How to prepare for the day of your session

Let your kids know that your family photo session will be FUN!

I never ask kids to pose or smile on command. I encourage movement and playing games to keep everyone engaged in the session and having a fun and relaxed time. Please let them know that the whole goal is to have fun, and try to resist the temptation to threaten them… I know it’s hard (I’m a mom too and have made my fair number of threats in my day…but the best approach here is to remain calm and happy and low stress!)

Bring a Child’s Favorite Item

If your child would be more comfortable bringing their favorite stuffed animal or their basketball to the session, I’m happy to photograph them with their prized possessions as it helps them to become more comfortable and invested in the photography session. So be sure to ask if they have anything they would like to bring.

Be well fed and well rested 

Well rested and not hungry children (and adults!) will find it much easier to enjoy their photo session. So, be sure to have non-messy snacks prior to the start of the session, and if you have small children, feel free to bring extra snacks as needed to have during breaks.

Also, having a well rested family helps the session to run smoothly with the improved mood that comes with not being tired. Please keep this in mind when planning your activities for the day before and day of your session. Hanging out on a hot beach or attending a late party the day before your session isn’t necessarily recommended. 

Leaving yourself and family extra free time to relax, arrive early, have a snack, and be prepared for your photos is the best approach.

Moisturize

Starting to moisturize dry areas like knees, elbows, etc up to one week before your session can really help with the appearance of those areas in photos. Also, if you have a drooly/teething little one, extra care to their skin with aqua fore or other creams can really make a difference in the skins appearance and lessens the redness caused by these natural events. 

Bring Extra Clothes and Warm Layers

As parents, we all know that someone has a high likelihood of spilling their water in the car, or for little ones to have an accident (or two…who are we kidding!). Knowing that you have an extra outfit for adults and children alike will decrease the stress if one of these events occurs. And guess what, we’re located in the Pacific Northwest! Weather changes here frequently, and having a warm family will come across best in photos. So, bring a blanket, jackets, hats, mittens etc. as needed. A warm and happy family will be able to explore and have fun! (And I can’t really edit blue out of lips if your kiddo’s are chilly!)

Lets Communicate

Please be sure to fill me in on any pertinent details to help your session run smoothly. For example, any physical limitations to movement, or other details which will help the session to be the most productive are important to share with me. In the end the photos that we create together will be all the better for our clear line of communication.

Check out more family sessions here.