Preparing for your Family Session
Family sessions don’t have to be stressful — they can actually be fun! I love seeing your kids’ energy and personalities shine through in your photos. My goal is to capture your family just as you are — full of love, laughter, and connection. Let’s make it easy, relaxed, and something you’ll actually enjoy!
Questionnaires
i need all the info!!
These are SO important so I can know everything there is to know before your session. It helps me gather things like your Pinterest board, general info and other things so I can be as prepared as possible for your session.
Be Prepared
What to Bring to the Session
- First, I recommend bringing a basic large tote bag ( think the ones you'll find at grocery stores/Marshalls checkout aisle- the paper/plastic shopping bags tend to fall apart super quickly)
- Any toys, blankets etc to help your kids feel more comfortable
- A blanket to sit on or cuddle with if we are shooting outside
- A spare outfit for the babies
- Any lipstick/lipgloss for touch-ups
General Tips for a Family Session
make sure the kids are fed and rested
This might be obvious but happy kids are fed and well rested and are better in photos! Be sure to make sure that you have plenty of time between nap time and that they've eaten something beforehand. Make sure that you pack some snacks along for the session too and avoid anything too messy or sticky.
prepare the kids for photos
For younger kids it's easier to explain that you're meeting a friend in the park/etc who will take photos of us. Tell them we can play and have fun- I try to incorporate some fun stuff while still getting a couple of money shots of everyone smiling at the camera too. I want to make sure that they are excited and it makes the photos more enjoyable for everyone!
let the kids have fun & be kids
Letting your kid's personality shine is the best part of these photos and whether they're shy or playful and outgoing, I want to try and grab all of those quirks that make them them. Focus on loving your children rather than trying to get the perfect shot or correcting anything, it's okay to relax a little and have fun. Interact with your partner and your kids to really let the love show!!
Bring an Activity
Sometimes bringing something along that you already play with and use as a family makes it more natural and incorporates a storytelling element that I love. Consider bringing a favorite blanket, book, or toys or doing more fun things like playing ball or a family dance off could also be fun for the older kids.
Expect the unexpected
This is simply just life, babies cry, or kids don't feel like smiling and toddlers can be wiggly. The best is to just embrace these moments instead of fighting it, I plan to capture every moment not just the perfect ones. And sometimes the most tender moments happen during the in between!
Your Outfits
Plan your Outfits in Advance
Your clothing is an important part of your family photos as this and the location sets the mood and aesthetic of the overall images. Also, include your kids on selecting outfits, go shopping together or give them an option on what to wear based off of a few online purchases etc. Let them have a say if possible, forcing them in something that they hate might just create stress. Be sure to bring a backup outfit for toddlers and babies spills and messes can happen!
Look on Pinterest or Tik Tok for outfit inspiration and look for soft, muted colors and small patterns that compliment each other instead of competing or clashing with each other. Think about wearing layers especially if it's a session during the colder season.
what about the weather?
The weather in New England is constantly changing so I'll be checking the weather app constantly leading up to our session. If the weather app says it'll rain on the day of your session, I'll see if we can work around the rain- either moving your session earlier or later in the day to avoid the rain the best we can.
getting your photos
After our session, I'll go home and edit all of the beautiful photos! Depending on my schedule and your package, this can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks but I do my best to keep you updated! You will get your gallery through a online link via email where you will get a step-by-step process on how you should download your photos and access to my print shop linked to your gallery.
Final Thoughts
Family sessions are about so much more than just photos—they’re about capturing the love, dynamic, and current chapter of your lives. If you’re ready to book your session or have any questions, reach out—I’d love to chat!