If there is something that your child is attached to that you DON’T want in photos, don’t bring it with you and pull it away the last minute. Fight that fight sooner so you can give your child time to recover. The best method I have found is to hide the item the night before so that they have time during to the day to be distracted from focusing on it and so they don’t associate photos with getting their special item taken away.

Our session will be active. If you have yourself or children in fussy clothing that needs to be fixed and fussed with, that tends to take up unnecessary time during the session.

For example, toddlers that you need to hold, best not to have a jumper, overalls or pinafores. Shirts for toddlers and babies that need to be tucked are best if a body suite or onesie so it stays tucked. In general, no fuss clothing is best for both parents and kids so we can focus on what’s more important- smiles and fun!

If your child is very set on wearing something special to them, consider a compromise and have it underneath what you wish for them to wear— it can be their little secret. Another way to navigate that is to have them be apart of the selection process. Lay out a few shirts next to your outfit and ask them for their help because you can’t decide. If you do not want something to be apart of the session, please do not take it away right before the session, please leave it at home.

I loath ironing, however, I loath editing out fabric wrinkles more. It takes considerable editing time to edit them out of photos and also never truly looks natural, no matter how experienced the photoshopper. So if that is something that is going to bother you in photos, I recommend using a steamer. Steaming is easy and quick but an iron is also sufficient.

I am NOT a prop person. I like to keep sessions simple with the focus on the most important part, your family. However, if you would like to bring a blanket or large scarf to get some sitting or snuggling pictures, that would be helpful. I recommend a solid or non-busy print in neutral or light colors. This is not necessary and may not be used if time doesn’t allow.

Please ensure that kids are prepped and fed prior to shoot as much as possible. Don’t forget a little special treat that doesn’t stain (hint: mini marshmallows) can often turn a sad face around.

However, only give the treat during the session if that is the last straw for help. Do not give treats or candy before the session, if the treat is introduced too early, the kids can become hyper focused on the treat and nothing else.

Arrive between 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled start time so that we will be ready to go when your session starts. Sessions move quickly, so please be ready at start time.

Set your kids up for success by not rushing and allow them time before the session to explore the area and settle in. Make the whole experience an adventure!

Bring a bag that may be set on the ground to hold your keys, phone, wallet and hair ties. On that note, before your session take those things out of your pockets. Decide if you want your Apple Watch or a watch tan in your photos. Happy to edit out the tan lines for an additional fee.

Don’t request, ask or tell your kids to do anything unless absolutely necessary or for safety.

When kids have 3 adults(or more?) all asking and telling them to do things, they can get overwhelmed and most of the time rebel against all of it.

Allow me to give direction to the kiddos. If they are running around and being silly, that’s okay. It would be better for me to get their attention, then for the mood to shift with a stern voice. Let’s keep it light and fun.

My methods for working with toddlers and kids are excellent, but if they sense that you are upset, or frustrated, we can say goodbye to smiles and cooperation from them.

Bring your A game friends and show your kids it’s okay to have fun during a session.

Tag? Raspberries? Tickling? What is the most natural way you play with your kids? I’ll follow your leads on this front. Set the tone for your kids to be silly. My favorite shots are those little in between moments when you forget the camera and just love on your people in an authentic way.

Goal for parents is that even if kids are sad, misbehaving or overall whiny, please do your best to have a smile and look at the camera when I ask. What I find is that there are small moments of a happy faces from kids who are sour, and it’s helpful to have parents looking pleasant and looking at the camera when we get those small happy moments from the kiddos.

Secondly, often when parents look at their babies, they have a wide open mouth smile to help encourage a smile from them. I recognize that it may not be preferred to have that face in your photos. So, laugher, smiling and giggling are great, but try not to have your mouth agape when looking at your littles.

I want to capture y’all having a great time together in an authentic way. If that means hand holding and a peck on the cheek, awesome. If that means getting jiggy with it and having a good ol makeout sesh, I’m game. Snuggle, whisper sweet nothings(or dirty flirty things) in each other’s ears. Trace their lines, admire their freckles, squeeze, touch and just LOVE on each other.

Space and gaps seem humungous in pictures. Layer and close any gaps. Squeeze together and if you think you’re too close, get CLOSER. Touch, cuddle, hand hold, hug, snuggle, kiss, ANYTHING! Have fun with it all.

If you will be bringing your pets, please bring treats and a squeaky toy. Also, be prepared for all sorts of noises from me.