It's Show Time : Tips for your Family Session

Hey friends!! The time has come for your family photo session. You have planned the date, time and place and you have picked out your outfits (which for some of you is the best part).  It is my goal to make family portraits exciting by not putting pressure on dad(we all know how much they love pictures), letting the kids have fun, and making sure mom gets those shots she has been envisioning.  Here's the thing though, they don't always go according to planned.  Isn't this life in general?  It surely is mine anyway. I have a few tips that might help you feel prepared and hopefully relaxed. 

• Make sure kiddos are fed and have slept…sounds simple right? It makes all the difference. 

• Let kids be kids, I promise those are the shots you are going to cherish most.  Everyone loves perfectly posed pictures (and we will get those) but it's those crazy sweet in between moments that make you laugh or give you the warm fuzzies over and over again. So let them run, laugh, and play! With that said, if your goal is mostly posed please do let me know.  This is your shoot! 

•  Bring a snack for the young ones.  A  snack that will turn the frown upside down but not get too messy.  Fruit snacks, crackers, gummy bears, dry cereal, Gerber yogurt drops, and pouches are a few examples. Mini marshmallows are the best treat if you kiddo enjoys them! Light, not messy, and smile inducing. Maybe a shot for dad ;)

•  Bribery works.  If you are in the parenting mindset where kids should do it because you said so, that's great too. However, kids can get very excited or the opposite so it's nice to have a quick friendly reminder to keep it going.  

• Get down to your child's (or children) level.  Hug them, chase them, and make them laugh. My jokes are pretty good and my animal sounds are decent but you know what makes them laugh. 

•  Dads, be a good sport! I promise you to make it as painless as possible.  Believe me, the look on your wife's face as she smiles from ear to ear at the end result will be so worth it.  

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.  Some moms choose to get their hair and make up done right before which gives them a little extra confidence in front of the camera.  Some families choose to change their kids onsite.  Whatever you do, I would allow some cushion so you aren't rushing around. 

•  Speaking of rushing, don't rush.  For regular family sessions we have plenty of time to get the shots you are envisioning.  Let's get those done first. My creative ego will not be offended if you send me poses you definitely want. As far as minis, they are quicker than a regular shoot but there is still plenty of time.

• Have a good time!!! Laugh at the chaos if you are "blessed" to have some! Soak in these moments and give me the real stuff. Thank you for choosing me and I look forward to capturing you and your family.