I get it—it often can feel like a big time, financial, and patience investment to get professional family photos done. Out of the hundreds of families I’ve photographed over the past five years, there have been very few times when the family arrives to the session cool, calm, collected and all thrilled to be there. You’re dealing with a lot of logistics and moving parts! Not to mention moods.

While I can’t take the stress away of trying to get everyone dressed, cooperating, and in the car on time, I will help set us all up for success. You don’t have to worry!

Here’s what I send my clients before our time together to help them prepare for what to expect and share what they can do to help make the session go super-smooth.

1. Simply capture whatever happens

I will provide direction and posing guidance, but my typical style is more candid and about capturing real moments versus “cute” photo poses. Instead, I want to see how your kids interact with me and the camera and how you all interact together—especially when you forget for a second that the camera’s even there. I want to snap a moment of your child going in for a sloppy kiss or running away giggling.

2. Let go of the idea of a specific shot

While it can be helpful to have an idea of images you’ve seen and loved or know what you’re hoping to capture, I will always prioritize everyone being calm, comfortable, and enjoying themselves over getting a specific shot.

3. Follow the kid’s lead

If something’s not working, we move on and take the kids’ lead. Getting your photo taken can feel awkward...I totally get it and will do everything I can to make you feel comfortable.

4. Don’t try to get your child to look at the camera

This is a big one! So many parents, often moms, continue to shush their kids or try and get them to ‘focus’ which means I then get photos of everyone looking at the camera...except for the mom. I’ll handle encouraging your child to look at the camera when I want them to—you don’t need to worry about it.

5. f I don’t guide you into a movement or pose, simply keep doing what you’re doing!

I’ll often move around you and snap away. Unless I tell you to, don’t feel like you need to stop what you’re doing, move out of the way, or look at the camera. In fact, please don’t stop! I noticed something special and am trying to capture it naturally for you.

6. Keep close

Photos look better when you’re close together—like really close. It may feel like you’re already standing next to each other but lenses have a funny way of making small gaps between people appear awkwardly large. (Don’t worry, I’ll let you know if you need to adjust! It’s also a good rule of thumb to try and keep two points of physical contact. This could look like holding your partner’s hand (point 1) while having your baby on your hip (point 2), meanwhile your partner is holding your hand (their point 1) and reaching over to tickle the baby or get them to grab onto their finger (their point 2).