SESSION GUIDE
Let’s get ready!
Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your family - I’m truly excited to meet you! My style is natural, relaxed, and full of connection. I’ll gently guide you during the session, but I also love letting kids play, explore, and love on their family — that’s when the magic happens. Some of the best moments are the ones you don’t plan for, so come ready to have fun and enjoy your time together.
Planning
+ quick tips
Along with this link, you will receive a Location and styling guide to help you decide what to wear and choose the perfect spot.
I only schedule outdoor sessions within 1-1.5 hours prior to sunset.
If it's cloudy/overcast then we will want to start 1 hour earlier than planned. When it's closer to your session date, we can discuss the weather if it's looking rainy.
Sunset times change throughout the year, so the time will depend on the date we pick. Since sunset is later during the summer season, I recommend later lunches, naps and dinners to make those babies happy for the evening session!
Bring snacks, drinks, favorite toys, blankies etc. I want your kids to feel as comfortable as possible and not on punishment! (try to bring snacks that aren’t to messy and easy to hand over in small doses). We will hide snacks/toys during your session and bring them out ONLY as backup if needed!
Make the day special! Plan a fun day or activity leading up to your session- that will lift everyone’s mood and keep the happy energy going for your photos rather than turning the evening into something the whole family is dreading.
Late nap + dinner. If your session has a later start time, try to push naps later/longer or add a cat nap later in the evening. It’s scary pushing past bed time, but kids are usually excited about something new so they can last about an hour (which is all I need!)
ARRIVE EARLY! Kids need some time to get warmed up or wake up from the car ride- arrive 10 minutes early to make sure your children are awake and happy by the time we start!
Your kids (and you) may get dirty. I will try to capture smiling group shots at the top of the hour to ensure we get clean outfits and combed hair, but the messy and playful shots are even better.
Want to bring your pet? Yes Please! I love including pets in family photos. If you decide to bring a pet to an outdoor session, please bring a friend or someone to take the pet when they are not in photos. Also, bring treats! If this will help get their attention for a few photos.
After your shoot
Your gallery will be sent to you within ONE WEEK. You have two weeks to download your images before your gallery is archived. There is a $25 fee to re-upload your gallery, so make sure to download and backup your files!
PRINT YOUR IMAGES! Back up your files, and also just print them! I love looking back at old photographs from my childhood – you will want physical pictures to keep as well as the digital ones.
Email me with absolutely any questions.