You know how excited you get about the thought of having new pictures taken of your family or when everyone is together for a family reunion but then you’re met with an equal amount of stress and anxiety about all the worst case scenarios that could happen that day, physical insecurities, outfit struggles, anticipating kids tantrums. It feels like family pictures can be this blend of multiple factors that can either create the perfect storm or priceless memories documented and there’s no in between. I am positive you want the latter, so let me share some tips to help make your family session run smoothly.

1. Keep your expectations of how your kids will act VERY low during the session. It can only go up from there! Just brace yourself for a baby that doesn’t take their full nap, a hangry toddler or eye rolling teens. This is not to say that your kids are the worst and are out to get you or will be intentionally trying to ruin anything. But if you are prepared for some bumps in the day and during our session, you won’t be surprised once they happen. Pack the extra snacks, throw in an additional outfit for the baby and be ready to roll with the punches.

2. Figure out all parts at least 24 hours in advance. Make sure you have outfits planned, gas in the car, how long it will take you to get to the location, checked the weather (though your photographer should be doing that too). Scrambling for what you need for a session minutes before will only bring you to a session stressed. Have outfits planned out, ironed/steamed, make sure the day of the session isn’t jam packed with a million other things. Then you can have time to breath and use your time well. Set an alarm for when you need to start getting everyone ready to leave on time to get to your location.

3. When it is session time (and even heading to the session) have a good attitude!! I say this all the time but your attitude as a parent will reflect how your session goes. If your kid is having a hard time and you start yelling and throwing out threats under your breath it will not make them calm down and give me genuine smiles. The tantrums and crying and breakdowns will only last longer under the pressure of an angry stressed parent. Happy parents help make their kids calm quicker and can be there to have fun and embrace the chaos.

4. Magic is made when you are present with your family and not worried about each picture looking perfect. I want you to have a great picture with everyone looking at the camera and smiling, and we will get that! But the pictures I love taking are how you look at a child, how your baby fits in your arms, the way you can make a child laugh or the playfulness they bring out in you. Thats when you will get pictures back and go “oh I wanted to remember this real life moment.” Those pictures will make you feel and take you back to a season more than a typical smiling picture would.

5. Rewards. I know there are mixed feelings on this one, and you know your kids best. I don’t advertise that I have a small treat for kids after a session and I give them anyways regardless of how they ask unless parents tell me no. But a small treat goes a long way. If you want to plan for dinner afterwards or to go get a treat for making it through the session I encourage it! Also give them all the words of affirmation afterwards. Thats free and important for them to know that you appreciate them and being a part of your family.

If you are interested in booking and having fun and seeing this formula work for your family let’s chat!!