Preparing for you session with me!



You've booked your session—yay! I'm so excited, and I want to make sure you're camera-ready. No matter what type of session we’re about to have, there are a few things you’ll want to prepare for. As we all know, a little preparation goes a long way in making sure your session is stress-free, you feel confident, and you enjoy the experience.


Let’s Talk - By now, we’ve likely discussed your vision and ideas. But if we haven’t yet, let’s chat about what you want this session to reflect. Is there a special location you’d love to shoot at? Are there specific photos you’ve taken in the past that you’d like to recreate? Do you want to incorporate any meaningful items? Our communication allows me to dig a little deeper and creatively approach your session in a way that feels unique to you.

Plan Your Outfits - Each client receives a session guide upon booking with me. It covers a broad range of tips like what to wear (and what to avoid), plus some great color palette ideas. I also offer individual styling assistance. It’s not uncommon for clients to send me photos of what they already have in their closets, and then we build from there to make everything cohesive. Remember: coordinating, not matching! And when it comes to the little ones, consider bringing a second outfit. Having a backup can be a lifesaver!

Think of the Little Things - Try to remember the small details that can make a big difference:

  • Wipes or tissues for the little ones
  • A hair tie or clips (especially if it’s windy)
  • Chapstick—it can enhance the natural color of your lips without the fuss of lipstick
  • Snacks for the kids after the session (they work hard too!)
  • Remove Apple watches, phones, wallets, keys, and hair ties from your wrists or pockets—they can be distracting in photos

Have fun - Come ready to relax! Yes, I’ll prompt and pose you as needed. Yes, I’ll capture beautiful moments. And yes, the kids can run wild—it’s all part of the fun. We’ll have plenty of time for breaks and downtime, so everyone stays comfortable and engaged. Think of a few silly jokes, tickle your little ones, laugh out loud...let’s aim for real, not perfect. This does not have to be a “smile and stare at the camera” kind of session, and honestly, I prefer that it isn’t. I want your session to feel authentic and true to your family.


My goal is to document your story in a way that feels genuine and beautiful. I know being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking (it's probably why I prefer being behind it!), but I’m here for every step of the way. Again, a little prep goes a long way in making sure we all have a great time.


And a quick note for the dads - your presence matters more than you know. A playful, fun, engaged dad brings such amazing energy to a session. When you're involved making the kids laugh, being affectionate, showing up fully, it creates the kind of memories that truly shine. Your participation helps bring out the best in everyone, and it makes for the kind of photos your family will treasure for years.