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SETTING EXPECTATIONS BEFORE THE SESSION IS THE KEY TO GREAT PHOTOS AND HAPPY KIDS

Before your session, pack a bag with water and your kids’ favorite snacks (and for yourself!). If they’re too young to follow directions, bring any objects that you think might help me get their attention (like small toys or stuffed animals) when it’s time for them to look at the camera.

If your little ones are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families pick something fun to do –– as a treat after the session –– if their kiddos are good listeners. Like dinner at their favorite pizza place or an ice cream cone!

It also helps if your kids’ bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest before the session. After you do your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them) some grace! I have a lot of experience working with kids, so if they’re “in a mood” or aren’t cooperating perfectly for some reason, rest assured that I’m not judging you (or them). I’ve seen it all and know how to get great photos no matter what! My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family! This season of life feels long right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s short. So even if things don’t go exactly as planned or as you’d hoped in terms of your kids’ behavior, one day, you’ll be so glad you took these photos.

How to prep your man:

EVEN THOUGH TAKING PHOTOS MIGHT NOT BE HIS FAVORITE THING, YOU ARE!

Most men aren’t overly excited to take photos for an hour, mostly because they don’t have an expectation of what’s to come and why it’s so important to you. Trust me, if he loves you, he’ll bring his A-game and light up the camera for you! By the time the session is over, though, most guys can’t believe how fast it went and just how much fun they had!

Prep, plan and don’t procrastinate!

Plan and buy your outfits with plenty of time. I will help you pick outfits for the whole family so; this task doesn’t just fall on you. We will come up with a color scheme and go over some likes and dislikes and talk about budget. Plan for professional hair and makeup or DIY it. Have your outfits ready the day before and have all bags packed and props together in one spot that way heading out the door is as smooth and possible.

The most important thing to remember is to just have fun and love on your family. Those are how the best photos, with lots of emotion, are taken!