Family Session Prep Guide

“Family is the heart of a home.”
Welcome Home!

WELCOME!


Thank you so much for choosing me to be your photographer. I absolutely love photographing families and capturing their connections with one another. I am so stinkin' excited for our time together!


Along with this prep guide, you will get my locations list. I have a specific list of area locations that I know like the back of my hand. I know where that gorgeous light hits and what time of day these locations will be suit our session needs. Let's chat about location soon if we haven't already. If you have something specific in mind, or a certain vision, please let me know and I will do everything I can to make sure that it happens for you!


This is ALL about your family, your genuine connection, and the love you have for each other. There will be lot of playing, tickling, and saying funny things. This should be an easy, non-stressful time for your family. Expect to not be looking at the camera for most of the session. I promise to make this easy-peasy for the whole family (including Dad!)


Please just sit back, enjoy the session, and let me take the lead!

Session Times


I prefer to shoot all sessions either early morning (7am-10am) or at sunset (4pm-8pm). This time varies throughout the year. Summer will be much later in the evening than Spring and Fall. I DO NOT budge on session times for a number of reasons. Most importantly, I want to deliver images that are true to my artistic style,

the reason you chose me.


I know what you are thinking: "Oh gosh, my child is going to be a total monster being up early or being up past their bedtime". I can assure you that almost every, single child does great staying up past their bedtime, just this once! I promise, my goal is to make it fun and exciting so they don't even realize they are off scedule.


If sunset timing is absolutely not going to work for your family,

I do schedule earlier in the day depending on weather, lighting condions and location.

Clothing


This is typically Mom's biggest stressor in the days leading up to the session. I have been in your shoes (every season)! I am here to help you select your outfits or help you shop. Please just text or email me with outfit questions anytime. Along with this prep packet, I have created a "What To Wear" Guide and a list of inspiration outfit boards via Google Slideshows that can give you a great visual into what flows well during an outdoor session!


Google Slides:

"What To Wear" Guide:

Day Of Session:


I highly suggest not making other plans the day of your session, depending on the time of course. Having a crazy, active day could make the kiddos extra tired. With the session being likely closer to bedtime or winding down time, this could make for a long session as well as some very upset kiddos.


For the kiddos that still take naps, do late naps that day! I also suggest doing an early dinner as well. It is super important to have your kids with a happy, full belly. We don't want Hangry kids for photos!


I typically bring a little "reward" for the end of your session (lollipop, small toy, etc). If you don't want your child to have one, please let me know!

Weather:


I will determine if the weather is bad enough to reschedule. I typically wait till the day of to call a session for weather. Weather can fluctuate quite a bit, even just hours before. I will not reschedule just for clouds or a gloomy day. If this is the case, I might suggest bumping our session time up or down a little bit.

Bugs:

Depending on the time of the year, it might be tick season. I highly suggest doing a thorough tick check on all family members when you get home from the session. I always have Off Deep Woods with me. If you prefer something different, please make sure you bring that with you. Try not to even worry about this though. It is pretty rare that I do find one.

What to Bring:

  • Child Essentials (diaper bag)
  • Snacks
  • Stroller (if we have a longer walk)
  • Change of clothing for kids
  • Drinks (Sippy cup or bottle of water)
  • Wipes for Messes (I do carry Baby Wipes and Clorox Wipes)
  • Brush
  • Hair Clips (Bobby Pins)
  • Pajamas to change in to when the session is over (later evening sessions)


*I do tend to bring a few blankets, pillows or little props.

Less is more with family sessions - please don't bring any additional items*