Generally, I try to start my session with that photo grandma will love. I’ll ask everyone to look at the camera, and I’ll try to get that real posed smile photo knocked out while everyone in the family is fresh. If the kids aren’t into it right then, that’s ok. I’ll try to get that later in the session. 

In my sessions, I LOVE giving you opportunities for connection, genuine emotion, and a variety of different looks and backdrops. I don’t want every image in your gallery to look the same. I also like playing with combinations: entire group together, all the kids with each parent, all the siblings together, girls together, guys together, solos of each kid, and end with an update shot of the parents. If you have special combinations you want together (maybe your oldest and youngest or twins, etc.), just let me know. I’m happy to get it all in!

Be ready to sit, stand, and be on the move. The sessions go fast, and they may feel like chaos, but I promise it’s like my journalism class: organized chaos!

I’ll ask you to walk holding hands or close together. I’ll ask you to be accordion and hip bump. I’ll ask you to cuddle and snuggle. I’ll give prompts, sing songs, make jokes, say words that may get the kids to laugh, and ask you to play games, and I alaways encourage tickling, tackling, and laughing. The more the adults buy in and are having fun, the more succesful the session. And if one kid doesn’t want to “play”, that’s ok…I almost always guarantee that the kiddo will feel left out and come back to join the fun. I want to show the love your family has for each other. Parents: even if you aren’t crazy and silly, the more you can make your kids laugh, the better product I can give you. This goes for big kids and teens, too! 

Try not to stress about everything being perfect. My goal is for photos where you are all smling and enjoying each other, and I ALWAYS get more than you think I did; looking at the camera is great, but not required in my book. 

Having fun together is most important to me. BE YOURSELVES.

I DON’T encourage you to have anyone say “cheese”, as it doesn’t get a real smile. I also don’t like having technology out. I’ve found kids get into the phone or tablet, and it’s so hard to get them back.

I DO encourage you to bring something special for each kid—a lovey, blanket, favorite toy, or book. Weaving in something special for that kid at that age is so special, and it helps any nervous kids feel more comfortable! (This is true even for the older children!)

For my little kids, I often have stickers on hand if I feel like I need to reward them to get into the session. I also generally have a bag or fruit snacks on hand as a “surprise” at the end. I love them because they don’t get outfits messy, but if a kid needs a stronger bribe in the middle of a session, I can have the parents help giving them out individually. (Note: if you have a young child that takes a while to warm up to people, I recommend a normal one hour family session and not a mini; often its at the 30-minute mark they’re finally ready to play with me. If you are participating in one of my minis, I recommend getting there early and helping them get comfortable and ready beforehand.)

I LOVE having pets at sessions, but please let me know if you are planning this as not all locations are pet friendly. I also recommend having an extra person come to take care of your pet in case the pet is not cooperating or you don’t want the pet in every full family photo. Also, I’ll have treats for the kids, but you need to bring treats for the pet and let me know the key words to get the pet’s attention.