Choose a date carefully:

Plan a few weeks in advance. If you're an online shopper, like myself, you want to be sure you'll receive all outfits in time. If you would like everyone to have fresh haircuts, take into consideration your stylist's schedule.

Consider Everyone's Schedule:

If your session is with extended family members, older kiddos, or even younger kiddos with busy sports schedules come to your photographer with a few dates that work for everyone. Remember not to schedule your session right in the middle of naptime, kiddos tend to be in rare form during this time.

Bring Snacks:

& drinks! Minimally messy snacks are ideal. I have no problem with taking a few minutes to calm a hangry kiddo, or adult. I get hangry too, it's okay! Snacks can also be used as a reward system for the end of the session, if you're up to it.

Plan Outfits Ahead of Time:

Please, don't wait until last minute to decide what everyone will wear or shop. It's a rare occurrence to walk into one store and find an outfit for every family member that's in line with your theme.


I offer custom style guides, containing shopping links, for all family sessions.

Choose Location Wisely:

Locations with incentives like a park are perfect for younger kiddos. Places that are meaningful to your family work great to, because your children will always be able to tell their memorable stories when looking at the images, later down the road. If you choose to have more than one location for your session, pick places that aren't very far from each other to maximize your session time. Sessions with multiple locations will need to be completed in one day and are not eligible for diving between separate days.

For the Adults:

RELAX! I know it's easier said than done when taking your kiddos in front of a new person at a possible new location. Kids sense fear and anxiety, so do your best to keep yours at bay and they will do the same.

Avoid Technology:

Let's minimize fits and tantrums by leaving the technology in the car, or even at home. More often than not, when devices are brought out during sessions it causes more harm than good. Kiddos tend to become even more upset when the devices are removed from view for the picture thus causing parents to become more stressed and frustrated.


For sessions with kiddos, I want to get the family playing and interacting. We want the session to be fun and entertaining for them without the distraction. I would much rather jump around like a kangaroo to get a kiddo laughing. Trust me.

Lastly:

Do your best to have fun! Make this an entertaining experience for the kiddos and they will be more reluctant to take pictures in the future.