush. Quiet personalities deserve to be documented just as much as big ones.

What If My Child Has a Meltdown?It happens. And I promise, it doesn't mean your session is ruined. We'll take a break. Have a snack. Get a cuddle. Walk around. Change activities. Or simply give them a few minutes.Children have emotions, and photography doesn't change that. We'll work around what they need rather than forcing the session forward. Bring Something They Love If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, book, or small toy, feel free to bring it. It can help younger children feel comfortable, and sometimes these meaningful little objects deserve a place in your family's photographs too. Years from now, that worn-out teddy bear may be one of the details you're happiest we captured.For Babies & Toddlers. We'll Follow Their Lead. Babies and toddlers run on their own schedules.If they need a snack, diaper change, cuddle, or a few minutes to explore, we'll give them what they need. For younger children, don't worry about getting them to look at the camera constantly. Instead, we'll focus on interaction: Holding them.Playing with them.Making them laugh.Letting them walk.Giving kisses.Throwing them in the air.Snuggling them close.Those interactions often create much more meaningful photographs than asking a toddler to sit and smile.

For Older ChildrenGive them permission to be themselves. Older children may feel awkward or self-conscious in front of the camera, so I won't expect them to perform either. We'll start simply and gradually introduce prompts and interaction.The more relaxed everyone around them feels, the easier it becomes for them to relax too.

Your Quick Prep Checklist Before You Leave✓ Make sure everyone has eaten✓ Allow plenty of time to get ready✓ Bring water and simple snacks✓ Pack wipes for little faces✓ Bring an extra outfit for young children if needed✓ Pack a favorite comfort item✓ Avoid putting pressure on children to "perform" ✓ Take a breath and come ready to enjoy your familyMost Importantly...Please don't arrive worried that your children won't cooperate. I've photographed enough little personalities to know that the best family photographs rarely come from everything going perfectly. They come from the unexpected laugh. The child who only wants to be held by Mom. The sibling giggles. The toddler running away. The big family cuddle. The tiny hand reaching for yours. So come ready to move, play, cuddle, laugh, and love on your people.We'll create the beautiful photographs along the way.