5 tips to prepare for your family session

Tip 1: Prepare all clothes, props or anything that you want included in your session beforehand so you are not scrambling the night before or the day of. There is nothing worse than planning out outfits the night before and then realizing that you are missing something or you have the wrong size for someone ( I’m speaking from personal experience) so ensure that everything is planned out and ironed or steamed so that way when you are getting ready for your session all you have to do is get everyone dressed and go.

Tip 2: Plan to arrive early. Children are notorious for being on their own schedule and it is so helpful to give yourself some extra buffer time. This will ensure that you are less stressed and more likely to enjoy your session! I feel like other parents will be able to relate to this, but if I am running late then all hell breaks loose with my kids. So I always try to arrive early to something if I am bringing my kiddos.

Tip 3: Bring your child’s favorite (non messy- if there is such a thing) snacks and any toys that you can use as bribery and possibly have the photographer hold to get your child’s attention.

Tip 4: Let your photographer know of any music or shows your kiddos like that that the photographer can play on their phone or your phone. This usually helps to grab their attention and potentially make them happy and smile! I have done this in so many of my family sessions as well as with my own children and it works so well.

Tip 5: Go with the flow! I say this, but really take this with the grain of salt and keep in mind that this is for your own sanity. Children rarely do everything that we ask of them all of the time. So expect that they may not follow every direction that you or the photographer give them and that they may not be smiling in every picture. Try your best to just be in the moment with them and the rest of your family so that way when you look back on your photographs you have beautiful memories of the time spent together.

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